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.
Visitor Alert!Spring UpdateAs of May 7th, the majority of the campground is open for camping, but ice is still expected to cover much of the lake during Fishing Opener. Similarly, water turn-on in the shower facilities is still weather-dependent. Check back for further updates. Construction UpdateThe new trail center is nearing completion! There will be some landscaping work this spring, so be mindful of equipment near the beach area. We hope visitors can begin using the new trail center by late May to early June. Dump Station ClosureUntil further notice, the park dump station is closed for repairs. State Forest Campground StatusAs of May 6th, the Ash River campground is accessible. Wakemup Bay on Vermilion and Woodenfrog on Kabetogama are as yet inaccessible. |
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. 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. 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 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.
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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.