Crow Wing State Park

Crow Wing State Park sits where the Mississippi and Crow Wing Rivers meet in central Minnesota, covering a large forested area with multiple ecosystems. The terrain includes river bottomland, mature woods, and more open spaces that shift across the grounds.

The area became a major hub for fur trading in the 1800s, drawing people from different backgrounds to settle and work. Protection as a state park came later to preserve the archaeological remains and historical significance of this riverside community.

The site holds meaning for Dakota communities and early European settlers who built their lives here. Visitors walking through the park can sense this shared history in the landscape itself.

The park provides camping areas for different needs and hiking paths that run through the woods and open areas. Bring sturdy shoes and be prepared for changing weather, especially near the rivers where paths can be muddy.

One building from the original 1849 settlement still stands on the grounds today, making it a rare survivor from that era. This trading house serves as a tangible connection to the people who lived and worked here over 170 years ago.

Location: Crow Wing County

Location: Morrison County

Location: Cass County

Inception: 1959

Website: https://dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00139

GPS coordinates: 46.27220,-94.33330

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:06