One of the closest Minnesota State Parks to the Twin Cities, this park offers beautiful big woods scenery. Picnic on the shore of Lake Maria or learn something about the landscape at the trail center. Thanks to the idea of "conservation over recreation", this park does not have a traditional drive-in campground like most other Minnesota State Parks. Instead, you can camp at one of many backpack sites scattered throughout the park.
The rolling terrain created by former glaciers makes hiking here more challenging. For an easier hike, try the Bjorkland Trail or the Zumbrunnen Interpretive Trail. Loop around the park on the Big Woods Trail for a wide variety of scenery. You can also design your own hike to fit your skill level since all the trails here connect to create loops of varying lengths.
