National Parks Near Apple Valley, Minnesota

35 national parks within 8 hours  ·  2 within 2 hours

2
Within 2 Hours
5
Within 4 Hours
19
Within 8 Hours
35
Total Parks

Apple Valley, Minnesota is an excellent base for exploring some of America's most remarkable natural and historical sites. Located in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, this charming community puts you within striking distance of 35 national parks and protected areas, with several exceptional options just hours away. The closest treasure is the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, situated just 14 miles from Apple Valley, offering stunning riverfront scenery and recreational opportunities along one of America's most iconic waterways. If you're willing to venture a bit further, the Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway awaits 78 miles to the east, renowned for its pristine waters and scenic bluffs, while the Effigy Mounds National Monument near Harpers Ferry, Iowa lies 152 miles northwest with its fascinating Native American archaeological sites and beautiful woodland trails.

Planning your national park adventure from Apple Valley is refreshingly simple thanks to the region's convenient location and well-maintained highway system. For a quick getaway, the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area is perfect for a same-day outing, requiring less than 30 minutes of driving and offering everything from scenic overlooks to hiking trails and visitor centers. If you have a full weekend, consider combining the Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway with nearby state parks, giving you a comprehensive outdoor experience that showcases Minnesota's natural diversity. For longer trips spanning three to four days, you can venture to Effigy Mounds or Pipestone National Monument, each offering unique historical and geological features worth the drive. Regardless of which parks call to you, Apple Valley's central location makes it an ideal home base for your national park exploration throughout the Upper Midwest.

Browse Parks by Drive Time from Apple Valley

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site
Herbert Hoover National Historic Site
West Branch
National Historic Site 232 mi away
Missouri National Recreational River
Missouri National Recreational River
Yankton
National Recreational River 257 mi away
Voyageurs National Park
Voyageurs National Park
International Falls
National Park 259 mi away
Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail
Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail
Omaha
National Historic Trail 277 mi away
Grand Portage National Monument
Grand Portage National Monument
Grand Portage
National Monument 278 mi away
Keweenaw National Historical Park
Keweenaw National Historical Park
Calumet
National Historical Park 281 mi away
Isle Royale National Park
Isle Royale National Park
Houghton
National Park 307 mi away
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Empire
National Lakeshore 352 mi away
Pullman National Historical Park
Pullman National Historical Park
Chicago
National Historical Park 352 mi away
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Munising
National Lakeshore 355 mi away
Homestead National Historical Park
Homestead National Historical Park
Beatrice
National Historical Park 359 mi away
Niobrara National Scenic River
Niobrara National Scenic River
Valentine
National Scenic River 361 mi away
New Philadelphia National Historic Site
New Philadelphia National Historic Site
Barry
National Historic Site 367 mi away
Indiana Dunes National Park
Indiana Dunes National Park
Porter
National Park 375 mi away
Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument
Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument
Springfield
National Monument 387 mi away
Lincoln Home National Historic Site
Lincoln Home National Historic Site
Springfield
National Historic Site 387 mi away
Harry S Truman National Historic Site
Harry S Truman National Historic Site
Independence
National Historic Site 408 mi away
Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park
Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park
Topeka
National Historical Park 414 mi away
Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site
Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site
Stanton
National Historic Site 432 mi away
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