Minnesota's Best State Parks
Itasca
State Park
On April 20th, 1891, by just a one vote margin, the bill that established
Itasca as a state park was passed in the Minnesota Legislature. That legislation
marked the beginning of Minnesota's State Park system and preserved the tall
pines, pristine lakes and historic headwaters of the Mississippi River that
visitors enjoy today. Itasca is one of Minnesota's most visited state parks and
it's here where the mighty Mississippi River begins as a small stream flowing
out of Lake Itasca. At the headwaters area, visitors can walk across the infant
stream on stepping stones and lay claim to the fact that they did, indeed, walk
across the Mississippi River. The park totals more than 32,000 acres and
includes more than 100 lakes. Glacial activity 20,000 years ago formed the knob
and kettle topography of the park. The scenic beauty of the park is exceptional
in all seasons but clearly the park's "jewels" are its lakes and the
old-growth pine forests. Itasca's facilities include a restaurant, AYH Hostel,
gift shops, historic lodge and log cabins, as well as traditional camping
facilities. The park offers year around naturalist programs, handicapped
accessible facilities, 226 campsites (100 of which are electric sites), 33 miles
of hiking trails, 17 miles of bike trails, 31 miles of cross-country ski trails
and 31 miles of snowmobile trail miles. There are many activities and programs
for visitors of all ages. The park also has an interpretive center, boat tours,
snack shops, boat, motor, bike, canoe and snowshoe rentals. This park should be
on everyone's "don't miss" list. It is spectacular!
Forestville/Mystery
Cave State Park
Park has the distinction of offering visitors natural wonders both above and
below ground that make it one of Minnesota's most varied state parks. The above
ground park is beautiful at all seasons of the year. In the spring, wildflowers
add color to the dark woods; in summer the songbirds are everywhere and in fall
the brilliant colors of the hardwood trees display a spectacular array of autumn
hues. This park is a favorite of horseback riders who regularly use the park's
horse camps and 15 miles of horse trails. Hiking trails offer some spectacular
views of the rolling hills of the area. These trails are also popular in winter
for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Visitors also enjoy Historic
Forestville, a restored 1899 village, operated by the Minnesota Historical
Society. The village, located within the park, includes the Meighen Store, which
closed in 1910, leaving most of its wares on the shelves for visitors to see.
Tours are offered Memorial weekend through Labor Day. Below ground offers yet
another experience for visitors. Mystery Cave, part of Forestville State Park
but 5.5 miles away from the main park, is Minnesota's longest limestone cave,
with its 12 miles of passages. Public tours, offered daily from Memorial weekend
through Labor and on weekends through October, include a look at underground
lakes and streams, stalactites and stalagmites. This is a significant cave which
has received national recognition among cave researchers and spelunkers.
Blue
Mounds State Park
Buffalo, cactus, and a mysterious line of rocks are all part of Blue Mounds
State Park. The park is named for the cliff of Sioux quartzite, nearly 100 feet
high and 1.5 miles long, which, to settlers heading west, appeared blue in
color. Today, the area is very popular with rock climbers and provides a great
vantage point from which to view the surrounding prairie. The park is a remnant
of the tallgrass prairie. Prickly pear cactus bloom in late June and early July,
and wildflowers present a colorful late summer show along with the changing
colors of the prairie grasses including the big bluestem prairie grass which, by
that time of the year, stands about 7 feet tall. On the park's southern end is a
1,250-foot line of rocks, which align with the sun on the first day of spring
and fall. No one knows who laid the rock "marker" or why. A big
favorite with visitors is the park's resident buffalo herd that can be seen from
the park's observation tower as well as other areas in the park. Other park
attractions include camping, swimming, year-round naturalist programs, hiking
and birdwatching (more than 225 species of birds). The campground (73 drive-in
sites of which 40 are electric sites), shaded by many trees, is located along
Upper Mound Lake which was formed when Mound Creek was dammed; there is a
swimming beach at Lower Mound Lake. The park has handicapped accessible showers
and toilets. In winter, there are 7 miles of trail for snowmobiling and more
than 2,000 acres for folks on snowshoes to explore. The park is 3 miles north of
Luverne, off U.S. Hwy 75.
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