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Family-Friendly State Parks
Real woods, hills, and swim beaches — the prairie hides more than people think, all within a short drive.
The valley is flat, but you only have to drive 20 minutes east before the land turns to lakes, hills, and hardwoods. These state parks are the easiest day trips for a hike, a swim, or a first night of camping. Distances are from Fargo.
Closest (under an hour)
Buffalo River State Park, MNSwim beach and prairie trails near Glyndon — about 20 minutesVisit ↗Fort Ransom State Park, NDHike the Sheyenne River valley — about 1 hr 15 southwestVisit ↗
Worth the drive (about 1–1.5 hrs)
Maplewood State Park, MNHills, lakes and fall color near Pelican RapidsVisit ↗Glendalough State Park, MNBike, paddle and a no-motor heritage fishery near Battle LakeVisit ↗Turtle River State Park, NDShady trails and tubing near Grand ForksVisit ↗Lake Carlos State Park, MNBig clear lake and campground near AlexandriaVisit ↗
The big one
Itasca State Park, MNWalk across the Mississippi headwaters — about 2.5 hrs, a bucket-list dayVisit ↗Sheyenne National Grassland, NDTallgrass prairie and the Sheyenne hiking trail, southwest of townLook it up ↗
Dad Tip
MN parks need a vehicle permit and ND parks charge a daily entry fee — buy an annual pass if you'll go more than three or four times a year. It pays for itself by July.