Winter is one of the most underrated seasons for adventure in Minnesota. The need for extra layers and colder weather can make it tricky to get outside with kids. But we can’t let chilly temperatures and snow keep us inside for too long! When you’re ready to bundle up, several fantastic Minnesota State Parks near Minneapolis offer fun winter hiking trails for kids and families. From the wooden train playground at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park to the paved trails at Wild River State Park, there are tons of reasons to get outside this winter. Many of these trails also offer snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, warming houses, and more! So, grab your wool socks, pack some hot cocoa, and head out for a great day in the snow. Keep reading to learn about the best Minnesota state parks for families this winter – all within 90 minutes of Minneapolis!
Please note, all of these parks require a Minnesota State Park vehicle permit. You can purchase an annual pass or day pass online, or on-site in most cases. Additionally, check your local library, as many Minnesota libraries will lend state park passes.
Fort Snelling State Park, Saint Paul
If you’re looking for winter hiking near Minneapolis with kids, you can’t get much closer than this! Best known for its location on the confluence of two great rivers, the Mississippi and the Minnesota, Fort Snelling State Park is an excellent choice for families looking to get outside this winter. The best trail for families in the winter is the 3-mile trail maintained on Pike Island. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails are also available. After your hike, warm up inside the visitor center. It features a fireplace, an interpretive exhibit, and flush toilets. Snowshoe rentals are also available at the visitor center (first come, first serve). Finally, pair your hike with a visit to Historic Fort Snelling (open Thursday – Saturday during the winter months). With so many unique features, no wonder this is one of the best Minnesota state parks for families!
Interstate State Park, Taylors Falls
Arguably one of Minnesota’s most unique state parks, Interstate State Park is a fantastic year-round option for hiking and exploring. It is also part of the first interstate state park system in the United States, as Wisconsin has a twin state park on the other side of the river. The glacial potholes are a major draw to this state park. These fascinating geological formations are sure to spark kid’s imaginations, while parents will love the views of the St. Croix River. All of the trails are open to hiking and snowshoeing during the winter. There are no groomed trails for cross-country skiing, however. As one of the best Minnesota state parks with kids, there is also a visitor center with interpretive exhibits! Afterward, head across the street to Juneberry Cafe or Schoony’s Malt Shop and Pizzeria to warm up and for a bite to eat.
Wild River State Park, Center City
If you’re looking for a state park with paved trails, Wild River State Park is your answer! Ideal for strollers and tiny trekkers, Wild River State Park is less than an hour from Minneapolis. Nestled along the St. Croix River, it’s an excellent option for bird watching and spotting wildlife tracks in the snow. However, when snow gets heavy, the paved trails are not plowed, and they become packed trails for hiking and snowshoeing. Then, almost 20 miles of trails are groomed for cross-country skiing, and another 6 are groomed for skate-skiing. Finally, restrooms are open during the winter months, and a warming house can be found near the horse campground. Cross-country ski rentals are also available through a reservation system. Undoubtedly, this is one of the best Minnesota state parks for families!
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, Nerstrand
Located about an hour south of Minneapolis (near Northfield), Nerstrand Big Woods State Park will undoubtedly delight all ages with its frozen waterfall and natural playground. As one of the best Minnesota state parks with toddlers and young kids, the natural, train-themed playground will surely be a hit! Fun in the sun and in the snow, this playground is a great way to enjoy the park with your kids. Afterward, take the wooded trail to the frozen waterfall. Kids will be amazed by this winter wonderland! In the winter, there are also 4 miles of dedicated trails for snowmobiling. If you’re interested in snowshoeing but don’t have your own gear, check the park office for rentals. There is also a visitor center on-site. If you’re looking for state parks near Minneapolis that are worth the drive, this is one of them!
Frontenac State Park, Frontenac
Frontenac State Park is next on our list of the best Minnesota state parks in winter for families. Offering sweeping views of Lake Pepin and the area’s iconic bluffs, Frontenac State Park is a family favorite in all seasons. In the winter, hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing are all available. Then, be sure to pack a sled! There is a dedicated sliding hill near the park office. When you’re ready to warm up before going home, there are two warming houses at Frontenac State Park. One is in the enclosed picnic shelter, while a smaller shelter is located near the park office. Plus, snowshoe rentals are available at the park office (when open). Frontenac State Park is also a great spot to view migrating birds in the early spring. Finally, this park is about 75 minutes southeast of Minneapolis, near Red Wing.
Lake Maria State Park, Monticello
Located northwest of Minneapolis, Lake Maria State Park is a fantastic option for winter exploration. Less than an hour away, it’s certainly one of the best state parks near Minneapolis for families due to its interpretive displays along the trails and exhibits at the Trail Center. Plus, the Trail Center also includes bathrooms and an indoor picnic area (open daily, year-round). Here, you will find trails for hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing (best for beginners and intermediate skiers), and skate-skiing. Keep your eyes out because there are nesting osprey and eagles in Lake Maria State Park, too! Finally, if you want a more extended Minnesota state park experience with kids this winter, Lake Maria State Park offers beautiful remote ski-in/walk-in campsites and camper cabins. Reservations can be made here.
Minnesota State Parks Winter Fun at William O’Brien State Park, Marine on St. Croix
If you’re looking for winter hiking near Minneapolis with kids, make William O’Brien State Park your next outing. It is less than 50 minutes from Minneapolis. For a fun winter hike with kids, walk the 1.6-mile Riverside Trail. This short hike will take you along the river, offering beautiful views of Minnesota and Wisconsin! Likewise, snowshoeing is only available on the Riverside Trail. Due to seasonal road closures, this trail has a steep entrance/exit in the winter. Prepare to walk along a closed road to reach the trailhead. The rest of the park is reserved for cross-country skiing and skate-skiing in the winter. There are 12 groomed miles of trails for skiing, ranging from easy to difficult. Finally, in the winter, the visitor center is still open, offering interpretive exhibits, drinking water, a wood stove, and flush toilets.
Keep Exploring
We hope this article featuring our top picks for fun state parks near Minneapolis with kids encourages winter adventure all season long. These parks not only showcase the breathtaking beauty of winter but also offer a variety of family-friendly activities that will make your winter adventures memorable. Whether you are looking for a snowy playground, a place to look for wildlife tracks, or simply want to hike with your kids, there is a Minnesota State Park on this list for you. Now that you know all about the best Minnesota state parks for families, it’s time to get outside and have some fun in the snow!
Related Article: 8 Best Places to Travel for the New Year in Minnesota with Kids
Antonia Grant is a Minnesota mom + freelance writer who loves encouraging parents to find ways to connect and make memories with their kids. She’s a firm believer in providing children with experiences over things. You can find more from Antonia and her family adventures on Instagram @knead.to.roam. She shares all things family travel, outdoor adventures, and their favorite foodie finds.
