Green River Lowlands State Natural Area

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Green River Lowlands State Natural Area is a beautiful place to visit in Minnesota.


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Summary

Located in the southeastern part of the state, it offers visitors a chance to explore a unique ecosystem that is home to a variety of plants and animals.

One of the main reasons to visit the Green River Lowlands State Natural Area is to experience the beautiful scenery. The park is home to rolling hills, forests, wetlands, and grasslands, which offer visitors a chance to see a variety of different landscapes.

There are also several specific points of interest to see within the park. These include the Green River, which is a popular spot for fishing and canoeing, as well as several hiking trails that wind their way through the park. In addition, there are several picnic areas and campsites available for visitors who want to stay overnight.

One interesting fact about the Green River Lowlands State Natural Area is that it is home to several rare and endangered species. These include the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake, the Henslow's Sparrow, and the Blanding's Turtle.

The best time of year to visit the Green River Lowlands State Natural Area is during the spring and summer months, when the weather is mild and the park is in full bloom. However, visitors should be aware that the park can be quite crowded during peak season, so it is important to plan ahead and arrive early to avoid the crowds.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
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.
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