State parks

Minnesota state parks preserve the most scenic and historic areas in the state. They offer a variety of facilities, services and outdoor recreation opportunities. State parks are well developed with modern facilities, but the degree of accessibility varies from park to park.

Accessible Facilities

• Accessible highlights



• Every state park has picnic facilities and most have camping facilities and trails.
• Many state parks also offer boating and fishing opportunities, historic sites, visitor centers or interpretive programs.
• You can find more information about each park (including maps) on the state parks pages or in the brochure "A Guide to Minnesota State Parks." This brochure (and maps of each state park) also are available from the DNR Information Center . Also explore Wilderness Inquiry's recreation areas listing. This describes the accessibility of some state parks, state trails, state forests and community parks.
• If you need specific information about accessibility at a particular state park, call that park before visiting. In some cases special arrangements can be made. Although park staff will not reserve specific sites, if a camping group includes an individual(s) with disabilities, park staff will make every effort to assign a site with appropriate picnic tables and easy access to the restrooms and shower buildings.

State Park Permits

• A state park permit is required for all vehicles entering Minnesota State Parks.
• Minnesota residents who display handicapped license plates or permanent handicapped certificates are eligible for a reduced price vehicle permit.
• Both annual and daily permits are available at park entrances. (If you will have difficulty leaving your vehicle to go into the park office, you can get assistance from a park employee to purchase a permit.)
• Annual permits also are available by mail from the DNR Division of Parks and Recreation or by phone from the DNR Information Center.
• You do not have to leave your vehicle and enter the park office every time you visit a park. If you have an annual permit properly attached to your vehicle, all you need to do is stop at the sign in front of the park office long enough to allow staff to see your permit.