Nature
Lake Maria State Park in Minnesota was created to preserve a quiet near-wilderness landscape within easy reach of Minneapolis-Saint Paul, with light-use facilities focused on hiking, backpacking, and horseback riding rather than large campgrounds. It protects a remnant of the Big Woods at the northern edge of that ecosystem’s historic range, shaped by repeated glaciation into rolling hills, kames, kettle depressions, wetlands, ponds, and small lakes. The park is notable for abundant wildlife, including 205 bird species and Blanding’s turtles. Proposed in 1947, reauthorized in 1963, opened in 1971, and expanded in 1980, it remains centered on conservation-oriented recreation.
Hear stories like this as you drive
ExploreHere reads historical markers out loud as you pass them: over 325,000 stories across the US. No account needed.
4.7 · 800+ ratings · Free
FIND IT
Minnesota · United States
