Bear Head Lake State Park

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Secluded in the Northwoods, this park contains pristine lakes; it is home to black bears, nesting eagles, wolves and moose. Stands of white and red pine trees tower over the birch, aspen and fir trees. Located just south of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, the park shares a similar wilderness quality. Explore miles of shoreline by canoe. Swim at the beach, picnic in the shelter building, or fish for walleye, bass, crappies or trout. Trails in the park link-up with the Taconite State Trail and offer snowmobilers, skiers and hikers plenty to enjoy. Rent a three-bedroom guest house or camper cabin any season of the year.

Tell me more about this park's wildlife, history, geology and landscape.

Park Notes

State Forest Campgrounds:

Bear Head Lake State Park also manages the Woodenfrog, Ash River and Wakemup Bay campgrounds inside the Kabetogama State Forest. For information on these units, please contact the Bear Head Lake State Park office at (218) 365-7229.

It's Official: We're America's Favorite Park!

Photo of Bear Head Lake State Park Manager Jen Westlund standing next to the sign at the park's entrance. Bear Head Lake State Park won the 2010 title of "America's Favorite Park" and a $100,000 gift in a nationwide campaign sponsored by Coca-Cola. The money will be used to build a trail center at the park. Thank you Minnesota, and thank you America!
Read the announcement or watch the video of the award ceremony.

Virtual Tour:

Take a panoramic virtual tour of Bear Head Lake State Park. Peek inside a camper cabin, meander along the Blueberry Lake hiking trail and check out a few of our many great fishing spots.
Panoramic tour | Accessible tour

There's also a short video of scenes from the park.

Gift Card:

Purchase a Minnesota State Parks Gift Card.

Firewood Restrictions Information:

Minnesota has enacted legislation that restricts firewood being brought to or used on DNR lands. Learn more and review vendor lists.

Birders:

Bird Checklist at Bear Head Lake State Park.

Directions:

From Tower, go east on U.S. Highway 169 for 9 miles to County Highway 128. Follow this road south 7 miles to the park.

Park Highlights

Camping	Fishing
Great Hiking Trails	Wilderness Atmosphere
Wildlife	23 Miles of Lakeshore

Events

Find more State Park events on the DNR Events Calendar!

05/26/12	Bear Head Lake State Park	Birding at Bear Head
06/02/12	Bear Head Lake State Park	Birding at Bear Head
06/09/12	Bear Head Lake State Park	Birding at Bear Head
06/16/12	Bear Head Lake State Park	Birding at Bear Head
06/23/12	Bear Head Lake State Park	Birding at Bear Head
06/30/12	Bear Head Lake State Park	Birding at Bear Head
07/07/12	Bear Head Lake State Park	Birding at Bear Head
07/10/12	Bear Head Lake State Park	Wolf Communication
07/14/12	Bear Head Lake State Park	Birding at Bear Head

Hours

Best time to contact the park:

June - Labor Day: Daily, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.

September: Daily, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

October - Memorial Day weekend: Intermittent between 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Contact

9301 Bear Head State Park Road
Ely, MN 55731

tel: 218-365-7229

email: bearhead.statepark@state.mn.us

Getting There

From the town of Tower, go east on U.S. Highway 169, 9 miles to St. Louis County Highway 128. Take Highway 128 south 7 miles to the contact station.