Lake Bemidji State Park
Overview
This impressive landscape, protected as a park in 1923, is the result of the last stage of glaciation in Minnesota. Many of the swamps and bogs formed when chunks of ice separated from the receding glacier and left depressions that later filled with water. This place has drawn many people. American Indian tribes have lived, fished and hunted around Lake Bemidji for generations. More recently, pioneer loggers harvested the area’s white and red pines. Visit today and enjoy the park’s unique combination of recreation and natural experiences.
- Trails
- 8
- Viewpoints
- 10
- Activities
- 0
- POIs
- 29
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.
- Sports Courts
Basketball, tennis, volleyball, and pickleball courts available in most parks, with lighting for evening play in urban locations.
- 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.
- Overlook
- Mountain Biking
0.9 mi from park centre
Open · 08:00 – 22:00
- Paved Parking Lots
- Restrooms / Flush Toilets
- Drinking Water Fountains
- Picnic Areas & Shelters
Required Permits
VEHICLE PERMITSRequired
Permits required; purchase at ranger sation or entrance kiosk.
Alerts & Advisories
Stay informed before heading out
Safety Tips
Safety Advisory
- Following the major severe weather event known as the Bemidji Blowdown, Lake Bemidji State Park continues to enforce structural trail and facility closures to protect visitor safety.
- The fishing pier remains closed, and several trails—including the Bog Walk and the portion of the Paul Bunyan State Trail east of the marina—are closed indefinitely while crews work to clear unsafe dangling trees and storm debris.
Popular/Nearby Trails
Hiking (Bog Walk)
Hiking/Mtn. Biking (Balsam)
Hiking/Mtn. Biking (Old Logging/Homestead)
Hiking/Mtn. Biking
Regional Paved Trail (Paved-multiuse Accessible)
Hiking/Mtn. Biking (Pinewood)
Bass Creek Trail + Hiking (Rocky Pt Interpretive)
Paul Bunyan State Trail (Paved-multiuse Accessable)
Nearby Viewpoints
Overlook (Big Bog Lake)
Overlook
0.2 mi
Group Camp
Camping
0.4 mi
Overlook (Sundew Pond)
Viewing Area
0.4 mi
Campground
0.5 mi
Overlook
Viewing Area
0.7 mi
Group Camp
Camping
0.7 mi
Volleyball Court
Volleyball
0.7 mi
Swimming
0.7 mi
Picnic Area
0.7 mi
Overlook (Lake Bemidji)
Viewing Area
1.0 mi
Nearby Points of Interest
Reviews & Ratings
Community Photos
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours of Lake Bemidji State Park?
Lake Bemidji State Park is open every day from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
What is Lake Bemidji State Park?
This impressive landscape, protected as a park in 1923, is the result of the last stage of glaciation in Minnesota. Many of the swamps and bogs formed when chunks of ice separated from the receding glacier and left depressions that later filled with water. This place has drawn many people.
Where is Lake Bemidji State Park located?
Lake Bemidji State Park is located in Bemidji, Minnesota, United States.
How many trails are there at Lake Bemidji State Park?
Lake Bemidji State Park has 8 mapped trails covering 15.5 miles in total. The longest is Hiking/Mtn. Biking (Old Logging/Homestead) at 4.2 miles.
What is there to see at Lake Bemidji State Park?
Places to see at Lake Bemidji State Park include Overlook, Overlook (Big Bog Lake), Overlook (Lake Bemidji), Overlook (Sundew Pond), Volleyball Court, Camper Cabin and 4 more.
What facilities are available at Lake Bemidji State Park?
Facilities at Lake Bemidji State Park include Campgrounds, Drinking Water Fountains, Fishing Piers & Access, Hiking & Nature Trails, Mountain Biking, Overlook, Paved Parking Lots, Picnic Areas & Shelters and 4 more.
Is there parking at Lake Bemidji State Park?
Yes, Lake Bemidji State Park has parking (Paved Parking Lots).
Can I camp at Lake Bemidji State Park?
Yes, Lake Bemidji State Park has 3 campsites marked on its map, including Group Camp.
How can I contact Lake Bemidji State Park?
You can contact Lake Bemidji State Park by phone at 8886466367.
What safety tips should visitors to Lake Bemidji State Park know?
Following the major severe weather event known as the Bemidji Blowdown, Lake Bemidji State Park continues to enforce structural trail and facility closures to protect visitor safety. The fishing pier remains closed, and several trails—including the Bog Walk and the portion of the Paul Bunyan State Trail east of the marina—are closed indefinitely while crews work to clear unsafe dangling trees and storm debris.
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