State Parks Near Faribault, Minnesota
10 state park units lie within 50 miles of Faribault, including 1 park across the line in Wisconsin. The closest is Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, about 10 mi east of town. 3 parks are within 25 miles, close enough for an evening visit.
- Closest park
- Nerstrand Big Woods State Park10 mi east
- Within 25 miles
- 3of 10 within 50 mi
- With camping
- 104 with cabins
- Dog-friendly
- 2pets allowed
State parks near Faribault, nearest first
Straight-line distance from central Faribault; driving distance is usually longer.
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park
Popular activities here are wildlife watching, hiking, and picnicking. Camping is available: 83 campsites across 5 camping areas, including RV sites with electric hookups and showers.
Hours, fees and rules for Nerstrand Big Woods State Park →Sakatah Lake State Park
Popular activities here are boating, biking, wildlife watching, fishing, and hiking. Its trail network totals roughly 5 miles, according to the park. Water access includes a fishing pier.
Hours, fees and rules for Sakatah Lake State Park →Rice Lake State Park
Things to do include snowmobiling, winter sports, canoeing and kayaking, boating, and wildlife watching. Facilities for water recreation include a fishing pier.
Hours, fees and rules for Rice Lake State Park →Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area
Visitors come for snowmobiling, horseback riding, mountain biking, winter sports, and boating. The official site lists about 47 miles of trails. Camping is available: campsites, including tent sites and equestrian camping.
Hours, fees and rules for Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area →Fort Snelling State Park
Visitors come for cross-country skiing, historic sites, winter sports, swimming, and boating. The official site lists about 18 miles of trails. Water access includes a swimming beach and a fishing pier.
Hours, fees and rules for Fort Snelling State Park →Minneopa State Park
Things to do include horseback riding, golf, historic sites, fishing, and hiking. Its trail network totals roughly 5 miles, according to the park.
Hours, fees and rules for Minneopa State Park →Afton State Park
Visitors come for cross-country skiing, horseback riding, winter sports, swimming, and boating. On the water side, there is a swimming beach.
Hours, fees and rules for Afton State Park →Myre-Big Island State Park
The park supports canoeing and kayaking, swimming, boating, wildlife watching, and ranger programs. The official site lists about 15 miles of trails. Water access includes a swimming beach.
Hours, fees and rules for Myre-Big Island State Park →Kinnickinnic State Park
Things to do include mountain biking, canoeing and kayaking, hunting in season, boating, and swimming. Its trail network totals roughly 10 miles, according to the park. Camping is available: campsites, including tent sites.
Hours, fees and rules for Kinnickinnic State Park →Frontenac State Park
Visitors come for winter sports, historic sites, wildlife watching, ranger programs, and fishing. The official site lists about 18 miles of trails.
Hours, fees and rules for Frontenac State Park →
Best picks by activity
Camping near Faribault
- Nerstrand Big Woods State Park 10 mi east · 83 campsites
- Sakatah Lake State Park 14 mi southwest · 83 campsites
- Rice Lake State Park 18 mi southeast · Campground listed
- Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area 32 mi northwest · Campground listed
- Fort Snelling State Park 40 mi north · Campground listed
+ 5 more in the list above
Cabins and lodging near Faribault
- Sakatah Lake State Park 14 mi southwest · Cabins or other roofed stays
- Minneopa State Park 41 mi west · Cabins or other roofed stays
- Afton State Park 45 mi northeast · Cabins or other roofed stays
- Myre-Big Island State Park 46 mi south · Cabins or other roofed stays
Dog-friendly state parks near Faribault
- Fort Snelling State Park 40 mi north · Pets allowed under park rules
- Myre-Big Island State Park 46 mi south · Pets allowed under park rules
Swimming near Faribault
- Fort Snelling State Park 40 mi north · Beach, pool or swim area
- Afton State Park 45 mi northeast · Beach, pool or swim area
- Myre-Big Island State Park 46 mi south · Beach, pool or swim area
- Kinnickinnic State Park 46 mi northeast · Beach, pool or swim area
Hiking near Faribault
- Nerstrand Big Woods State Park 10 mi east · Hiking trails listed
- Sakatah Lake State Park 14 mi southwest · Hiking trails listed
- Rice Lake State Park 18 mi southeast · Hiking trails listed
- Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area 32 mi northwest · Hiking trails listed
- Fort Snelling State Park 40 mi north · Hiking trails listed
+ 5 more in the list above
Fishing near Faribault
- Sakatah Lake State Park 14 mi southwest · Fishing listed
- Rice Lake State Park 18 mi southeast · Fishing listed
- Fort Snelling State Park 40 mi north · Fishing listed
- Minneopa State Park 41 mi west · Fishing listed
- Afton State Park 45 mi northeast · Fishing listed
+ 3 more in the list above
Questions about state parks near Faribault
What is the closest state park to Faribault?
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park is the closest, about 10 miles east of Faribault in a straight line. Next are Sakatah Lake State Park and Rice Lake State Park.
How many state parks are near Faribault?
10 state park units are within 50 miles, and 3 within 25 miles. That includes parks, recreation areas, historic sites and natural areas run by the state.
Which state parks near Faribault have camping?
10 parks list camping, the nearest being Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, Sakatah Lake State Park and Rice Lake State Park. Check each park page for site types, hookups and how to reserve.
Are dogs allowed at state parks near Faribault?
Yes, at 2 parks, including Fort Snelling State Park and Myre-Big Island State Park. Dogs usually must be leashed, and some areas such as beaches or buildings may be off-limits.
Are there free state parks near Faribault?
None of the nearby parks list free entry; most charge a daily vehicle fee or accept an annual pass. Fees are on each park page.
State parks near other cities
- Near Lakeville, MN26 mi north
- Near Mankato, MN36 mi west
- Near Red Wing, MN39 mi northeast
- Near Rochester, MN44 mi southeast
- Near Waconia, MN45 mi northwest
- Near Minneapolis, MN46 mi north
- Near Austin, MN46 mi south
- Near River Falls, WI50 mi northeast
Or see all Minnesota state parks, Wisconsin state parks or every city we cover.
Built from official park data and updated as parks change; this list was last rebuilt Oct 30, 2026. Features shown are those the official source lists. Filter these parks on the map.