12 Fun Minnesota State Parks within 90 minutes of Minneapolis for Families
Minnesota state parks are packed with family fun and adventure for all ages. And luckily, you don’t have to venture too far from the Twin Cities to experience one!
Just a short drive from the Twin Cities (all less than ~90 minutes), these Minnesota State Parks are perfect for getting kids outdoors, exploring scenic trails, spotting wildlife, and discovering hidden gems. Imagine playing together at the wooden train playground at Nerstrand Big Woods. Or paddling down to the St. Croix River from Interstate State Park.
Whether you’re up for hiking, picnicking, fishing, or a day in nature, these 12 state parks within 90 minutes of Minneapolis offer everything you and your kids need for a memorable family outing.
Pack up your kids and any needed gear, and let the adventure begin!
Please note that these parks require a Minnesota State Park vehicle permit. You can purchase an annual 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 in Saint Paul, MN
Less than 30 minutes from Minneapolis
For an unforgettable blend of history and nature, Fort Snelling State Park in Saint Paul is undoubtedly among the best state parks near the Twin Cities with kids. Located where the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers meet, this park also features Historic Fort Snelling, which offers guided tours and other kid-friendly experiences.
After exploring the interactive exhibits at the visitor center, head out for a scenic family hike on the 4-mile Pike Island Loop, a favorite trail for hiking near Minneapolis with kids. This loop offers stunning river views and plenty of places to rest and play. Take advantage of the park’s swimming beach and picnic areas in summer. Or, in winter, warm up by the visitor center fireplace after snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. Finally, a large playground lets families continue having fun together at Fort Snelling State Park! With wide trails, rich history, and scenic rivers, this state park is a top pick for Twin Cities families year-round.
Fort Snelling State Park has an all-terrain track chair that is free for visitors with limited mobility or disabilities.
Afton State Park, Hastings
Less than 1 hour from Minneapolis
Afton State Park offers a dynamic outdoor experience along the St. Croix River, making it one of the best state parks near Minneapolis with kids. Just a short drive from the Twin Cities, families can explore over 20 miles of scenic trails, with paths winding through prairies, deep ravines, and up to ridgetops with breathtaking river views.
Kids will love the sandy swimming beach in the summer for a fun day by the water. Meanwhile, picnic areas nearby make it easy to enjoy a leisurely family lunch. The park features 12 miles of trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter, with rentals available at the visitor center. Afton also has unique, family-friendly amenities like free geocache units and discovery kits for birding and fishing.
With year-round outdoor adventures for all ages and experiences, Afton is perfect for families seeking hiking trails near the Twin Cities with kids.
Interstate State Park, Taylors Falls
Less than 1 hour from Minneapolis
Interstate State Park offers a unique family adventure with its impressive glacial potholes and scenic St. Croix River views. Less than an hour from Minneapolis, this park features fascinating rock formations created by ancient glaciers, making it a memorable hiking destination for kids. Not to mention, it is one of the best Minnesota state parks for families!
Head to the Glacial Potholes Area near the visitor center to see the world’s deepest explored pothole and climb together among giant rock formations. The experience of exploring these natural wonders is thrilling for young and old adventurers alike. Families can also experience the state park and surrounding area by water aboard one of the Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours. Or, rent a canoe for a relaxed paddle along the St. Croix River.
With interpretive exhibits at the visitor center and seasonal ranger-led activities, Interstate State Park is a perfect choice for hiking near Minneapolis with kids.
William O’Brien State Park, Marine on St Croix
Less than 1 hour from Minneapolis
Less than an hour from the Twin Cities, William O’Brien State Park is beloved for its wide riverside trails. Winding along the St. Croix River, the trails offer views of Minnesota and Wisconsin. This state park’s scenic views, kid-friendly paths, and accessibility make it a top pick for families looking for the best state parks near Minneapolis with kids.
Walk the 2-mile Wetland Trail for excellent birdwatching. This flat path winds through wetlands, showcasing spring flowers, golden Tamaracks in fall, and one of the park’s largest beaver lodges up close! Then, pack a lunch or snack. The picnic tables near Lake Alice are perfect for a mid-day break. While most trails are dedicated to cross-country skiing in the winter, Riverside Trail remains accessible for year-round hiking.
Finally, the visitor center, open year-round, provides exhibits, a water fountain, a wood stove, and flush toilets, making it a cozy stop after outdoor adventures.
Lake Maria State Park, Monticello
Less than 1 hour from Minneapolis
One of the best state parks near Minneapolis for camping with kids, Lake Maria State Park offers everything from secluded backpack campsites to remote ski-in/walk-in cabins! Less than an hour from Minneapolis, this state park also provides fanatics year-round nature activities, whether you are planning a day hike or a weekend of fun.
Lake Maria features several easy, self-guided trails (like the Bjorkland Trail) where families can enjoy scenic hikes and spot local wildlife. Keep an eye out; you may even spot osprey and eagles on your trek. The park’s interpretive displays and the Trail Center—with bathrooms and a year-round indoor picnic area—make family visits easy and informative.
From colorful wildflowers in spring to cross-country skiing in winter, Lake Maria offers endless ways to explore in every season.
Related Article: Explore Edina, Minnesota | 13 Fun Things to Do With Kids
Wild River State Park, Center City
Less than 1 hour from Minneapolis
Wild River State Park is ideal for families seeking hiking near Minneapolis with kids. Located less than an hour from the Twin Cities, this park features paved trails perfect for strollers and young hikers, making it accessible for everyone.
The scenic trails wind alongside the St. Croix River, providing opportunities for birdwatching and spotting wildlife. For those visiting in winter, while paved trails aren’t plowed, they become packed for hiking and snowshoeing, with nearly 20 miles groomed for cross-country skiing. Families can also enjoy the Nevers Dam Overlook, which offers excellent river views and interpretive displays.
With indoor restrooms year-round and a warming house available in winter, Wild River State Park stands out as one of the best Minnesota state parks for families looking for a peaceful outdoor experience for all ages.
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, Nerstrand (near Northfield)
Less than 75 minutes from Minneapolis
Families with kids searching for easy hiking with a big impact near the Twin Cities will love this park! Just an hour south of Minneapolis, Nerstrand Big Woods State Park offers families a perfect day trip with a scenic hike to Hidden Falls. Families will appreciate the easy trail to the waterfall. It is especially magical in the winter when it transforms into a frozen wonderland! Before or after the hike, kids of all ages will delight in playing at the unique, train-themed nature playground.
In spring, the park blooms with wildflowers, including the endangered Dwarf Trout Lily. Fall brings vibrant colors to the heavily wooded trails.
Its manageable size and engaging trails make it ideal for a relaxed outing near the Twin Cities metro and one of the top Minnesota state parks for families.
Frontenac State Park, Frontenac (near Red Wing)
Less than 90 minutes from Minneapolis
Frontenac State Park is a top choice among Minnesota state parks for families, just minutes from downtown Red Wing. This picturesque park features 13 miles of hiking trails that overlook Lake Pepin. Wander through restored prairies and along paths that lead to the Mississippi River shores. The park is also a prime spot for birdwatching, especially during spring migration. Don’t miss the iconic natural stone archway in Yan Teopa, which is accessible via the Bluffside Trail.
Families can enjoy hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing in the winter, with snowshoe rentals available at the park office. A dedicated sledding hill near the park office adds to the winter fun. Then, Frontenac State Park is perfect for summertime picnics, offering lovely green spaces with lake views. Whether looking for kid-friendly outdoor adventure or scenic autumn views and hues, Frontenac State Park is ideal for year-round hiking near the Twin Cities with kids.
Frontenac State Park has an all-terrain track chair that is free for visitors with limited mobility or disabilities to use.
Minneopa State Park, Mankato
Less than 90 minutes from Minneapolis
Minneopa State Park, located less than 90 minutes from the Twin Cities (near Mankato), is one of the best state parks near Minneapolis for wildlife viewing with kids. This scenic park is renowned for its hiking trails, stunning double waterfall, and majestic bison herd that roams across 325 acres.
Families can start their adventure by searching for the bison along the drive route. This is an awe-inspiring sight that will thrill young nature lovers! After spotting the bison, visit the historic Seppmann Mill to learn about the area’s milling history. Then, head to the park office to access kid-friendly trails that lead to the breathtaking double falls. The park’s name, derived from the Dakota word for “water falling twice,” perfectly captures its beauty.
Make it an extended outing, and bring a packed lunch to enjoy a family picnic amidst the breathtaking park views!
Related Article: Kid-Tested, Parent-Approved: Eden Prairie’s Best Family Attractions
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park, Onamia
About 90 minutes from Minneapolis
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park is a fantastic destination for hiking near the Twin Cities with kids, especially if you want to get away from the ‘usual’ spots. This park has a diverse wooded trail system, ideal for year-round hikers and winter snowshoers. Families can start their adventure at the Interpretive Center, highlighting 9,000 years of human activity in Minnesota!
Kids of all ages will want to climb the 100-foot fire tower. From the top, enjoy stunning views of Mille Lacs Lake. Families will also love the half-mile Touch the Earth nature trail, which includes a boardwalk through a wooded area and a tamarack bog. The park also boasts a swimming beach and lovely picnic areas for summertime fun. In winter, visitors can enjoy snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Or, sledding on the sliding hill next to the Trail Center, where everyone can warm up with hot chocolate throughout the day.
With its rich history and variety of seasonal outdoor activities, Mille Lacs Kathio is a must-visit state park for Minnesota families!
Banning State Park in Sandstone, MN
About 90 minutes from Minneapolis
Banning State Park is a local gem for hiking near Minneapolis with kids. Located just off I-35 near Sandstone, this park features 17 miles of scenic trails, perfect for family exploration with kids of all ages. Families will appreciate the 1.8-mile Quarry Loop Trail, which offers stunning views of the Kettle River’s rapids and the historic sandstone quarry ruins. The trail also includes informative signs about the area’s mining history. Kids will love spotting wildlife, including birds and small mammals (you may even encounter a snake along the way!).
For a more extended adventure, try the 4-mile Wolf Creek Trail, where you can discover a 20-foot waterfall tucked away in the woods. In addition to hiking, Banning State Park is ideal for experienced paddlers looking to navigate the challenging whitewater routes of the Kettle River.
With its diverse landscapes and abundant activities, Banning State Park is a fantastic outdoor destination for families!
Minnesota State Park St. Croix State Park, Hinckley
About 90 minutes from Minneapolis
The largest state park in Minnesota, St. Croix State Park, boasts over 34,000 acres! Across the state park, families can enjoy several year-round outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. As one of the best state parks near Minneapolis for families with kids, there is even a swimming beach perfect for summer day trips!
Don’t miss the 1-mile loop from the River’s Edge Trail to the River Bluff Trail, which offers breathtaking views and a chance to spot local wildlife. For an educational experience, visit the interpretive center or embark on the Sundance Self-Guided Trail. When you’re not enjoying some of the best hiking trails near the Twin Cities with kids, explore the St. Croix and Kettle Rivers by canoe or kayak. Rentals are available on-site for a family adventure on the water. With options for picnicking, fishing, and even climbing a fire tower, St. Croix State Park promises an unforgettable outdoor experience for everyone in your family!
Finally, St. Croix State Park features three family campgrounds, including electrical sites, which are perfect for overnight stays.
Keep Exploring Minnesota State Parks with Kids
Looking for the best state parks near Minneapolis and Saint Paul with kids? Reading this guide, you’ve discovered some of the top Minnesota state parks for families! Each one is packed with year-round adventures for all ages. From snowy playgrounds and summer fishing to scenic trails for all-season hiking near the Twin Cities, these state parks showcase the beauty and fun of Minnesota. Now that you know the top kid-friendly state parks near the Twin Cities, it’s time to plan your own family adventure!
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 and on her website. She shares all things family travel, outdoor adventures, and their favorite foodie finds.
