Minnesota offers many incredible sites, and the best of these sites can be seen from its state parks. The state parks in Minnesota provide the perfect opportunity to relax and forget your worries.
With enchanting forests, stunning creeks, and more than enough camping options for families and friends. These parks will give you the vacation your body has been craving. The parks also offer fun activities to keep you entertained all day.
This article covers a list of some of the most amazing state parks near Lutsen, Minnesota. Take a day out of your busy schedule and unwind at one of these parks. Soak in the sun and allow the wind blows through your hair as you relax on the lush grounds of these parks.
Map of State Parks Near Lutsen MN
Below is a map of the state parks in Minnesota covered in this post:
List of State Parks Near Lutsen
Below is the list of some of the best state parks near Lutsen and a little bit about what makes them incredible.
1. Cascade River State Park
Location: West, 3481 Minnesota 61, Lutsen, MN 55612
Cascade River State Park sits right in the middle of Lutsen. It’s Lutsen’s very own state park, and it is quite beautiful. So if you live in Lutsen and are looking for a place to relax and enjoy nature, then this park is for you.
It offers some of the best outdoor activities, including flu fishing, regular fishing, geocaching, cross-country skiing, and hiking. Guests are allowed to hike or ski on the trails. You can hike to the top of Lookout Mountain and soak up the incredible view of the lake and valley.
And if you want something with a little less adventure, you can sit with your family at one of the lovely picnic areas. The park has seven picnic spots for picnickers, complete with picnic tables and fire rings.
Overnight guests can choose from different camping options such as electric sites, non-electric campsites, group campsites, and hike-in backpack sites.
2. Judge C.R. Magney State Park
Location: 4051 MN-61, Grand Marais, MN 55604
This amazing state park is located in Grand Marais, only 18 miles from Lutsen. The park is known for its unique waterfalls, wildlife, and rocky rivers.
You can take a walk with your loved ones across the sturdy bridge that overlooks the Brule River, or you could hike through the Superior Hiking Trail while viewing wildlife, such as deers and squirrels. Birdwatchers can also catch a glimpse of chickadees, woodpeckers, and nuthatches.
But what makes this park stand out the most is its unusual waterfall, called “The Devil’s Kettle.” This river splits into two waterfalls that flow in different directions; one half falls into a poll, and the other falls into a pothole. Legend has it that the part of the river that flows into the pothole disappears underground, and anything dropped inside will never be seen again.
For campers, the park has 27 sites on the campgrounds, so there’s more than enough room for each family. The campsites also have fire rings and picnic tables.
3. Tettegouche State Park
Location: 5702 MN-61, Silver Bay, MN 55614
Tettegouche State Park is home to the tallest waterfall in Minnesota. Standing at a staggering 63 feet, the High Falls of the Baptism River is truly a magnificent sight to behold. People have come from all over the world to witness this incredible view.
Barely half an hour’s walk from the visitors center, guests will come across Shovel Point. This part of the park offers a spectacular view of the sea as it shimmers.
The park is located 37 miles away from Lutsen, in the beautiful city of Silver Bay. This park offers more scenic views than any other. You can stand at the Palisade Valley Overlook and admire the valleys below or hike to the top of Shovel Point to view the Sawtooth Mountains.
Other recreational activities include hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and camping. Hikers can enjoy the picturesque view of Bear Lake as they hike through the Superior Hiking Trail.
Camping is also available in the park. You can rent a site on the campgrounds or rent a cabin for a more comfortable night.
4. Temperance River State Park
Location: 7620 West, MN-61, Schroeder, MN 55613
Named after the strong flow of its clear blue river, the Temperance River State Park has shimmering lakes, fantastic views, hiking trails, strong bridges, and picnic areas. This park is situated about 37 miles away from Lutsen.
This park offers a vast array of wildlife. Guests can view wildlife such as deer, hare, beaver, fox, squirrel, coyote, moose, and more. Birdwatchers can also enjoy viewing several unique birds such as boreal owls, ravens, hawks, eagles, and much more. When it comes to animals, this park certainly is not lacking. Animal lovers can stand on the East Overlook and view the wildlife.
The park also has a gift shop for guests to shop for souvenirs. And for campers, there are 52 campsites available. When you stay overnight, you can enjoy the scenic view of Lake Superior as the sun rises.
5. George Crosby Manitou State Park
Location: 7616 Co Hwy 7, Finland, MN 55603
This park is located between Temperance River State Park and Tettegouche State Park, 37 miles away from Lutsen.
You can hike through Humpback Trail while viewing the colorful woods or admire wildlife from the side of Benson Lake. The wildlife available in this park includes; falcon, wolf, bear, eagle, beaver, raccoon, and much more.
You can also walk across the wooden boardwalk by the side of Lake Benson to make hiking easier. The park has three other trails; Yellow Birch Trail, Misquah Trail, and Manitou River Trail. There is an open shelter in the park for hikers to take a break and relax.
Picnic areas are available for picnickers, and they have picnic tables and fire rings, so you can gather around and roast marshmallows with your family and friends. Visitors can also stand on the Manitou Overlook and enjoy the view of the valley.
Conclusion
Take a day or overnight trip to one of these state parks and enjoy a day of gorgeous views, magnificent landscapes, and fun outdoor activities. You can never be bored when you visit a park in Minnesota. These parks were created to suit several interests. So no matter what kind of adventure you crave, you will surely find it at one of these parks
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