Check out Minnesota’s high points this summer with these fire towers and overlooks. It’s one thing to see images from a drone, it’s a whole different animal to experience the heights and views for yourself.
Fire/observation Towers
Get staggering views from atop these tall towers. The climb up steep steps will be well worth it. These towers are only open during the summer months as they are too dangerous to climb in the icy Minnesota winters.
Itasca State Park
Park Location: 36750 Main Park Drive
Park Rapids, MN 56470
Fees: $7 Day pass or $35 yearly State Parks Pass (totally worth it)
Tower Location: The tower is located off a trail near the end of the one-way scenic drive. There is a parking area on the south side of the road, the trail that leads to the fire tower is called Aiton Heights Trail. You can also access this trail from the Hiking Club (Ozawindib) Trail.
The tower at Itasca is the most sturdy tower we have climbed in MN, with the least steep steps. If you have a fear of heights, this is a safe tower to climb. While it is quite high, there is less sway with the wind.
At the top of the tower, photos are present to show it’s conquerors the areas around the park. Be sure to take a moment at the top to look through the canopy for wildlife.
St. Croix State Park
Park Location: 30065 St. Croix Park Road
Hinckley, MN 55037
Fees: $7 Day pass or $35 yearly State Parks Pass (totally worth it)
Tower Location: The tower is accessed by following the right most road after entering the park, keep right after picking up a map from the park office. Watch for signs for the Observation Tower, there are numerous parking areas along the way. The parking area for the observation tower is very close to the base of the tower.
Tip: Watch for wildlife along the way, we saw a medium sized black bear strolling down the road!
The distance that is visible from this tower is astounding. This tower takes you high above the tree tops, you feel as though you can see Tobies cinnamon rolls in the oven back in Hinckley. You will work up an appetite with this climb!
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park
Park Location: 15066 Kathio State Park Road
Onamia, MN 56359
Fees: $7 Day pass or $35 yearly State Parks Pass (totally worth it)
Tower Location: After entering the park, take the first left. This leads to a trail center and parking area. The tower can be accessed from the hiking trail loop that begins at the southeast side of the parking area. Keep left at splits in the trail. After the tower, complete the loop by taking the trail back to the road that leads to the parking area.
Lake Mille Lacs can be viewed from the top of this observation tower. It’s a great way to get a different perspective on a park that you’ll be hiking. We hit this feature first at the park, to gain an idea of the area we’d be exploring. Mille Lacs Kathio is a fantastic park in the Mille Lacs area.
Fire Tower Safety
I’ll be quick here. Please follow the rules posted at the base of each tower. They are pretty simple rules and are in place to keep visitors safe. Take these safety rules and guidelines into consideration before climbing.
- Towers must not exceed 6 people at a time.
- Do not climb in poor weather conditions (wind, rain, storms, etc.)
- Supervise children (we had our little guy snuggly strapped into his hiking carrier and secured to me)
- Hold the railing, do not climb if you get dizzy or light headed.
- Do not drop stuff from the top of the tower (duh).
Overlooks
Sibley State Park- Mount Tom
Park Location: 800 Sibley Park Road Northeast
New London, MN 56273
Fees: $7 Day pass or $35 yearly State Parks Pass (totally worth it)
Overlook Location: From the Visitor’s Center head right and then take a left at the split. There will be signs for Mount Tom. The overlook can also be accessed by way of the Hiking Club trail, this trail has numerous starting points and is the 3.3 mile Mount Tom Loop.
Hike Mount Tom to see the far and wide expanse of farm land, lakes, nearby towns and wooded areas. Sibley State Park‘s Mount Tom is not as intimidating as the Observation/Fire towers of the other parks, but it still offers an amazing experience. For a serious fear of heights, this is a great baby step.
Bonus: There is another amazing overlook on the trail leading north of the Mount Tom parking area and a “Little Mount Tom” to the south.
Interstate State Park- St. Croix River Views
Park Location: 307 Milltown Road
Taylors Falls, MN 55084
Fees: $7 Day pass or $35 yearly State Parks Pass (totally worth it)
Overlook Location: This park has two main parking areas. The North Unit holds the main attraction and is a short jaunt from your vehicle. The South Unit has access to the Curtain Falls Hike.
The views over the St. Croix River are astounding and you can wave to our state neighbors from Wisconsin across the river. Take time to check out the potholes and explore this one of a kind terrain.
Warning: Watch the edge of the cliffs and keep small children in hand. There have been several park visitors that have fallen into the river from the overlooks.
Tettegouche- Shovel Point
Park Location: 5702 Highway 61
Silver Bay, MN 55614
Fees: $7 Day pass or $35 yearly State Parks Pass (totally worth it)
Overlook Location: You can’t hike in this park without running into an overlook. It’s cliff and waterfall galore! For overlooks of Lake Superior, check out Shovel Point just north of the visitor’s center. It’s also great for a quick stop on your way to more northern destinations.
Check out our mishap excursion to Tettegouche and how this park saved a weekend adventure.
Warning: Keep young children in hand and watch your footing, especially on damp/wet days. Much of the overlook areas do not have guard rails, which is great because it doesn’t impede on the splendor of the view.
Cascade State Park- Lookout Mountain
Park Location: 3481 West Highway 61
Lutsen, MN 55612
Fees: $7 Day pass or $35 yearly State Parks Pass (totally worth it)
Overlook Location: From the Visitor’s Center, head out on the Hiking Club Trail. There are several trails leaving the Visitor’s Center, so follow signage closely. Cross the bridge at The Cascades and follow the Superior Hiking Trail. You’ll come to a T in the trail after about half a mile, take a left and follow the Superior Hiking Trail until you see signs for Lookout Mountain, it will be to the right of the trail.
We had a great experience at Cascade River State Park and we learned a thing or two. Check out Mistakes and Lessons at Cascade River State Park.
BWCA- Eagle Mountain
Parking Location: Follow MN-61 to Lutsen, MN. Turn left onto Caribou Trail, after 17 miles you’ll go right onto The Grade for 4 miles. On the left you’ll find a decent gravel parking area with an obvious trial head.
Fees: Free Self-Issue Permit, all hikers in the BWCA require a permit. You can acquire one at the Gunflint Ranger Station (2020 W. Hwy 61, Grand Marais, MN) or the trail head.
Overlook Location: Eagle Mountain is a very straight forward hike with well packed trail. The trail will split near the peak, take a left at the Y to climb Eagle Mountain. The total distance out and back is 7 miles.
Of course Minnesota’s highest natural point must be on this list! Standing at a whopping 2301 feet above sea level, she’s a beauty to behold. Hiking this “mountain” should be on every Minnesotan’s bucket list. We had an amazing adventure in the BWCA, for more details check out Hiking Eagle Mountain.
Hiking Tip: We encountered many folks without any gear, not even water. This is a day hike for most hikers entering the area, but this is still the BWCA wilderness and basic supplies should be present. Be sure to bring plenty of water (do NOT drink from the lakes), small first aid, and perhaps some snacks.
