Lake Bronson State Park
Overview
Lake Bronson State Park came to exist as the result of a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project during the Great Depression. Workers built a dam and several buildings before the land was given to the state in 1937. Long before that, the area was used by American Indians living on the shores of glacial Lake Agassiz. Pioneers later homesteaded the region. These uses have created a park rich in cultural resources that you might experience during your stay: Arvilla artifacts, pioneer cemeteries and homesteads, and WPA buildings, campsites and the dam.
- Trails
- 8
- Viewpoints
- 17
- Activities
- 0
- POIs
- 37
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.
- Playgrounds
Modern play structures for children with rubberized safety surfaces and age-appropriate equipment meeting ASTM safety standards.
- Bike repair station
- RV Sanitation Station
Required Permits
VEHICLE PERMITSRequired
Permits required; purchase at park office or entrance kiosk.
Alerts & Advisories
Stay informed before heading out
Safety Tips
Safety Advisory
- Lake Bronson State Park is under an active safety alert due to major dam reconstruction by the Minnesota DNR.
- The reservoir is completely drawn down, and the entire lake surface and lakebed are strictly closed to public access and recreational use for visitor safety.
Popular/Nearby Trails
Hiking Club Trail
Interpretitive Hiking
Hiking
Hiking
Hiking
Horseback/Hiking
Paved
Snowmobile
Nearby Viewpoints
Campground (Two Rivers)
Campground
0.1 mi
Playground
0.5 mi
Group Camp
Campsite
0.5 mi
Visitor Center
Family Restroom
0.5 mi
Hike-In Site
Point of Interest
0.6 mi
Bike Repair Station
0.7 mi
Volleyball
0.7 mi
Picnic Area
0.7 mi
Observation Tower
Lookout Tower
0.8 mi
Wildlife Viewing
0.9 mi
Historic Site (Bronson Pioneer Cemetery)
Historic Site
1.0 mi
Hike-In Site
Point of Interest
1.1 mi
Historic Site (Former sheep ranch)
Historic Site
1.2 mi
Hike-In Site
Point of Interest
1.2 mi
Historic Site (Sand Dune area)
Historic Site
1.4 mi
Historic Site (Pioneer Cemetery)
Historic Site
1.7 mi
Historic Site (Pioneer Cemetery)
Historic Site
2.0 mi
Nearby Points of Interest
Reviews & Ratings
Community Photos
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours of Lake Bronson State Park?
Lake Bronson State Park is open every day from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
What is Lake Bronson State Park?
Lake Bronson State Park came to exist as the result of a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project during the Great Depression. Workers built a dam and several buildings before the land was given to the state in 1937.
Where is Lake Bronson State Park located?
Lake Bronson State Park is located in Lake Bronson, Minnesota, United States.
How many trails are there at Lake Bronson State Park?
Lake Bronson State Park has 8 mapped trails covering 22.1 miles in total. The longest is Horseback/Hiking at 7.5 miles.
What is there to see at Lake Bronson State Park?
Places to see at Lake Bronson State Park include Hike-In Site, Historic Site (Bronson Pioneer Cemetery), Historic Site (Former sheep ranch), Historic Site (Pioneer Cemetery), Historic Site (Sand Dune area), Observation Tower and 3 more.
What facilities are available at Lake Bronson State Park?
Facilities at Lake Bronson State Park include Bike repair station, Campgrounds, Drinking Water Fountains, Hiking & Nature Trails, Paved Parking Lots, Picnic Areas & Shelters, Playgrounds, Restrooms / Flush Toilets and 3 more.
Is there parking at Lake Bronson State Park?
Yes, Lake Bronson State Park has parking (Paved Parking Lots).
Can I camp at Lake Bronson State Park?
Yes, Lake Bronson State Park has 2 campsites marked on its map: Campground (Two Rivers) and Group Camp.
How can I contact Lake Bronson State Park?
You can contact Lake Bronson State Park by phone at 8886466367.
What safety tips should visitors to Lake Bronson State Park know?
Lake Bronson State Park is under an active safety alert due to major dam reconstruction by the Minnesota DNR. The reservoir is completely drawn down, and the entire lake surface and lakebed are strictly closed to public access and recreational use for visitor safety.
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