Known for its full forests and shimmering lakes, Minnesota is the state to look in if you want to spend time at a beautiful park. The state is fondly referred to as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” Some lakes spread along with their exquisite state parks.
There are 66 state parks in Minnesota, and even if you visited them a thousand times, the beauty of each one would still take your breath away like it was the first time.
The state parks near Rochester top the list with scenic landscapes, gorgeous lakes, and fascinating wildlife.
The picturesque wilderness of the state park provides a suitable backdrop for nature-inspired photography and an amazing source of inspiration for artists.
Sixty-six state parks are a lot to sort through, so we compiled a list of the best state parks near Rochester to give you a headstart. The state parks on this list are nothing short of awe-inspiring.
Visit any of these parks to experience the outdoors like you’ve never seen it.
Map of State Parks Near Rochester MN
Here is a map of the Minnesota state parks covered in this post:
List of State Parks Near Rochester
Here are each of those state parks with distance from Rochester and what is special about each.
1. Whitewater State Park
Distance from Rochester: about 21 miles east of Rochester (straight-line).
Location: 19041 Highway 74, Altura, MN 55910
Whitewater State Park is a state park of Minnesota, United States, preserving a stretch of the Whitewater River surrounded by rocky bluffs.
See our full Whitewater State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
2. Forestville / Mystery Cave State Park
Distance from Rochester: about 29 miles southeast of Rochester (straight-line).
Location: Preston, Minnesota
Forestville Mystery Cave State Park is a state park in Minnesota.
See our full Forestville / Mystery Cave State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
3. John A. Latsch State Park
Distance from Rochester: about 33 miles east of Rochester (straight-line).
Location: Mount Vernon Township, Minnesota
John A. Latsch State Park covers 1,654 acres in Winona County, Minnesota. Established 1925.
See our full John A. Latsch State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
4. Lake Louise State Park
Distance from Rochester: about 34 miles south of Rochester (straight-line).
Location: 12385 766th Ave, Le Roy, MN 55951
Lake Louise State Park is located 36.5 miles away from Rochester. Gorgeous pastures and rich hardwood surround the park. The park offers different outdoor recreational activities, including swimming, hiking, picnicking, horseback riding, biking, and jogging. It also contains rare butterfly species so that guests can go butterfly watching.
View a beautiful array of wildflowers and wildlife. And experience a perfect oasis of peace and calmness. Clear your mind of worry and enjoy the tranquility of this park.
Camp under the stars with your friends and family at the lovely campsite. It can accommodate up to 50 people and is equipped with fire rings and picnic tables. The campsite has water available for the guest and vault toilets.
There is also a 45-foot RV site so guests can bring their RVs and camp on the park ground.
Lake Louise State Park covers 1,100 acres in Mower County, Minnesota.
See our full Lake Louise State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
5. Horace Park
Distance from Rochester: about 35 miles southwest of Rochester (straight-line).
Location: 600 N Main St, Austin, Minnesota 55912
Horace Park, the former Horace Austin State Park, is no longer a state park: Minnesota created it in 1913, and a 1949 law transferred it to the City of Austin, on condition that the land stay public and open for recreation.
See our full Horace Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
6. Merrick State Park
Distance from Rochester: about 36 miles east of Rochester (straight-line).
Location: S2965 WI-35, Fountain City, WI 54629
Merrick State Park is a 322-acre (130 ha) Wisconsin state park on the Mississippi River north of Fountain City.
See our full Merrick State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
7. Kaplan’s Woods Park
Distance from Rochester: about 38 miles west of Rochester (straight-line).
Location: 1205 SW 18th Street, Owatonna, Minnesota 55060
Kaplan’s Woods Park, the former Kaplan Woods State Park, is no longer a state park: Minnesota created it in 1935, and a 1963 law authorized its transfer to the City of Owatonna for park and recreational use.
See our full Kaplan’s Woods Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
8. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park
Distance from Rochester: about 39 miles northwest of Rochester (straight-line).
Location: 9700 170th St E, Nerstrand, MN 55053
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park is a carpeted meadow located just 49.7 miles away from Rochester. This park offers enough fun to keep everyone entertained.
You don’t have to walk too far before the fun begins; park your car and walk a short distance to the picnic area to start your day on a high note. The picnic area has standing grills, picnic tables, and fire rings. The picnic shelter offers a unique picnicking experience. It has a fireplace, kitchen counter, sink, and outlets.
Other fun activities include horseshoe throwing, volleyball, hiking, and reading interpretive signs. During the winter, guests can enjoy cross country skiing or snowmobile riding.
There are 51 campsites available, 27 of which are electrical, so you could rough it or enjoy camping with a bit of luxury at the electric campsites. You could also enjoy quiet time at the listening beach, basking in nature’s beauty.
Nerstrand-Big Woods State Park is a state park of Minnesota, US, northeast of Faribault just outside the small town of Nerstrand.
See our full Nerstrand Big Woods State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
9. Garvin Heights
Distance from Rochester: about 39 miles east of Rochester (straight-line).
Location: 200 Garvin Heights Road, Winona (per the City of Winona)
Garvin Heights is not a state park: Minnesota statutes list it as the Garvin Heights Scenic State Wayside, and a 1961 law transferred its 20.4 acres in Winona County to the City of Winona for public park and recreational use.
See our full Garvin Heights guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
10. Myre-Big Island State Park
Distance from Rochester: about 50 miles southwest of Rochester (straight-line).
Location: 19499 780th Ave, Albert Lea, MN 56007
This park is the farthest away from Rochester, sitting at about 64.4 miles away, so if you’re a fan of road trips, then this park is for you. The park offers lots of fun activities and a breathtaking view. You can walk, jog, or bike through the paved trail while viewing stunning wildflowers. You can also peek at a view of the Albert Lea Lake from the trail and view the native prairie.
The park offers nicely equipped campsites with tent pads, flushable toilets, showers, picnic tables, and fire rings. For a more comfortable experience, guests can rent out the log cabin. It is a warm cabin with electricity that accommodates five people and is not too far from the campground’s flushable toilets.
There is a picnic area along the Albert Lea Lake and a hiking trail where hikers can view various wildlife, including foxes, raccoons, squirrels, and deer. Another fun activity this park is known for is bird watching.
Minnesota parks are definitely worth all the excitement and the hype people give them. The landscape alone is amazing to witness, and the wildlife is even more incredible. Visit one of these parks so you can have a story of your own to tell.
Myre-Big Island State Park is a state park of Minnesota, USA, just outside the city of Albert Lea.
See our full Myre-Big Island State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
