What’s the smallest state park in Minnesota? What’s the least crowded state park in Minnesota? Where can you see Canada from Minnesota? Franze Jevne State Park is the smallest state park in Minnesota. It’s also one of the least crowded. And you can look across Rainy River to see Canada on the other riverbank.
Franz Jevne State Park in Birchdale, MN is perfect if looking for a scenic, secluded, and peaceful place to hike, fish, and camp in Minnesota.
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See my related Minnesota state park series.
- Take the Minnesota State Park Challenge – list of all the best MN state parks with reviews
- How to hike all 66 Minnesota state parks in a year
- Explore Minnesota State Parks on Free State Park Day
- Top Minnesota state parks with waterfalls – ranked!
Top things to do at Franz Jevne State Park in Birchdale, MN
Although only 118 acres, here are the top 10 things to do at Franz Jevne State Park in Birchdale, Minnesota.
- Hike the scenic and peaceful trail along the river and through the woods and to the rock outcrop.
- Take the trail to view the quaint rapids in Rainy River.
- Fish for walleye, northern, small mouth bass, and sturgeon in Rainy River.
- Look for wildlife such as moose, beavers, and timber wolves (gray wolves).
- Watch for birds including pelicans and bald eagles.
- Camp at a rustic hike-in campsite or one of the traditional tent and RV sites.
- Check out scenic Ontario, Canada that sits on the other side of Rainy River.
- Go boating, kayaking, paddling, canoeing in the Rainy River.
- Picnic alongside the scenic and peaceful Rainy River.
- Snowshoe throughout Franz Jevne State Park in the winter.
Frequently asked questions about Franz Jevne State Park in Birchdale, Minnesota
Where is Franz Jevne State Park located? What is the address for Franz Jevne State Park?
Franz Jevne State Park is located in northern Minnesota across the river from Ontario, Canada. The rural address for Franz Jevne State Park is simply Highway 11, Birchdale, MN 55629.
When is Franz Jevne State Park open?
Franz Jevne State Park is open for day use year-round, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day. The park entrance gate typically closes in late October and opens in the spring. Walk-in access available at Franz Jevne State Park year-round.
Is Franz Jevne State Park free? How much is the admission fee at Franz Jevne State Park?
Admission to Franz Jevne State Park in Minnesota only costs $7 per vehicle per day ($5 per motorcycle). That includes unlimited visits to all Minnesota state parks on the same day. I highly recommend an annual pass, which gives you entrance to all Minnesota state parks. See the Minnesota DNR website for more information. And it’s highly recommended to pay online ahead of time. Minnesota state parks are no longer accepting cash self-payment envelopes on site.
Admission to every Minnesota state park is free for all Minnesota state tribal members.
You can also visit Franz Jevne State Park on any of the four free state park days in Minnesota. See my related post for this year’s free state park days. Note: admission is free; tours are extra – see previous question for details.
Does Franz Jevne State Park have a lake, river, or waterfall?
Yes. Franz Jevne State Park lies on the south bank of the Rainy River. Ontario, Canada sits on the other side. Franz Jevne State Park is considered one of the most scenic areas along Rainy River.
Can you fish at Franz Jevne State Park in Minnesota?
Yes. Anglers fish for walleye, northern, small mouth bass, and sturgeon.
Does Franz Jevne State Park have a swimming beach?
No. Franz Jevne State Park does not have a swimming beach. However, you could wade along the rocky shore when the river is low.
Can you boat at Franz Jevne State Park? Does Franz Jevne State Park offer a boat ramp?
Yes. Franz Jevne State Park features a boat ramp.
Does Franz Jevne State Park have a campground? Can you camp at Franz Jevne State Park?
Yes. Franz Jevne State Park offers several rustic, hike-in, and traditional tent and RV campsites seasonally. The campgrounds at Franz Jevne State Park are typically open in late spring to late October.
- 18 seasonal drive-in campsites
- 2 seasonal electric campsites
- 3 walk-in sites
- RV length limit is 30 feet
How big is Franz Jevne State Park in Minnesota?
Franz Jevne State Park in Minnesota covers 118 acres.
What’s the smallest state park in Minnesota?
The smallest state park in Minnesota, with 118 acres, is Franz Jevne State Park in Birchdale, MN. Compare that to Minnesota’s largest state park where St. Croix State Park covers 34,000 acres. Although small, Franz Jevne State Park offers the most scenic views on Rainy River.
Is Franz Jevne State Park buggy? Mosquitos? Ticks?
I don’t recall Franz Jevne State Park being particularly buggy when I hiked there in late June. However, I always wear picaridin and apply Aunt Fannie’s DEET-free mosquito wipes.
See my full review of what to pack on a day hike.
How long and how difficult are the hiking trails at Franz Jevne State Park?
Franz Jevne State Park features a two-mile loop hiking trail. This narrow trail of sometimes mowed grass and packed dirt does have a few rolling hills. But it’s a fairly easy trail. You can also take the paths to Rainy River for some scenic overlooks and to the tiny rapids. Additionally, be sure to take the one-way Rock Outcrop Trail to view an open space.
Note that during the rainy season or spring thaw, Rainy River may flood parts of the hiking trail at Franz Jevne State Park.
Snowshoeing or cross-country skiing trails at Franz Jevne State Park?
You may snowshoe throughout Franz Jevne State Park in the winter.
Can you snowmobile at Franz Jevne State Park?
No. Franz Jevne State Park does not offer snowmobile trails.
Are hiking poles needed on the trails at Franz Jevne State Park?
I didn’t require any hiking poles on the trails at Franz Jevne State Park. Most trails were fairly flat or easy with gentle slopes.
What are the best views at Franz Jevne State Park?
One of the best views at Franz Jevne State Park is on the banks of Rainy River. You can see Ontario, Canada on the other side. You can also take in the scenic view of the river rapids.
Are there bike trails at Franz Jevne State Park?
No. Franz Jevne State Park does not offer a bike trail.
Does Franz Jevne State Park feature equestrian trails?
No. Franz Jevne State Park does not offer equestrian / horse trails.
Does Franz Jevne State Park have a visitor center? Modern restrooms?
No. Franz Jevne State Park does not have a park office or a visitor center. Additionally, Franz Jevne State Park does not offer modern restroom facilities. However, vault toilets are available throughout the year.
Is Franz Jevne State Park dog-friendly?
Yes. Leashed dogs and pets are welcome on Franz Jevne State Park hiking trails. All Minnesota state parks welcome dogs except inside buildings. Leashes must be six feet or less.
Are there bears at Franz Jevne State Park?
While I have not heard of any bear sightings in Franz Jevne State Park, it is possible.
Is firewood available at Franz Jevne State Park?
You can purchase certified safe-to-move firewood from a nearby gas station or other vendors.
Why can’t you bring in your own firewood or collect firewood in the park? To protect Minnesota trees, you can only burn certified wood on MN DNR land. Collection is not allowed in state parks and you may not bring firewood from home. This helps prevent spreading harmful insects and diseases.
How far is Franz Jevne State Park from the Twin Cities – Minneapolis and St. Paul (MSP) airport?
Franz Jevne State Park is located 336 miles from the Minneapolis – St. Paul (MSP) International Airport.
What’s near Franz Jevne State Park? Top things to do near Franz Jevne State Park?
Franz Jevne State Park is located in Birchdale, Minnesota.
- Ontario, Canada is located right across from Rainy River. However, you would need to cross over the border at the proper crossings. Baudette – Rainy River border crossing between Minnesota and Ontario, Canada is 30 miles away. The border crossing in International Falls is 42 miles away.
- Are you planning to hike all 66 Minnesota state parks? Then I recommend also checking out nearby Zippel Bay State Park, which is 48 miles from Franz Jevne State Park. This lovely state parks sits on Lake of the Woods, one of the largest lakes in Minnesota (that also borders Canada).
- Minnesota’s only national park and designated dark skies park, Voyageurs National Park, is only 54 miles from Franz Jevne State Park.
When was Franz Jevne State Park in Minnesota established?
Franz Jevne State Park was established in 1967.
How did Franz Jevne State Park get its name?
The land along Rainy River was originally privately owned by Franz Jevne. His sons offered to donate the 118 acres if the new state park was named after their father.
Does Franz Jevne State Park host deer hunts? Is Franz Jevne State Park closed during deer season?
Yes. Franz Jevne State Park does host deer hunts during deer hunting season.
For a complete list of which Minnesota state parks are closed or limited to the public during deer season, see my post: Hiker safety: MN state parks that host deer hunts.
Hiking safety tip during deer season: Wear bright orange when hiking during deer season. I typically avoid hiking at all even if the state park is partially open to non-hunters.
A list of the best Minnesota state parks
All Minnesota state parks are the best in my opinion. You can read reviews of each one to create your own list of top-ranked Minnesota state parks: Take the Minnesota state park challenge
- Afton State Park | Hastings, MN (26 miles)
- Banning State Park | Sandstone, MN (97 miles)
- Bear Head Lake State Park | Ely, MN (240 miles)
- Beaver Creek Valley State Park | Caledonia, MN (148 miles)
- Big Stone Lake State Park | Ortonville, MN (186 miles)
- Blue Mounds State Park | Luverne, MN (208 miles)
- Buffalo River State Park | Glyndon, MN (240 miles)
- Camden State Park | Lynd, MN (161 miles)
- Carley State Park | Plainview, MN (88 miles)
- Cascade River State Park | Lutsen, MN (257 miles)
- Charles A. Lindbergh State Park | Little Falls, MN (112 miles)
- Crow Wing State Park | Brainerd, MN (134 miles)
- Father Hennepin State Park | Isle, MN (113 miles)
- Flandrau State Park | New Ulm, MN (93 miles)
- Forestville / Mystery Cave State Park | Preston, MN (115 miles)
- Fort Ridgely State Park | Fairfax, MN (99 miles)
- Fort Snelling State Park | Bloomington / St. Paul, MN (2 miles)
- Franz Jevne State Park | Birchdale, MN (336 miles)
- Frontenac State Park | Frontenac, MN (62 miles)
- George H. Crosby Manitou State Park | Finland, MN (231 miles)
- Glacial Lakes State Park | Starbuck, MN (156 miles)
- Glendalough State Park | Battle Lake, MN (194 miles)
- Gooseberry Falls State Park | Two Harbors, MN (197 miles)
- Grand Portage State Park | Grand Portage, MN (308 miles)
- Great River Bluffs State Park | Winona, MN (136 miles)
- Hayes Lake State Park | Roseau, MN (343 miles)
- Hill Annex Mine State Park | Calumet, MN (197 miles)
- Interstate State Park / Taylors Falls State Park | Taylors Falls, MN (56 miles)
- Itasca State Park | Park Rapids, MN (219 miles)
- Jay Cooke State Park | Carlton, MN (146 miles)
- John A. Latsch State Park | Winona, MN (99 miles)
- Judge C.R. Magney State Park | Grand Marais, MN (282 miles)
- Kilen Woods State Park | Lakefield, MN (153 miles)
- Lac qui Parle State Park | Watson, MN (141 miles)
- Lake Bemidji State Park | Bemidji, MN (230 miles)
- Lake Bronson State Park | Karlstad, MN (409 miles)
- Lake Carlos State Park | Alexandria, MN (152 miles)
- Lake Louise State Park | Le Roy, MN (113 miles)
- Lake Maria State Park | Monticello, MN (60 miles)
- Lake Shetek State Park | Currie, MN (168 miles)
- Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park | Soudan, MN (229 miles)
- McCarthy Beach State Park | Side Lake, MN (227 miles)
- Maplewood State Park | Pelican Rapids, MN (217 miles)
- Mille Lacs Kathio State Park | Onamia, MN (108 miles)
- Minneopa State Park | Mankato, MN (82 miles)
- Monson Lake State Park | Sunburg, MN (141 miles)
- Moose Lake State Park | Moose Lake, MN (116 miles)
- Myre-Big Island State Park | Albert Lea, MN (93 miles)
- Nerstrand Big Woods State Park | Nerstrand, MN (52 miles)
- Old Mill State Park | Argyle, MN (350 miles)
- Rice Lake State Park | Owatonna, MN (70 miles)
- St. Croix State Park | Hinckley, MN (105 miles)
- Sakatah Lake State Park | Waterville, MN (60 miles)
- Savanna Portage State Park | Northeast Aitkin, MN (149 miles)
- Scenic State Park | Bigfork, MN (232 miles)
- Schoolcraft State Park | Deer River, MN (198 miles)
- Sibley State Park | New London, MN (128 miles)
- Split Rock Creek State Park | Jasper, MN (202 miles)
- Split Rock Lighthouse State Park | Two Harbors, MN (204 miles)
- Temperance River State Park | Schroeder, MN (239 miles)
- Tettegouche State Park | Silver Bay, MN (217 miles)
- Upper Sioux Agency State Park | Granite Falls, MN (122 miles) – Note: Minnesota returned this park’s land to the Native Americans in February 2024. It is no longer open to the public.
- Whitewater State Park | Altura, MN (99 miles)
- Wild River State Park | Center City, MN (58 miles)
- William O’Brien State Park | Scandia / Marine on the St. Croix, MN (43 miles)
- Zippel Bay State Park | Williams, MN (345 miles)
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Pin it for later: A local’s guide to Franz Jevne State Park in Minnesota
Please share and pin this guide for when you visit Franz Jevne State Park in Birchdale, MN – one of the least crowded Minnesota state parks.
Fun to read that we could see Canada if we visited the Franze Jevne State Park. Such a small park that is peaceful and secluded would definitely draw us. And we would certainly want to get in and enjoy the Rainy River. I can see why it is considered one of the most scenic areas.
Thank you so much! Yes, Franz Jevne State Park is perfect for some quietude.
It may be small, but it is flipping beautiful! Franz Jevne State Park looks looovely – I guess because you’re so close to Canada 😉
I think you’re right! Northern Minnesota and Ontario definitely resemble each other. And this park is pretty mighty in beauty.
Franz Jevne State Park may be small, but it looks absolutely beautiful! Good for the state of MN for preserving this park, even if it is small!
I love that they preserved this small scenic parcel of land. Franz Jevne State Park is so beautiful.
Franz Jevne Park might be small but it looks like it has a lot to offer! It is cool you can see Canada 🇨🇦
I thought it was super cool to see Canada especially since the borders were closed when I hiked here. Franz Jevne definitely has a lot to offer and is one of the best state parks in Minnesota.
I want to find a nice rock by the lake and meditate. Franz Jevne State Park may be small, but it’s super pretty.
Franz Jevne State Park would be the perfect place to meditate. Small but stunning!
So many amazing state parks in Minnesota..love the index at the end of this post..saving this for future trips!
Awesome! We do have some beautiful state parks like Franz Jevne in Minnesota.
There’s nothing better than being at one with nature. I was shocked to see your list of state parks. What an incredible choice.
So many beautiful state parks to hike in Minnesota. And Franz Jevne definitely allows you to become one with nature.
It is amazing you can see Ontario and Canada from Franze Jevne State Park! Looks like a very scenic park from your images. It is also interesting that you get to see birds including pelicans and bald eagles. I would love to check this park out when I am next in Minnesota.
I hope you get the opportunity to check out Franz Jevne State Park. It’s one of the best state parks in Minnesota and love that you can see Canada from here.
What a fabulous looking place to visit! I can imagine how picturesque it would be in winter, snowshoeing around there. Magical
Thank you! I would love to go snowshoeing here at Franz Jevne this winter.
Fantastic pictures! Looks like a beautiful hike.
Thank you so much! Loved my hike at Franz Jevne State Park.
What a beautiful area. Last time I was in Minnesota we did a lot of hikes and they were great – sad we missed this one!
Thank you! So many beautiful hiking trails in Minnesota like the ones in Franz Jevne State Park.
Franz Jevne State Park is such a pretty park! It’s big on presence and things to do.
Thank you! Although small, Franz Jevne makes a big impression.
I’m sure that your pictures, while wonderful, don’t do this place justice. It sounds gorgeous and looks even more so! It makes me crave the mountains from back home!
Lots of beautiful and scenic places in Lake Louise State Park in southern Minnesota. One of my favorite scenic places to hike.
For it to be the smallest state park, it is absolutely gorgeous! It also has plenty to do to keep you busy.
Franz Jevne State Park is small but dull lots to do. And it’s a perfect getaway to northern Minnesota for some solitude.
Small state parks are so relaxing and peaceful. It is cool that you can see Canada when in Franz Jevne State Park.
It was super cool and surreal to see Canada from Minnesota. Love the peace and quiet at Franz Jevne State Park.