Lake Carlos State Park
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Sculpted by ancient glaciers, Lake Carlos State Park contains a tamarack bog, marshes, woodland ponds, and lakes.
A variety of recreational activities revolve around the lake. Clear and deep, Lake Carlos offers visitors a perfect setting for swimming, fishing, boating, camping, hiking and horseback riding. In the winter, ski from the tamarack bog to a maple-basswood forest.
Tell me more about this park's wildlife, history, geology and landscape.
Visitor Alert!As of May 2nd, frost is still present in the ground, so water will not be turned on to the lower campground as originally scheduled May 3rd date. With weather permitting, the new water on date for the lower campground will be May 10th. Reservations for the Upper Campground, Pioneer Group Camp, and Horse Camp cannot be made until May 10. Call the park office at (320) 852-7200 for the most up to date information. Welcoming the Bluebirds Open House scheduled for Saturday, April 20 has been POSTPONED, until Saturday, May 18th. REMINDER: Grant-in-aid snowmobile trails officially closed April 1, 2013 and cross-country ski trails are no longer being groomed. PlayCleanGo Day Saturday, June 8, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Join us at the visitor center and learn how you can help prevent the spread of terrestrial invasive species and protect our beautiful Minnesota natural resources. |
Park NotesZebra Mussels Found on Lake Carlos:Zebra mussels are now found on Lake Carlos and throughout the Alexandria Chain of Lakes. Boaters are required to inspect and remove all visible aquatic plants, animals and mud from their boats, trailers and equipment in order to prevent the spread of Zebra Mussels. Large groups of Zebra Mussels can kill native mussels, harm fish populations, and interfere with recreational opportunities. Learn more about invasive aquatics Virtual Tour:Take a virtual tour. It's a great tool to help you plan your next trip to the park! Gift Cards: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 |
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Hours
Best time to contact the park:
Daily 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Contact
2601 County Road 38 Northeast
Carlos, MN 56319
tel: 320-852-7200
email: lakecarlos.statepark@state.mn.us
Getting There
The park entrance is located 10 miles north of Alexandria on State Highway 29, then 2 miles west on Highway 38.