Lake Maria
Adobe Flash Player
Visitors who come to Lake Maria State Park will enjoy one of the few remaining stands of the "Big Woods," a maple, oak and basswood forest that once covered part of southern Minnesota.
The park is perfect for hikers, backpackers, horseback riders, and cross-country skiers who enjoy the challenge of the rolling terrain. Take a stroll on the boardwalk which winds through a marsh.
Backpack sites, located on remote lakes and ponds throughout the park, are one to two miles from the trailhead parking. New log camper cabins, located near lakes and ponds, provide bunk beds for six people and a table and benches for campers who want more of the creature comforts.
Lake Maria State Park is home to the Blandings turtle, easily identified by bright yellow spots on its shell. It is one of Minnesota's threatened species.
Tell me more about this park's wildlife, history, geology and landscape.
Visitor Alert!
I Can Camp!Camping challenged? Not after you attend our overnight I Can Camp! workshop August 21! Learn more or book now. July is the peak of the deerfly season.They are most active during hot, muggy weather. Protective clothing like caps and bandanas are recommended. Insect repellent is not effective.Horseback riding trails are open for the season. |
Park NotesGift 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. Complete information and lists of vendors and locations where approved firewood is available are posted on the DNR Web site. *Firewood can be purchased at Lake Maria's park office. Year-round camping and lodging:Backpack-in campsites and camper cabins are available year-round! Camper Cabin reservations required. Friends of Lake Maria State Park:The Friends of Lake Maria State Park sponsor many events and programs at the park. Membership is open to individuals and organizations interested in supporting Lake Maria State Park. Call the park at 763-878-2325 for additional information. State Forest Campground:Lake Maria State Park manages the Ann Lake Campground, located in Sand Dunes State Forest near Big Lake. Camping is available beginning April 23 to mid-October. Thirty-six rustic campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Camping is $12/night. There are NO reservations for regular camping, only for group sites (call the park at 763-878-2325 to make reservations). Horse campsites are also available April 23 to October 31. Birders:Click Here for the Bird Checklist at Lake Maria State Park. |
Park Highlights | ||||||
|
Secluded Backpack CampsitesHours
Best time for contacting someone in the park: Friday through Monday, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Other times, leave message on machine.
Contact
11411 Clementa Avenue Northwest
Monticello, MN 55362
tel: 763-878-2325
Getting There
The park may be reached from the south via I-94 (exit 193) at Hwy 25, south to Chelsea Rd to Hwy 39 west and Wright County Rd 111, or from the north via I-94 (exit 183) to Hwy 8, County Rd 39 and County Rd 111.
|
© 2010
MN Department of Natural Resources |
Questions?
|
DNR is an equal opportunity employer | |
