Minnesota State Parks are the perfect way to plan for a fall get-away. Whether it’s a solo road-trip, a weekend family adventure, or a girls’ day trip, there’s something for anyone who loves adventure and the outdoors in Minnesota’s State Parks. Go hiking, view waterfalls, have a picnic, watch for wildlife, capture the saturated colors of the Midwest’s autumn trees, or check out a ranger-led program.

Hayes Lake

Likely due to it’s rather remote location between Thief River Falls, this park does not have a lot of visitors, compared to some of the other parks on this list. Due to that it can feel like you have the place to yourself.

This perfect quiet, Northern Minnesota get-away, Hayes Lake State Park, is by-far one of the most underrated park around- and that’s okay by me.

The picnic area and trails are easily accessible for all levels and ages. And there are fire pits, picnic tables, and shelters that available for day use, and close to the swimming beach.

Itasca

• What to do:
• Visit the Brower Visitor Center to visit the displays and exhibits
• Mary Gibbs Center has a gift center and a café, where you can grab a bite to eat and purchase a gift to take home.
• Visit the headwaters (this trail is accessible and wheelchair friendly)
• Hike some of the 50 miles of trails
• Rent recreation equipment: boats, pontoons, kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, or a bike for a unique experience of the park.
• Go fishing- there’s plenty of spots to fish, and bait can be bought on site
• Take a riverboat tour around Lake Itasca for a one-of-a-kind state park experience
• Join in on one of many programs from: Yoga in the Park, Waterfowl Facts, Fall trail walks, Harvesting wild rice, and an Owls Campfire are some of what’s offered in this park. Check out Itasca Event Calendar
• Take Wilderness Drive for a scenic ride surrounded by the colors

This park is an outdoor recreationists dream. It is a popular destination so arriving early or late will provide the least amount of people, if you don’t care for crowds. Another option is to stay and play.

This park offers: Cabins, the infamous Douglas lodge, campsites, canoe-in-sites, and backpacking sites to accommodate the needs of hobbyist to die-hard.

There’s a lot of history in this park as well with many of the sites accessible by car with short walks, or plan a multi-site hike out of it. Sites here include a historic saw mill, Afton observation tower (a must in fall for sweeping views), a pioneer cemetery, information regarding a bison kill site and the Large White Pine, and historical cabins. A map for this park is highly recommended, even if just driving.

There’s unique lodging options including: back country, cabins, and the famous Douglas lodge. The Mary Gibbs Center offers an awesome gift shop, cafe, and park information. There are frequently programs offered here (like yoga and educational programs) as well as a riverboat tour! If you like hands-on opportunities, this is definitely a great park with at-least a half day to see the highlights and perfect for longer trips!

Lake Vermillion-Soudan Underground Mine

At one time this place was two separate state parks, however these two places merged in 2014, creating a park that offers an area created by ancient seas and volcanoes, once mined for its rich resources, and now a protected environment.

Truly, the vibrancy of this park was unexpectedly splendid and it was as though the red carpet had been rolled out while meandered along the trails. The trees here offer a huge array of colors and picture opportunities. There is a five-mile long hiking trail that travels through the woods and has view of one of the old mining pits. This park is also a geocaching check point (these can be checked out for free at the visitor center).

This park offers a unique experience not offered at the other state parks: an Underground Mine tour, that takes you below-ground for a guided tour. You are also able to do a self-guided tour through much of the park including an overlook and down steps to an old rail-road track.

Another option is checking out the lake, which offers ten miles of shoreline.

Did you know? If you’re a Minnesota resident fishing is often free in state parks- check out the MN DNR for more info!

There’s also a couple of exclusive activities to this specific state park: A self-guided audio tour to view the above-ground mine and buildings that are on site. Or choose to take the underground tour (This is closed for this season, but will reopen in 2023). The cost of this is $15 for adults and children under five are free.

There are also brand-new camper cabins that opened this year- let me know if you’ve had a chance to stay, I’d love to hear your experience.

Jay Cooke

“Just a bunch of rocks, water, and trees” states Some Dude who left a one star google review. I couldn’t agree more except in fall it’s all like “Eeeew, colorful foliage”. In all seriousness this is another Minnesotan favorite so be prepared for people in another public place, but it’s so worth it, despite Some Dude’s raving review. There’s a bridge, waterfalls, trails, colors, and the fog, which set a mood all of its own.

• Things to check-out while visiting:
• • Swinging bridge over the St. Louis River
  • Oldenburg point for epic views
  • Hiking club trail, which leads up and down through trees encasing wildlife
  • The Pioneer Cemetery

Thomson Dam

• If you want more time: check out the camping options

This park has multiple entrances and per reviews (not experience) it can be more difficult to find than some of the parks. Having a map or directions other than your cell phone’s GPS may be helpful

Check out the hiking club, or one of the other 50 miles of trails. The color stretches from underfoot to overhead and 360 degrees. Wildlife is abundant here. If you’re able, find a quiet place to sit and see what wildlife comes out. There’s an interpretative center here as well that offers learning opportunities and camping with camper cabins as an option.

Cascade River and Temperance River State Parks

More water falls and underrated parks, there’s also well groomed trails, including a section of the Superior Hiking Trail. Located in what is considered Minnesota’s North Shore region, these parks are further north than the more popular Gooseberry Falls, making them perfect stops on a day-trip on Minnesota’s scenic North Shore.

These falls fall into black volcanic rocks which sharply contrasts the rich greens of the ferns and moss, and the colors that accompany autumn. Yellow is definitely the first color that starts to come through here.

The climate in this region can greatly change the saturation and arrival of fall. Visit Fall Color Finder which has an interactive map every season to help plan your trip and track the colors.

At Cascade River State Park there’s an easy half-mile lower loop which contains a series of five lower falls. In total there are 18 miles of trails including a section of the Superior Hiking Trail in this park.

Temperance River offers twenty-two miles of hiking that stretches from Lake Superior upwards to

Fungi were abundant here in fall. Growing from the ground or the stumps of trees. There’s over half a dozen state parks within 90 minutes of here, making it a great place as a stop on a day or weekend trip of exploring the North Shore.

Fall is one of the top four seasons to visit a Minnesota State Park. What are your favorite state park activities?