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 Hours08:00 AM – 10:00 PM SOSEmergency SOS8886466367 Alerts & Advisories
Stay informed before heading out
Popular/Nearby Trails
Nearby Viewpoints
Nearby Points of Interest
Amenities Available
Paved Parking LotsDesignated 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 ToiletsModern restroom facilities with running water and proper sanitation. Subject to seasonal closures in northern states during winter months.
Drinking Water FountainsPotable water stations distributed throughout the park, tested regularly for safety to ensure clean water access for all visitors.
Picnic Areas & SheltersCovered pavilions equipped with tables and built-in grills. Shelters are often reservable for group events and birthday parties.
Visitor / Ranger StationInformation hub staffed by rangers or volunteers offering maps, wildlife briefings, and educational programs for school groups and families.
Hiking & Nature TrailsMarked paths ranging from easy, paved walks to rugged backcountry routes, blazed with color-coded markers and difficulty ratings.
CampgroundsTent and RV sites featuring fire rings and picnic tables. Some include full electric hookups, reservable through Recreation.gov.
PlaygroundsModern play structures for children with rubberized safety surfaces and age-appropriate equipment meeting ASTM safety standards.
Amphitheatre
Backpack Camping
Historic Site
Swimming Areas / BeachesDesignated swim zones with seasonal lifeguard coverage. Daily water quality reports are posted at the entrance and online.
Overlook
Open · 08:00 – 22:00
- Paved Parking Lots
- Restrooms / Flush Toilets
- Drinking Water Fountains
- Picnic Areas & Shelters
- Visitor / Ranger Station
- Hiking & Nature Trails
- Campgrounds
Community Photos
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