Located just south of Minneapolis, the city of Bloomington, MN is not only the perfect place to stay while exploring the famous attractions of the Twin Cities, but also an excellent gateway to the many nature reserves and beautiful state parks of the region. Grab the keys of your new 2023 Ford Edge SEL, get behind the wheel, and head to these nearby destinations with your friends and family.
1. Fort Snelling State Park
Featuring 18 miles of hiking trails and covering an area of nearly 3,000 acres, Fort Snelling State Park sits right by the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers, approximately seven miles east of downtown Bloomington. Established in the 1960s, this state park is a well-known weekend escape among residents of Minneapolis, St. Paul, and other cities in the area.
Fort Snelling State Park features the remaining buildings of Fort Snelling, a military fortification constructed in the late 1810s that served as one of the primary hubs for U.S. government forces throughout the 1862 Dakota War. Besides these historical buildings, Fort Snelling State Park offers visitors several picnic spots, an interpretive center, fishing areas, two playgrounds, and public boat ramps.
2. Afton State Park
Sitting right by the banks of the St. Croix River on the Minnesota – Wisconsin state line, Afton State Park boasts some of the most beautiful and photogenic landscapes in the area, making it an excellent spot to relax and enjoy nature. Getting here from downtown Bloomington takes approximately 40 minutes by car, driving 30 miles east along route I-494.
Established in 1969 and managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Afton State Park covers approximately 1,600 acres and boasts an extensive network of nature trails that offer excellent views of the river. Some of the facilities visitors can find in this public recreation area include swimming beaches, a large campground, picnic tables, and a visitor center.
3. Sakatah Lake State Park
Located 50 miles south of Bloomington and open daily from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm, Sakatah Lake State Park is an 842-acre nature reserve that sits right by the banks of the Cannon River. Established in the early 1960s, this public recreation area is a well-known spot for wildlife watching, as it provides habitat to coyotes, white-tailed deer, squirrels, woodpeckers, owls, and hawks. Sakatah Lake State Park is also a great spot for boating, camping, fishing, and hiking.
If you are searching for the perfect vehicle to take your friends and family on unforgettable road trips to the scenic parks that Minnesota has to offer, you’re in luck! Come visit us at Freeway Ford today and explore the extensive variety of SUVs, sedans, and pickup trucks we have available for you.
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