While Minnesota is not a coastal state, between our North Shore and rivers, you might be surprised to find that we have several scenic islands that you can visit with a quick drive or paddle. They might not all be large, but they’re definitely all beautiful!
- Pike Island
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources This beautiful island in Fort Snelling State Park provides a quiet getaway from the bustle of the surrounding area. It’s at the convergence of the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers, and has some of the most stunning hiking near the cities.
- Oak Island
Oak Island Resort In the corner of the Northwest Angle, Oak Island is a 3-mile long resort island with amazing recreational opportunities.
- Myre-Big Island State Park
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources This large state park in Albert Lea is known for birdwatching opportunities, camping, and fishing. It’s also a great place to go paddling!
- Raspberry Island
Wikimedia/Michael Hicks The last true island in St. Paul is now a quaint park with a bandshell and paths around the 2 acres. It’s also home to the Minnesota Boat Club building.
- Bear Island
Facebook/Northern Lights Lodge & Resort Near Ely, this resort island on a large lake is an amazing vacation spot. Not only is the island beautiful and spacious, but it’s surrounded by many other smaller islands in the massive Bear Island Lake.
- Nicollet Island
Wikimedia/Innotata In the heart of downtown Minneapolis, Nicollet Island is a beautiful place to spend an afternoon, or even a night, at the historic Nicollet Island Inn. The island is easily accessible from the Hennepin Ave. Bridge and has plenty of places to access the Mississippi and spend hours with a stunning view.
- Coney Island of the West
Wikimedia/Bobak Ha’Eri While you might not want to visit quite yet, this island is about to be restored to its former glory, and once it is, there’s no doubt it’ll be a wonderful place to visit!
Which island in Minnesota is your favorite to visit?
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
This beautiful island in Fort Snelling State Park provides a quiet getaway from the bustle of the surrounding area. It’s at the convergence of the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers, and has some of the most stunning hiking near the cities.
Oak Island Resort
In the corner of the Northwest Angle, Oak Island is a 3-mile long resort island with amazing recreational opportunities.
This large state park in Albert Lea is known for birdwatching opportunities, camping, and fishing. It’s also a great place to go paddling!
Wikimedia/Michael Hicks
The last true island in St. Paul is now a quaint park with a bandshell and paths around the 2 acres. It’s also home to the Minnesota Boat Club building.
Facebook/Northern Lights Lodge & Resort
Near Ely, this resort island on a large lake is an amazing vacation spot. Not only is the island beautiful and spacious, but it’s surrounded by many other smaller islands in the massive Bear Island Lake.
Wikimedia/Innotata
In the heart of downtown Minneapolis, Nicollet Island is a beautiful place to spend an afternoon, or even a night, at the historic Nicollet Island Inn. The island is easily accessible from the Hennepin Ave. Bridge and has plenty of places to access the Mississippi and spend hours with a stunning view.
Wikimedia/Bobak Ha’Eri
While you might not want to visit quite yet, this island is about to be restored to its former glory, and once it is, there’s no doubt it’ll be a wonderful place to visit!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
