Nerstrand Big Woods State Park

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.

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.

The name Nerstrand comes from Nedstrand in Norway, reflecting the Norwegian immigrant roots in the region.

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.

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.

Location: Rice County

Inception: 1945

Address: 9700 170th Street East, Nerstrand, MN 55053

Phone: +15073846140

Email: nerstrand.statepark@state.mn.us

Website: https://dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00241

GPS coordinates: 44.34500,-93.10720

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:59