Two Minnesota Parks Now In The Running For Best In The U.S.

Living here in Minnesota, we're lucky enough to have some incredible state parks right in our backyard. And now, two of them are in the running to be named some of the best in the entire country!

One of the great things-- and there are many-- about living here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes is the incredible state park system and nature areas that the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages. From one of the many scenic parks along the North Shore to Carley State Park near Plainview, the Bold North really IS a beautiful state.

The DNR says there are currently 75 different Minnesota state parks and state recreation areas spread across the North Star State, with a state park, rec area or state trail within 30 miles of most Minnesotans.

ALSO INTERESTING: How to Get In Free To Any Minnesota State Park

And now, the DNR says that two of them are in the running to be called some of the best in the United States. It's all thanks to a contest currently underway by USA Today. As the DNR said in a release:

Gooseberry Falls State Park and the Devil’s Kettle Trail at Judge C.R. Magney State Park have been nominated for USA Today 10-Best Reader’s Choice Awards in the Best State Park and Best Hiking Trail categories, respectively.

The DNR release explained that a panel of USA Today editors, assisted by other outdoor enthusiasts, nominated these two Minnesota outdoor features as part of just 20 total nominees from across the country in their respective categories!

Some of several waterfalls at Gooseberry Falls State Park. (Curt St John/Townsquare Media)

Those nominations are particularly impressive, especially when you consider just how many different state parks there are in the country. According to the National Association of State Park Directors, there are a whopping 10,336 state park areas across all 50 U.S. states, so to be one of 20 features to be nominated really shows how impressive these Minnesota entries are.

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However, to make sure the rest of the country also knows what we've known all along, the DNR needs YOUR help in voting for both Minnesota entries in the USA Today 10-Best Reader’s Choice Awards. Voting started on April 14th and will run through noon on May 12th, 2025.

You can vote for Gooseberry Falls State Park in the USA Today 10-Best Reader’s Choice Awards HERE
You van vote for Devil’s Kettle Trail at Judge C.R. Magney State Park in the USA Today 10-Best Reader's Choice Awards HERE

I've been to Gooseberry Falls State Park many times, and am always impressed by the scenic beauty of those waterfalls located directly south of Highway 61. And, while I haven't been to Devil's Kettle Trail yet, it's definitely on my Minnesota bucket list.

Meanwhile, if you're looking to head out on the water this weekend, you might be heading to one of Minnesota's over 10,000 Lakes. But do you know just *which* of those lakes have the most common names in the state? (Hint: There are a *lot* of Mud Lakes in Minnesota!) Keep scrolling to check out the rest!