Lake Maria State Park
Overview
Lake Maria State Park protects almost 1,600 acres of rolling wooded terrain dotted with small lakes and woodland marshes. Established in 1963, the park offers quiet outdoor experiences to photographers, birdwatchers, backpackers, hikers and anyone interested in beauty and solitude. Hike trails and you will see Big Woods vegetation with remnants of old-growth oak, maple and basswood trees. The park’s diverse habitat is home to many animals including the threatened Blandings turtle and over 200 resident and migrant bird species.
- Trails
- 16
- Viewpoints
- 2
- Activities
- 1
- POIs
- 38
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.
- Campgrounds
Tent and RV sites featuring fire rings and picnic tables. Some include full electric hookups, reservable through Recreation.gov.
- Hiking & Nature Trails
Marked paths ranging from easy, paved walks to rugged backcountry routes, blazed with color-coded markers and difficulty ratings.
0.6 mi from park centre
Open · 08:00 – 22:00
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 Maria State Park currently enforces strict fire safety protocols due to very high fire danger conditions.
- Campfires are strictly prohibited at all backcountry, hike-in, and backpack campsites, even if an established fire ring is present.
Popular/Nearby Trails
Hiking/Horseback Riding (Kettle Kame Trail)
Hiking (Big Woods Loop & Bjorkland Trail)
Campsite access
Campsite access
Hiking (Bjorkland Trail)
Hiking (Bjorkland Trail)
Hiking
Hiking/Horseback Riding (Anderson Hill Loop )
Campsite access
Campsite access
Campsite access
Campsite access
Campsite access
Hiking\Horseback Riding (Big Woods Loop)
Hiking
Interpretive (Zumbrunnen Interpretive Trail)
Nearby Viewpoints
Overlook (Steep hill)
Viewing Area
This location features the historic Anderson Hill Overlook, providing panoramic views across one of the final remaining old-growth remnants of Minnesota's classic maple-basswood "Big Woods" forest. The vantage point looks out over a rolling prairie landscape blending into dense woodlands, making it an exceptionally popular route for hiking, trail running, and autumn leaf-peeping.
0.7 mi
Nature Observation
Birding / Wildlife Viewing
This peaceful observation point overlooks the park's vibrant wetlands and kettle ponds, offering an ideal habitat for diverse wildlife. Visitors can frequently spot Blanding's turtles, nesting waterfowl, wood ducks, and a wide variety of migratory songbirds throughout the changing seasons. It is an excellent, quiet stop for photographers, birdwatchers, and families looking to experience the park's thriving ecosystem up close.
0.7 mi
Nearby Points of Interest
Reviews & Ratings
Community Photos
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours of Lake Maria State Park?
Lake Maria State Park is open every day from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
What is Lake Maria State Park?
Lake Maria State Park protects almost 1,600 acres of rolling wooded terrain dotted with small lakes and woodland marshes. Established in 1963, the park offers quiet outdoor experiences to photographers, birdwatchers, backpackers, hikers and anyone interested in beauty and solitude.
Where is Lake Maria State Park located?
Lake Maria State Park is located in Maple Lake, Minnesota, United States.
How many trails are there at Lake Maria State Park?
Lake Maria State Park has 16 mapped trails covering 11.9 miles in total. The longest is Hiking\Horseback Riding (Big Woods Loop) at 4.9 miles. Difficulty ratings: 1 easy.
What is there to see at Lake Maria State Park?
Places to see at Lake Maria State Park include Nature Observation, Overlook (Steep hill), Camper Cabin, Fishing Pier, Park office and Trail Center.
What facilities are available at Lake Maria State Park?
Facilities at Lake Maria State Park include Campgrounds, Drinking Water Fountains, Hiking & Nature Trails, Paved Parking Lots, Picnic Areas & Shelters, Restrooms / Flush Toilets and Visitor / Ranger Station.
Is there parking at Lake Maria State Park?
Yes, Lake Maria State Park has parking (Paved Parking Lots).
Can I camp at Lake Maria State Park?
Yes, Lake Maria State Park has 17 campsites marked on its map, including Backpack Campsite, Group Camp (Whitetail) and Primitive Group Camp (Dark Hill).
How can I contact Lake Maria State Park?
You can contact Lake Maria State Park by phone at +18886466367.
What safety tips should visitors to Lake Maria State Park know?
Lake Maria State Park currently enforces strict fire safety protocols due to very high fire danger conditions. Campfires are strictly prohibited at all backcountry, hike-in, and backpack campsites, even if an established fire ring is present. Small, attended recreational campfires are permitted only within designated fire rings located in the main drive-in, cart-in, or walk-in campgrounds. Visitors must completely extinguish fires with water until they are cold to the touch before leaving.
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