LAKE CARLOS state park
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uilt 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 boating. Among its 1,231 acres, nearly onethird 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. Paddleboat, 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/
STAY SAFE DURING DEER HUNT The park will host an annual deer hunt November 7-10 to help control the population and maintain herd health. Most or all of the park will remain open to non-hunters during the hunt. If you will be in the park on these dates, wear brightly colored clothing and be sure to check the hunt map so you can avoid the areas being hunted.
COMING TO THE PARK? PLAN AHEAD. Buy your vehicle permit in advance to minimize person-to-person contact. Record your confirmation number and place it on your car’s dashboard. If you’ll be skiing on groomed trails, buy your ski pass in advance too. ARRIVE PREPARED. Buildings and warming shelters may not be open. Dress appropriately for the weather, and bring extra supplies with you. FOLLOW THE RULES. Continue to follow all COVID-related guidance. Pay attention to signs, stay home if you feel sick, and practice social distancing – even outdoors. BATHROOMS/SHOWERS/ VAULT TOILETS Sanitation buildings in the Lower and Upper Campgrounds are closed for the season. Vault toilets are available throughout the park. The beach sanitation building is closed under further notice.
CAMPING Upper and Lower Campgrounds, Lakeview Group Camp, Pioneer Group Camp and the Equestrian Campgrounds are all open and scheduled to close for the season on Monday, November 23, weather depending. Due to the recent snow, the campgrounds/sites are not plowed out at this time. All four camper cabins (Eagle, Loon, Raccoon, Frog) now open. Hidden Lake Group Center is closed until further notice. WATER There is a frost free water spigot at the Visitor Center in front of the solar panel. BUILDINGS The Ranger Station service window is open depending on staff availability; permits, firewood and ice may be purchased from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. The beach and lakeview picnic shelters are closed until further notice. The Interpretive Center is closed until further notice and programs are canceled.
OTHER SERVICES The RV dump and fill station is closed for the season. There will be no rentals until further notice. GET IN TOUCH Call (320) 852-7200 between 9 a.m.-4 p.m. for more info or email lakecarlos.statepark@state.mn.us.
Be sure to visit the Lake Carlos State Park website at www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/lake_carlos/ or its Facebook page for the most recent information on its schedule.
30 Winter 2020 / 2021 • Vacationer
