Myre-Big Island State Park Snapshot Tour

Welcome to the Myre-Big Island State Park virtual tour! In this journey you'll meander along the Blazing Star State Trail through native prairies and glimpse Albert Lea Lake. Cozy cabins offer a rest after a day on the water paddling or fishing. We hope it prompts you to visit the park in person sometime soon.
Photo of the paved Blazing Star State Trail as it winds through prairie landscapes.
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Blazing Star State Trail West

Stretch your legs on a walk or bike ride along the paved Blazing Star State Trail as it winds through prairie landscapes within the park. This trail is a wonderful place to take in blooming wildflowers and migrating birds.
Photo of a sunny day along the Blazing Star State Trail just a half mile east of the Park Office.
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Blazing Star State Trail East

Catch glimpses of Albert Lea Lake from the Blazing Star State Trail just a half mile east of the Park Office.
Photo of the landscape along the Blazing Star State Trail.
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Blazing Star State Trail Bridge

Hike or bike over a scenic railroad bridge along this section of the Blazing Star State Trail. Located in the northeast portion of the park, this segment also offers glimpses of Albert Lea Lake.
Photo of native prairie along the Blazing Star State Trail.
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Native Prairie

Experience panoramic views of gorgeous native prairie along the Blazing Star State Trail. 
Photo of the Big Island campsite, equipped with a tent pad, fire ring and picnic table.
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Big Island Campground

Camp under the lush trees of the Big Island campsite, equipped with a tent pad, fire ring and picnic table. A nearby building offers flush toilets and showers for your comfort.
Photo of the cozy log cabin on Big Island.
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Big Island Cabin

This cozy log cabin on Big Island is accessible and can accommodate 5 people. The cabin has electricity and is conveniently located near the restrooms in the Big Island Campground. The camper cabin is available through the reservation system April through October, and on a first come, first served basis November through March.
Photo of the interior inside a camper cabin with chairs, stove and bunks.
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Cabin Interior

Enjoy spending an evening in this cozy camper cabin, complete with available electric.
Photo of the view from a small picnic site near Big Island Campground.
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Big Island Lake View

View Albert Lea Lake from a small picnic area near the Big Island Campground and west of the visitor parking area.
Photo showing the view of Lake Labert Lea from Big Island causeway.
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Big Island Causeway

Take a break and enjoy a view of Albert Lea Lake from a picnic table on the north end of Big Island.
Photo of the picnic shelter located on Big Island.
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Big Island Picnic Area

Pack a picnic lunch and stay the day in this lovely shaded area on Big Island. Enjoy the use of picnic tables or a nearby accessible picnic shelter.
Photo of the loop trail winding through the hardwood forest on Big Island.
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Big Island Hiking Trail

Take a hike through the lush trees of Big Island along this loop trail. Northern hardwood forest covers the 120 acre island, which offers one of the best spots for bird watching in southern Minnesota.
Photo of the paved trail about a half mile long near Big Island Campground.
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Accessible Trail

This paved, accessible trail is a half mile in length and has access points in the Big Island Campground.
Photo of the Little Island dock and boat ramp.
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Little Island Dock

Spend a day on the water paddling or fishing on Albert Lea Lake. A parking area, boat ramp, and wooden pier are available for park visitors. Canoes and kayaks can be rented by contacting the park office.
Photo showing the view from the causeway trail between Big and Little Islands.
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Little Island Causeway

Experience a unique view of the lake from a causeway between Big and Little Islands.
Photo of the wooded group camp area picnic features.
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Little Island Group Camp

Enjoy a rustic group camp area that holds up to 50 people. This site offers picnic tables, fire rings, a vault toilet and plenty of space for tents. The carry-in distance to this site is approximately 350 feet from the parking area.
Photo showing the view from Little Island.
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Little Island Lake View

View Albert Lea Lake from the north end of Little Island, just near the rustic Little Island Group Camp.
Photo showing the White Fox campground features available.
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White Fox Campground

White Fox Campground provides open sites with lots of leg room. A nearby building offers showers and flush toilets for campers.
Photo showing the exterior of the White Fox Campground restroom building.
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Restrooms Exterior

Built in 2005, a state-of-the-art accessible facility offers modern restrooms for campers in the White Fox Campground.
Photo of the restroom interior sinks and stalls.
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Restrooms Interior

Enjoy the comforts of flush toilets and running water at restrooms located in the White Fox Campground. This building is open seasonally.
Photo of the group center grounds near Lake Albert Lea.
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Group Center Camp

This group center is available to rent seasonally by contacting the park office. During your stay, enjoy the use of a mess hall/kitchen, a shower building with flush toilets, and a camping area near lovely Albert Lea Lake. There is no lodging available within the group center buildings, but electric outlets are available for camper units at the attached camp area.
Photo of a remote lakeside campsite accessible from the water by canoe, or by trail.
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Remote Campsite

Enjoy the quieter side of the park when you stay in one of the backpack sites along Albert Lea Lake. Each site is located one to two miles from the parking area and can be accessed either from the water by canoe or from the trails by hiking or mountain biking (call ahead for trail updates).

Virtual Tours

Myre-Big Island State Park home page

Legacy Amendment logo

This program is made possible by funds from the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment.