Top Stops at Bear Head Lake State Park

Explore a winter wonderland

Photo of a the tips of a visitor's skis on a park trail.It’s a winter wonderland at Bear Head Lake State Park. Rent snowshoes at the park office for $6 a day. Bring your own cross-country skis and explore the 5.5 miles of groomed trails throughout the park. If there is enough snow on the ground, the Norberg Lake Loop is a must-ski. Before heading out, check the snow depth and trail conditions report.

Camp out in a camper cabin

Photo of a rustic park camper cabin in winter.Bear Head Lake State Park has five camper cabins, each with its own picnic table and fire pit. The camper cabins are conveniently located near a set of docks in the north bay of Bear Head Lake. Inside the cabins, you’ll find a table, screened porch, bunk beds  and electric outlets. All cabins are comfortably heated for the cooler months of the year.

Stay in your own vacation home

Photo of the park's guesthouse, available to rent all year-round.Enjoy the beauty of Minnesota’s wilderness in the comfort of your own vacation home. Located just feet from ideal fishing along Bear Head Lake, the guesthouse offers a perfect retreat for family, friends or both! The house sleeps 10 and is available year-round. Three bedrooms, a full kitchen and heat and air conditioning make this guesthouse ideal no matter the season. In the warmer months, there’s a large deck with patio furniture, fire ring and picnic tables to enjoy outside.

  • Find more details on the guesthouse and make your reservation here.

Cast a line

Photo of Bear Head Lake fishing opportunities.

Winter trout fishing season runs Jan. 17 through March 31, this year. Bear Head Lake State Park has two designated trout lakes. Norberg Lake is located near popular hiking paths and known for its brook trout. Cub Lake (see photo) is a bit off the beaten path and provides a secluded fishing experience. The park office has free ice fishing equipment for the winter months and fishing equipment for the summer season.

 

Watch the wildlife

Photo of a bald eagle perched on the tip of a branch.

Secluded just south of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, this park provides similar scenery. While hiking along the trails, you may spot white-tailed deer, wolves, pine martens, red squirrels and snowshoe hares. And don’t forget to look up! Bald eagles are common in the park.

Explore the trail center

Photo of snowmobiles parked in the snow just outside the trail center.A warming shelter for winter trail explorers, space for interpretive programs and a gathering spot for all park visitors, the trail center at Bear Head Lake State Park is worth a visit. The energy-efficient building was constructed with sustainable forest products and high-efficiency windows. The surrounding landscape, with native plantings, was designed to complement the natural, restful setting of the park.

  • Yes, those are snowmobiles in front of the trail center. Find more info on snowmobiling here.

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