George Crosby Manitou

Park photo slide show. This slideshow requires the latest version of
Adobe Flash Player

Come to this north-country wilderness park where waterfalls cascade through a volcanic canyon surrounded by majestic forest. The trails in the park are carved through a forest of fir, cedar, spruce, and northern hardwoods. Although the trails are steep and challenging for hikers and backpackers, they offer spectacular views.

Secluded campsites are for backpackers only. Trout (brown, rainbow, and brook) and splake (a hybrid of brook and lake trout) reside in Benson Lake. Watch for moose, deer, bear, and wolves.

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

Visitor Alert!

Watch for some beaver problems on the trail around Bensen Lake. Some minor flooding is possible as we trade off who has the upper hand. Present score: Beavers 10, Rangers 9!

Please note: Areas of the park still show signs from two different storms last year. You may see trees bent over or broken off.

Park Notes

Gift Card:

Purchase a Minnesota State Parks Gift Card this holiday season!

Firewood restrictions information:

Minnesota has enacted legislation that restricts firewood being brought to or used on DNR lands. Gathering of firewood at backpack campsites is allowed at this park. Complete information and lists of vendors and locations where approved firewood is available are posted on the DNR Web site.
More information
Vendor List

Pack-in/Pack-out:

Remember that at this facility, all garbage is pack-in/pack-out. Take your garbage home with you for disposal. Please practice the "Leave No Trace" philosophy. Thank you!