My family and I stopped by this park while on vacation in the area in March 2024. We were thrilled…read moreto see there are hiking trails as well as the fire tower, plus there are a lot of interesting things to read about the tower history and fire history in the area. The whole park is nice - clean, well kept, both paved trails and gravel lined trails, well-built steps, and quality railings where steps are located. There is a paved trail that goes to the tower, as well as an unpaved trail that is a good uphill climb. The tower looks neat, and we would have loved to climb it, but it was closed. There is a big fence with a locked door around it. This was a bummer for me - the websites that I found describing the park had said that the park was open year-round, which I (wrongly) thought included the tower. I do understand - it is an unseasonably warm winter, and most people aren't going hiking or climbing giant towers in March. I was just disappointed. Nonetheless, we enjoyed our time there - both the hiking and learning about fire safety in the area.

One of the smaller state parks we've visited. A short 1-2 mile hike is mostly flat with some lovely…read morelake and river views. Lots of white pines, which apparently are tasty to deer, hence the restoration area. It was fun to see the not-so-mighty Mississippi. Very different looking from where I grew up in southern MN.

This 224 acre park east of Grand Rapids is one of the smaller in the state system. There is easy…read morehiking in a circle of the park with many tall pines. The park borders the shore of the Mississippi River with many picnic spots. Camping seems to be the bigger attraction with ample camping spots including a large group camp site. The camp sites are rustic so don't expect a hot shower room or flushing toilet. For more adventure you could also canoe-in to a site. A dock and boat launch round out the activities. There is no trail office only a self-service kiosk.

A classic state park and must see!! Loved being at the headwaters of the Mississippi…read more The fire tower is one of the biggest attractions but the line gets pretty long. We waited for an hour around 4pm since only six people can go up at a time. And I didn't even make it to the top because it was absolutely terrifying. I saw a lady take her dog up there and honestly props to her. Even on a fall weekend, there were a ton of sites available. I'm definitely coming back!!

I enjoyed coming here as a kid and as an adult it's just as nice. The rocks crossing the river at…read morethe start seems to be more from what I remember but it's just as fun and cool. The log to walk across is there as well for easier crossing. I don't remember it being as rocky on the bottom of the river as it is now so I'd suggest water shoes but not really necessary.

This is a very interesting nature center. They have several hiking trails in beautiful forests…read more They have a nice visitor center with a gift shop. There is a bunkhouse for youth camps. They do a lot of educational events. Busses of kids are coming and going every day education of nature and wildlife.

What an amazing park with incredible play equipment. I used to play here as a little girl but it…read morehas had an amazing upgrade since the last time I went. It had amazing music sensory actives and some amazing slides that my toddler loved. It was a great way to spend an afternoon!

We didn't stop at this park for long but it is a great opportunity to see the beginning of the…read moreMississippi. It's a wonderful opportunity to let your kids play, walk the dogs, stretch your legs, see the lake, and take a picture of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox!

100' doesn't seem that bad until you climb it and you get above the trees and the wind starts to…read morehit you. It is a nice tower and I've been to the top a couple times but I can tell I'm getting older and this time it seemed way scarier!!! But I made it to the top and survived to tell about it!! Lol

Ok if you are afraid of heights then do not recommend, but if you want something to do then this is…read morejust right for you and the family, when you are done go to the visitor center and get your certificate card

Gorgeous in October, the leaves are spectacular!!. Great trails to walk and run on. The beach is…read moreSandy and beautiful. A go to spot when in Bemidji!

We visited here on our first day here last weekend. Admission was free since it was Bird City day…read more Also, it was extra special since there was a raptor LIVE show at the amphitheater. There were 3 raptors which were showcased from a falcon, owl to hawk. My wife's favorite was the sowa owl which looked really miniature in size. Afterwards, we walked the bog trail and then drove to the marina boat launch. Overall, this was a great experience to see a ranger program as well as trail hike too:)

Great dog park! Lots of space to run. There are two designated areas for 30 lbs and under and 30…read morelbs and over.

What a great city park! We stayed at the campground one night so that we could ride the Heartland…read moreTrail the next day. The park is right next to the trail in Akeley. The facilities were spotless. The price was reasonable. The sunset view from our campsite was across a lovely lake. We were right across from the bathrooms, and it was surprisingly quiet. Everyone seemed to respect the quiet hours. The people running the campground were quite accommodating. They allowed us to park in a general area the next day and clean up after our ride. We didn't leave until 3:00, well past check out time. I highly recommend this campground. And don't miss the Akeley museum while you're in town. It's an easy walk from the campground.

Shhh...don't tell anyone about this little gem of a park and campground on 11th Crow Wing Lake in…read moreAkeley. You won't want to disclose that it's just off the Heartland State Trail, relatively inexpensive ($30/night) for camping, small rustic sandy swimming beach, public cement boat access, fish cleaning house, nice shower & bathroom buildings, a lakeside picnic areas, campfire spots and playground. Call the city of Akeley now to reserve your spot!