Glendalough State Park
Overview
For over sixty years, the Glendalough property was owned by the Minneapolis Tribune as a private retreat and game farm. This resulted in the preservation of hundreds of acres of land and miles of undeveloped shoreline on five lakes. During its heyday, the Glendalough Lodge on pristine Annie Battle Lake hosted executives, politicians, and dignitaries, including two future U.S. presidents. Glendalough, meaning “the glen between two lakes,” was named by Tribune owner F.E. Murphy and his wife who were of Irish descent. Glendalough became a state park in 1991.
- Trails
- 10
- Viewpoints
- 7
- Activities
- 0
- POIs
- 34
Opening Hours
08:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Emergency SOS
Amenities Available
- Paved Parking Lots
Designated vehicle parking areas with clearly marked spaces and ADA-accessible spots mandated by federal law. Most parks offer free or low-cost daily parking passes.
- Restrooms / Flush Toilets
Modern restroom facilities with running water and proper sanitation. Subject to seasonal closures in northern states during winter months.
- Drinking Water Fountains
Potable water stations distributed throughout the park, tested regularly for safety to ensure clean water access for all visitors.
- Picnic Areas & Shelters
Covered pavilions equipped with tables and built-in grills. Shelters are often reservable for group events and birthday parties.
- Visitor / Ranger Station
Information hub staffed by rangers or volunteers offering maps, wildlife briefings, and educational programs for school groups and families.
- Hiking & Nature Trails
Marked paths ranging from easy, paved walks to rugged backcountry routes, blazed with color-coded markers and difficulty ratings.
- Campgrounds
Tent and RV sites featuring fire rings and picnic tables. Some include full electric hookups, reservable through Recreation.gov.
- Swimming Areas / Beaches
Designated swim zones with seasonal lifeguard coverage. Daily water quality reports are posted at the entrance and online.
- Fishing Piers & Access
Accessible fishing spots and ADA-compliant piers along rivers and lakes. A valid state fishing license is required to fish.
- Wildlife Observation Areas
Elevated viewing platforms and camouflaged blinds positioned near wetlands, meadows, and migration corridors for undisturbed wildlife watching.
- Trailer Access
- Carry in Access
Required Permits
VEHICLE PERMITSRequired
Permits required; purchase at ranger station or entrance kiosk.
Alerts & Advisories
Stay informed before heading out
Safety Tips
Safety Advisory
- Before visiting Glendalough State Park, check the Minnesota DNR Glendalough Alerts page for emergency weather, trail closures, and active burn bans that restrict campfires.
- Additionally, ensure you pack strong insect repellent to guard against heavy mosquito populations near the lakes, and strictly verify ice thickness before venturing onto frozen water in the winter.
Popular/Nearby Trails
Paved
Hiking (Annie Battle Lake Trail)
Hiking
Hiking (Savanna Trail)
Hiking (Sunset Lake Trail)
Hiking (Lake Emma Trail Loop)
Hiking (Beaver Pond Trail)
Hiking (Prairie Hill Trail)
Hiking (Ice Ridge Trail)
Paved
Nearby Viewpoints
Wildlife Observation
0.4 mi
Swimming beach
Swimming
0.5 mi
Watercraft Campsite
Personal Watercraft
0.5 mi
Overlook
Viewing Area
0.7 mi
Overlook
0.9 mi
Wildlife Observation
1.0 mi
Wildlife Observation
1.2 mi
Nearby Points of Interest
Reviews & Ratings
Community Photos
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours of Glendalough State Park?
Glendalough State Park is open every day from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
What is Glendalough State Park?
For over sixty years, the Glendalough property was owned by the Minneapolis Tribune as a private retreat and game farm. This resulted in the preservation of hundreds of acres of land and miles of undeveloped shoreline on five lakes.
Where is Glendalough State Park located?
Glendalough State Park is located in Battle Lake, Minnesota, United States.
How many trails are there at Glendalough State Park?
Glendalough State Park has 10 mapped trails covering 14.8 miles in total. The longest is Paved at 3.9 miles.
What is there to see at Glendalough State Park?
Places to see at Glendalough State Park include Overlook, Swimming beach, Watercraft Campsite, Dock, Trail Center and Yurt.
What facilities are available at Glendalough State Park?
Facilities at Glendalough State Park include Campgrounds, Carry in Access, Drinking Water Fountains, Fishing Piers & Access, Hiking & Nature Trails, Paved Parking Lots, Picnic Areas & Shelters, Restrooms / Flush Toilets and 4 more.
Is there parking at Glendalough State Park?
Yes, Glendalough State Park has parking (Paved Parking Lots).
Can I camp at Glendalough State Park?
Yes, Glendalough State Park has 2 campsites marked on its map: Cart-In Campground and Group Camp.
How can I contact Glendalough State Park?
You can contact Glendalough State Park by phone at 8886466367.
What safety tips should visitors to Glendalough State Park know?
Before visiting Glendalough State Park, check the Minnesota DNR Glendalough Alerts page for emergency weather, trail closures, and active burn bans that restrict campfires. Additionally, ensure you pack strong insect repellent to guard against heavy mosquito populations near the lakes, and strictly verify ice thickness before venturing onto frozen water in the winter.
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