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 Hours08:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Emergency SOS+18886466367

Required Permits

Alerts & Advisories

Stay informed before heading out

Popular/Nearby Trails

Hiking/Horseback Riding (Kettle Kame Trail)

0.1 mi away0.6 mi31 ft

Hiking (Big Woods Loop & Bjorkland Trail)

0.3 mi away1.2 mi80 ft

Campsite access

0.4 mi away442 ft

Campsite access

0.4 mi away230 ft

Hiking (Bjorkland Trail)

0.5 mi away0.4 mi10 ft

Hiking (Bjorkland Trail)

0.5 mi away0.9 mi21 ft

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

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

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