Where Groups Gather 👩‍👩‍👦👨‍👩‍👧‍👦👨‍👦

Minnesota’s state parks aren’t just for solo or small crew adventures—they’re also the perfect destination for group getaways! Whether you’re planning a family reunion, a scout trip, a school outing, or just a weekend with friends, there are plenty of ways to experience the great outdoors together. From spacious group campsites and cozy group centers to guided tours and reservable picnic shelters, state parks and recreation areas offer gathering spaces for every kind of adventure. This month, we’re highlighting the best places to bring your crew, along with tips for planning a memorable group experience in Minnesota’s parks and trails. Let’s explore together!

Group Centers

Spacious retreats for large gatherings.

A group of cabins is nestled in a grassy area surrounded by forest.

📷: Head of the Rapids Group Center at St. Croix State Park

If your group is looking for space to spread out, consider a group center! Minnesota state parks offer several group centers that provide comfortable accommodations, communal spaces, and access to the great outdoors. These group centers vary in size and amenities, but most feature bunkhouses, dining halls, and full kitchens to make hosting large groups a breeze.

An empty but clean, all stainless steel commercial kitchen.

St. Croix State Park stands out with its three excellent group centers. The Norway Point Group Center is one of the largest, accommodating up to 236 guests with multiple bunkhouses, a commercial kitchen, and a spacious dining and meeting hall. For smaller gatherings, the St. John's Landing and Head of the Rapids Group Centers can still sleep over 100 people each. All three group centers are nestled in the park’s scenic surroundings, providing easy access to miles of trails, picnic areas, and the picturesque St. Croix River.

Group Camps

Group sites for shared adventures.

A fire ring and shelter are grouped together in a cleared area surrounded by tall pine trees.

📷: Mooz group camp at Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground MIne State Park

If your group prefers a more rustic experience, consider a group camp for a spacious and social getaway. Group camps provide a large, shared space where multiple tents or RVs can be set up together, making them an excellent option for family reunions or friends who want to camp side by side while enjoying Minnesota’s natural beauty.

Many state park group camps offer large open spaces, picnic tables, fire rings, and nearby trail access. These sites allow your group to spread out while still gathering around a shared campfire under a starlit sky.

For a group camping experience with a few added conveniences, Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park offers three group camps with unique amenities:

Ojjig Group Camp – Accommodates up to 50 people with 8 RV pedestals, a screened-in picnic shelter, a council-style fire ring, and Wi-Fi access.
Maang Group Camp – Accommodates up to 30 people with 4 RV pedestals, a screened-in picnic shelter, a council-style fire ring, and Wi-Fi access.
Mooz Group Camp – Accommodates up to 30 people with a screened-in picnic shelter, a council-style fire ring, and Wi-Fi access.

View which state parks and recreation areas have group camps, their capacity, and price on the DNR website.

Guesthouses

Cozy comforts in the wild.

📷: Guesthouse at Wild River State Park

For smaller groups seeking a comfortable stay, guesthouses like the Savanna Portage Garni Guesthouse and Wild River Guesthouse are excellent choices. These furnished accommodations offer all the comforts of home, including kitchens, bathrooms, and cozy living spaces—perfect for cooking up meals and sharing stories by the fire after a day of exploring. Each guesthouse offers unique amenities and features. From stone fireplaces and lakeside views, to decks tucked between the trees, every guesthouse is sure to inspire memories for years to come.

Day-Use Areas

Because birthdays are better outside!

A picnic shelter with many tables underneath on a bright summer day.

📷: Reservable picnic area at Lake Shetek State Park

Birthdays, reunions, celebrations—all great times to gather together outdoors at a picnic area or day-use area in a state park or recreation area. Across Minnesota, over 50 state parks and recreation areas offer picnic areas, some of which are reservable. View which parks have picnic shelters by visiting ParkFinder by using the 'Recreation facilities' filter and selecting picnic shelter. Don't forget that all group attendees will need a state park day or year-round permit!

Group Tour and Event Options

Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park - Cave Tours

A group of teens look at cave formations with a flashlight.

All tours offered at Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park are in a group setting of 5-20 people determined by reservation time. If you have a group of folks looking to take a tour together, a group rate for 10 or more people is offered for the Scenic, Lantern, Geology and Advance Education tours—group rates vary by tour type. For those looking to delve deeper into Mystery Cave’s geology, the rugged Geology Tour has an age requirement of eight years and older and gives a detailed examination of both underground and above ground cave geology. The K-12 and Advanced Education school group tours can be customized to the students’ level of study. The Advanced Education tour is offered to groups of 10 or more people. Both school group tours meet Minnesota academic standards in science. School group tours must be pre-arranged by calling the park. The tours go live for reservation in April, so make your plan today!

Blue Mounds State Park - Prairie and Bison Tours

A tour bus stops in a prairie to admire a nearby herd of bison.

Available May through October (weather and range conditions permitting), the Prairie and Bison Tours at Blue Mounds State Park offer an unforgettable opportunity to learn about the park’s unique landscape and its resident bison herd. The tour vehicle accommodates up to 12 people, including space for one wheelchair. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for youth, with no group rate currently available.

Tour reservations for the 2025 season will open in April. Group leaders can reserve tickets through the online reservation system. Groups of seven or more can also schedule a tour outside of the regular schedule by contacting the park at 507-283-6051 or emailing [email protected]. Whether you’re planning a school field trip, family outing, or community group adventure, this tour is a fantastic way to experience Minnesota’s prairie in a whole new way!

Statewide - Naturalist Events

A naturalist leads a group of people through a prairie, pointing out plants and animals as they go.

Groups visiting Minnesota state parks and trails have a great opportunity to enhance their experience by attending naturalist-led events. Whether it’s a guided hike, wildlife program, or hands-on nature activity, these events offer an engaging way to learn about the natural world together. Groups can check the parks and trails event calendar to find scheduled programs that align with their visit, whether you’re planning a one-day outing or an overnight stay. Keep in mind that not all state parks have naturalists on staff or regularly host events, so be sure to check ahead when planning your visit. To get started, check out the parks and trails event calendar, making it easy to find opportunities that work for your group.

Seasonal Positions Open at State Parks

Looking for a summer job that's more than just a 9-5? 🌞

Join the Minnesota state parks team and be part of creating unforgettable experiences for millions of visitors each year! Whether you're passionate about nature, love helping others, or just enjoy spending time outdoors, there's a place for you on our team.

From the shores of Lake Superior to the rolling prairies of the southwest, you can apply for multiple seasonal positions across different locations with just one application!

Don't miss out! Apply online NOW through September and embark on a summer journey you'll never forget.

Vehicle Permit Bulk Orders & Group Rates

Did you know we offer a bulk rate for year-round permits? Vehicle permits are a fantastic option for corporate gifts, employee appreciation or wellness initiatives, and more! When you purchase 50 or more year-round permits, you'll receive a discounted rate of $30 per permit instead of $35, making it easier than ever to share the gift of outdoor adventure. Reach out to [email protected] to get started.

Planning a group outing? If you have 10 or more vehicles in your group, each can purchase a one-day permit at a reduced group rate of $5. Just be sure to contact the park at least 24 hours before arrival to make arrangements!