Mille Lacs Kathio State Park
Overview
Experience over 10,000 acres of hardwood forest, pine stands, lakes and wetlands within the park. View the Rum River as it flows through the park from its source on the southwest shore of Mille Lacs Lake. For thousands of years people have chosen this abundant landscape as a premier location to harvest resources and to live. Archaeologists have identified over 30 significant sites within the park, indicating over 9,000 years of human interaction with the landscape. The park is recognized as a National Historic Landmark to commemorate the meeting of French explorers and Dakota villagers in the 1600s. The designation also recognizes Kathio as the ancient homeland of the Mdewakanton Dakota nation and the historic homeland of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe nation. Learn more about this rich history as you explore the park.
- Trails
- 8
- Viewpoints
- 17
- Activities
- 0
- POIs
- 33
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.
- Playgrounds
Modern play structures for children with rubberized safety surfaces and age-appropriate equipment meeting ASTM safety standards.
- Amphitheatre
- Backpack Camping
- Historic Site
- Swimming Areas / Beaches
Designated swim zones with seasonal lifeguard coverage. Daily water quality reports are posted at the entrance and online.
- Overlook
1.1 mi from park centre
Open · 08:00 – 22:00
- Paved Parking Lots
- Restrooms / Flush Toilets
- Drinking Water Fountains
- Picnic Areas & Shelters
- Visitor / Ranger Station
- Hiking & Nature Trails
- Campgrounds
Required Permits
VEHICLE PERMITSRequired
Permits required; purchase at ranger station or online.
Alerts & Advisories
Stay informed before heading out
Safety Tips
Safety Advisory
- Visitors must practice active bear safety by storing all food securely, as black bears frequent the area.
- Additionally, the campgrounds and deep-woods trails lack cell service, making it essential to download offline maps prior to arrival.
Popular/Nearby Trails
Hike (Glacial Ridge Trail)
Hike
Hike/Horse
Hike
Hike
Hiking/Horse
Interpretive (Touch the Earth Trail)
Interpretive (Landmark Trail)
Nearby Viewpoints
Equestrian Camping
Horseback Riding
0.4 mi
Fire Tower
Lookout Tower
0.6 mi
Primitive Group Camp
Campsite
0.7 mi
Backpack Campsite
Camping
1.1 mi
Backpack Campsite
Camping
1.3 mi
Backpack Campsite
Camping
1.3 mi
Campground
1.3 mi
Overlook
1.4 mi
Play Area
1.8 mi
Swimming
1.8 mi
Historical Site
1.8 mi
Picnic Area
1.8 mi
Backpack Campsite
Camping
1.8 mi
Former Dam Site
1.9 mi
Campground
1.9 mi
Historical Site
2.1 mi
Historic Site
Monument / Memorial
2.2 mi
Nearby Points of Interest
Reviews & Ratings
Community Photos
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours of Mille Lacs Kathio State Park?
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park is open every day from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
What is Mille Lacs Kathio State Park?
Experience over 10,000 acres of hardwood forest, pine stands, lakes and wetlands within the park. View the Rum River as it flows through the park from its source on the southwest shore of Mille Lacs Lake.
Where is Mille Lacs Kathio State Park located?
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park is located in Onamia, Minnesota, United States.
How many trails are there at Mille Lacs Kathio State Park?
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park has 8 mapped trails covering 36 miles in total. The longest is Hike/Horse at 13.9 miles.
What is there to see at Mille Lacs Kathio State Park?
Places to see at Mille Lacs Kathio State Park include Equestrian Camping, Fire Tower, Historic Site, Camper Cabin, Fish Cleaning Shelter, Interpretive Center and 4 more.
What facilities are available at Mille Lacs Kathio State Park?
Facilities at Mille Lacs Kathio State Park include Amphitheatre, Backpack Camping, Campgrounds, Drinking Water Fountains, Hiking & Nature Trails, Historic Site, Overlook, Paved Parking Lots and 5 more.
Is there parking at Mille Lacs Kathio State Park?
Yes, Mille Lacs Kathio State Park has parking (Paved Parking Lots).
Can I camp at Mille Lacs Kathio State Park?
Yes, Mille Lacs Kathio State Park has 7 campsites marked on its map, including Backpack Campsite and Primitive Group Camp.
How can I contact Mille Lacs Kathio State Park?
You can contact Mille Lacs Kathio State Park by phone at 8886466367.
What safety tips should visitors to Mille Lacs Kathio State Park know?
Visitors must practice active bear safety by storing all food securely, as black bears frequent the area. Additionally, the campgrounds and deep-woods trails lack cell service, making it essential to download offline maps prior to arrival. Severe insect populations—including ticks, mosquitoes, and deer flies—require heavy-duty repellent. Finally, because the park hosts-controlled deer hunts from early fall to early winter
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