Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Crow Wing Park adventure.
Discover the natural splendor of Crow Wing State Park.
Like a few other Minnesota nature preserves, Crow Wing State Park was once an 1850s boom-town before the railroad decided not to put a depot there and the economy crumbled. Their loss, our huge gain! Because this park is downright gorgeous.
Full of history and remnants of the old village, you can hike along a trail that used to carry ox-cart traffic between the Twin Cities and the Red River settlements. Oak & pine forests are interspersed with confier bogs and wetlands, and even the most newbie canoers can take a stab at floating these calm waters where the Mississippi and Crow Wing Rivers meet. Hike to the picturesque Chippewa lookout for killer views up-river—lore has it that the Ojibwe tribe scouted from this very spot when they were at odds with the Dakotas for the Crow Wing territory.
The ideal time to visit Crow Wing State Park is during the warmer months, from late spring to early fall, when the park's full beauty is on display. Winter can be harsh, with heavy snowfall limiting access to certain areas, making it less ideal for visitors.