Skip to content
  • Guides To The Midwest
    • Midwest Travel Blog
    • Illinois
    • Indiana
    • Iowa
    • Minnesota
    • Nebraska
    • Ohio
    • Wisconsin
  • Places To Stay
    • Check Availability
    • View By State
    • View By City
    • View By Alphabetical List
    • Search By Amenity
  • About
    • About Our Association
    • Why B&B It
    • Gift Certificates
  • Innkeepers Corner
    • Join Our Association
    • Vendor Directory
    • Conference & Learning
      • Overview
      • MWInns Conference & Trade Show
      • Aspiring Innkeeper Seminar
      • Conference Exhibitor Information
    • Inns & B&B’s For Sale
    • Inn & Potential Inn For Sale Listing
    • Room Remittance Form
  • Guides To The Midwest
    • Midwest Travel Blog
    • Illinois
    • Indiana
    • Iowa
    • Minnesota
    • Nebraska
    • Ohio
    • Wisconsin
  • Places To Stay
    • Check Availability
    • View By State
    • View By City
    • View By Alphabetical List
    • Search By Amenity
  • About
    • About Our Association
    • Why B&B It
    • Gift Certificates
  • Innkeepers Corner
    • Join Our Association
    • Vendor Directory
    • Conference & Learning
      • Overview
      • MWInns Conference & Trade Show
      • Aspiring Innkeeper Seminar
      • Conference Exhibitor Information
    • Inns & B&B’s For Sale
    • Inn & Potential Inn For Sale Listing
    • Room Remittance Form

4 Great Minnesota State Parks Near Duluth

May 2025
SMTWTFS
May 2025
SMTWTFS

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!

Minnesota State Parks offer plenty of recreation, like this swinging bridge at Jay Cooke State Park near Duluth

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.

Stunning view of the lighthouse at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, one of the most popular Minnesota State Parks

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.

Lodging Properties near topics in our blog

Loading...
Find By
State
Find By
City
Find By
Amenities
View
Alphabeticaly
Search By
Availability
Recent Posts
  • The Best Things to do in Bayfield This Summer May 15, 2025
  • This Year’s Best Restaurants in St. Paul, Minnesota! May 13, 2025
  • Discover Unique Wedding Venues in the Midwest May 1, 2025
  • Biking Adventures: The Best Rail Trails in the Midwest April 29, 2025
  • Local Travel Guide: The Best Things to do in Madison, WI April 22, 2025
PrevPreviousExplore Itasca State Park This Summer
NextExplore the Root River Trail Near Lanesboro, MNNext
  • Home
  • Places To Stay
  • About
  • Gift Certificates
  • B&B's For Sale
  • Innkeepers Corner
Facebook Instagram

The Best of the Midwest!

The Midwest Association of Independent Inns was formed to help the discerning traveler find the best Bed and Breakfasts, Inns and Boutique Hotels. Our member properties are located throughout the Midwest with plans to welcome properties from all 13 Midwest states.

Our group of independent lodging properties looks forward to welcoming you to the Midwest.

Get Our Newsletter

  • 715-942-8180
  • info@mwinns.com

Website Accessibility

Privacy Policy

Copyright 2025 Midwest Association of Independent Inns

Website & Digital Marketing by Logan Marketing