Cedar Island Shores Park
Rate this placeNearby: Maple Meadow Park Donahue North Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Cedar Island Shores Park is a beautiful park located in Minnesota that offers numerous activities and amenities for visitors to enjoy.
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Summary
Some good reasons to visit include the stunning views of the Mississippi River, the opportunity to camp overnight in one of the park's many campsites, and the chance to explore the park's hiking trails and fishing spots.
One of the main points of interest in Cedar Island Shores Park is the Cedar Island Creek Waterfall, which cascades down a rock face and provides for a picturesque scene. Visitors can also explore the park's many picnic areas, playgrounds, and volleyball courts, as well as access the Mississippi River via the park's boat launch.
Interesting facts about the area include that it was once home to the Dakota Sioux tribe and that the park was established in 1967. Additionally, Cedar Island Shores Park is a prime spot for birdwatching, as it is home to a variety of bird species including bald eagles.
The best time of year to visit Cedar Island Shores Park is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and the park's amenities are in full swing. However, the park is open year-round and offers activities such as ice fishing and cross-country skiing during the winter months.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Halfmoon Group Camps
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Baker Park Reserve
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Oak Knoll Group Camp
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Baker Park Reserve Campground
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J3
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Maple Meadow Park
Donahue North Park
Donahue South
Fish Lake Woods Park
Worden Special Use Park