Father Hennepin State Park

You’ll think you’re in an episode of the Simpsons when you see the cartoonishly vibrant colors at Father Hennepin State Park. Bright green trees line the pristine sandy beach on the Mille Lacs Lake, all framed by blue skies and even bluer water. Named for a Franciscan priest who visited the area with a French expedition in 1680, the French actually called the area Louisiana (in honor of Louis XIV) when Father Hennepin wrote home to describe its beauty. Hike to Pope’s Point to catch a sunset over the lake, or test out your volleyball skills on the beachside courts. Whatever you do, be sure to pack bug spray—you’ll be on a boggy midwestern lake, after all.