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 America's incredible national parks system. Located in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, this charming community puts you within striking distance of thirty-five national parks and protected areas, with several remarkable destinations reachable in just a few hours. The closest option is the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, situated just fourteen miles away, offering stunning views of one of America's most iconic rivers. If you're willing to venture a bit further, the Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway awaits at seventy-eight miles, while the prehistoric earthen mounds of Effigy Mounds National Monument are within reach at one hundred fifty-two miles. Whether you're a hiking enthusiast, history buff, or nature photographer, these nearby parks provide diverse landscapes and experiences that rival destinations found across the entire country.

Planning your national park adventure from Apple Valley is refreshingly straightforward thanks to the region's excellent road access and proximity to these attractions. For a quick getaway, spend a morning or afternoon exploring the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, which offers scenic overlooks, riverside trails, and visitor centers without requiring a significant time commitment. If you have a full weekend, consider combining two or three parks into a cohesive trip, such as pairing the Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway with nearby attractions for a comprehensive experience. Most parks are easily accessible via well-maintained highways from Apple Valley, and early planning can help you maximize your time. Whether you prefer solitary hikes through pristine landscapes or family-friendly activities, starting from Apple Valley means spending less time driving and more time creating unforgettable memories in some of the nation's most beautiful protected lands.

Map of Parks Near Apple Valley

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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