Sibley State Park Management Plan Update

Over the coming months, the management plan for Sibley State Park will be updated. A management plan sets the direction for the state park for the next 15-20 years and includes recommendations for managing natural and cultural resources and providing recreational and interpretative opportunities to park visitors.

Sibley State Park’s boundary, land base and visitor facilities have changed significantly since the last management plan was written. The plan will address to what degree the largely undeveloped western half might be opened up to increased recreational use. Other issues the plan will address include the connection of the Glacial Lakes State Trail to the park, improvements to the beach area and its historic resources, addition of camper cabins, and potential campground expansion. Options for managing and restoring the park’s oak savanna, forest and prairie ecosystems will be important elements of the plan. 

Sibley State Park, over 2,500 acres in size, is one of the largest and most popular parks in west-central Minnesota, with almost 250,000 annual visits. It was established in 1919, but was largely  developed in the 1930s by the Veterans Conservation Corps. Mount Tom, one of the highest points within a 50-mile radius, offers views of a patchwork of forest, farmland, prairie knolls, and lakes. Summer visitors enjoy swimming, boating, and fishing on Lake Andrew. A canoe route invites adventurers to explore the natural shorelines of Henschien and Swan lakes. The park offers several campgrounds, a modern group center, horseback camps, picnic area, and interpretive programs year-round.  Find more information or learn more about the park’s resources.

Open House

The plan update process began with an informal open house held on October 18, 2011. See open house comments.

Citizens Advisory Committee

A Citizens Advisory Committee will be assisting with the planning process. This group will meet about five times over a six-month period to provide input, help evaluate alternative courses of action, and review the draft management plan once it is written. The group's first meeting will take place on Thursday, December 8, 6:30 pm, at the park's Trail Center. All meetings are open to the public.

User Survey

Take an on-line survey telling us how you use Sibley State Park. 

Contact

If you have other comments or questions, please contact the following DNR staff: