This Scenic Park Is The Most Popular In The Entire State Of Minnesota

The Land of 10,000 Lakes is home to an incredible amount of scenic parks and recreation areas, but only one of them is the most popular in the entire state.

While our fair state is known for its vast number of lakes, we're also pretty fortunate to live in a state that has an incredible number of areas that have been maintained as places for the average Minnesotan to enjoy the great outdoors.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reports that it currently maintains 75 different state parks and state recreation areas that are spread across the North Star State. There are so many here in Minnesota, in fact, that there is a state park, rec area, or state trail within 30 miles of most Minnesotans.

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Two of those parks, by the way, are currently in the running to be called some of the best in the United States. Gooseberry Falls State Park and the Devil’s Kettle Trail at Judge C.R. Magney State Park have been nominated for the 2025 USA Today 10-Best Reader’s Choice Awards in the Best State Park and Best Hiking Trail categories. (Cast your vote for them HERE!)

Of course, Minnesota has more than just an incredible lineup of state parks. The Bold North is also home to several national park units, including Voyageurs National Park, Grand Portage National Monument, and the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.

Then there are the 58 regional parks located in the Twin Cities metro area, along with an estimated 1,000 or more city and county parks spread across many of Minnesota's 87 different counties.

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But only one of them is the most visited in the entire state. And that honor, according to the DNR, once again goes to afore-mentioned Gooseberry Falls State Park, located just off Highway 61 in Two Harbors, Minnesota.

According to the DNR, "In 2024, Gooseberry Falls was the most visited state park in Minnesota, welcoming nearly 760,000 visitors. The park’s iconic Upper, Middle, and Lower falls are a must-see in all seasons."

READ MORE: Love Nature, Hate Bugs? Head to These Six Minnesota State Parks

The DNR notes that the falls at Gooseberry Falls State Park are 'a breathtaking backdrop for photos, quiet reflection, or a brisk hike.' The DNR also reports that the park, filled with cedar and spruce forests, is home to 20 miles of hiking trails, as well as the Gooseberry River, which flows into Lake Superior’s rocky shore. A section of the Gitchi-Gami State Trail is also located in the park, making it a great spot for a scenic bike ride.

Even if you don't head to a park, there is a lot of scenic beauty in just about all 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!

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