5 Quiet Minnesota State Parks Worth Knowing About

We are in the heart of road trip and camping season in Minnesota. If you are still looking to get away this summer, but don't want to battle people, check out these 5 great state parks that don't get a lot of attention and are also a little off the beaten path. Consider these some of Minnesota's "quietest" state parks for your enjoyment.

Camping Is In Full Swing, Check Out These 5 Parks

Some of my favorite memories have come from camping with friends and family. Depending on what you like to do, from hiking, biking, swimming, or just being in nature, there are state parks here in Minnesota that offer those options.

Some of those parks feel like an amusement park with the amount of visitors that they attract, so if you are looking for more low-key vibes, here are some 'quiet' options for you, and what they offer visitors.

Crow Wing State Park

3124 State Park Road
Brainerd, MN 56401

Located just south of Brainerd, Crow Wing State Park sits where the Crow Wing and Mississippi rivers meet. Long before Minnesota became a state, this area was a major gathering place for Native American tribes, fur traders, and pioneers.

Today, visitors can explore miles of wooded hiking trails, walk through the site of the former town of Old Crow Wing, fish along the riverbanks, or simply enjoy a peaceful picnic beneath towering pines.

Visitors to the park say it's a great place to bird watch and has great views of the two rivers.

Glendalough State Park

24869 Whitetail Lane
Battle Lake, MN 56515

Near Battle Lake, Glendalough feels completely different from many other state parks. Motors are restricted on Annie Battle Lake, creating an incredibly peaceful setting for kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and fishing.

You'll also find miles of hiking and biking trails winding through prairie, woods, and wetlands filled with wildlife. Most people say this is the state park to go to if you want to see loons, eagles, and trumpeter swans.

Schoolcraft State Park

9042 Schoolcraft Lane NE
Deer River, MN 56636

Many people stop at Itasca State Park to see where the Mississippi River begins, but few continue downstream to Schoolcraft State Park near Deer River.

The park offers visitors quiet hiking trails, shaded campsites, and easy access to the young Mississippi River as it starts widening on its journey south.

This might be the hidden gem for camping in Minnesota. It's peaceful, making it perfect for anyone who enjoys fishing, camping, or simply relaxing by the water. If you have a family and you want to avoid the large crowds, this might be your new go-to park.

Hayes Lake State Park

48990 County Road 4
Roseau, MN 5675

If you are really looking to get away, meaning not much cell service, this is the park for you.

Located near Minnesota's Canadian border, Hayes Lake State Park receives only a fraction of the visitors found at the state's better-known parks. Dense forests, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife make it feel like you've stepped into the true North Woods.

Keep your eyes open for black bears, moose, wolves, and bald eagles while hiking or paddling.

Franz Jevne State Park

State Highway 11
Birchdale, MN 56629

Size isn't everything when it comes to a state park in Minnesota, and this last one is our smallest.

At just over 100 acres, Franz Jevne is one of Minnesota's smallest state parks.

Situated along the Rainy River near the Canadian border, it's known for excellent fishing, peaceful campsites, and incredible stargazing thanks to the lack of nearby city lights.

It isn't the place for waterfalls or dramatic overlooks. Instead, it's perfect for slowing down, watching the river flow by, and enjoying the sounds of nature. Perfect for mellow summer vibes.

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Sometimes the best adventure you can be on isn't the busiest one. Slow down and savor summer in the land of 10,000 lakes. You can learn more about all of Minnesota's State Parks by heading to their website.

6 Photos You Won't Believe Were Taken In Minnesota

After having spent the greater part of the last three weeks outside Minnesota, it has been great to be back. We live in a very beautiful part of the country. From the North Shore's jagged cliffs to the rolling croplands of southern Minnesota and to the driftless area near Preston, our state is filled with beautiful sights. I managed to find 6 photos that were taken right here in Minnesota, but when you look at them, you'd think they were taken somewhere else completely. Let's enjoy the land of 10,000 photos, shall we?

Gallery Credit: Unsplash