Nerstrand Big Woods State Park - Summer 2023

Nerstrand Big Woods State Park (one of my favorites so far) is named because it contains some of the last remaining portions of Minnesota's Big Woods. A huge highlight of the park is its waterfall. In addition, the park contains a unique nature playground that is the perfect ending to a family hike.

We stopped at Nerstrand Big Woods on the way home from our visit to Lewiston as part of our quest to visit all of the Minnesota State Parks and complete the Hiking Club and Passport Club. This was our fourth state park in three days, and my 7-, 5-, and 3-year-old were a bit tired, but these trails were interesting enough to capture and keep their attention.

The park has full bathrooms with running water, so after a bathroom break and snack, we set off on the 2.2 mile Hiking Club loop, listed on AllTrails as the Nerstrand Beaver Loop. The whole trail is wide, well-maintained, and shady. It has a few ups and downs, but they weren't very steep and it was overall easy.

The falls come up pretty quickly on the trail, so if you don't have much time, head there. The water levels were pretty low, so we didn't get the full effect of the wide falls flowing down the leveled rocks on the side, but they were still beautiful. My oldest enjoyed reading the sign about how the falls were formed and are continuously changing as the water cuts under the rock and pieces of the ledge on top break off. We waded in the water both under and over the falls, observing the shape of the rocks that have already broken off and discussing the power and beauty of the gently flowing water.

After the falls, there is a stepping stone river crossing into more of the woods. My girls found walking sticks and tried to walk the quickest so they could be the leader. We spotted a few wildflowers and butterflies as we came to the end of the loop, and finally popped back out by the playground.

I love when state parks opt for more natural playgrounds. Logs were carved into a teeter-totter, a train, a bridge, and a fort, and a slide sloped down the hillside. Even after playing for quite a while, the girls did not want to leave, but were coaxed away with the promise of ice cream at Boots and Lu's in Nerstrand as an ending celebration for their three days of hiking and adventures.

We plan to return to Nerstrand Big Woods in the spring, when more water is flowing over the waterfall and the trail is lined with wildflowers. We would also like to explore the Big Woods Trail, which is home to the tallest and straightest trees in the Big Woods. With the park being only an hour from home, it will make a great day trip!


Location: Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, 9700 170th St E, Nerstrand, MN 55053, USA

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