Learn about state park history.



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"September 2025"

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??: Interstate State Park celebrates its 125+ year anniversary. Read more in News. Historic photo courtesy Kenneth M. Wright Studios / Minnesota Historical Society.

Legends of the Land ??

Minnesota’s state parks and recreation areas aren’t just places of natural wonder—they’re living stories of the past. From historic lodges that once welcomed U.S. presidents, to mills and mines that shaped communities, to the deep cultural roots of Indigenous people whose languages and traditions remain central today, history is everywhere in our parks. This month, we’re highlighting just a few of the remarkable sites where the past comes alive, inviting you to connect not only with nature, but with the stories that made Minnesota what it is today.

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Where the Story Begins ??️

"Minnesota's oldest state park: Itasca. "
A color photo of a two-story brown lodge fades into a black-and-white historic photo of the same building. [ [link removed] ]

??: The Douglas Lodge in present-day and in 1905 (photo courtesy Minnesota Historical Society).

Minnesota’s state park story begins in the historic forests of *Itasca State Park [ [link removed] ]. *Established in 1891, Itasca is the oldest state park in Minnesota and the second oldest in the nation after Niagara Falls. Created to protect the old-growth pine and the Mississippi Headwaters, Itasca remains a place where both natural beauty and cultural history are carefully preserved.

The park’s significance stretches back centuries. In 1832, the Anishinaabe guide Ozawindib led explorer Henry Schoolcraft to the outlet of Omushkos zaaga’igan (Elk Lake), now known as Lake Itasca. Ozawindib identified the lake as the true source of the Gichi-ziibi (“big/great river”), now called the Mississippi River. The name Itasca, taken from Latin words for ‘truth’ and ‘head,’ reflects that discovery. 

One of the park’s most enduring landmarks is the Douglas Lodge [ [link removed] ]. Built in 1905 in rustic log-and-stone style, it was the first structure in the park purposefully designed for overnight guests. Visitors today can savor a meal in its restaurant, unwind in its rustic parlor, or stay overnight in original-style guest rooms between Memorial Day and early October—continuing the lodge’s century-long tradition of hospitality and heritage. Beyond the lodge, the park holds traces of even deeper history: a preserved bison kill site more than 7,000 years old, Woodland-era settlements, and a historic fire tower.

Whether crossing the Mississippi on stepping stones, walking among ancient red and white pines, or exploring historic structures, visitors of Itasca State Park can connect with centuries of history that flow through the land.

Learn More [ [link removed] ]

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New Deal, Timeless Legacy ??

"Civilian and Veteran Conservation Corps built lasting landmarks."

A group of young men pose together in black and white photo. They hold axes and wear heavy outdoor clothing.

In the 1930s and early 1940s, the Great Depression reshaped lives across America—and Minnesota’s state parks were no exception. Through President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and Veteran Conservation Corps (VCC) provided jobs for young men and veterans while transforming state parks. Pictured right are a CCC crew at Whitewater State Park in the mid-1930s (photo courtesy Minnesota Historical Society).

From 1933 to 1942, Conservation Corps crews built trails, campgrounds, and visitor centers in Minnesota’s state parks—many still in use today. Their work lives on in stone steps, bridges, picnic shelters, and park offices across the state. Look closely on your next visit to a park and you’ll likely spot the enduring handiwork of the CCC or VCC—a legacy of craftsmanship built to last.

*"Sibley State Park"*



A color image of a stone platform structure fades into a black and white image of the same structure, but on the ground. [ [link removed] ]

From 1935 to 1938, a Veterans Conservation Corps (VCC) camp made up of World War I veterans developed *Sibley State Park* [ [link removed] ]. Working primarily with local granite and white oak timber, crews built the park’s Lake Andrew public-use area. They constructed multiple stone facilities: a picnic pavilion, bathhouse (later adapted as a park store), stone steps linking the beach to Cedar Hill, a laundry building, and the original park office. In 1992, the park was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the “Sibley State Park CCC/Rustic Style Historic District." Beyond Lake Andrew, the VCC also completed the Mount Tom observation tower in 1938 (above right), a signature overlook, still popular with visitors. In 1992, a viewing platform was added to Mount Tom, allowing for incredible sweeping views of the hillsides. After finishing work at Sibley, the crew moved on to Itasca State Park.



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A photo of a group taking an underground mine tour fades into a historic black and white image of the mine. [ [link removed] ]

??: Soudan Mine in present-day and in 1963 (photo courtesy Minnesota Historical Society).

History Runs Deep at Soudan Mine ⛏️

"The story of steel—from iron mine to state park."

Did you know Soudan was Minnesota’s first iron mine? It opened in 1882 as an open-pit mine run by the Minnesota Iron Company. As rock instability raised safety concerns, the mine transitioned underground. During its operation, miners created more than 50 miles of tunnels to access deeper ore bodies and it became a significant contributor of steel for World War I and World War II.

U.S. Steel acquired the mine in the 1890s and workers were regarded as having one of the best mining gigs in the state. Known as the “Cadillac of Mines,” Soudan Underground Mine was renowned for its safety record, competitive wages, good airflow, and excellent working conditions.

When the mine closed in 1962, it was the end of an era. The Soudan Underground Mine was a reliable source of high-quality steel for decades and excellent jobs for generations of workers in northern Minnesota. So, when it was time to cease operations, U.S. Steel knew it was important to keep the history alive of the mine and the community. In 1965, U.S. Steel donated the mine to the State of Minnesota. The site was reopened as a state park (now *Lake Vermilion/Soudan Underground Mine State Park [ [link removed] ]*) and began providing tours that same year. When not undergoing renovations, thousands of visitors a year ride the very same cages that carried the miners over 2,300 feet underground. 

Learn More [ [link removed] ]

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A color image of tall flowing waterfalls fades into a black and white image of the same falls many years ago. [ [link removed] ]

??: High Falls at Grand Portage State Park in present-day and in 1910 (photo courtesy Minnesota Historical Society).

The Grand Portage ??

"Once the source of a detour, now the main attraction. "

At the northern tip of Minnesota lies a place where history and landscape meet in dramatic fashion. The name Grand Portage comes from "Git-che-O-ni-ga-ming", an Ojibwe phrase meaning “a great carrying place.” The name tells the story; for centuries, American Indians, voyageurs, and fur traders were all faced with the same problem, a stretch of the Pigeon River where a 120-foot waterfall, roaring rapids, cliffs, and rugged terrain made travel by water impossible. The only option was to carry heavy packs and canoes nine miles around the obstacles. This epic trek became known simply as '"The Grand Portage".'

Today, *Grand Portage State Park* [ [link removed] ] is unique among Minnesota’s parks. Established in 1989 through a partnership between the State of Minnesota and the Grand Portage Band of Chippewa Indians, it is the only state park not owned by the state itself. Instead, the land is held in trust for the Grand Portage Band by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, with development and operations carried out in cooperation with the Department of Natural Resources.

This distinctive partnership ensures that the park remains a place where both natural beauty and cultural history are honored. Bordering Canada and only a mile from Lake Superior, Grand Portage invites visitors to witness stunning views, connect with Ojibwe heritage, and reflect on the incredible journeys carried across this “great carrying place.”

Learn More [ [link removed] ]

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A stone mill starts in present day and fades into an old photo of the same mill with people standing outside of it. [ [link removed] ]

??: Seppmann Mill in present-day and in 1890 with William Seppmann and others standing outside (photo courtesy Minnesota Historical Society).

Wheat to Flour - Prairie to Park ??

"History still visible on the landscape at Minneopa State Park."

Set between sweeping prairie and quiet woods, *Minneopa State Park* [ [link removed] ] is Minnesota’s third-oldest state park. Established in 1905, the park is home to the historic Seppmann Mill, iconic double waterfalls, and a herd of bison that once roamed the prairie in great numbers. 

An image of a waterfall flowing from below a intricate bridge. Below it is an image of a herd of bison grazing on the prairie. [ [link removed] ]

Perched atop a tall hill overseeing the bison range is the historic Seppmann Mill (pictured above). Built in 1864 by German stonemason Louis Seppmann, the remarkable stone windmill once turned up to 150 bushels of wheat a day into flour, serving farmers from miles around. Though lightning and tornadoes damaged its arms and sails over time, the Seppmann Mill stood resilient—so much so that in 1970 the granary was carefully rebuilt to its original dimensions. Today, visitors can still stand in the shadow of this 161-year-old landmark.

Another highlight of Minneopa is its resident herd of bison [ [link removed] ]. Once a defining presence on Minnesota’s prairies, bison were driven to near extinction in the 1800s. Today, their return to Minneopa is part of a statewide conservation effort to restore this keystone species and preserve their genetic diversity. Watching these massive animals roam the prairie offers visitors a glimpse into the past and a connection to the deep ecological and cultural heritage of the land.



Learn More [ [link removed] ]

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Two men stand by a lake in a black and white photo. [ [link removed] ]

??: Vice President Richard Nixon and John Cowles, Sr. stand by Sunset Lake in 1956 (photo courtesy Minnesota Star Tribune).

Presidents at Glendalough??️

"Glendalough State Park blends political history with natural beauty."

Few Minnesota state parks can claim presidential visitors, but thanks to *Glendalough State Park's [ [link removed] ]* lakeside lodge, it has hosted more than one. Set on the shore of Annie Battle Lake and built in 1905, Glendalough Lodge is the historic centerpiece of what is now Glendalough State Park. Originally built by Minnesota political figure Ezra G. Valentine as a summer retreat for his family, the lodge was later purchased in 1928 by F.E. Murphy, who owned the Minneapolis Tribune.

A wood-shingle sided home is surrounded by trees glowing orange in the fall. [ [link removed] ]

In its heyday as a private retreat for the Minneapolis Tribune, the lodge hosted powerful executives and even welcomed former U.S. Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower and Richard Nixon. In the above photo, Vice President Richard Nixon and John Cowles, Sr. (who owned Glendalough before it was a state park) are standing by Sunset Lake. The plaid sweater Nixon is wearing is the “loaner”—and the same one worn by Eisenhower when he visited in 1952.

Planning a gathering? These days, both Glendalough Lodge and the neighboring dining hall are available for day-use rentals. When not rented for private use, you can step inside the lodge to explore interpretive displays that trace Glendalough’s past from a hunting camp and game farm to state park. If the lodge is closed, you can find an outdoor kiosk nearby that keeps the story going with photos and timelines.



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Historic Views ??

"Fire towers open to the public in state parks."
A fire tower stands taller than the trees along the horizon on a fall day. [ [link removed] ]

??: Elba Fire Tower, Whitewater Wildlife Management Area

Witness the changing of the seasons or simply feel like a bird high above the trees when climbing a state park fire tower [ [link removed] ]. Minnesota state parks have five fire towers across the state, all currently open for climbing to the very top. Fire towers are tall structures that were originally built in the early 20th century to monitor for wildfires from a 360-degree vantage point. Towers were manned by fire lookouts who scan the landscape for signs of smoke or fire—using tools like binoculars, telescopes, and the Osborne Fire Finder to spot and pinpoint the location of potential fires.

*"Elba Fire Tower (above)"*

Minnesota's tallest fire tower can be found just two miles east of *Whitewater State Park [ [link removed] ] *in Whitewater Wildlife Management Area. The Elba Fire Tower, a National Historic Lookout, was constructed by the CCC in 1933 to spot and prevent intentionally set fires. Surrounding landowners were burning woodland hillsides to clear them for grazing. Grazing these newly opened hillsides contributed to erosion and flooding that destroyed homes, farms, and towns. You’ll find the fire tower sitting atop a bluff that overlooks the Whitewater River valley. Once used as a lookout, the 110-foot tower has been restored and is now open to the public to climb spring through Nov. 1.  

A fire tower reaches up past the tops of trees in the fall. [ [link removed] ]

*"Big Bog State Recreation Area Observation Tower (right)"*

After devastating fires swept across the peatlands in the 1930s, multiple fire towers were constructed in the Red Lake area. The first fire tower at *Big Bog State Recreation Area* [ [link removed] ] was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1937 and used for fire detection until the late 1960s. The original tower was dismantled in the mid-1970s and replaced with a tower from Pine Island State Forest in 2011. The new tower has been open to the public since its relocation. Today, visitors can climb the tower during office hours and look out over the unique bog landscape—you may even see boaters on Upper Red Lake! If you’d rather stay on the ground—check out the tower’s live webcam feed [ [link removed] ] or watch it in the park’s visitor center.



Learn More [ [link removed] ]



Interstate State Park Turns 125...and 130 ??

Dual state park was first in nation. 

A beautiful river landscape at sunset. [ [link removed] ]

This year, we’re celebrating a special milestone with our neighbors across the river. In 1900, the Wisconsin Legislature established *Interstate State Park [ [link removed] ]*—making it Wisconsin’s very first state park. Just five years earlier, in 1895, Minnesota had already set aside its side of the St. Croix Dalles (also called *Interstate State Park* [ [link removed] ]), making this the very first "interstate" park in the nation.

Born out of a shared vision to protect the striking basalt cliffs and unique geology of the Dalles of the St. Croix, the park stands as a testament to what two states can accomplish together. Today, Minnesota and Wisconsin manage their state parks separately, but visitors to either side will find stunning trails, panoramic river views, and opportunities to explore this nationally significant landscape.

Congratulations to Wisconsin state parks on their 125th anniversary—we’re proud to share the legacy of Interstate State Park with you!



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Minnesota Historical Society Program Changes

Historic Forestville and Charles A. Lindbergh House and Museum offerings are shifting.

A red historic house has a wood, picket fence along the front.

You may have heard about changes coming to two of Minnesota’s historic treasures: Historic Forestville and the Charles Lindbergh House and Museum. Both are closely connected to our state parks—Historic Forestville sits within *Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park [ [link removed] ]*, and the Charles Lindbergh House and Museum is just next door to *Charles A. Lindbergh State Park [ [link removed] ]*.

The good news? There are "no changes to operations at either state park"—they remain open and fully staffed, with the same great services and experiences you know and love.

The historic sites themselves aren’t closing, but their programming is shifting. As of September 1, 2025, the Minnesota Historical Society is focusing on outdoor interpretive experiences and occasional special events at both Historic Forestville and the Lindbergh House. Visitors can look forward to free, self-guided tours supported by updated interpretive panels, part of a larger, multi-year MNHS initiative to refresh history experiences across the state. To learn more about the changes, visit the Minnesota Historical Society website [ [link removed] ].





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