Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, State park in Rice County, Minnesota, United States.
Description
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park is a forest preserve covering nearly 3,000 acres with hardwood groves, meadows, and wetland areas. The terrain features limestone formations and is crossed by a network of walking trails.
History
The park was established in 1945 to protect a remnant of the Big Woods forest that once blanketed southeast Minnesota before European settlement in the 1840s. This preserved section guards one of the last traces of a landscape that was nearly erased.
Culture
The name Nerstrand comes from Nedstrand in Norway, reflecting the Norwegian immigrant roots in the region.
Practical
The trails are open year-round, with snowshoeing available during winter. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear as the ground can be uneven and muddy in places.
Did you know?
The park shelters a population of dwarf trout lilies, an endangered flower found naturally in only three Minnesota counties. This rare plant makes the preserve particularly important for conservation efforts.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Rice County).
Shattuck-Saint Mary's
13 km
Tate Hall, Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf
13.2 km
Faribault Woolen Mills
13.9 km
Thorstein Veblen Farmstead
4.8 km
Goodsell Observatory
13.5 km
The Cave
13.3 km
O. E. Rolvaag House
14.1 km
Archibald Mill
12.3 km
Northfield Public Library
13.2 km
Alexander Faribault House
14.1 km
Thomas Scott Buckham Memorial Library
14.2 km
Valley Grove
1.9 km
Blind Department Building and Dow Hall, State School for the Blind
13.8 km
Willis Hall
13.4 km
Jo Ryo En Japanese Garden
13.2 km
Bonde Farmhouse
2.2 km
Scoville Memorial Library
13.4 km
Thomas and Bridget Shanahan McMahon House
13.5 km
Nerstrand City Hall
3.1 km
All Saints Church-Episcopal
12.9 km
Osmund Osmundson House
3.4 km
Edward T. Archibald House
11.9 km
Faribault Viaduct
14.1 km
Hauge Lutheran Church
12.1 km
Batchelder's Block
14.1 km
Northfield Historical Society
13 km
Old Main, St. Olaf College
14 km
Grand Theatre
13.1 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes