Scenic State Park
Overview
Scenic State Park was created in 1921 to protect virgin pines along the shores of Coon-Sandwick Lake. Residents of the Bigfork area played a key role in its establishment. Visit today and swim, boat or fish for walleye, northern pike, bass and panfish. The lakes are water-filled depressions left over from old Glacial Lake Agassiz. Explore the land by hiking beneath abundant aspen, birch, mixed hardwoods and white, red and jack pines. The park will charm you with its quiet, wilderness-like setting.
- Trails
- 3
- Viewpoints
- 15
- 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.
- 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.
- Historic Site
- Overlook
Required Permits
VEHICLE PERMITSRequired
Permits required; purchase at ranger station or entrance kiosk.
Alerts & Advisories
Stay informed before heading out
Safety Tips
Safety Advisory
- Scenic State Park currently has no major emergency closures or active severe weather warnings, but checking the official Minnesota DNR Scenic State Park Page before visiting is highly recommended as conditions can shift rapidly.
- Because the park is nested in a remote, heavily forested area, visitors should prepare for heavy seasonal mosquito and tick populations by wearing bug repellent
Popular/Nearby Trails
Hiking/Skiing
Hiking
Snowmobile
Nearby Viewpoints
Picnic Area
0.1 mi
Swimming Beach
Swimming
0.2 mi
Historic Site
0.2 mi
Overlook
0.2 mi
Campground
0.3 mi
Campground
0.4 mi
Overlook
0.4 mi
Watercraft Campsite
Personal Watercraft
0.6 mi
Watercraft Campsite
Personal Watercraft
1.0 mi
Watercraft Campsite
Personal Watercraft
1.0 mi
Watercraft Campsite
Personal Watercraft
1.1 mi
Watercraft Campsite
Personal Watercraft
1.2 mi
Backpack Campsite
Backcountry Camping Permit
1.2 mi
Backpack Campsite
Backcountry Camping Permit
1.3 mi
Group Camp
Campsite
1.5 mi
Nearby Points of Interest
Reviews & Ratings
Community Photos
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours of Scenic State Park?
Scenic State Park is open every day from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
What is Scenic State Park?
Scenic State Park was created in 1921 to protect virgin pines along the shores of Coon-Sandwick Lake. Residents of the Bigfork area played a key role in its establishment. Visit today and swim, boat or fish for walleye, northern pike, bass and panfish.
Where is Scenic State Park located?
Scenic State Park is located in Bigfork, Minnesota, United States.
How many trails are there at Scenic State Park?
Scenic State Park has 3 mapped trails covering 12.6 miles in total. The longest is Hiking at 8.3 miles.
What is there to see at Scenic State Park?
Places to see at Scenic State Park include Swimming Beach, Watercraft Campsite, Carry-In Access, Dock, Fishing Pear, Fishing Pier and 2 more.
What facilities are available at Scenic State Park?
Facilities at Scenic State Park include Campgrounds, Drinking Water Fountains, Fishing Piers & Access, Hiking & Nature Trails, Historic Site, Overlook, Paved Parking Lots, Picnic Areas & Shelters and 3 more.
Is there parking at Scenic State Park?
Yes, Scenic State Park has parking (Paved Parking Lots).
Can I camp at Scenic State Park?
Yes, Scenic State Park has 5 campsites marked on its map, including Backpack Campsite and Group Camp.
How can I contact Scenic State Park?
You can contact Scenic State Park by phone at 8886466367.
What safety tips should visitors to Scenic State Park know?
Scenic State Park currently has no major emergency closures or active severe weather warnings, but checking the official Minnesota DNR Scenic State Park Page before visiting is highly recommended as conditions can shift rapidly. Because the park is nested in a remote, heavily forested area, visitors should prepare for heavy seasonal mosquito and tick populations by wearing bug repellent
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