Scenic State Park lives up to its name with some of the finest old-growth red and white pine forests remaining in Minnesota. Tucked into Itasca County’s lake country, this 2,370-acre park wraps around Coon and Sandwick Lakes, where towering pines reflect off water so still it feels like stepping into a painting.

The virgin pine stands here are the real draw — trees that were already centuries old when Minnesota became a state. A network of trails winds beneath their canopy, offering hikers and cross-country skiers a rare chance to walk through forest that looks much as it did before European settlement. The Chase Point Trail, a moderate loop along a narrow peninsula between the two lakes, delivers some of the most photographed scenery in the state park system.

Paddlers will find excellent canoeing on both lakes, with the calm, sheltered waters ideal for beginners and families. Fishing for walleye, northern pike, and panfish keeps anglers busy through the open-water season. In winter, the park transforms into a quiet wonderland for snowshoeing and skiing.

Summer and early fall bring the warmest weather and best paddling conditions, though September’s color display against the evergreen backdrop is hard to beat. Winter visitors enjoy genuine solitude and pristine snow-covered trails.

Whether you’re pitching a tent, casting a line, or simply standing among pines that have weathered four centuries of Minnesota seasons, Scenic State Park offers an unhurried connection to the North Woods that few places can match.

Explore Nearby

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• Lake Vermilion Public Islands — Public Land in Minnesota
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• Duluth North Pier Light — Lighthouse in Minnesota