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Lake Carlos State Park
LAKE CARLOS
Built by receding glaciers, Lake Carlos State Park offers a myriad of natural wonders, including a clear and deep lake just perfect for swimming, fishing and state park
Minnesota State Parks and Trails “I Can!” programs are returning for the 2021
boating. Among its 1,231 acres, nearly one-third of Minnesota’s 80 mammals and more than 150 species of birds find a home either seasonally or all year long. It’s the perfect place to view loons, grebes, ducks and heron, making this a bird watcher’s paradise! You may even catch a glimpse of the beaver and deer that make their homes within the park.
The park also features a year-round naturalist that leads several programs throughout the year.
Winter or summer, Lake Carlos State Park is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking, skiing and interpretive programs are just waiting for you.
Paddleboats, canoes, and kayaks are available to rent during the regular season office hours May - October. In the winter, snowshoes are available for rent at the park office. A thermal flip-over style portable fish house is available to rent on Lake Carlos only. Contact the park office for current rates and availability.
The park entrance, 2601 County Road 38 Northeast in Carlos, is located 10 miles north of Alexandria on State Highway 29, then two miles west on Highway 38. The best time to contact the park is 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily at (320) 852-7200.
You can also email the park at lakecarlos. statepark@state.mn.us
You can discover much more about Lake Carlos State Park by visiting www.dnr.state.mn.us/ state_parks/lake_carlos/
season and are designed for those with no experience. The “I Can!” program is made possible by funds from the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment. Each program will include hands-on instruction from experienced and friendly crew members. Gear is provided and oneday vehicle permits ($7 value) are included with all I Can! programs where a permit is required. I CAN CAMP! These one- or two-night overnight programs are your chance to introduce your kids to the fun of camping – no experience necessary. Cost for two adults and three small children (max 5 people per tent) is $60 for one night and $85 for two-night programs. Advance registration is required. I CAN HIKE! This two-hour program introduces families to hiking, with a focus on how to safely and comfortably enjoy the outdoors. After the program you’ll have the skills to plan your own future outdoor adventures. The program is free and runs from 2-4 p.m. Participants must be at least 5 years old and anyone younger than 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Pre-registration is required.
‘I CAN!’ PROGRAMS 2021 ARCHERY IN THE PARKS! Be your own action heroes and go beyond video games! This program lets you share the exact moment when your child first aims for a goal and hits it. This program is free, but a vehicle permit is required ($7/ day or $35/year) I CAN PADDLE! Your kids will discover the kind of amazing views only seen from the water during one of these programs designed especially for first-time paddlers. All equipment is provided. I CAN MOUNTAIN BIKE! Remember your kids’ joy and triumph when they first learned to bike? Take that joy offroad with this exhilarating program. Cost is $30 for adults and $15 for youth ages 10-18. Participants younger than 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. I CAN FISH! Share the fun of casting into the water and the excitement when there’s a tug on the line. This program is all about the anticipation and thrill of your kids learning to catch fish. Cost is $7 for adults and children younger than 12 are free with a registered adult. Fishing licenses are not required for this program.
NATURALIST PROGRAMS BUGS, BUGS, BUGS: INSECTS PROGRAM July 9, 10-11 a.m. Insects are the key to survival for many of our other favorite animal species, including other insects, like Dragonflies! Insects have some incredible journeys just to emerge as an adult. We will take a closer look at some insects by doing some sweep netting and observing them up close. This is a family friendly program, but children must be accompanied by an adult. BALD EAGLE WALK July 10, 9:30-11 a.m. Our Nation’s bird has been shot, poisoned, and pushed to near extinction, but with help and determination this bird’s story has no ending in sight. Join the naturalist for a walk to the eagle’s nest to learn about their true success story. Come enjoy this easy walk, one mile round trip. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
