Minnesota State Parks and Trails

woman steering a track chair through a bumpy field

Our vision is to create unforgettable park, trail, and water recreation experiences that inspire people to pass along the love for the outdoors to current and future generations.

   

In addition to natural resources restoration and management, the division administers grants-in-aid to local units of government who partner with local volunteer clubs to maintain 22,000 miles of snowmobile trails, 3,200 miles of off-highway vehicle trails, and 1,100 miles of cross-country ski trails. It is also responsible for Lake Superior Safe Harbors, and stewardship programs for the state's lakes, rivers and trails.

 

deer in a park

State parks and recreation areas

65 state parks, nine state recreation areas and nine state waysides, totaling over 235,000 acres.

43 state forest campgrounds, 29 forest day-use areas and 24 horse campgrounds.

camper cabin in winter

Camping and lodging

Camping and lodging includes cabins, guesthouses, lodges, tipis, and over 5,000 campsites, as well as primitive campgrounds in state forests.

bike on a trail

State trails

25 state trails offer over 1,500 miles of developed trail, of which 647 miles are paved.

 

A canoe pulled up from a river, with lifejackets, paddles and water bottle

Paddling

35 state water trails offer over 4,500 miles of paddling and include public water accesses, campsites, rest areas and scenic views. 

Fishing from a pier

Water accesses, fishing piers and shorefishing

We maintain over 3,000 public water accesses and hundreds of fishing piers and shorefishing sites, so Minnesotans don't need a cabin on a lake to have fun in the water. 

Back to top