Only an hour from the Twin Cities, this beautiful park is an easy getaway from civilization. In the summer, you can swim at Lake Alice or rent canoes, kayaks, or paddleboards. In the winter, this is a popular cross country skiing destination. Spend the night in the developed Savanna Campground or Riverway Campground. For a more secluded campsite, walk-in sites are available on the top of Wedge Hill.
With 12 miles of trails over varied terrain and landscapes, this is an excellent place for hiking. Follow the Hiking Club Trail for a sampler of each of the unique ecosystems here, from forest to prairie to wetland. For an easy, accessible hike, try the Riverside Trail by the day use area to see the scenic St. Croix River. All of the trails connect, so you can combine them to make longer and more difficult hikes.
Hikes
William O'Brien State Park, Minnesota
★★★★☆(4/5)
William O'Brien State Park, Minnesota
★★★☆☆(3/5)