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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!

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 Notes

Zebra 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!
Panoramic tour | Snapshot tour

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 This is a PDF file. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to download it. at Lake Carlos State Park.

Park Highlights

tree Camping

tree Fishing on Chain of Lakes

tree Birdwatching

tree Hiking Through Rolling Hills

tree Swimming/Boating

tree Water Recreation


Events

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Find more State Park events on the DNR Events Calendar!

06/01/13 - 09/07/13

Central Lakes State Trail

Come Ride With Me!

06/08/13

Lake Carlos State Park

National Get Outdoors Day

06/08/13

Lake Carlos State Park

PlayCleanGo Day

06/11/13 - 08/24/13

Lake Carlos State Park

Evening Campfire Nature Programs

06/14/13 - 08/23/13

Lake Carlos State Park

Fishing Frenzy Fridays

07/06/13

Lake Carlos State Park

Geocaching 101

07/27/13

Lake Carlos State Park

Nature Photography 101


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.