State Park · Minnesota

Nerstrand Big Woods State Park

Location: Rice County, Minnesota
Nearest town: 7.5 miles southeast of Dundas
Type: State Park

About Nerstrand Big Woods State Park

Prior to the 1840s, a large, contiguous forest called the Big Woods covered much of southeast Minnesota, and this park preserves a remaining outlying section of that woodland. Its name also traces back to Nedstrand in Tysvær Municipality, Norway. Aside from a small waterfall, the forest itself stands as the park's principal natural feature, distinct from the main body of the Big Woods, which lay on glacier deposits ten miles west across the Cannon River.

Hours, fees, camping, reservations and closures are set by the park and change often. Check the official park site before you go.

Getting there

Nerstrand Big Woods State Park is in Rice County, Minnesota, 7.5 miles southeast of Dundas. The Directions button takes you to the park's mapped location; the entrance may be elsewhere, so check the official site for the address to use.

State parks near Nerstrand Big Woods State Park

Within 60 miles, closest first, straight-line. All 73 in Minnesota →

Towns near Nerstrand Big Woods State Park

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Facts from Wikidata, checked September 25, 2026. Distances are straight-line.