Celebrate the intense beauty of Minnesota with a trip to one of its state parks closest to the city of Hinckley. In addition to hiking and camping, the state parks offer canoeing, fishing, biking, and even cross-country skiing. They are also known for their unique wildlife including eagles, loons, bears, and Minnesota’s official state flower, the lady’s slipper!
For those who enjoy history and culture, Minnesota parks offer a glimpse into the past, with many featuring restored buildings and artifacts.
No matter what your interests are, there is sure to be a Minnesota state park you will mark as your favorite.
Map of State Parks Near Hinckley, MN
Here is a map of the state parks in Minnesota covered by this post:
List of State Parks Near Hinckley
If you are looking for beautiful state parks near Hinckley, Minnesota, here are 10 parks to start off with:
1. Banning State Park
Distance from Hinckley: about 9 miles northeast of Hinckley (straight-line).
Location: 61101 Banning Park Rd, Sandstone, MN 55072
Banning State Park is a 6,237 acre park located only 14 min (13.8 mi) to the town of Hinckley, MN if you travel on the I-35 S. The park offers the following fun things to do:
- hiking
- camping
- picnicking
- swimming
- fishing
Banning Park is also home to a number of historic sites, including the ruins of a 19th-century mine and a 100-year-old suspension bridge.
Visitors can explore the park’s many trails, including the popular 3 mile Banning Trail, which winds its way through the forested areas of the park. This park is an ideal destination for those seeking a taste of nature and history.
No matter what time of year you visit, Banning State Park is sure to provide an enjoyable and memorable experience.
Banning State Park is a state park in Pine County, Minnesota, United States, stretched along 10 miles (16 km) of the Kettle River near the town of Sandstone.
Highlights associated with Banning State Park include beach access, river access, and wooded landscapes.
See our full Banning State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
2. St. Croix State Park
Distance from Hinckley: about 18 miles east of Hinckley (straight-line).
Location: 30065 St Croix Park Rd, Hinckley, MN 55037
St. Croix State Park is one of Minnesota’s most popular destinations, and it’s easy to see why.
The park offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, including hiking, camping, and fishing. There are also miles of trails to explore, as well as an array of scenic vistas.
In addition, the park has a vast selection of wildlife, including deer, bald eagles, and ospreys. St. Croix State Park is such a popular destination for Minnesota residents and visitors alike.
St. Croix Park is 34,000 acres. It has historical sites, including the St. Croix Boom Site, which was used to log the valley’s trees in the late 19th century.
Today, the park’s secluded setting and variety of activities make it a popular destination for visitors – not just from the United States, but from Canada, the United Kingdom and all over the world.
The park is only a 19 min (15.9 mi) drive when you take the MN-48 W to Hinckley, Minnesota.
St. Croix State Park covers 33,895 acres in Washington County, Minnesota. Established 1943.
Highlights associated with St. Croix State Park include river access, mountain scenery, and wooded landscapes.
Visitor facilities listed for the park include a campground, rental cabins, and hiking trails.
See our full St. Croix State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
3. Governor Knowles State Forest
Distance from Hinckley: about 18 miles southeast of Hinckley (straight-line).
Location: Grantsburg, WI
Governor Knowles State Forest is a 32,500 acre unit of the Wisconsin state park system that stretches for 55 miles (89 km) along the St.
Highlights associated with Governor Knowles State Forest include waterfall scenery, beach access, and lake recreation.
See our full Governor Knowles State Forest guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
4. Wild River State Park
Distance from Hinckley: about 31 miles south of Hinckley (straight-line).
Location: Sunrise Trail, Sunrise Township, Minnesota
Wild River State Park is a state park of Minnesota, United States, curving along 18 miles (29 km) of the St.
Highlights associated with Wild River State Park include waterfall scenery, beach access, and lake recreation.
Visitor facilities listed for the park include a campground, rental cabins, and a visitor center.
See our full Wild River State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
5. Moose Lake State Park
Distance from Hinckley: about 31 miles north of Hinckley (straight-line).
Location: Moose Lake, MN
Moose Lake State Park is a state park of Minnesota, USA, near the city of Moose Lake, MN in Carlton County.
Highlights associated with Moose Lake State Park include waterfall scenery, beach access, and lake recreation.
Visitor facilities listed for the park include hiking trails and a visitor center.
See our full Moose Lake State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
6. Straight Lake State Park
Distance from Hinckley: about 38 miles southeast of Hinckley (straight-line).
Location: Luck, WI
Straight Lake State Park is a 2,780-acre (1,130 ha) Wisconsin state park north of the village of Luck, Wisconsin.
Highlights associated with Straight Lake State Park include waterfall scenery, beach access, and lake recreation.
See our full Straight Lake State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
7. Mille Lacs Kathio State Park
Distance from Hinckley: about 39 miles west of Hinckley (straight-line).
Location: Onamia, MN
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park covers 9,786 acres in Mille Lacs County, Minnesota. Established 1957.
Highlights associated with Mille Lacs Kathio State Park include waterfall scenery, beach access, and lake recreation.
Visitor facilities listed for the park include hiking trails and a visitor center.
See our full Mille Lacs Kathio State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
8. Father Hennepin State Park
Distance from Hinckley: about 39 miles northwest of Hinckley (straight-line).
Location: Isle, MN
Father Hennepin State Park is a state park of Minnesota, USA, located on the southeast corner of Mille Lacs Lake.
Highlights associated with Father Hennepin State Park include waterfall scenery, beach access, and lake recreation.
See our full Father Hennepin State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
9. Interstate State Park
Distance from Hinckley: about 45 miles south of Hinckley (straight-line).
Location: 307 Milltown Rd, Taylors Falls, MN 55084
Interstate State Park in Minnesota is a beautiful place to visit any time of year. In the spring, the park comes alive with color as the trees and flowers begin to bloom. Interstate offers enjoyable things to do including:
- hiking
- biking
- picnicking
- fishing
The park also has a host of historical sites, including the remains of an old grist mill.
Interstate State Park in Minnesota is unique because it comprises 10 lava flows along with two distinct glacial deposits. Traces of old streams, valleys, and faults can also be seen at this park which will make it special during your next visit!
In addition, there are plenty of hiking trails that will take you all around these features–the only thing standing between you and an incredible experience here? A map, so don’t forget yours before going out on these adventurous hikes!
Take I-35 N, and you will arrive in Hinckley, MN in 56 min (56.3 mi).
Interstate Park comprises two adjacent state parks on the Minnesota–Wisconsin border, both named Interstate State Park.
Highlights associated with Interstate State Park include waterfall scenery, beach access, and lake recreation.
See our full Interstate State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
10. William O’Brien State Park
Distance from Hinckley: about 54 miles south of Hinckley (straight-line).
Location: Marine, MN
William O’Brien State Park is a state park in Minnesota.
Highlights associated with William O’Brien State Park include waterfall scenery, beach access, and lake recreation.
Visitor facilities listed for the park include a campground, hiking trails, a designated swimming area, and a boat launch.
See our full William O’Brien State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a great way to enjoy the outdoors, look no further than Minnesota’s state parks close to Hinckley. With parks located all around the state, there’s sure to be one near you that offers everything from camping and fishing to hiking and biking.
No matter what time of year it is, there’s a state park waiting for you to explore it. So what are you waiting for? Pick your favorite park and get ready for some fun in the great outdoors!
