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Lake Carlos State Park
by Echo Press
LAKE CARLOSstate park
Built by receding glaciers, Lake Carlos State Park offers a myriad of natural STAY SAFE DURING CAMPING wonders, including a clear and deep DEER HUNT Upper and Lower Campgrounds, Lakeview lake just perfect for swimming, fishing The park will host an annual deer hunt Group Camp, Pioneer Group Camp and the 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 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 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. may even catch a glimpse of the beaver and and be sure to check the hunt map so you All four camper cabins (Eagle, Loon, Racdeer that make their homes within the park. can avoid the areas being hunted. coon, Frog) now open.
The park also features a year-round natu- Hidden Lake Group Center is closed until ralist that leads several programs throughout COMING TO THE PARK? further notice. the year. PLAN AHEAD. Buy your vehicle permit in
Winter or summer, Lake Carlos State advance to minimize person-to-person con- WATER Park is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts. Hik- tact. Record your confirmation number and There is a frost free water spigot at the ing, skiing and interpretive programs are just place it on your car’s dashboard. If you’ll be Visitor Center in front of the solar panel. waiting for you. skiing on groomed trails, buy your ski pass
Paddleboat, canoes, and kayaks are avail- in advance too. BUILDINGS able 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. 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 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. statepark@state.mn.us Sanitation buildings in the Lower and Upper There will be no rentals until further notice. You can discover much more about Lake Carlos State Park by visiting www.dnr.state. mn.us/state_parks/lake_carlos/ Campgrounds are closed for the season. Vault toilets are available throughout the park. The beach sanitation building is closed GET IN TOUCH Call (320) 852-7200 between 9 a.m.-4 p.m. for more info or email lakecarlos.state-
under further notice. park@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.
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