Bear Head Lake State Park
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 NotesBe fascinated. Check out the naturalist programs and other activities scheduled at the park.
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. 2010 America's Favorite Park!
Virtual Tour:Take a virtual tour. It's a great tool to help you plan your next trip to the park! There's also a short video Gift Card:Purchase a Minnesota State Parks Gift Card. Don't move firewood!Burning non-local firewood can spread invasive species, and it's against Minnesota state law. Learn more. Always buy your firewood at the park, or from an approved local vendor. Find firewood vendors for Bear Head Lake State Park. Birders:Bird Checklist Directions:From Tower, go east on MN Highway 169 for 9 miles to County Highway 128. Follow this road south 7 miles to the park. From Ely, go west on MN Highway 169 to County Highway 128. Follow this road south 7 miles to the park. |
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 improved a trail center at the park. Thank you Minnesota, and thank you America!
of scenes from the park.
Park Highlights | ||||||
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CampingHours
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.