Lake Maria State Park
Monticello, Minnesota
Where marsh meets Big Woods forest
Best time for contacting someone in the park: Friday through Monday, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Other times, leave message on machine.
11411 Clementa Avenue Northwest, Monticello, Minnesota 55362
telephone: (763) 878-2325
The park may be reached from the south via Highway 39 and Wright County Road 111, or from the north via Highway 8, 39 and County Road 111.
This park is about one hour away from the Minneapolis, St Paul metro area. From the Twin City area get on 94 going West for about 25 miles or to exit #193 or MN Hwy 25. You will be going towards Buffalo and Monticello. Turn Right on MN-25 or Pine Street. Once you get to left on West Broadway about .5 mile. Turn left on Elm St and go .2 mile. Turn right on Golf Course Road about .6 of a mile Golf Course Road turns into County Road 39 and follow that about 4.5 miles. Turn right onto Bishop St going 1.5 miles. Turn right onto Clementa Ave NW. Arrive at the park
The Group Camp at this park now can be reserved by phone or online through the centralized reservation system. Group camp reservation can be made from three to 365 days in advance. Call toll free 1-866-85PARKS or reserve online at www.stayatmnparks.com .
Backpack camping and camper cabins are available year-round. Cabin reservations required.
Ann Lake Campground is managed by Lake Maria.
Located in Sand Dunes State Forest near Big Lake,
camping is open April 29 through October 15. Thirty-six
rustic campsites are available on a first-come,
first-serve basis. Group camping sites can be reserved
in advance by calling Lake Maria at 763-878-2325. For
horse camping, call ahead for information. The horse
camping area closes October 30.
Summer Activities can include:
Picnic Area
Shores of Maria Lake
Includes tables, fire rings, grills, drinking water, access to hiking trails, volleyball court.
Picnic Shelter
Trail Center
Picnic tables are located inside Trail Center. Electrical outlets and toilet facilities are available.
Volleyball
Picnic Area
Pick up equipment at park office.
Canoe Access
Bjorkland Lake
Winter Activities:
Warming House
Trail Center
Includes bathrooms and eating area. Open daily, year-round.
Skating Rink
Pond
Small pond located below Trail Center is lit to enable skating in the evening.
When first entering the park it will look as any other like a nothing much different place to go or stay. That look is quite deceiving. There is a nice picnic area by the lake to take your family or perhaps walking a trail or two is your style. Both of those options are available.
When you do go you will want to take your camera with, you never know what you might see in that marshy forest at Lake Maria. You might get a picture or two of the endangered Blanding Turtle, easily identified by bright yellow spots on its shell. It is one of Minnesota's threatened species.
At the entry point there is a trail that you can take to Anderson Overlook to view Lake Maria.
If you go down to Lake Maria itself you will find yourself in for a treat as it is lake and marsh. The picnic areas are large and clean equipped with fire pits. Plenty of picnic tables for your dining pleasure. There is a restroom located next to the parking lot close at hand. While you wait for you food to cook you can rent a canoe. Go explore some of the marshy areas that house many creatures that we aren't able to see or get to on foot.
The trails are well marked and very well groomed. If you listen carefully you can hear one of any of the birds that migrate to that area. You might see that Blanding's Turtle cross before you or a skunk. Whatever it is you enjoy the peace and quiet that Lake Maria brings or the new explorations that could be found could take place here.
Well here's to you
Happy Hiking
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Lake Maria All Season Campground Map .pdf file
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