Get an amazing view when you climb to the top of one of these Minnesota Fire Towers!
Regardless where you live in MN you can most likely think of a place you’ve visited, one with a memorable view. Was it the color of the leaves, the water or perhaps how you got to the view?
I recently learned that the Minnesota State Parks have five different fire towers, all open for climbing and viewing. I’ve climbed just one of them, Itasca State Park, the other four are now on our summer bucket list.
Photo courtesy of the MN State Park System
Minnesota Fire Towers You Can Climb:
- Big Bog State Recreation Area
- Itasca State Park
- Mille Lacs Kathio State Park
- St. Croix State Park
- Whitewater State Park
Another option that comes around just once a year is climbing the MN DNR fire tower at the Minnesota State Fair. That’s the tower in the first large photo above.
Have you climbed all of these towers? Which had the best view?
If heights aren’t quite your thing, there are overlooks, hikes and cliffs at some of the State Parks that also have great scenic views, just without all the steps.
Would love to hear where your favorite view is in Minnesota, we could add it to our bucket list of spots to check out.
- About the Author
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Kristi is married with twin daughters. She grew up on a small dairy farm, but now lives in the south metro area. She enjoys finding free or thrifty things to do whether they are outings close to home or last minute adventures to far-away places.
Kristi can also be found enjoying estate sales, attempting to garden, volunteering in the wetlands or a favorite thrift store, or maybe just enjoying a good play in one of the many theatre venues in the area.
Nate Baustad says
I like the view when you walk to the Mississippi River on a bluff past Shadow Falls in St Paul, it is truly a hidden gem right in the city
Kristina says
Love climbing fire towers and all things MN State Parks! Whitewater State Park is known for less mosquitoes- something about the limestone in the area…
We also climbed Mt. Tom observation tower in Sibley State Park near New London/Spicer – that’s a cool one!