Nerstrand-Big Woods State Park

Tucked into the rolling hills of Rice County, Nerstrand-Big Woods State Park protects one of the last remnants of the Big Woods—a vast hardwood forest that once blanketed southern Minnesota. Spanning 1,646 acres, this park is a living window into what the pre-settlement landscape looked like, dominated by towering sugar maples, basswoods, and red oaks that form a dense, cathedral-like canopy.

The park’s crown jewel is Hidden Falls, a picturesque waterfall along Prairie Creek that draws visitors year-round. In spring, the forest floor erupts with wildflowers—including the dwarf trout lily, a federally endangered species found nowhere else on Earth. This alone makes Nerstrand worth the trip for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

Thirteen miles of trails wind through the woods, offering hiking in warmer months and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter. Birders will find plenty to watch, from pileated woodpeckers hammering away at dead timber to warblers passing through during spring migration.

The park offers a modern campground with electric hookups, as well as a camper cabin for those who prefer a roof overhead. Sites are shaded and well-spaced, making for a quieter camping experience than many Minnesota state parks.

Visit in late April through mid-May for peak wildflower season, or come in October when the hardwood canopy turns brilliant shades of gold and crimson. Either way, Nerstrand rewards visitors who slow down and pay attention to what this rare forest has to offer.

Explore Nearby

• Superior National Forest — National Forest in Minnesota
• Chippewa National Forest — National Forest in Minnesota
• Minnesota Scenic Byways — Scenic Byway in Minnesota
• Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in Minnesota
• The Arches Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Minnesota