Minnesota is home to 17.6 million acres of forested land. About a third of Minnesota is covered in trees. Back in the day, fire towers were vital to observe and prevent forest fires from spreading and causing deaths and destruction. With technology like satellites and drones, most fire towers are no longer needed to keep a protective eye out on our natural resources.
However, several fire towers and lookouts still stand in Minnesota state parks. And they are open seasonally so visitors can climb for some breathtaking views. Here is a list of the Minnesota state park fire towers you can climb. With a bonus list of a few other fire towers in Minnesota.
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Which Minnesota state parks have fire towers? Where can I climb fire towers in Minnesota?
You can climb several fire towers in Minnesota for the best views. Minnesota state parks and recreation areas featuring fire towers include:
- Big Bog State Recreation Area; Waskish, MN
- Itasca State Park; Itasca, MN
- Mille Lacs Kathio State Park; Onamia, MN
- St. Croix State Park; Hinckley, MN
- Whitewater State Park; Altura, MN (technically two miles away in Elba, MN)
Additional fire and lookout observational towers you can climb in Minnesota include:
- Faunce Lookout Tower; Faunce, MN
- Forest History Center; Grand Rapids, MN
- Paul M. Thiede Fire Tower Park; Pequot Lakes, MN
Big Bog State Recreation Area Fire Tower
For a panoramic view of Minnesota’s largest freshwater lake, climb the fire tower at Big Bog State Recreation Area. Big Bog State Park borders Red Lake and is also home to the largest peat bog in the lower 48 states. Red Lake, the 16th largest in the U.S., covers 444 square miles. While the peat bog covers 500 square miles. How big is 500 square miles? To compare, Los Angeles is about 469 square miles.
You can find the 100-foot fire tower at Big Bog State Recreation Tower directly behind the visitor center. The address is 55556-MN 72, Waskish, MN, 56685.
If you’re unable to climb the fire tower, you can enjoy the views from the fire tower webcam.
Big Bog State Recreation Area observation fire tower is open during regular visitor center hours. The visitor center is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday through Saturday, and 12 to 3 p.m. on Sundays.
How much does it cost to climb the Big Bog Fire Tower?
Daily passes to any Minnesota state park or recreation area is $7 per vehicle. Or you can purchase an annual pass to nearly 75 parks and recreation areas for only $35. There is no extra charge to climb the fire towers in Minnesota state parks.
Is there a limit on how many people can climb the fire tower at the same time?
Most fire towers limit the number of people who can climb the fire tower safely at the same time. Please read and heed the safety signage. If people are climbing up or down, it’s a good idea to wait as the stairs are pretty narrow and steep. Make sure to wear sensible shoes.
What’s nearby Big Bog State Recreation Area Fire Tower?
Big Bog State Recreation Area may seem like it’s in the middle of nowhere. That’s because it kinda is. It’s known as one of the last wilderness areas in Minnesota. This recreation area covers 9,000 acres. And with the peat bog covering 500 square miles, that’s a lot of wilderness. Moose like to hang out here. Make sure to enjoy a walk along the accessible one-mile boardwalk through the peat bog.
Minnesota’s largest freshwater lake, Red Lake, is also nearby, as is the Tamarac River.
Itasca State Park Fire Tower / Aiton Heights Fire Tower
Itasca State Park features the 100-foot Aiton Heights Fire Tower. Itasca State Park is located at 16879-16855 County Highway 122, Shevlin, MN 56676.
This fire tower is a little shakier than some of the other fire towers I’ve climbed. But it’s still safe. Note that it does get pretty narrow at the top. For your safety, only six people are allowed on the fire tower at the same time. But the views are worth the wait and the climb.
It does not cost extra to climb the Aiton Heights Fire Tower at Itasca State Park as it’s included in the park entrance fee. Most state park fire towers are open during park office hours and seasonally. Typically, Minnesota fire towers are open from May to late September or October.
What’s nearby Itasca State Park Fire Tower?
You’ll find lots to do at one of the largest state parks in Minnesota. One of the draws is the Mississippi River headwaters. This is where the longest river in the U.S. starts. And it’s so shallow, you can actually wade across the Mississippi River.
Read my full review of the top things to do at Itasca State Park in Minnesota.
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park Fire Tower
For another cardio workout, climb the 100-foot fire tower at Mille Lacs Kathio State Park. Mille Lacs Kathio State Park is located at 15066 Kathio State Park Road, Onamia, MN 56359. Like other state parks, the fire tower is typically open seasonally during park hours. And there is no extra cost to climb the Mille Lacs Kathio State Park Fire Tower.
Other things to do at Mille Lacs Kathio State Park
Minnesota’s fourth largest park features 9,000 years of history, 35 miles of hiking trails, 27 miles of horse trails, and more. Read my full review on the top things to do at Mille Lacs Kathio State Park in Minnesota.
St. Croix State Park Fire Tower
My first adventure climbing a fire tower was with my husband and son at St. Croix State Park. Minnesota’s largest state park features another 100-foot fire tower. It’s one of the sturdier fire towers in Minnesota. I felt very safe climbing this fire tower. St. Croix State Park is located at 30065 St. Croix Park Road, Hinckley, MN 53037.
What other things are there to do at St. Croix State Park?
With 34,000 acres of woods and waterways, the outdoor activities are endless. Additionally, you’ll want to head into nearby town of Hinckley, Minnesota. You can learn more about the Great Hinckley fire at the Hinckley Fire Museum. And also visit the Great Hinckley Fire Monument. A tragic forest fire in 1894 destroyed 200,000 acres and 411 people died.
The museum is open from mid-May to mid-October and located at 106 Old Highway 61 South in Hinckley. You can find the monument right off I-35 as you head toward or from St. Croix State Park.
Read my full review of the top things to do at St. Croix State Park. Additionally, it’s one of the best stops before heading to the North Shore along Lake Superior.
Whitewater State Park Fire Tower / Historic Elba Fire Tower
Technically, the historic Elba Fire Tower is located a couple of miles from Whitewater State Park. The Elba Fire Tower address is 1100 East Center Street in St. Charles, Minnesota.
If you love cardio hikes, then this is your kind of place. Expect to climb several hundred steps to reach the base of the Elba Fire Tower. And then it’s another 150 or so steps to the top of the Elba Fire Tower. The rewarding views from the Elba Fire Tower are breathtaking.
While I did not use hiking poles, I do always keep a pair or two in my vehicle just in case.
What else is there to do near the Elba Fire Tower?
Check out my blog post on the top things to do at Whitewater State Park.
Other Minnesota fire towers you can climb
Faunce Lookout Tower
Faunce Lookout Tower is located near Baudette, Minnesota. Its GPS address is H2VW+J7, Faunce, MN 56686.
Forest History Center Fire Tower
If you’re a tree lover, then you must visit the Forest History Center in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Such a fascinating area with a logging camp, horse-drawn trolley, paddling, hiking trails, and, of course, a fire tower to climb. On a clear day, you can see as far as 12 miles away at the top of the 100-foot fire tower. The fire tower is open June through October and is included in the price of admission
What to do nearby? Since you’re in the neighborhood, stop by the Judy Garland Museum and her childhood home.
Paul M. Thiede Fire Tower
One fire tower still on my list to climb is Paul M. Thiede Fire Tower. Located in Paul M. Thiede Fire Tower Park, the address is 5320 County Road 11, Pequot Lakes, MN.
More stair climbing opportunities in Minnesota
If you love to climb stairs for great views, you will also love the following cardio activities and adventures.
Enger Tower, Duluth, Minnesota
While not as tall or as challenging as the fire and lookout towers, you can also climb the 80-foot Enger Tower in Duluth, Minnesota. Enger Tower is located in Enger Park at 1601 Enger Tower Drive, Duluth, MN. You’ll catch beautiful views of Lake Superior. This park also features an American-Japanese Peace Bell and small Japanese garden.
Herman the German Monument, New Ulm, Minnesota
Additionally, you can climb a spiral staircase to the base of the 102-foot Herman the German Monument in New Ulm, MN. Note that the last few of the 99 steps is actually a ladder that leads you through a trap door.
Here you can take in sweeping views of the German community. Located at 10 Monument Street in New Ulm, MN, admission is $3 per person. Herman the German monument is open weekends in May and September and daily Memorial Day through Labor Day.
John A. Latsch State Park, Minnesota City, Minnesota
John A. Latsch is one of my favorite Minnesota state parks. The trail is only one-half mile. But it is all stairs. Around 600 of them lead you up Mount Charity. This challenging hike offers rewarding views of the Mississippi River below as well as lots of tree canopies. Beautiful scenery in every season. John A. Latsch State Park is located at Channel View Road and Highway 61 in Minnesota City, Minnesota.
Garvin Heights, Winona, Minnesota
Another nearby stair-climbing cardio hike is Garvin Heights in Winona, Minnesota. You can drive to the top of the bluff at Garvin Heights Park. But the views seem much more rewarding when you hike up nearly 400 stairs.
Minnesota’s most breathtaking views
- 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) Editorial Note: This park is now closed as mining has resumed.
- 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)
Pin it for Later
Climbing the Itasca State Park fire tower every year growing up is such a fond childhood memory for me, didn’t realize there were more to climb!
That’s so cool you have that childhood memory! I was surprised to find so many fire towers you could climb in MN.
I always enjoy hiking up to fire towers for the views of the surrounding landscape. Will save this for our next Minnesota visit.
Awesome! I hope you get the opportunity to climb some fire towers the next time you visit Minnesota.
I love the idea that there are so many spot in Minnesota where we could climb a fire tower. The views from above are awesome. And particularly would be beautiful in the Fall colours. If I lived closer to Minnesota I would definitely have an annual park pass.
Fall is a beautiful time to climb the fire towers at Minnesota state parks. Such beautiful views.
I had no idea you could climb fire towers! So cool. What a unique way to see a state park!
There are quite a few fire towers to climb in Minnesota. Such beautiful views at the state parks especially.
Ok I am WAY to scared to do this, but I know some people who are ALWAYS looking for stuff like this! Pinning to show them later!
It’s definitely not something for those with a fear of heights or claustrophobia.
I had no idea there were so many firetowers in Minnesota, especially not with great views! Historic Elba Fire Tower looks really pretty – love a good valley view.
Love the Elba fire tower. It is a stunning view of the valley.
I havent had the joy of going to Minnesota yet, but this would certainly be on my list! Some of these viewpoints are breathtaking!
I hope you get the opportunity to visit Minnesota and climb the fire towers. Views are stunning.
It’s an interesting article about the Minnesota state parks that fire towers that you can climb. I would like to be able to climb to see the views, as it would give a different perspective of the parks.
Thank you so much! The fire towers offer beautiful views in Minnesota’s state parks.
Climbing fire towers in Minnesota state parks looks like a great way to see some amazing views. Your post reminded me of the time I climbed a fire tower at night on New Year’s Eve. The sky was full of stars. Great memory!
Love climbing the Minnesota fire towers…such scenic views. That must have been so beautiful at night.