If you’re looking for a great way to get outside for a bit of adventure this summer, considering heading north to Duluth, where you’ll find 4 incredible Minnesota State Parks worth visiting. There’s no better time to experience the beautiful state of Minnesota, exploring the state’s natural wonders and protected areas along the way.
Altogether, there are 66 Minnesota State Parks, and we’re lucky to have 4 of the best right here near Duluth. We hope you give yourself plenty of time to explore not just these parks, but the rest of the Duluth area as well. While you’re in town, consider staying at one of our incredible Duluth Bed and Breakfasts, the A.G. Thomson House and Solglimt Bed and Breakfast.
Just as each Minnesota State Parks has its own unique personality, so too do our lodging properties. At both, though, you’ll find exceptional service and a steadfast commitment to excellence in everything they do. When you need a place to rest in between adventures this summer, we hope you’ll consider our wonderful Duluth Bed and Breakfasts!
4 Incredible Minnesota State Parks
Minnesota State Parks, on average welcome 9,700,000 visitors each year. Depending on where you go in the state, expect to encounter a range of verdant forests, rushing rivers, and beautiful fresh-water lakes, and plenty of adventure. Whether you’re looking for someplace to go hiking, mountain biking, paddling, or just taking in the beautiful scenery, there’s a Minnesota State Park for you.
Given Duluth’s reputation for outdoor adventure, it probably comes as no surprise that there are plenty of recreation areas and state parks nearby. Here are 4 of the most popular Minnesota State Parks, each located within 90 minutes of downtown Duluth.
Jay Cooke State Park
Jay Cooke State Park, best known for its iconic swinging bridge that crosses the rushing St. Louis River below, is definitely one of our favorite Minnesota State Parks. It’s actually one of the 10 most visited state parks in Minnesota. The park has quite a few hiking and biking trails, and even connects up to other regional trails in the area, like the Willard Munger State Trail, for even more miles of adventure and exploration.
Gooseberry Falls State Park
Take scenic Highway 61 north towards the town of Two Harbors, and there you’ll find the incredible Gooseberry Falls State Park. This Minnesota State Park is particularly great for waterfall lovers, as there are three of them here along the Gooseberry River as it plummets through a rocky gorge. Another popular feature of the park is Picnic Flow, an ancient lava flow that is a great place to enjoy views over Lake Superior.
Tettagouche State Park
If you’re into waterfalls, another great place to check out this summer is Tettagouche State Park, located about an hour north of Duluth on Highway 61. Beyond just the waterfall, you’ll also find great rock climbing and spectacular views of the North Shore’s rocky and steep cliffs here. There are also plenty of great hiking trails here, many of which overlook the Sawtooth Mountains, and even some that wind down to inland lakes that are only accessible on foot.
Split Rock State Park
One of the most photographed sites in the state of Minnesota is Split Rock Lighthouse. Access the historic grounds around the lighthouse at this Minnesota State Park, and enjoy sensational views of both the lighthouse and Lake Superior. There are also a number of hiking trails in the area, including those that connect to the Superior Hiking Trail.
Extraordinary Duluth Bed and Breakfasts
After a day of hiking, biking, paddling, or exploring at these Minnesota state parks, we know you’ll be ready to kick back and relax. For restful accommodations that far exceed what you’d find at traditional hotels, there are two Duluth Bed and Breakfasts that stand out above the rest.
