 August 2024
Summer Water Adventures
As the final weeks of summer unfold across Minnesota, there's no better place to enjoy the season than the refreshing waters of your favorite state park or water trail. In this August edition of the Trailblazer, we’re diving into the cool opportunities that await you at Minnesota’s scenic state parks and state water trails. Whether you’re looking to float down a serene river, or simply relax on a sandy beach, state parks offer an array of paddling rentals and beachside escapes perfect for every adventurer. Discover the lesser-known gems of our state parks where you can cool off, have fun, and make lasting summer memories. Let's dive in!
 Paddling Rentals
Let your worries float away
 📷: Andrea Tassi, Scenic State Park
There's nothing quite like getting out on the water during a heat wave. Don't own a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard? Or maybe you don't feel like hauling your own? Come enjoy the low-cost watercraft rental opportunities at select Minnesota state parks!
Rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis and include a fitted life vest. All children under 10 years old must wear a life jacket while on the watercraft at all times. Check out the state parks and recreation areas that offer paddling rentals.
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$15 half day
$25 full day
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$15 half day
$25 full day
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$10 per hour
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State Water Trails
Plan a paddling voyage with our new water trail maps!
 📷: Park staff, Snake River State Water Trail
Minnesota boasts 35 state water trails with over 4,500 miles of fantastic paddling opportunities! Whether you're into kayaking, canoeing, or camping along the river, there's a perfect spot for you. State water trails include the stunning north shore of Lake Superior, familiar rivers such as the Root, St. Croix, and Vermilion, plus so many more!
Visit our website for the latest river level information and plan your trip with confidence. Each river has its own main page where you'll find a trail map, information on the landscape, fish and wildlife in the area, and more. For thrill-seekers, you can explore rivers with rapids sections. We provide river rapids ratings based on the International Scale of River Difficulty, with estimates derived from low to moderate water levels and secondhand reports.
**New this year** Many water trails now feature updated maps! These maps offer the latest information, detailed descriptions, and recommended trips to assist with planning your time on the water. Download the trail's geo PDF map (for free!) before you head out with Avenza. Geo PDFs allow you to track your location on the map with your phone even when you have no cell service—an incredible safety precaution that should not be overlooked! Come explore Minnesota's state water trails and discover the beauty and excitement that awaits you!
Dive In! 🌊
Best swimming spots at Minnesota state parks
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Minnesota state parks boast a diverse array of lakes and beaches. From sandy shores and swimming ponds to retired mining pits with vibrant aqua waters, you'll find the perfect spot to cool off on a hot summer day. Discover your new favorite swimming spot at a Minnesota state park or recreation area.
Browse all swimming options by using ParkFinder. You can filter by options like swimming beach, dock, boat-access and more!
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 📷: Park staff, Bear Head Lake State Park
Bear Head Lake State Park offers a wilderness experience just south of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. With miles of pristine shoreline to explore by canoe, a sandy beach for swimming, and picnic areas, it's an ideal spot for a day of outdoor fun. Anglers will find plenty of opportunities to fish for walleye, bass, crappies, and trout. For a longer stay, consider renting a cozy three-bedroom guest house or camper cabin, available year-round.
 📷: Park staff, Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area
Once abandoned mining pits, Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area mine lakes now provide a refreshing escape for visitors. Spend the morning working up a sweat on the nationally renowned mountain biking trails, then plunge into the vibrant teal lakes to cool off. With 25 miles of natural shoreline to explore by boat or canoe, it's a perfect spot for a summer adventure. Anglers will also enjoy the variety of fishing options, including trout that are stocked in the mine lakes.
 📷: Park staff, Whitwater State Park
Nestled in southeastern Minnesota, Whitewater State Park is renowned for its picturesque limestone bluffs and deep ravines. Visitors can enjoy a sandy swimming beach, making it an ideal spot to cool off during hot summer days. The park also offers easy-to-challenging hiking trails, camping options, a group camp, and a modern group center. This 2,700-acre park is a haven for anglers, with brown, brook, and rainbow trout thriving in the spring-fed Whitewater River and Trout Run Creek. Whitewater State Park is a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike.
 📷: Sara Berhow, Split Rock Creek State Park
Swim, fish, or boat in the serene waters of Split Rock Lake, the largest body of water in Pipestone County, at Split Rock Creek State Park. The lake is the centerpiece of this picturesque park, offering ample opportunities for water-based recreation. Don't miss the Beach Side Trail Center, where you can enjoy an excellent vista and learn more about the area's rich history. And for a unique side trip, the famous Pipestone National Monument is just seven miles north of the park, making it a perfect addition to your visit.
 📷: Park staff, Zippel Bay State Park
Zippel Bay State Park offers an unforgettable experience with its stunning sunsets and miles of white sand beach along the shores of Lake of the Woods, one of the world's largest lakes. During the summer, visitors can enjoy a refreshing swim at the park's beach and have a picnic in the designated area. The park also features drive-in campsites, a group camp, a marina on Zippel Bay, and a stone jetty that provides protected access to the vast waters of Lake of the Woods.
 📷: Park staff, McCarthy Beach State Park
Come to McCarthy Beach State Park and you'll remember the lakes. The sandy beach on Sturgeon Lake, rated one of the top 17 beaches in North America by Highway's Magazine, offers a half-mile of shoreline and shallow waters extending hundreds of feet into the lake, perfect for a refreshing swim. Launch a boat on Side Lake or Sturgeon Lake to explore the five connected lakes of the Sturgeon chain. McCarthy Beach State Park is also conveniently located near numerous tourist attractions, making it an ideal spot for both relaxation and adventure.
Beach chair
McCarthy Beach State Park also offers an adaptive beach chair so everyone can enjoy a swimming beach experience. A mat across the sandy beach provides easy access to the waterfront, and the beach chair can go right into the water. The beach chair floats in the water thanks to floating armrests and wheels. To reserve the adaptive beach chair, please call McCarthy Beach State Park at 218-274-7200.
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Ready to rock and row? Review these paddling safety tips before you head out:
- ❌ The only swimming area in state parks with lifeguards is Flandrau State Park. Know your ability, watch children closely, and swim and paddle at your own risk.
- 🌩️ Monitor the weather. Check the forecast before leaving and periodically during the day.
- 📲 Let someone know where you plan to paddle, the route you are taking, and when you expect to return.
- 🗺️ When paddling, be aware of alternate options (besides where you put in) to get off the water in case of an emergency.
- 🚤 In areas of high motorboat traffic, stay near the shore, and approach waves head-on or at a slight angle to avoid capsizing watercraft.
- 💦 The best place for your lifejacket is on your body! Never strap a life jacket to a canoe or kayak. And remember, all children under 10 must wear their life jacket at all times on a watercraft. Learn more about life jackets.
- ☀️ Dress appropriately for the weather. Whether it's a rain jacket or sunscreen and a long sleeve shirt, the right outfit can make your day much more comfortable.
Check out our website to learn more about paddling safety, how to read the water, and view short videos on what to wear, how to paddle your kayak, and more!
 Access for all 🙌
Take our survey on trip planning for accessibility today!
 At the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, we understand the importance of accessibility and we’re working to make state parks and trails welcoming, engaging, and accessible to all visitors.
To help us in this work, there’s an online survey available for the next two weeks which will help us understand where people gather accessibility information when planning a visit, what types of information are most important, and how they would like to see the information presented. Everyone is welcome to take the survey, but it is aimed at people who have accessibility considerations when planning an outing, either because they have a disability themselves, or because they recreate or travel with someone who has a disability.
Remember, the survey is only open for two weeks, so take the survey today!
 Dog Days of Summer
 📷: Tara Johnson, Lake Bemidji State Park
Do you know what we love to see? Adventure dogs! These goofy and loving members of the family can be wonderful additions to our lives, including camping and hiking trips.
As you're out exploring with your four-legged friend, please remember that some adults and children are afraid of dogs—and not everyone appreciates a traditional dog greeting.
If you are bringing your dog to a park, please remember to BARK:
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 Bag your pet’s waste — in the forest, tall grass, or snow, it’s gotta go!
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🐶 Always leash your pet — especially on trails and including at your campsite
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🦌 Respect wildlife — never let your pet chase or harass wildlife
- 🏖️ Know where you can go — pets are not allowed in state park buildings, lodgings, or in beach areas (service dogs not included)
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