Gooseberry falls is the gateway to the north shore. it is known for its spectacular waterfalls, river gorge, lake superior shoreline, civilian conservation corps log and stone structures, and north woods wildlife.

Torrents of wild water plummet 120 feet over the high falls down to the pigeon river in this park on the u.s. - canadian border. the falls, the highest in the state, presented a serious obstacle to river travel, so a "carrying place," or portage, was necessary. american indians created the ancient nine-mile trail from lake superior to bypass the falls. this trail became known as "the grand portage." today, visitors of all abilities can take a one-half mile trail and boardwalk to the falls overlook area. the park is designed for day use only and contains mixed hardwood-conifer forests and hiking trails along the banks of the pigeon river. the spectacular scenery sets the stage for recreational opportunities that include hiking, photography, and picnicking. the park lies within the grand portage indian reservation and is bordered by canada on the north and east. lake superior is about one mile east of the park.

This is beautiful bluff country! the park contains two scientific and natural areas (snas), king's and queen's bluff. the king's bluff trail offers a breathtaking view of the mississippi river valley. bring your binoculars; the river valley is a major flyway for waterfowl, eagles, and hawks.

Greenleaf lake state recreation area (sra) is open to the public. recreation opportunities are limited to day use. no facilities are available at this time.

Some days it's just you, loons, and moose, while you traverse around hayes lake. fed by the north fork of the roseau river, the lake supports crappie, sunfish, large mouth bass, and northern. birdwatchers have spotted over 200 species in or near the park. the summer is perfect to look for orchids, gentians, and blueberries (you can pick the berries, but not the flowers). visitors also enjoy swimming and canoeing in the lake, along with camping. trails for hiking, skiing, snowmobiling, and horseback riding connect with the beltrami island state forest.

Go down in history with a tour of the hill annex iron mine. on the 1 1/2-hour open pit mine tour, visitors make a spectacular descent into mining's past. learn about the mine operation, the people who worked here, and where they came from. discover marine fossils in northern minnesota. get a sense of the mine's deep, rich history. learn how this national historic site played an important role in state, national, and world history.

There is so much to do at interstate state park, located on the beautiful st. croix river. visitors can climb the cliffs of the st. croix river dalles, canoe the flat-water, watch kayakers rush through the rapids, or relax on an excursion boat. spring brings a great diversity of wildflowers and in fall, the st. croix river valley forest is ablaze in the autumn colors of red, gold, and orange. the geology that formed this park intrigues visitors, and brings geologists from all over the world. at least 10 different lava flows are exposed in the park, along with two distinct glacial deposits, and traces of old streams valleys and faults. during the summer, hike the trails and explore the glacial potholes that make this park unique.

Come and experience minnesota's premier off-highway vehicle recreation area, located in gilbert.

Established in 1891, itasca is minnesota's oldest state park. today, the park totals more than 32,000 acres and includes more than 100 lakes. walk across the mighty mississippi as it starts its winding journey 2,552 miles to the gulf of mexico. stand under towering pines at preacher's grove. visit the itasca indian cemetery or wegmann's cabin, landmarks of centuries gone by. camp under the stars, or stay the night at the historic douglas lodge or cabins. explore wilderness drive past the 2,000-acre wilderness sanctuary, one of minnesota's seven national natural landmarks.

Trailblazers: this park is a must! park trails link up to the willard munger state trail at the north edge of the park; perfect for backpackers, bikers (both mountain and tour), hikers, horseback riders, and skiers.

John a. latsch, a successful winona businessman of the izaak walton league, loved to fish in the waters of the mississippi river below the bluffs. today, a half-mile hike up the deep ravine for a view is well worth the effort.

Come for the quiet, the solitude, and the famous devil's kettle waterfall. the most popular hike leads from the trailhead upstream along the brule river to devil's kettle, where the river splits around a mass of volcanic rock. half of the river plunges 50 feet into a pool, while the rest pours into a huge pothole. anglers can catch brook and rainbow trout in the brule river or its tributary, gauthier creek. the park offers camping, picnicking and hiking.

For a quiet, relaxing time, hike the cool woodland trail which meanders along the tranquil des moines river, or enjoy the view of the river valley from dinosaur ridge overlook. you'll find pleasant surprises as you explore small creeks, prairie grasslands, and oak savannas. visitors enjoy camping, canoeing, fishing, picnicking and hiking.

Lac qui parle is a french translation of the name given to the lake by the dakota indians who called it the "lake that speaks." if you visit in the spring or fall you'll understand why. the lake is a stop over for thousands of migratory canada geese and other waterfowl. you'll hear a chorus of honking, quacking, and other vocalizations. paddle the lake, or cast a line and catch walleye, northerns, perch, or crappie. explore one of the trails by foot or horseback. visit the historic fort renville and lac qui parle mission sites. while in the area, be sure to visit the 33,000 acre lac qui parle wildlife management area.

This park is the perfect playground any time of year, offering visitors swimming, boating, fishing, birdwatching, hiking, camping, biking, picnicking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and year-round naturalist-led activities.

From the observation tower in the park, view the prairie and aspen-oak forests or watch for deer, sharp-tailed grouse, and sandhill cranes.

Sculpted by ancient glaciers, lake carlos state park contains a tamarack bog, marshes, woodland ponds, and lakes.

Lake louise lures hikers, horseback riders, skiers, and snowmobilers to its trails, which wind through open landscapes and lush hardwoods. the confluence of the little iowa and upper iowa rivers that occurs in the park provides water recreation. in addition, visitors swim, boat, or fish in lake louise. hiking and horseback riding are also popular sports at this park. the lakeside picnic grounds and beach area draws visitors in the summer.

Visitors who come to lake maria state park will enjoy one of the few remaining stands of the "big woods," a maple, oak and basswood forest that once covered part of southern minnesota.

The word "shetek" is ojibwe for "pelican," a bird which visits lake shetek during the summer and fall.the park contains the largest lake in southwestern minnesota, which forms the headwaters of the des moines river.

Together with Soudan Underground Mine, the new park will include almost 10 shoreline miles on lake vermilion, with access to 39,271 acres of water.

La salle lake state recreation area is open to the public. recreation opportunities are limited to day use. there is limited parking and signage, and no facilities or services are available at this time. there are no toilets or garbage removal. the sra will open to hunting november 5, 2011. the la salle lake sna within the sra is currently open to hunters and trappers.

The maple forest turns brilliant shades of orange, gold, and red in the fall.

Come to mccarthy beach state park and you’ll remember the lakes. the sandy beach on sturgeon lake was rated one of the top 17 beaches in north america by highway’s magazine. walk along the half-mile of shoreline, or venture out into the shallow water that extends hundreds of feet into the lake.

Mille lacs kathio state park has so much to offer and discover. its 9000 years of human history and archaeological significance has made it a national historic landmark. you can learn about its rich history and all of kathio's other treasures at the visitor center. climb the 100 foot observation/fire tower and look across the majesty of mille lacs lake. take part in mille lacs kathio state park's extensive interpretive/nature programs or get out by yourself and hike on the park's varied trail system. kathio has a wonderful swimming beach plus canoes or rowboats you can rent for a trip on the historic rum river and ogechie and shakopee lakes. in the winter, visitors can cross-country ski on trails described as the best in minnesota or take the family sledding on our popular sliding hill. the river, lakes, and park trails offer visitors excellent opportunities to watch waterfowl, bald eagles, osprey, beaver, loons, deer, coyotes, and many others.