Best attractions and places to see in Cannon River Wilderness Park, an 850-acre preserve in Rice County, Minnesota, are centered around the Cannon River. The park features diverse landscapes, including forested hills, deep ravines, riverbottom forests, and steep bluffs. Visitors can explore a variety of habitats, such as maple-basswood forests, prairies, and calcareous fens. This area offers opportunities to experience natural features and historical sites.
Last updated: July 6, 2026
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A neat feature of this park is this wooden frame stair case with a rope railing leading down to a bunch of wooden sidewalks to the bridge
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Finally found my way to the cabin foundation I just learned about this year. Neat historical sign by it that tells the story of the Henry Fisk
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Great park for hiking that is not very traveled. Might want to bring a saw and some clippers, as trails often need maintenance.
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I cleared a few of the trees, and it's passable now down to the river (at least it was a few weeks ago when I cleared them).
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Hopefully they keep clearing here so we can get back to look at the Cannon again without too much effort.
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This well-hidden park has a walking-only trail that takes you down to the Cannon River.
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Cannon River Wilderness Park is centered around the Cannon River, offering diverse landscapes. You can explore forested hills, deep ravines, and riverbottom forests. The park also features dramatic geological formations like steep bluffs and sheer cliffs. Keep an eye out for diverse plant communities, including the rare dwarf trout lily.
Yes, the park offers over five miles of trails for hiking. These trails allow you to explore the park's natural features, including a walking-only trail that leads down to the Cannon River, as found at Rice County Wilderness Park. For more detailed hiking options, you can explore guides like Easy hikes in Cannon River Wilderness Park.
The park is home to the Henry Fisk Cabin Site. This location features a historical sign that tells the story of Henry Fisk, offering a glimpse into the area's past.
Yes, Cannon River Wilderness Park offers four primitive campsites for those looking for an immersive outdoor experience. These sites provide a basic camping setup within the wilderness area.
Visitors can utilize a designated picnic area with a shelter for relaxation and meals. There are also benches, such as those found near the field and fen area, providing spots to rest and enjoy the scenery. A canoe launch offers direct access to the Cannon River for paddling enthusiasts.
The park's general policy allows dogs, but they must be kept on a leash. Always ensure your pet is under control and follow any posted regulations to protect the wildlife and natural environment.
A notable man-made feature is the Staircase with a rope railing. This wooden staircase leads down to wooden sidewalks and a bridge, providing unique access and scenic views within the park.
The Cannon River, which flows through the park, is ideal for canoeing. A dedicated canoe launch provides direct access to the river for paddling enthusiasts.
Yes, in addition to hiking, over five miles of trails are available for horseback riding, allowing equestrian enthusiasts to explore the park's diverse landscapes.
For cycling, you can explore Road Cycling Routes in Cannon River Wilderness Park. If you're interested in running, check out Running Trails in Cannon River Wilderness Park for various options.
You can access the Cannon River directly via a dedicated canoe launch. Additionally, a river access point, such as the area near A lot of trees are down, allows visitors to reach the waterway for exploration.
Yes, the park features a designated picnic area complete with a shelter, providing a convenient spot for visitors to enjoy meals and relax amidst the natural surroundings.


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