Minnesota is home to 73 — yes, 73! — beautiful State Parks and recreation areas. Each one has a unique view of the many varied ecosystems throughout the state of Minnesota. From wide-open prairies and clear lakes to rugged shorelines and thick pine forests, there’s so much to see and explore at Minnesota State Parks.
Start your own adventure and join the Passport Club! Immerse yourself in the natural beauty put on display through all four seasons. The Passport Club will take you to stunning waterfalls, scenic overlooks, and peaceful trails all across our great state. Each visit will earn you a stamp on your passport, getting you one step closer to prizes, including free camping nights, a pin, and ultimately a personalized plaque for visiting all 73 parks.
Ready? Let’s Go!
1. Get your annual MN State Parks vehicle pass ($35)
This gets you unlimted access to State Parks for an entire year from the month of purchase.
2. Join the Passport Club ($14.95 + tax)
Order online or purchase from any State Park Nature Store. Each passport will come with a card so you can register for the Passport Club online.
3. Plan your visits & get your stamps
Start near or far, but get exploring! When you visit each state park and recreation area, stop by the entrance/ranger station or kiosk and look for a stamp and ink pad, then stamp and date the matching page in your passport booklet. Go for a hike, camp under the stars, explore a cave, or have a picnic. Just enjoy the sights and sounds of nature and wildlife around you!
Not sure where to go first?
Start close to home! There are 10 State Parks within 1.5 hour drive of Rochester! We’ve got rivers, caves, scenic bluffs, prairies, and waterfalls right here in SE Minnesota, each one worth the trip.
Check out the Virtual Tours from MN DNR, and their day trip and weekend trip itineraries for both summer and winter visits.
