Traveling the State Parks of Minnesota can be a great experience for people of all ages. Trails, trees, lakes and education make a great family excursion. Plan one for 2023 including the great state parks of Lake of the Woods. Snow is vanishing and you will soon see spring surprises reaching up from the earth to surprise the passer-by.

Minnesota State Parks are beautiful during all seasons, but spring calls to us all to make plans to visit each one. Lake of the Woods is fortunate to have many state parks in the county and have a great neighbor south of us on Hwy 72, the Big Bog State Park.

The Minnesota DNR is the place to contact when looking to purchase your yearly sticker. A $35 year-round vehicle permit provides unlimited visits to all 75 Minnesota state parks and recreation areas for a full year from the month of purchase.

By purchasing a vehicle permit, you help maintain and improve the natural resources, facilities, and education and outreach programs that make Minnesota’s state parks among the best in the nation. Vehicle permits are valid for one year from the month of purchase. Plus, you can receive a discount on additional year-round permits for other vehicles you own.

Looking for the perfect gift for the outdoor enthusiast? Purchase a gift card!

Not a fan of windshield stickers? Now there’s another option; the new Minnesota State Parks and Trails license plate provides you with unlimited visits to all 75 Minnesota state parks and recreation areas for an entire year, without requiring a separate vehicle permit. Plus it helps fund the operations and maintenance of Minnesota state parks and trails!

Lake of the Woods has a few state parks and forests. A year-round pass would be perfect with all the time you could spend inside these beautiful parks. A few of the closest ones include Zippel State Park, Franz Jevne State Park, and Beltrami Island State Forest. The outdoor activities you can do in the parks are endless, from fishing, canoeing, hiking, mushroom hunting, biking, camping, etc. Stay informed and be prepared to be stopped and don’t forget to get your permit.

The Big Bog State Recreational Area  is just a few miles south of Lake of the Woods County on Hwy 72. This very unique and educational experience is one of a kind. The boardwalk itself is 1 mile long and reaches far into the swamp while having benches and teaching plaques along the way. It’s a must to put on your vacation list.

In order to buy a permit you must follow one of two ways:

Call:
• DNR Information Center at 651-296-6157 (Twin Cities area)
• Toll free 1-888-MINNDNR (646-6367)

Visit:
• Any Minnesota state park, and purchase from self-serve kiosk* or the front office
• REI locations in Bloomington, Roseville, and Maple Grove
• Minnesota DNR License Center, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul
• Hennepin County Service Centers in Brooklyn Center, Edina, Maple Grove, Minneapolis, and Minnetonka
• Minnesota’s Bookstore, St. Paul
• State Parks are beautiful and number as high as 75 in Minnesota, however, Lake of the Woods is home to many beautiful areas to explore.

Spring of 2023 has been slow coming but it’s time to get outdoors and get some fresh air and sit and enjoy the beauty of creation as it comes to life in the springtime. Zippel Bay State Park is a beautiful spot to visit at any season, but springtime has special beauty. With miles of groomed trails, you will enjoy wildflowers peeking through the undergrowth and the aspens and birch trees coming alive with their bright green leaves and beautiful white bark. This State Park is located at 3684 54th Avenue Northwest, Williams, MN 56686 on Hwy #8 northwest of Baudette. This park provides a great opportunity to take the family on a walking tour.

The State Park at Zippel Bay is also known for its sandy beach reaching out into Lake of the Woods. It’s a perfect place for children to build sand castles and explore the shoreline. The bay itself is very shallow there so it is the best place for visitors to swim and walk out a long distance. You may obtain a State Park Sticker online before you visit or right at the entrance. A great family experience while practicing social distancing.

Zipple Bay State Park also manages the Blueberry Hill and Faunce campgrounds inside the Beltrami Island State Forest. For information on these units, please contact the Zippel Bay State Park office at (218) 783-6252. Blueberry Hill State Forest is located 3.5 miles west of Williams on the south side of Highway 11 and is one of the highest points of elevation in the county.

 

If you’re looking for remote, check out Franz Jevne State Park located on Highway 11. Here there is primitive camping with access to the Rainy River. This is located a few miles east of Birchdale, home of one of the last unique General Stores.

Other state parks in the area include an excursion by boat to the northern-most park of Garden Island on Lake of the Woods.

Garden Island State Park Boat docks and picnic grounds are available three seasons of the year. Here you can explore and do some walleye fishing and even enjoy a shore lunch on these beautiful grounds. Here’s a link to see what you can expect. Don’t forget that if you’re a birding fanatic, you are able to see many species at this untouched landscape. http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/destinations/state_parks/virtual_tours/garden_island/vt_gardenisland.html

Venture to the northland very soon to enjoy the rich beauty spring offers in state parks. Come to Lake of the Woods, MN.

For more information and lodging availability, please see out website at ww.lakeofthewoodsmn.com/lodging. Feast your eyes on the beauty nature has to offer.

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