Nerstrand-Big Woods State Park
Enjoy this park on foot, any season of the year. In the spring, the park is a wildflower garden where hepatica, bloodroot, Dutchman's breeches, and the dwarf trout lily bloom. The dwarf trout lily is only found here. Relax by Hidden Falls in the summer. The autumn brings a burst of red, orange, and gold in the maple-basswood forest, one of the last extensive stands of the "Big Woods." When winter comes, ski or snowmobile the trails through picturesque woods.
Tell me more about this park's wildlife, history, geology and landscape.
Visitor Alert!HikingAll trails are open. Maintenance still ongoing on some outlier trails. Please report down trees at the office. SceneryHikers: Expect rustic conditions in some trail sections. Wildflowers: Cow Parsnip, Black-Eyed Susan, bergamot, purple coneflower, common and swamp milkweed, tick trefoil, blue vervain, joe-pye weed, gray-headed coneflower, black-eyed susan, compass and cup plant. A lush understory can be seen through most of the park. Woodpeckers are seen at feeders and throughout the park. Get healthy with a walk in the Big Woods! Check here for updates, or call for current conditions. Loaner Kits AvailableBird identification kits are great for seeing birds. Check at the office for details. Deer Hunt at Nerstrand Big Woods State ParkThere will be a deer hunt during December 7 through December 8. The park will be closed to the public during the hunt. Prairie Creek SNA is also included in the hunt. For more information: State parks during 2013 hunting season. Last updated September 17, 2013 |
Park NotesBe fascinated. Check out the naturalist programs and other activities scheduled at the park. Virtual Tour:Take a virtual tour. It's a great tool to help you plan your next trip to the park! Hiking:All park trails are open once again. Squirrels are active and young of the year can be in the treetops. Turkeys and deer/fawns can be seen from a distance. Come out to observe the Big Woods. Tracks are easy to spot along trails and Prairie Creek. Gift Cards:Purchase a Minnesota State Parks Gift Card. Don't move firewood!Burning non-local firewood can spread invasive species, and it's against Minnesota state law. Learn more. Always buy your firewood at the park, or from an approved local vendor. Find firewood vendors for Nerstrand-Big Woods State Park. Firewood is available for sale at $5.00 per bundle. Birders:Bird Checklist Birding is great! Feeding stations bring out the birds. Best viewing in the morning. Chickadees, nuthatches, goldfinches (yellow now)and several species of woodpeckers can be seen at the feeders. Watch for the occasional pileated woodpecker that visits when traffic is low. Overnight listen for barred owls calling. note: Red-headed woodpeckers can be seen at the feeders and in the campground and at the Visitor Center. |
Park Highlights | ||||||
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"Big Woods" LandscapeHours
Best time to contact the park:
Spring Saturday - Sunday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Monday - Friday, variable depending on staff availability. If no one is available, please leave a message.
When office is closed, please use the self-registration station at the front of the office to purchase daily and annual permits, and to register for camping. Annual permits purchased through self-registration will be mailed to you.
Contact
9700 170th Street East
Nerstrand, MN 55053
tel: 507-333-4840
email: nerstrand.statepark@state.mn.us
Getting There
Take I-35 to State Highway 19 east into Northfield. Go south on State Highway 3, east on State Highway 246, then turn right onto County Road 29.