Passport Club

The following is a complete list of the 60 Minnesota State Parks that Crystal and Jason have visited since joining the Passport Club.

Lake Shetek State Park

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. Expect great fishing for walleye, northern, crappie, and bullheads. Loon Island, a 45-acre island on Lake Shetek, is accessible on foot via a causeway and includes an interpretive trail.

Campsite: Camper Cabin #2 · Date: 10/12/2024
Activities: Camping, Hiking, Wildlife Watching
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Kilen Woods State Park

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.

Campsite: N/A · Date: 10/12/2024
Activities: Hiking
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Big Bog State Recreation Area

Big Bog State Recreation Area has been called Minnesota's last true wilderness. This two-part recreation area includes a northern unit and a southern unit. The 500-square-mile peat bog, the largest in the lower 48 states, is located in the northern unit. A mile-long boardwalk enables visitors to get a first-hand look at the unique plant and animal life of this rare resource. The bog, which has long been a source of medicinal plants for the Ojibwe Indians, represented a barrier to European settlers who tried in vain to drain it. From orchids to carnivorous plants to rare birds, visitors will see a mixture of fascinating and rare resources. The southern unit includes a campground, winterized camper cabins, a sandy beach, picnic grounds, and great fishing.

Campsite: Camper Cabin #6 · Date: 09/21/2024
Activities: Camping, Hiking
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Hill Annex Mine State Park

Permanently Closed: Hill Annex Mine State Park is an intact open-pit iron ore mine that operated from 1914 to 1978. The park has 635 acres, and the mine produced over 63 million tons of iron ore, making it the sixth-largest producer in the state.

Campsite: N/A · Date: 07/05/2024
Activities: N/A
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Scenic State Park

With its pristine lakes, virgin pines, swimming beach, and wilderness-like setting, Scenic State Park is well deserving of its name. Here, visitors can hike the Chase Point Trail for hypnotic views of Coon and Sandwick Lakes and listen to the wind whistle through the giant pines. The park's overnight facilities include campsites (boat-in, drive-in, backpack), and a cabin. The historic lodge houses interpretive displays.

Campsite: Lodge Campground Site 87 · Date: 07/05/2024
Activities: Camping, Hiking
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Rice Lake State Park

Long ago, American Indians harvested wild rice from this lake where today, the shallow waters and marshy edges of Rice Lake attract many waterfowl during migrations. Rice Lake is a major wetland in the area. Visitors enjoy camping under the tall hardwoods, photographing spring wildflowers, picnicking, and birdwatching. For a more secluded camping experience, paddle across the lake and camp in a canoe campsite. Winter activities include cross-country skiing and snowmobiling on the trails.

Campsite: N/A · Date: 07/03/2022
Activities: Hiking
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Sakatah Lake State Park

Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail runs through Sakatah Lake State Park and stretches 39 miles from Mankato to Faribault. The paved trail offers hikers, bikers, skiers, and snowmobilers beautiful scenery through Minnesota's hardwoods. Sakatah Lake, a natural widening of the Cannon River, lures canoeists to paddle the calm waters, and anglers to catch walleye, large mouth and white bass, northern pike, and panfish. Whatever the season, visitors enjoy camping and picnicking.

Campsite: Campground Site 26 · Date: 07/01/2022
Activities: Camping, Hiking
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Nerstrand Big Woods State Park

Enjoy this park on foot, any season of the year. In the spring, the park is a wildflower garden where hepatica, bloodroot, Dutchman's breeches, and the dwarf trout lily bloom. The dwarf trout lily is only found here. Relax by Hidden Falls in the summer. The autumn brings a burst of red, orange, and gold in the maple-basswood forest, one of the last extensive stands of the "Big Woods." When winter comes, hike, snowshoe, or snowmobile the trails through picturesque woods.

Campsite: N/A · Date: 07/01/2022
Activities: Hiking
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Flandrau State Park

The Cottonwood River State Water Trail meanders gently through this southern park. The sand-bottom swimming pond, picnic area, campgrounds and group center attract many visitors every summer to this very popular state park. The terrain is diverse, offering views of wooded river bottoms, oxbow marshes and open grasslands. Hikers and cross-country skiers enjoy the flat trails on the bottom of the valley or more challenging routes on the oak-shaded bluffs. Visit historic stone buildings crafted by Works Progress Administration (WPA) crews. Vegetative features include goat prairies, small white lady's slippers, and the floodplain forest.

Campsite: N/A · Date: 08/07/2021
Activities: Hiking, Wildlife Watching
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Minneopa State Park

The word Minneopa is derived from the Dakota language and is interpreted to mean "water falling twice," referring to the beautiful waterfalls of Minneopa Creek. Walk the trail which encircles the falls, leading down a limestone stairway to the valley below. Ascend the opposite side and enjoy a panoramic view of the valley which reveals the underlying geology of this area. Visit Seppmann Mill, a wind driven grist mill fashioned in German style from native stone and lumber, or hike through oak savanna and native prairie grasslands overlooking the scenic Minnesota River Valley.

Campsite: Red Fox Campground Site A4 · Date: 08/05/2021
Activities: Camping, Hiking
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Fort Ridgely State Park

Tour Historic Fort Ridgely and wander through the ruins of this once thriving outpost. Learn about the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862, a major event in Minnesota's early history. Visit the Fort site and the cemetery to learn more. For recreation, this park offers plenty. In the summer, hike or ride the trails on horseback, fish the trout stream, camp, or stay overnight in the renovated farmhouse. In the winter, ski, snowmobile, or stay overnight at the chalet.

Campsite: N/A · Date: 08/05/2021
Activities: Hiking, Touring a Historic Site
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Split Rock Creek State Park

Swim, fish, or boat the waters of Split Rock Lake, the largest body of water in Pipestone County. The lake is the predominant feature of this park. Stop by the Beach Side Trail Center for an excellent vista and to discover more about the area. Seven miles north of the park is the famous Pipestone National Monument.

Campsite: Campground Site F · Date: 08/07/2020
Activities: Camping, Hiking
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Blue Mounds State Park

Blue Mounds State Park is full of natural surprises. Start with the Sioux Quartzite cliff, rising 100 feet from the plains. A bison herd grazes on the prairie. Prickly pear cactus blooms in June and July. A sea of prairie grasses and flowers sway in the wind. The park is also a favorite for birdwatchers who want to see nesting blue grosbeaks and other birds. Enjoy camping and hiking.

Campsite: Main Campground Site #7 · Date: 08/06/2020
Activities: Camping, Hiking
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Whitewater State Park

Picturesque limestone bluffs and deep ravines make Whitewater a very popular southeastern state park. The 2,700 acre park is an angler's paradise with brown, brook, and rainbow trout swimming in the spring-fed Whitewater River and Trout Run Creek. Visitors enjoy a sandy swimming beach, a year-round visitor center, easy-to-challenging hiking trails, camping, a group camp, and a modern group center. Come in the winter to enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, and stay at the group center in rustic, winterized cabins. All through the year, discover the natural and human history of the area at one of the many interpretive programs, visitor center exhibits or self-guided trails.

Campsite: Cedar Hill Campground Site #51 · Date: 08/22/2018
Activities: Camping, hiking
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Carley State Park

Beauty and quiet, that is the essence of Carley State Park. In the spring, delicate bluebells and other wildflowers carpet the valley with a profusion of color. Hike along the trail that follows the Whitewater River and take in the grand old white pines. Listen for the sweet song of orioles, song sparrows, house wrens, and indigo buntings. Enjoy the picnic area, play on the swings or practice softball. Try your hand at horseshoes or sit back and see a red-tailed hawk ride thermals in the sky. The north branch of the Whitewater River is a designated trout stream and provides habitat for brown trout. Rustic campsites are located near the picnic area.

Campsite: N/A · Date: 08/22/2018
Activities: Hiking
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Beaver Creek Valley State Park

Nestled in the blufflands of southeastern Minnesota, Beaver Creek Valley State Park is known for its clear streams fed by the "Big Spring." Its streams are home to brown and native brook trout. In spring, wildflowers that blanket the woodland hills and valleys attract migratory songbirds like the rare Acadian flycatcher, Cerulean warbler, and Louisiana waterthrush. These birds nest in the park. A hiking trail meanders along the stream and up into a maple-basswood and oak forest. Campers are lulled to sleep by the murmuring stream.

Campsite: Beaver Creek Campground Site S20 · Date: 08/21/2018
Activities: Camping, hiking
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Great River Bluffs State Park

This is beautiful bluff country! The park contains two Scientific and Natural Areas, 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. Explore the diversity in this park: oak-hickory and maple-basswood forests, pine plantations, fields, and goat prairies offer visitors excellent hiking and a diversity of wildlife. Look for ruffed grouse, wild turkeys, coyotes, and many species of songbirds.

Campsite: Great River Campground Site #17 · Date: 08/20/2018
Activities: Camping, hiking
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John A. Latsch State Park

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. From this vantage point, visitors relish a grand long view of the Mississippi River Valley, the green lush forest in the summer, and the colors in the fall.

Campsite: N/A · Date: 08/20/2018
Activities: Hiking
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Frontenac State Park

Located on the Mississippi River, Frontenac is a birdwatcher's paradise. It's one of the best spots in the country to view birds migrating in the spring and fall. More than 260 species of birds have been recorded here. No wonder: Lake Pepin's diverse habitats -- bluffland, prairie, floodplain forest and upland hardwood forest -- attract numerous warblers, hawks, waterfowl and shorebirds. Hikers and skiers enjoy spectacular views of this beautifully wooded river valley. Fishing, swimming and boat tours are all available nearby.

Campsite: Frontenac Campground #42 · Date: 08/19/2018
Activities: Camping, hiking
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Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area

Just minutes from the Twin Cities, this state recreation area preserves part of the Minnesota River Valley. The multi-use Minnesota Valley State Trail parallels the Minnesota River. The section of trail from Shakopee to Chaska is paved and a natural surface trail runs from Chaska to Belle Plaine. The area is ideal for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and snowmobiling. The landscapes are just as diverse as the trail system and include wetlands, floodplain forest and blufftop oak savanna. Wildlife observation and birdwatching are popular activities year-round.

Campsite: N/A · Date: 08/18/2018
Activities: Hiking
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