Best Places For A Bonfire In Minnesota
Bonfires are an outdoor tradition across the country and a time to enjoy being outside among friends. However, fires can also be a hazard and should be attended to with care. In Minnesota, fire regulations allow bonfires in fire pits and in certain areas 25 feet away from wooden structures, trees or combustible materials. Safely enjoy a bonfire this summer in any of these scenic locations.
Bluff Valley
61297 390th Ave.
Zumbro Falls, MN 55991
(800) 226-7282
www.bluffvalley.com
One of the best campgrounds in Southern Minnesota, Bluff Valley offers acres of camping sites, places to hike and areas to enjoy a good old-fashioned campfire. Stay overnight or for the weekend and enjoy the amenities of Bluff Valley during the day and a warm fire at night. Bluff Valley has miles of hiking trails, a swimming pool, tubing down the river, a skate park and a playground for kids to enjoy the outdoors and sunshine. Make a new friend in the community or spend a romantic night around the fire with an old friend.
Afton State Park
6959 Peller Ave. S.
Hastings, MN 55033
(651) 436-5391
www.dnr.state.mn
Open year-round, Afton State Park offers a fantastic hiking area and campsite areas for lovers of the outdoors. The park offers bluffs that overlook the St. Croix River and boast a spectacular view. In the summer, visitors enjoy swimming and sunning on the beach. Campfires are a perfect topping to this experience although only wood purchased from the park is allowed for burning in fire pits or bonfires. Enjoy hiking, biking and cross country skiing and remember why Minnesota is so great.
Itasca State Park
36750 Main Park Drive
Park Rapids, MN 56470
(218) 699-7251
www.dnr.state.mn
Another Minnesota gem, Itasca State Park is located on the North Shore at the headwaters of the Mississippi River. With campgrounds and cabins open year-round, Itasca State Park is the perfect location to enjoy a bonfire when the sun goes down. Itasca offers miles of hiking and biking trails as well as a playground and volleyball court on the beach to enjoy. Rent a cabin and light your bonfire at the outdoor fire ring. Fishing, boating and swimming are some of the other activities you can enjoy during the day while waiting to spark your fire at night.
Indian Point Campground
7000 Pulaski St.
Duluth, MN 55807
(855) 777-0652
www.duluthindianpointcampground.com
Another fantastic camping and bonfire venue located in Northern Minnesota is Indian Point Campground. This scenic campground is closer to the action of Duluth than most. Camp in a park-like setting on St Louis Bay and enjoy a bonfire on the beach. Close to Canal Park, travelers can allow some time for shopping during the day if they tire of hiking, biking and canoeing. The Wild Manger bike trail is blocks away and the staff is one of the friendliest and most helpful in the state.
Mississippi River Sandbars by Wabasha
Wabasha-Kellogg Riverfront
137 Main St.
Wabasha, MN 55981
(651) 565-4158
www.wabashamn.org
If you're not interested in committing to a camping expedition to have a bonfire, the Mississippi River is the perfect place for an evening bonfire. Hundreds of sandbars can be found along the Mississippi River and are the perfect place to hang out, swim and enjoy the serenity of the river. This area of Southern Minnesota is home to the National Eagle Center and bald eagles are frequently spotted from the riverfront. Paddle your boat up the river to a sandbar and relax near a bonfire.
Andrea Wodele is a freelance writer who has lived in the Twin Cities for eight years. She loves covering all things Minnesota and her work can be found on Examiner.com.
