National Lands: Minnesota

A landscape typical of the Boundary Waters region (Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Voyageurs National Park is located on the northern border of Minnesota and the United States. No interstate comes even close to this area. Boat tours, canoe trips and hiking are available at the park. Thirteen visitor destinations are been identified by the Park Service, but all of them require a boat for access. The Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway is also shared by Wisconsin. It is located to the east of St. Cloud. Interstate 35 is to the west and close to the area.  Fishing, boating, hiking and camping are all available. The National Park Service has provided sample trip itineraries on their website. The North Country National Scenic Trail runs through seven states. In Minnesota it travels through the northeastern section of the state.

The Mississippi National River and Recreation Area is located in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area with Interstates 35 and 94 providing access. This park is 72 miles long and provides hiking, biking, fishing and boating opportunities. The Grand Portage National Monument is located in the very northeastern tip of the state on the border with Canada. Visitors can learn about the fur trade and the Ojibwe people and they can also hike the trails.  Pipestone National Monument is located in the southwestern corner of the state near the South Dakota border. Interstate 90 is to the south. The red pipestone found at this site is used to make prayer pipes that were sacred to the Indian people.