Located in Monticello, Minnesota
The beautiful forest of Lake Maria State Park, is one of the few remaining forests in Minnesota that has stands of basswood, maple and oak. Forests such as these once covered southern Minnesota.
The rolling terrain of the trails is great for hiking, backpacking, cross-country skiing and horseback riding. Backpack sites are all around the forest, they even have a few cabins that sleep up to six people if you prefer your home comforts.
The park is all that is left of a forest that covered 3,030 square miles. Originally discovered by French explorers who named it Bois Grand, settlers changed the name to Big Woods.
It’s a 46 mile trip from Minneapolis to the park, it’s well worth a visit. I have plans to go back in the fall when I’m sure it is spectacular.
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00217#homepage