Lake Maria State Park
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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!Road and trail conditionsAll trails are open for hiking. Also, horseback riding trails are open for the season. Memorial Day WeekendAll reservable campsites and all camper cabins are filled for the holiday weekend at Lake Maria. At Sand Dunes State Forest (Ann Lake Campground) campsites are available on a first come basis only. |
Park NotesNew! Virtual Tour:Take a panoramic virtual tour of Lake Maria State Park. In this journey you'll check out a few of our favorite campsites and trails, and enjoy the shores of Lake Maria, Putnam Lake and Bjorkland Lake. Anderson Hill offers a wide view of the Big Woods, and exhibits inside the shingled Interpretive Center also offer a resting spot for your hike. 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. 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. From Big Lake on Hwy 10, take County Road 5 north and follow signs. Camping will be open from April 13th to mid-October. 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 April 13 to October 31. Birders:Bird Checklist |
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Secluded Backpack CampsitesEvents |  | |||||||||
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Hours
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.