One of the best state parks to explore in Minnesota, Charles A. Lindbergh State Park is also the boyhood home of the famous aviator. Surprisingly, the state park is not named after the first one to fly across the Atlantic Ocean solo. Congressman Charles A. Lindbergh, Sr. donated 110 acres to create his namesake state park in Little Falls, Minnesota.
See my related Minnesota state park series.
- Take the Minnesota State Park Challenge – reviews and a list of all the best MN state parks
- How to hike all 66 Minnesota state parks in a year
- Explore Minnesota State Parks on Free State Park Day (updated with 2023 dates)
- Top Minnesota state parks with waterfalls – ranked!
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Top 10 things to do at Charles A. Lindbergh State Park in Little Falls, MN
If you love nature and aviation history, then explore the Charles A. Lindbergh State Park in Little Falls, Minnesota. Here are the top 10 things to do at one of Minnesota’s best state parks.
Here are the top 10 things to do at Charles A. Lindbergh State Park in Little Falls, MN.
- Explore seven miles of hiking trails
- Tour the Charles A. Lindbergh historic home and museum (adjacent to the park).
- Find the field where the younger Lindbergh landed his Jenny WWI surplus plane in 1923.
- Take in scenic views and fish on the banks of the Mississippi River.
- Go camping at Charles A. Lindbergh State Park.
- Learn about more historic sites at Charles A. Lindbergh State Park.
- Canoe along Pike Creek.
- Plan a family reunion at this popular state park venue.
- Go birding and look for wildflowers in the spring.
- Cross-country ski and snowshoe anywhere in the Charles A. Lindbergh State Park this winter.
Go hiking at Charles A. Lindbergh State Park
Charles A. Lindberg State Park offers seven miles of hiking trails. You’ll walk among towering red and white pine trees and hardwoods and prairie grasses.
One of my favorite trails features a charming footbridge. This bridge replicates a cruder version built by the younger Lindbergh when he was a teenager.
He ran the family farm while his father served in Washington D.C. And needed a way to get across Pike Creek. Lindbergh, Jr. made his original suspension bridge out of barbed wire, oak fenceposts, and ironwood poles. To avoid cutting his hands on the barb-wired handrails, he used a pole to balance himself.
Another area of the Charles A. Lindbergh State Park is located about 3.5 miles north. Little Elk Unit offers two more miles of trails. You can also see the confluence of the Mississippi River and Little Elk River.
Tour the Charles A. Lindbergh historic home and museum
While not a part of the state park, the historic home of Charles A. Lindbergh and museum are right next door. Managed by the Minnesota Historical Society, the National Historic District home and museum offers tours. However, admission is not included with the state park pass. Additionally, hours are limited. Please see the Minnesota Historical Society website for details about touring the Charles A. Lindbergh historic home and museum.
Find the field where the younger Lindbergh landed his Jenny WWI surplus plane
The Hiking Club Trail at Charles A. Lindberg State Park features a beautiful field of prairie grass. It’s also the location of where the aviator landed his Jenny WWI surplus plane in 1923.
Take in scenic views and fish on the banks of the Mississippi River
The young Charles A. Lindbergh spent a lot of time on the Mississippi River. I mean, it was literally in his backyard. You can find a trail along the Mississippi River at Charles A. Lindberg State Park. Bring your fishing gear and cast a line from the riverbank.
Go camping at Charles A. Lindbergh State Park
Charles A. Lindberg State Park offers 38 drive-in, back-in wooded and private camping sites. The campground features 15 electric sites. RVs are limited to 50 feet. Additionally, you may reserve two walk-in / canoe-in sites. The park also offers a group camp, which accommodates up to 20 people.
You may also hammock at a few of Charles A. Lindbergh State Park campsites. Only one hammock allowed per set of trees (no stacking). And the trees must measure at least 12 inches in diameter.
All campsites are only open seasonally spring through fall.
Learn about more historic sites at Charles A. Lindbergh State Park
Other historic buildings and sites at Charles A. Lindbergh State Park include:
- Work Projects Administration (WPA) picnic shelter
- Stone water tower
- Tenant farmer house
Canoe along Pike Creek
Feel like paddling in a serene location? You can rent canoes, kayaks, paddles, and life vests from the Charles A. Lindbergh State Park visitor center when open. Rent for half- or full-day.
Plan a family reunion at this popular state park venue
Charles A. Lindbergh State Park features a huge enclosed picnic shelter to host large gatherings and family reunions. You can reserve the 60-seat historic log cabin as your venue. The shelter comes with electricity, outlets, and a fireplace.
The nearby picnic area also features volleyball and a small playground for kids.
Go birding and look for wildflowers in the spring
Set along the Mississippi River, lots of birds flock to Charles A. Lindbergh State Park. Go birding for bald eagles, owls, hawks, mallards, teal ducks, wood ducks, mergansers, goldeneyes and Canadian geese. This park is also home to wildlife such as deer and fox and spring wildflowers.
Cross-country ski and snowshoe anywhere in the Charles A. Lindbergh State Park this winter
Although services are limited in the winter, Charles A. Lindberg State Park is open for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter hiking. The park offers three miles of winter hiking trails. You can also use the enclosed picnic shelter as a warming house.
Frequently asked questions about Charles A. Lindbergh State Park in Little Falls, Minnesota
Where is Charles A. Lindbergh State Park located? What is the address for Charles A. Lindbergh State Park?
Charles A. Lindbergh State Park is located at 1615 Lindbergh Drive South, Little Falls, MN 56345.
When is Charles A. Lindbergh State Park open?
Although Charles A. Lindbergh State Park is open year-round 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., services are limited in winter. But you can x-ski, snow hike, or snowshoe at Charles A. Lindbergh State Park.
Is Charles A. Lindbergh State Park free? How much is the admission fee at Charles A. Lindbergh State Park?
Like all Minnesota state parks, Charles A. Lindbergh State Park 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 Charles A. Lindbergh 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.
Does Charles A. Lindbergh State Park have a lake, river, or waterfall?
Yes. Pine Creek runs through Charles A. Lindbergh State Park. Additionally, the historic home and park overlooks the Mississippi River. Additionally, the Little Elk River Unit of the park is where you’ll find the confluence of Little Elk River and the Mississippi River.
Can you fish at Charles A. Lindbergh State Park?
Yes. You can fish at Charles A. Lindbergh State Park. In fact, you can fish right off the Mississippi River banks. Also, check out the Minnesota Fishing Museum and Hall of Fame in Little Falls. See FAQs at end of post for more details.
Does Charles A. Lindbergh State Park have a swimming beach?
No. Charles A. Lindbergh State Park does not have a swimming beach.
Can you boat at Charles A. Lindbergh State Park? Does Charles A. Lindbergh State Park offer a boat ramp with trailer access?
Yes. You can paddle or canoe at Charles A. Lindbergh State Park and offers one boat access. When the park office is open, you may rent canoes, kayaks, paddles, and life vests. You can even reserve a waterside cart-in or canoe-in campsite
How big is Charles A. Lindbergh State Park in Minnesota?
Charles A. Lindbergh, Sr. originally donated 110 acres of his family farm and home to preserve as a memorial to his family. Today, you can explore 570 acres.
Is Charles A. Lindbergh State Park buggy? Mosquitos? Ticks?
Yes, yes, and yes.
Even though I sprayed myself down with mosquito repellent on a hot and muggy summer day, the mosquitoes were fierce here. They are the reason I now spray down my clothing. These mosquitoes bit me through my hiking leggings where I failed to spray.
While I did not come away with any ticks, it’s recommended that you check after hiking at Charles A. Lindbergh State Park.
See my full review of what to pack on a day hike.
12 surprising things about ticks!
How long and how difficult are the hiking trails at Charles A. Lindbergh State Park?
Charles A. Lindbergh State Park offers about 7 miles of beautiful hiking trails. Trek down a staircase, over a quaint footbridge and creek through lush green woods, and next to prairie grasses. You’ll also find a trail along the Mississippi River. The hiking trails are pretty flat so not challenging. For winter hiking, you’ll find about three miles of maintained trails.
An additional two miles of trails are located in the Little Elk River Unit. They are 3.5 miles north of the main part of Charles A. Lindbergh State Park
Snowshoeing or cross-country skiing trails at Charles A. Lindbergh State Park?
Yes. Charles A. Lindbergh State Park offers snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Make sure you purchase a state ski pass.
Are hiking poles needed on the trails at Charles A. Lindbergh State Park?
No. You will not need your hiking poles at Charles A. Lindbergh State Park. The trails are pretty flat and easy. There is a set of stairs.
What are the best views at Charles A. Lindbergh State Park?
The best scenic views at Charles A. Lindbergh are along Pike Creek, the Mississippi River, and the field where Charles Lindbergh, Jr. landed his plane 100 years ago. Also, the lush green trees along the trails offer beautiful scenic views.
Also check out the hiking trails in the Little Elk River Unit to see the confluence of the Mississippi River and Little Elk River.
Are there bike trails at Charles A. Lindbergh State Park?
No. Charles A. Lindbergh State Park does not offer bike trails.
Does Charles A. Lindbergh State Park have a visitor center? Modern restrooms? A gift shop?
Yes. Charles A. Lindbergh State Park offers a park office. Additionally, the visitor center is located in the historic site across from the park office.
Adjacent to the park is where you’ll find the Charles A. Lindbergh historical home and museum. You’ll also find a gift shop at Charles A. Lindbergh State Park.
Charles A. Lindbergh State Park offers modern restrooms with flush toilets and showers seasonally in the campgrounds. Vault toilets are available year-round.
Is Charles A. Lindbergh State Park dog-friendly?
Yes, leashed dogs and pets are welcome at Charles A. Lindbergh State Park. All Minnesota state parks welcome dogs except inside buildings (with the exception of service dogs). Leashes must be six feet or less.
Are there bears at Charles A. Lindbergh State Park?
It’s highly unlikely you’ll see any bears at Charles A. Lindbergh State Park. But keep your eyes open for bald eagles, owls, hawks, ducks and geese. Maybe even a deer or fox.
Can you camp at Charles A. Lindbergh State Park?
Yes, you can camp at Charles A. Lindberg State Park seasonally – typically spring through fall. Charles A. Lindberg State Park offers:
- 38 drive-in, back-in wooded and private camping sites
- 15 electric sites
- 2 walk-in / canoe-in waterfront sites
- A few hammock-friendly sites
- A group camp that accommodates up to 20
- RVs limited to 50 feet
Is firewood available at Charles A. Lindbergh State Park?
Yes. You can purchase firewood at the park office when open. Or buy certified safe-to-move firewood from a gas station.
Why can’t you bring in your own firewood? 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 Charles A. Lindbergh State Park from the Twin Cities – Minneapolis and St. Paul (MSP) airport?
Charles A. Lindbergh State Park is 112 miles northwest of the Minneapolis – St. Paul (MSP) International Airport.
What’s nearby Charles A. Lindbergh State Park? Things to do near Charles A. Lindbergh State Park?
You’ll find several cool things to do near Charles A. Lindbergh State Park.
- Tour the Weyerhaeuser Museum to learn more about Little Falls, Minnesota and Morrison County.
- Shop local and check out the charming and historic downtown in Little Falls, Minnesota. It’s a quintessential Minnesota small town.
- For all you anglers, you will love the Minnesota Fishing Museum and Hall of Fame in Little Falls, Minnesota. This museum displays more than 10,000 fishing-related relics along with an aquarium. The Minnesota Fishing Museum is open Wednesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You will find this museum at 304 West Broadway, Little Falls, MN 56345.
- Another historic state park, Crow Wing State Park in Brainerd, Minn., is only 25 miles north of Charles A. Lindberg State Park. Learn how to hike all 66 Minnesota state parks in a year.
- Two additional state parks in Minnesota are near Charles A. Lindbergh State Park. The historic Mille Lacs – Kathio State Park is less than an hour away. You can also climb the 100-ft. fire tower here (open seasonally). Father Hennepin State Park on one of Minnesota’s largest lakes – Mille Lacs – is just an additional 15 miles from Mille Lacs – Kathio State Park.
When was Charles A. Lindbergh State Park in Minnesota established?
Charles A. Lindbergh State Park was created in 1931 when the family donated 110 acres of the now 570 acres.
How did Charles A. Lindbergh State Park get its name?
I was surprised to learn that the Charles A. Lindbergh State Park was not named after the famous aviator. Although the land that became part of the state park was his home, the actual park was named after his father. Congressman Charles A. Lindbergh, Sr. donated 110 acres to create his namesake state park in Little Falls, Minnesota. A legacy gift for his family and the state of Minnesota.
Does Charles A. Lindbergh State Park host deer hunts? Is Charles A. Lindbergh State Park closed during deer season?
No. Charles A. Lindbergh State Park does not typically close during deer season. And does not host deer hunts. However, that could always change.
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 even when the state park is partially open to non-hunters.
Sign up for a discounted local’s guide to all Minnesota State Parks!
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 | 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 | Thomson, 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)
- 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)
Pin it for later: Guide to Charles A. Lindbergh State Park in Minnesota
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Hiking trails and trails of stairways, looks like Charles A Lindbergh State Park is well maintained. It is a lovely spot to spend an afternoon in the woods.
Yes, Charles A. Lindbergh State Park is perfect for hiking in the woods. They do a really great job of maintaining the trails, footbridge, and stairs.
I would enjoy birding and hiking at this beautiful park in Minnesota!
Minnesota offers a lot of hiking and birding for sure! Charles A. Lindbergh State Park is perfect for that.
Charles A. Lindbergh State Park is so beautiful! I’m glad Lindbergh, Sr., donated the land for others to enjoy. I’ve never heard of this park, but I’d love to see it and see the home, too. I love historic sites!
Thanks! I love historic sites also…and Charles A. Lindbergh State Park is a great place to hike with lots of history.
Great post! I love your challenge to visit all of the state parks in MN, what a cool idea! I’ll definitely be sticking around to read about all of them!
Awesome and thank you! Love sharing Minnesota state park tips with everyone.
What great walking trails you have in Charles A Lindbergh State Park. It makes walking so much nicer when you know you’re not going to trip over roots, branches, etc, as I have a habit of doing.
Charles A. Lindberg State Park does offer some fabulous hiking.
Thank you for sharing this insightful blog post about the top things to do at Charles A. Lindbergh State Park! As an avid nature enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for new destinations to explore, and this park seems like a hidden gem worth visiting.
Thank you and my pleasure! Love sharing what I discovered at Charles A. Lindbergh State Park.
This looks like an amazing park to go hiking with family.
Yes! Charles A. Lindbergh State Park is a perfect Minnesota destination for a family hike.
Hiking and a history lesson. What could be better?
They make a good pairing for sure! Charles A. Lindbergh State Park is perfect for hiking and history.
ooh excited to have learned about this park as I will be going there later this year. Great detailed post, can’t wait to visit now,
Awesome! I hope you enjoy your visit to Charles A. Lindbergh State Park in Minnesota.
I might head to the Charles A Lindbergh State Park for the great outdoor hikes. And maybe even plan to kayak. But as a flying enthusiast, I would certainly plan time to visit the historic home and museum. Good to know to plan around limited hours of operation.
If you love aviation, then you would love Charles A. Lindbergh State Park. Even though the park is named after his father, you can learn a lot about the famous aviator – and see the field where he would land his plane.
We love exploring state parks, and Charles, A Lindbergh State Park, sounds fantastic. The hiking and trails would be a great way to see what the park offers.
I’m a huge fan of state parks also. I think you would enjoy hiking at Charles A. Lindbergh State Park.
Charles A Lindbergh Park looks fun! And I enjoyed learning its backstory.
So good to hear! Charles A. Lindbergh State Park does have a good story to share along with beautiful hiking trails.
Wow it’s crazy how many state parks Minnesota has!! 😍😍 What sceneries I imagine you get to enjoy on rotation.. so so jealous, I’d be perfectly satisfied with just, like, 10% of that in then concrete jungle I’m from 😂
😂 I like the concrete urban hikes sometimes! But, yes, we are blessed to have so many state parks to choose from in Minnesota. Lots of the best hiking available.
I love how the state has continued to honour Charles Lindbergh by creating a new bridge where his once stood, and by having the museum right next door. As an avid hiker, I know I would love hiking through the Charles A. Lindbergh Park as it offers a variety of things of interest (the bridge, stairs, water). I would love to spend a weekend here camping.
Love that Minnesota preserves history and protects green spaces. Charles A Lindbergh State Park is a perfect example.
Are the campsites by reservation or first come first serve?
All the MN state campsites must be reserved. But you can make same-day reservations with no fee. If you want to camp without a reservation, the state forest recreation areas have first-come, first-served sites.
Wow! This park looks beautiful. I would love to visit and go camping, hiking, and spend some time by the water!
Thank you so much! Lots of cool things to do at Charles A. Lindbergh State Park.