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The park offers tourists a unique chance to explore the natural scenic beauty of the place. The Pipestone National Monument reflects the rich cultural heritage of American Indians. Bestowed with picturesque landscape, the Pipestone National Monument is one of the favorite tourist destinations of Minnesota.
The Grand Portage National Monument portrays the unique traditional legacy and cultural ancestry of the state. Surrounded by beautiful gardens, the Grand Portage National Monument is an ideal place to spend time with family and friends. Voyageurs National Park is a renowned water park and recreational center of Minnesota. The North Country National Scenic trail presents the tourists with an interesting scope to enjoy the adventurous sport of hiking.
How Many National Parks are in Minnesota?
Technically speaking, there are 1 designated national park, 2 national monuments, and 1 each of the National Scenic Trail, National Scenic Riverway, and National River and Recreation Area.
Best National Parks in Minnesota |
|---|
| S. No | Name | Area | Established | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Voyageurs National Park | 218,200 acres (88,300 ha) | 8. Apr. 1975 | Saint Louis County & Koochiching County, Minnesota, USA |
Best National Parks in Minnesota
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Voyageurs National Park (International Falls, Kabetogama, Ash River, and Crane Lake, MN)
Voyageurs National Park, the only designated national park in Minnesota, is a maze of interconnected water highways. Before visiting this place, you should plan ahead for a better experience of the adventure. You should also contemplate bringing your own watercraft. However, you can also reserve a watercraft. You can also take a park ranger boat tour for a more informed and worry-free family trip.
The physical address of the headquarters is 360 Hwy 11 East, International Falls, MN 56649. This park, situated in Northern Minnesota, shares its northern boundary with Canada. It is located just west of the Boundary Water Canoe Area Wilderness. You can access Voyageurs National Park by car.
If you really want to experience the park, it is recommended that you leave the vehicle behind. And instead of moving in a car, access the park with the help of a boat. Access to Voyageurs National Park is possible from multiple points. It includes Orr/Pelican Lake, Crane Lake, Ash River, Kabetogama Lake, and Rainy Lake.
You can experience 4 distinct seasons in this national park. The weather remains fine and mild during June, July, and August. The air is temperate during these 3 months. From June to mid-September, averaging around 120 days, it remains frost-free.
May 3 is the average ice-out date. However, it varies from year to year. The average yearly precipitation level in the park varies from 25 inches to 28 inches. The average annual snowfall level varies from 55 inches to 70 inches. However, it remains highly variable. While the first measurable snowfall takes place in late October. It ends around late April or early May.
Voyageurs National Park has 3 visitor centers:
- Rainy Lake Visitor Center
- Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center, And
- Ash River Visitor Center
Currently, public WiFi facilities are available at the Ash River Visitor Center only.
Best National Monuments in Minnesota
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Grand Portage National Monument (Grand Portage, MN)
Grand Portage National Monument gives you a sneak peek of the past so that you can discover the present. In this national park, you get the opportunity to explore those days of the North American fur trade. Explore Grand Portage Ojibwe and North West Company’s partnership. Walkthrough the pathways into a distant time.
In the monument site, a bustling depot has been reconstructed at the exact location. Experience and feel of the past as you listen to the beat of the drum echo over Gichigami – Lake Superior.
The physical address of the Grand Portage National Monument is 170 Mile Creek Road, Grand Portage, MN 55605. As you travel northeast or southwest on MN Highway 61, you can see the signs on the side of the highways. At the Grand Portage Trading Post, you have to make a right or left turn from Highway 61 to enter Casino Road.
At the first stop sign from Casino Road to Mile Creek Road, now turn left. Look for the large wooden entrance sign as you move around 1.2 miles (1.9 km) on Mile Creek Road. Now, turn left along the short hill to reach the Heritage Center parking.
Both the heritage center and trails remain open round the year. The Historic Depot consists of the Ojibwe Village, Great Hall, Voyageurs Encampment, canoe warehouse, kitchen, and historic gardens. It remains open from Memorial through Columbus weekends.
The climate of northern Minnesota remains cold for a pretty long time during winters. However, the summers are warm and short. In January, the temperature hovers within –11 °F (-24 °C) and 12 °F (-11 °C). The winter temperature hovers within 55 °F (13 °C) to 78 °F (26 °C). In Grand Portage, the average annual precipitation level is around 32 inches (812.8 mm).
At Grand Portage NM, no WiFi facility is available. However, at the Grand Portage Lodge and Casino (which is located around a one-half mile west of the national monument), free WiFi access is available. AT&T is the only AT&T phone service provider available at Grand Portage National Monument.
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National Monument (Pipestone, MN)
Pipestone National Monument is erected because many people consider it sacred. The quarried pipestones have been carved into pipes. They say the smoke in the pipes carries the prayers to the Great Spirit. You can still find the quarrying and pipe-making traditions continue here.
The physical address of Pipestone National Monument is 36 Reservation Ave, Pipestone, MN 56164. If you take planes, you have to land at Sioux Falls, SD -Joe Foss Field Airport. This is situated 50 miles (80 km) from Pipestone National Monument. You can rent a car at the airport up to your destination.
You can also take your car and reach Pipestone city through local highways. Just check the road signs to reach the place quickly. It remains open round the clock throughout the year. Walk the Circle Trail at any point in time to make your trip memorable. If you are traveling to the place, always keep in mind that seasonal weather may change rapidly.
Currently, no WiFi facility is available at the park. However, cell phones work. If you want better reception, you may have to go into a nearby town (which is situated just 5-minutes drive away).
Best National River And Recreation Area and Scenic Riverway in Minnesota
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Mississippi National River And Recreation Area (Twin Cities Metropolitan Area, MN)
This 72 miles (116 km) Mississippi National River And Recreation Area are surely one of the best places for you to relax. You can fish, boat, cycle, hike, canoe, or indulge in a wide array of outdoor activities. This is the perfect river and recreation area for birdwatching.
The physical address of the Mississippi National River And Recreation Area is 120 W. Kellogg Blvd., Saint Paul, MN 55101. Near the headquarters, a limited metered street parking facility is available. In the lobby of the Science Museum of Minnesota and at the Upper St. Anthony Lock and Dam, the visitor centers are situated.
You will find a continental climate in the Mississippi National River And Recreation Area. While the temperature remains moderate and the humidity remains low during summertime, the temperature remains moderate and humidity low during spring. The temperatures may reach more than 100 °F (38 °C) during summer but usually remain low to mid-80 °F (25-30 °C) during summer.
The season of autumn is characterized by gorgeous fall colors, cool nights, and dry, warm days. The daytime high temperatures in winter remain around 25 °F (-3 °C). Sometimes, strong winds blow. However, the high temperatures during winter don’t get above -10°F (-23°C).
Mississippi National River And Recreation Area is a “partnership” park in partnership with other units of government for protecting and preserving the natural and cultural history of this Mississippi River.
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Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway (Saint Croix Falls, WI, MN)
If you are longing for an adventure to remember, grab your paddle and head to the St. Croix and Namekagon rivers. These rivers together form the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. It offers more than 200 miles (322 km) of clean water, gliding and rushing through a forested landscape. You can enjoy lots of adventure by paddling, boating, fishing, camping, and enjoying the wild, scenic beauty of the place. You can also hike to historic towns.
The physical address of Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway is 401 North Hamilton Street, St. Croix Falls, WI 54024. You can camp on the lower St. Croix River. You can reserve the Osceola picnic shelters or get permits for research, commercial filming, and events. Riverway’s entrance is free of cost.
No WiFi facility is available in the park. Cell service is available mainly in the river valley
National Scenic Trail in Minnesota
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North Country National Scenic Trail (Seven States-New York to North Dakota MI, MN, ND, NY, OH, PA, VT, WI)
Trek the hills and valleys in the North Country National Scenic Trail. Get mesmerized as you stand on the shores of lakes and streams from 10,000 years old glaciers. The picturesque landscape is characterized by clear-flowing water, red and gold autumn, open prairies, a fairyland of snow, and distant horizons. Either hike for a few hours or enjoy an overnight camping/backpacking trip, there are lots to enjoy the North Country National Scenic Trail.
The physical address is 318 East Main Street, Suite K, Lowell, MI 49331. This national park is around 4,600 miles (7,403 km) long. More than 2,000 miles (3500 km) is complete and is ready for use. This national parks headquarter is situated in Lowell, Michigan. Regular cellular and internet access are available but their effectiveness varies greatly along the entire stretch.