Nerstrand-Big Woods State Park

In the area

  from Explore MN Tourism

Snow conditions

  no trail  
no trail
Too many warm days. Both the ski and snowmobile trails no... More details

Current conditions

clear

Faribault: 25° F and clear.

forecast

Nerstrand-Big Woods State Park

Park photo slide show. This slideshow requires the latest version of
Adobe Flash Player

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!

Firewood is available for sale at $4.00 per bundle.

Scenery

Hikers: All trails are open for hiking. Watch for trail status changes if snow conditions return and ski grooming resumes. Hidden Falls Trail - west section remians open to hikers year-round. Recent warmer weather melted most of the snow resulting in more water at Hidden Falls. When a sufficient snow base (6-8 inches)accumulates on the trails winter grooming begins and trails will be dedicated to nordic skiing on the north trails except for access to Hidden Falls. Check the website for ski grooming updates or call for conditions.

Loaner Kits Available

Bird Identification kits are great for seeing winter birds. Check at the office for details.

Park Notes

Gift Cards:

Purchase a Minnesota State Parks Gift Card.

Firewood Restrictions Information:

Minnesota has enacted legislation that restricts firewood being brought to or used on DNR lands. Learn more and review vendor lists.

Hiking:

All trails are open to hiking. The snow pack is around two inches. Hidden Falls is flowing and freezing making an ice formation that changes daily. Come out to observe the Big Woods in the winter. Watch for updates as we move back into the ski season.

Birders:

Bird Checklist This is a PDF file. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to download it. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park.

Birding is great! Winter feeders bring out the birds. Best viewing in the morning. Watch for the occasional pileated woodpecker that visits when traffic is low. Overnight listen for barred owls calling. Cardinals,Goldfinches, chickadees, white-breasted nuthatches and woodpeckers can all be seen at the bird feeders these days.

Park Highlights

tree "Big Woods" Landscape

tree Spectacular Spring Wildflowers

tree Fabulous Fall Color

tree Visitor Center

tree Self-guided Interpretive Trail

tree Hidden Falls Waterfall

Events

view a printable version

Find more State Park events on the DNR Events Calendar!

There are currently no event listings.

Hours

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.