George Crosby Manitou State Park
Overview
George H. Crosby Manitou State Park is a unique wilderness state park. The rugged landscape and remote hike-in campsites allow backpackers to get away from the crowds and into the wilds of northern Minnesota. Trails are carved through a forest of fir, cedar, spruce and northern hardwoods that are home to moose, deer, bear and wolves. The park’s non-motorized Benson Lake offers paddlers a Boundary Waters-like environment. Anglers can cast a line for trout (brown, rainbow and brook) and splake (a hybrid of brook and lake trout). The landscape became a state park when it was donated by George H. Crosby, a mining magnate, in 1955.
- Trails
- 6
- Viewpoints
- 26
- Activities
- 0
- POIs
- 32
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.
- Overlook
- Carry in Access
0.5 mi from park centre
Open · 08:00 – 22:00
- Paved Parking Lots
- Restrooms / Flush Toilets
Required Permits
VEHICLE PERMITSRequired
Permits required; purchase at entrance kiosk.
Alerts & Advisories
Stay informed before heading out
Safety Tips
Safety Advisory
- Due to the recent lightning-sparked Crosby Fire, which burned roughly 300 acres primarily within the park boundaries, specific safety alerts and trail restrictions remain in effect.
- While George H.
Popular/Nearby Trails
Superior Hiking Trail + Middle Trail
Hiking (Manitou River Trail)
Hiking (Humpback/Benson Lake/ Misquah/ Yellow Birch Trail)
Superior Hiking Trail
Hiking (Cedar Ridge/ Beaver Bog/ Matt Willis Trail)
Hiking/Horseback/Mtn. Biking/Snowmobile (C.J. Ramstad/North Shore State Trail)
Nearby Viewpoints
Backpack Campsite
Camping
0.1 mi
Backpack Campsite
Camping
0.2 mi
Backpack Campsite
Camping
0.2 mi
Overlook
0.7 mi
Overlook
0.8 mi
Backpack Campsite
Camping
0.9 mi
Backpack Campsite
Camping
0.9 mi
Backpack Campsite
Camping
0.9 mi
Backpack Campsite
Camping
0.9 mi
Overlook
Viewing Area
1.0 mi
Overlook
Viewing Area
1.0 mi
Waterfall
1.0 mi
Backpack Campsite
Camping
1.0 mi
Backpack Campsite
Camping
1.0 mi
Backpack Campsite
Camping
1.1 mi
Backpack Campsite
Camping
1.1 mi
Overlook
1.2 mi
Backpack Campsite
Camping
1.3 mi
Backpack Campsite
Camping
1.4 mi
Backpack Campsite
Camping
1.5 mi
Backpack Campsite
Camping
1.6 mi
Backpack Campsite
Camping
1.8 mi
Backpack Campsite
Camping
1.9 mi
Backpack Campsite
Camping
2.1 mi
Backpack Campsite
Camping
2.3 mi
Overlook
3.3 mi
Nearby Points of Interest
Reviews & Ratings
Community Photos
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours of George Crosby Manitou State Park?
George Crosby Manitou State Park is open every day from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
What is George Crosby Manitou State Park?
George H. Crosby Manitou State Park is a unique wilderness state park. The rugged landscape and remote hike-in campsites allow backpackers to get away from the crowds and into the wilds of northern Minnesota.
Where is George Crosby Manitou State Park located?
George Crosby Manitou State Park is located in Silver Bay, Minnesota, United States.
How many trails are there at George Crosby Manitou State Park?
George Crosby Manitou State Park has 6 mapped trails covering 26.5 miles in total. The longest is Hiking/Horseback/Mtn. Biking/Snowmobile (C.J. Ramstad/North Shore State Trail) at 5.8 miles.
What is there to see at George Crosby Manitou State Park?
Places to see at George Crosby Manitou State Park include Overlook, Information/Registration and Park Entrance.
What facilities are available at George Crosby Manitou State Park?
Facilities at George Crosby Manitou State Park include Carry in Access, Drinking Water Fountains, Overlook, Paved Parking Lots, Picnic Areas & Shelters and Restrooms / Flush Toilets.
Is there parking at George Crosby Manitou State Park?
Yes, George Crosby Manitou State Park has parking (Paved Parking Lots).
Can I camp at George Crosby Manitou State Park?
Yes, George Crosby Manitou State Park has 19 campsites marked on its map, including Backpack Campsite.
How can I contact George Crosby Manitou State Park?
You can contact George Crosby Manitou State Park by phone at 8886466367.
What safety tips should visitors to George Crosby Manitou State Park know?
Due to the recent lightning-sparked Crosby Fire, which burned roughly 300 acres primarily within the park boundaries, specific safety alerts and trail restrictions remain in effect. While George H. Crosby Manitou State Park itself stays open for day use, a prominent section of the Superior Hiking Trail is temporarily closed between the Caribou Falls State Wayside Rest and the Lake County Road 7 (Cramer Road) access points.
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