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Top 5 National Parks in Minnesota

    Minnesota is a state with many national parks.

    Minnesota has over 10,000 lakes. The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is a great place to go fishing and canoeing. There are more than 100 miles of beaches along Lake Superior to go swimming or surfing in.

    You should visit Minnesota because it has so much to offer! 

    1. Grand Portage National Monument

    Grand Portage National Monument

    This monument is located on the north shore of Lake Superior. It is important for its fur trade activity and Ojibwe heritage. This monument has been used by different cultures for centuries because traders went there from Canada to the Great Lakes region.

    The monument now is managed by the Baudette-White Earth Indian Reservation. It shows Native American history and European settler culture. The monument is not far from today’s world.

    Pets: The Grand Portage National Monument is a place to visit with your pet. You should always have a leash and collar on your pet when you are not in your car or on private property.

    Camping: Today, there will only be two campsites. Camping at Grand Portage National Monument is popular because it’s a good place for nature and you can stay in a quiet campground with beautiful views.

    Tour: Grand Portage National Monument is a place where people can explore the craftsmanship of the Ojibwe people. There are lots of things to see in the museum and on footpaths. It also has camping sites for those who want to go outdoorsy when visiting!

    Entrance Fee: Grand Portage National Monument is one of the few national monuments in America that does not charge any entrance fees. 

    2.Mississippi National River and Recreation Area

    Mississippi National River and Recreation Area

    The Mississippi National River and Recreation Area is a place in Minnesota where you can explore nature.

    For a long journey, you can enjoy bird watching tours or taking your own canoe on the route. You will see forests, wetlands, farming operation zones, and over piers that go over 54 thousand acres of land near the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area.

    Pets: Pets are welcome at Coldwater Spring. They have to walk on a leash and can’t be more than 6 feet long. Pets will have a lot of space to play in the pet area and explore all that this park has to offer!

    Camping: Camping is more than just roughing it. Two state parks are near the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, and they have camping facilities for people who want this experience. You can be close to nature or enjoy all the amenities while you are away from home.

    Tour: If you’re looking for something to do, the Mississippi National River offers many places and things to explore. Visit Upper St. Anthony Falls Visitor Center or go kayaking in the park with Paddle Share while children can earn Junior Ranger badges at Coldwater Spring! There are many other activities like bicycling, boating & canoeing, camping, citizen science (by checking out some museums), fishing & hunting geocaching, hiking & walks.

    Entrance Fee: The Mississippi National River and Recreation Area is a partnership park. It has landed on many levels including state, regional, and local public lands. While you don’t need to pay to enter the Park itself, some of the partner parks in our area have an entry fee.

    3. Pipestone National Monument

    Pipestone National Monument

    The Pipestone National Monument is a great place to visit for people who love the outdoors. There are many different scenic views and trails for things like hiking, biking, or just driving. This monument also has a museum with lots of information about the history of Pipestone and how Native Americans used red pipestones in their ceremonies.

    On this trip, visitors have fun with hikes and museums. They can also take in the beautiful scenery at sunset. When it gets dark, they will be able to see the stars in our galaxy shine.

    Pets: Pets are not allowed in the visitor center. There is a place for them to play, outside. The dogs need water and shade during the summer because they will be outside.

    Pets can’t be left unattended or tied up while visitors explore Pipestone National Monument because it could cause them injury or distress.

    Camping: The Pipestone National Monument is not a camping area. But campsites are listed on the Pipestone Area Chamber of Commerce website.

    Tour: Pipestone National Monument is a place with many things to see. You can see different kinds of animals, tall grass prairies, and other plants, and there are also places with signs that tell you about the history of this area.

    Entrance Fee: Pipestone National Monument is a free national monument that you can visit any time of the day.

    4. Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway

    Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway

    The St. Croix River is a national scenic riverway. It is a system of rivers that includes the Namekagon and St. Croix Rivers, as well as land along these waterways that are protected by the federal government.

    There are 252 miles of rivers that go from Minnesota to Wisconsin. This is a great way to explore some wonderful sights!

    Pets: All dogs can go into the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, but they need to be well-behaved and their owner needs to be in control of them at all times.

    Camping: Camping is when you stay in a tent. It is fun to do outside. You can sleep in a tent too. There are state camps and privately owned one with all the things you need for camping including showers, dump stations, and modern restrooms. Reservations need to be made ahead of time in most private parks. They will fill up fast during the busiest season but you should not have trouble if you reserve your spot early.

    Tour: The Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway is a great place to go fishing, paddling, and camping. Rangers lead programs for hiking or boating on the river.

    Entrance Fee: Visit and explore the Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway for free!

    5. Voyageurs National Park

    Voyageurs National Park

    Voyageurs National Park is a huge, untouched wilderness that spreads over Northern Minnesota. It has big forests and waterways like the Rainy, Kabetogama, and Namakan Lakes. People can go fishing or kayaking on these lakes.

    One thing you can find in this area is Jack Ellsworth’s sculptures. They are for people to enjoy. But don’t forget about exploring other areas of Voyeres like the hotel from long ago.

    Pets: Pets are welcome in Voyageurs National Park. They can go on trails and surfaces as long as they are paved or not private.

    Camping: The Voyageurs National Park is a beautiful, wild place. It’s one of the few places in the world that you can only get to by boat! All campsites are on water. You need a permit to stay there for most Frontcountry sites.

    Tour: The Voyageurs National Park is a great place to visit. You can explore by boat, hike through amazing scenery, or even go on tours to get close to animals!

    Entrance Fee: Voyageurs National Park is a place where you can explore and enjoy the outdoors. It has a lot of open space for people to visit. The park is free to enter and explore anytime, day or night.

    The National Parks in Minnesota is good for people who love to do things outside. You can go on a hike, camp, go fishing or bird watching. The parks are open all year long so you can explore anytime you want.

    If you want to see some natural beauty, go exploring. You can find it in both urban places and out on the cliffs over Lake Superior. Have fun!