Lake Maria State Park
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!50 Years!2013 marks the 50th anniversary of Lake Maria State Park. Look for anniversary events and special drawings throughout the year! Fall Color PeakPeak of fall color is expected sometime during the first two weeks of October. Park FirewoodDue to theft and increasing prices, bundled firewood will no longer be available for after-hours purchase. It will ONLY be available on weekends during office hours, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. most weekends. Approved firewood is available locally at the Holiday Station in Monticello or at the Hasty Truck Stop. Horse TrailsHorseback riding trails will be open through October 31st. |
Park NotesBe fascinated. Check out the naturalist programs and other activities scheduled at the park. Virtual Tour:Take a virtual tour. It's a great tool to help you plan your next trip to the park! 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 20 miles from Lake Maria in Sand Dunes State Forest near Big Lake. From Big Lake on Hwy 10, take County Road 5 north and follow signs. Camping will be open from May 3rd to October 20th. Thirty-six rustic campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Camping is $12/night. Four group sites are also available. There are NO reservations for regular camping, only for group sites (call the park at 763-878-2325 to make reservations). Individual horse campsites and group sites are also open May 3rd to October 31st. Gift Cards:Purchase a Minnesota State Parks Gift Card. Don't move firewood!Burning non-local firewood can spread invasive species, and it's against Minnesota state law. Learn more. Always buy your firewood at the park, or from an approved local vendor. Find firewood vendors for Lake Maria State Park. Birders:Bird Checklist |
Park Highlights | ||||||
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Secluded Backpack CampsitesHours
Best time to contact the park:
Friday - Monday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Other times, leave message on machine.
Contact
11411 Clementa Avenue Northwest
Monticello, MN 55362
tel: 763-878-2325
email: lakemaria.statepark@state.mn.us
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.