Minneapolis has amazing city parks. They’ve won awards and are celebrated as some of the best in the nation. But what about all of Minnesota’s beautiful State Parks? Of the 75 stunning state parks in Minnesota, the following seven are absolutely fantastic and easy to get to from the Twin Cities. Whether you’ve paid a visit to them before, or are simply looking for a new adventure destination, these state parks near Minneapolis are sure to get you excited to explore our little corner of the Land of 10,000 Lakes!

Are you ready for your next adventure? What state park near Minneapolis will you plan to visit first? Did we miss any of your favorite spots in the state? Share them with us in the comments below!

For more amazing state parks to visit in and around Minneapolis, check out this list of five superlative state park gems.

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state parks to visit near Minneapolis

What are some other beautiful places I should plan to visit near Minneapolis?

Minnesota truly is an outdoor lover's paradise. Located right in the middle of the country on the Canadian border, Minnesota has much more than gorgeous lakes to offer. Minnesota also has incredible beaches, gardens, rivers, and trails to hike. From waterfalls and mountains to hiking trails and lakes (we *are* called the Land of 10,000 Lakes, after all), there's no shortage of outdoor recreation in Minnesota -- and here are some of our favorite places, adventures, and bucket-list-worthy spots.

How many state parks are there in Minnesota?

Minnesota is home to 75 parks and recreation areas, and each and every one of them is absolutely spectacular. The preservation of parks within our state and country is vital to maintain our environments. Within Minnesota’s 87,000 square miles of land and water, that means there is so much beauty to be seen -- and it can be a little overwhelming on where to start. So let's start locally, with five spectacular state parks to visit all within a 50-mile range of Minneapolis. Among those on the list, Afton State Park is an all-around superstar that truly is the epitome of Minnesota's beautiful nature. There are walkable trails that are safe for the entire family and amazing campsites to observe the most incredible Minnesota sunsets. So the real question isn't whether you're going to visit, but when.