Looking for an escape outside of the city? There is no need to travel far. From great bluffs to gorgeous waterfalls, there are 11 state parks within an hour drive of Rochester — each featuring their own distinct characteristics for planning your next epic Minnesota outdoor adventure.

Note: This article originally appeared in the June print edition of The Beat Monthly. Parks are listed in no particular order.

Nerstrand Big Woods State Park

Approx. 50 minutes away

A four-season spot for recreation. Take in cool waterfalls in the summer, dazzling leaves come autumn, ski trails in the winter, and wildflowers in the spring. A plethora of trails and campsites make this a great spot for an extended nature experience. Drive-in and walk-in campsites are available.

Lake Louise State Park

Approx. 45 minutes away

Enjoy sunbathing and sandcastles at Lake Louise Beach. Hike across the bridge at the confluence of the Upper Iowa and Little Iowa Rivers. The park also offers an array of picnic options and hiking or horseback riding trails. The Lake Louise Dam, built in 1925, is a dynamic attraction. Drive-in campsites are available.

Frontenac State Park

Approx. 50 minutes away

Thirteen miles of trails through prairies, wooden ravines, and along the bluffs. Picnic area with panoramic views of Lake Pepin and the Mississippi River Valley. Drive-in, cart-in, and backpack campsites are available.

John A. Latsch State Park

Approx. 55 minutes away

This park features a challenging half-mile trek up stairs to the top of Mount Charity; once at the top, hikers are rewarded with stunning views of the Mississippi River Valley. Day use only.

Great River Bluffs State Park

Approx. 1 hour away

This park offers easy trails with scenic overlooks of Mississippi River Valley. Like other parks along the bluffs, bring binoculars to look out for waterfowl, eagles, and hawks. Drive-in, cart-in, and bike-in campsites are available.

Mystery Cave State Park

Approx. 45 minutes away

Limestone cliffs, trout streams, and campsites for you (and your horses) are just the start of the attractions here. Stop in at the General Store in Historic Forestville, a restored 1800s village run by the Minnesota Historical Society, or spelunk around the Mystery Cave, which features striking stalactites and other cave formations.

Sakatah Lake State Park

Approx. 1 hour away

Bring a kayak or canoe to paddle the calm waters of Sakatah Lake, a natural widening of the Cannon River. Anglers: drop a line in for walleye, largemouth and white bass, and northern pike. Bicyclists and in-line skaters can explore the 41-mile-long paved Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail, which goes through the park. Drive-in and bike-in campsites are available.

Rice Lake State Park

Approx. 40 minutes away

One of the most underrated parks in the region, Rice Lake offers a quaint camping experience, along with hiking trails, a picnic area, fishing pier, and canoe access. Drive-in, walk-in, and canoe-in sites are available.

Whitewater State Park

Approx. 35 minutes away

Explore 10 miles of hiking trails, including the Chimney Rock Trail with a scenic view of the Whitewater River. Relax on the sandy beach with spring-fed water, open May through Labor Day. Take a turn at fly fishing for brook, brown, and rainbow trout, or climb 110 feet to the top of the nearby Elba Fire Tower. Drive-in and cart-in campsites are available.

The Dakota Trail at Whitewater State Park / MN DNR

Carley State Park

Approx. 30 minutes away

A quieter alternative to Whitewater, Carley offers hiking along the Whitewater River through towering white pines and patches of wildflowers, including bluebells in early spring. The park also offers picnic areas, a playground, and 20 wooded drive-in campsites.

Big Myre Island State Park

Approx. 1 hour away

Perfect for a longer getaway. Cozy cabins, hiking and biking trails, and views of Albert Lea Lake are all highlights, while the Northern hardwood forest of 120 acre Big Island is an ideal place to birdwatch. Drive-in and backpack campsites are available.

Cover photo: Frontenac State Park / MN DNR