Located just south of the Minneapolis metropolitan area, the city of Bloomington, MN is surrounded by a myriad of rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and other bodies of water that attract anglers throughout the year. If you are searching for new destinations to discover and spend a day fishing with your friends, here are three wonderful fishing spots you can drive to in less than one hour from downtown Bloomington.
1. Fort Snelling State Park
Offering access to the waters of Snelling Lake and the Minnesota River, Fort Snelling State Park is a popular destination among anglers from all over the Minneapolis metropolitan area. Covering approximately 3,000 acres, this state park was established in 1962 and welcomes more than 400,000 visitors every year. Some of the facilities available here include fishing piers, a public boat ramp on the Minnesota River, and canoe access to lakes and rivers.
Fort Snelling State Park is located just six and a half miles east of the Bloomington city center, making it possible to reach it in less than 10 minutes via route I-494. Some of the fish species you can catch here include bluegill, yellow perch, northern pike, largemouth bass, and black crappie. Other popular activities include hiking, wildlife watching, and picnicking.
2. Willow River State Park
Known for its breathtaking views of Willow Falls and the Willow River Gorge, Willow River State Park is an excellent destination for a day trip from Bloomington. Encompassing more than 2,800 acres of pristine nature, this state park features several miles of nature trails, family and group campgrounds, swimming beaches, a public boat ramp, and picnic spots.
Willow River State Park offers public access to Little Falls Lake and the Willow River, which are regularly stocked with trout. Other fish species that can be found here include northern pike, walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and bluegill. This public recreation area is located a little under 40 miles east of downtown Bloomington and can be reached in approximately 40 minutes by car via routes I-494 and I-94.
3. William O’Brien State Park
Covering more than 1,500 acres and located just 50 miles northeast of the Bloomington city center, William O’Brien State Park is another popular nature escape and a magnet for local anglers. Offering access to the St. Croix River and Lake Alice, this place can be reached in less than an hour’s drive via route I-494. Some of the species that can be found here include northern pike, walleye, bass, and trout.
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