minnesota camping – New Age Self-Reliance

January is about the time of year I get the “itch.” Winter just seems to drag on with it’s cold and dreary, and I long to be at a Minnesota State Park. So, while I dream of summer days, here are three Minnesota State Parks on the must-see list for this summer. Check out our review for Itasca, Glacial Lakes, and George H. Manitou.

The cascades at George H. Crosby Manitou State Park from the bottom

1. Tettegouche State Park

Tettegouche is a Minnesota State Park gem. The waterfalls here are Tettegouche’s claim to fame, with a few along the Baptism River and lots of gorgeous cliffs. While there are multiple waterfalls in the park High Falls, at 60 ft, is the biggest waterfall and a tourist draw. The landscape also makes Tettgouche a great stop for Rock Climbing, which would be an adventure on its own. While waterfalls themselves are enough to put this state park on my list, the wildlife is a bonus. Home to Peregrine Falcons, the fastest birds in the world diving up to 224 mph. One may also get a chance to see a Northern Flying Squirrel while on the trails in Tettgouche State Park.

2. Minneopa State Park

Minneopa translates to water falling twice, referencing the two-tier waterfall in the park (apparently there is a theme of waterfalls here). The pictures of the hilly terrain covered with woods and river cutting through looks straight out of a fairy tale. There is also the Seppmann windmill that was completed in 1864 and used to make flour out of wheat. This windmill is designed after the windmills in Germany and a very cool piece of history. While windmills and waterfalls are reason enough to give this Minnesota State Park a visit, Minneopa has it’s very own Bison Conservation Herd. A Bison Conservation Heard is reason enough to check out this state park in southern Minnesota. Currently, this Bison herd has about 25 members and 331 acres to roam! There are special days and times to take the Minneopa Bison Drive so take a look at the schedule before you go.

3. Soudan Underground Mine State Park

The coolest part of Soudan Underground Mine State Park is that you can get a tour of Minnesota’s first iron ore mine. Aside from that attraction, there is a lot of wonderful wildlife to be on the lookout for such as black bears, timber wolves, and fishers. The Soudan Underground Mine State Park buds up to the Kabetogama state forest. While there are lots of places you can camp in state forests there is a special campsite here. Hinsdale Island is a primitive campsite only accessible by the waters of Lake Vermillion.

Let me know what are the top three state parks on your list to visit this summer? Which activity on this list excites you most? Let me know in the comment section below.

I can’t wait to get out this summer hiking among waterfalls, gazing at buffalos, and touring an iron ore mine!

Outdoor Vitals tent set up at Itasca State Park

Arrival at the park

Once you get to the park, you really are away from it all. There is no cell service and the 21 campsites are only available if you hike in, the closest being 1.5 miles to the furthest being 4.5. You are not greeted by a ranger, but a self-service station at which you register your reservation.

We checked in, loaded up our packs and headed out on the Middle Trail. We had chosen site number three which is about a 2.5-mile hike. The Superior Hiking Trail runs through the park as well, so make sure you have your map and know what trail you need to take to get where. We got to a trail intersection at one point, and almost turned right too early, which would have taken us to an overlook instead of our site. We took a small break and studied the map, we kept on the correct trail and got to our site, which is after the cascades, nestled right along the Manitou River.

River view from site 3

Site number 3 is rather large and split into two sections. There is one part when you first walk in that has the campfire ring and a large space to pitch your tent, but not a view of the river; however if you go past that just a bit there is a second part of the site which has a wonderful view of the river and a large space to pitch your tent.

The waterfall

We set up camp and got back on the trail, we were on a mission to see the waterfall. Hiking to the cascades was muddy and steep, but worth it. The falls are truly a thing of wonder.

The cascades at George H. Crosby Manitou State Park from the bottom

The hike back to camp was good and we spent the rest of our time enjoying the scenery. We love this park and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to escape the chaos of normal life and just enjoy the beauty of nature.