Minnesota State Park Named Top 20 in US

Minnesota's reputation for outstanding state parks is well-earned. Offering diverse natural beauty from the river bluffs at Afton State Park to the Lake of the Woods shoreline at Zippel Bay State Park, the system truly covers the state's landscapes from A to Z.

One of the crown jewels of Minnesota State Parks is now getting the national spotlight as it was just named one of the top 20 state parks in America. Known for its stunning natural features, this state park is a favorite destination for those seeking something unique and beautiful.

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Minnesota Crown Jewel Shines Brightly

USA Today is working on naming its "10Best" of 2025, and one of the categories open for voting right now is for the Best State Park in America. The huge national parks often steal attention away from these smaller, state parks, but there are some fantastic options for those looking for a getaway close to home and with less traffic.

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Minnesota is home to 64 state parks, showcasing everything from rugged river valleys and ancient forests to serene lakeshores. But it's a natural waterfall in Northern Minnesota that is causing the flow of positive praise towards this state park.

Gooseberry Falls: A Waterfall Wonder

Gooseberry Falls State Park, located on Minnesota's North Shore, is one of the state's most popular and gorgeous parks. The highlight is The Gooseberry River which flows through a rocky gorge of volcanic rock and plunges over several drops known as the Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls, before emptying into Lake Superior.

Depending on the time of year, the falls could be raging or bubbling, either way, the park is a top pick for locals and tourists seeking a relaxing day trip, and it's now one of the top 20 in the US.

Competing Against Giants

Gooseberry Falls State Park is competing against some state park heavy hitters, like Humboldt Redwoods State Park in California, and another state park with a slightly bigger waterfall, Niagara Falls State Park, in New York.

Voting for Best State Park is open until Monday, May 12th, and the top 10, along with the #1 best state park in the US, will be named on Wednesday, May 21st.