Bear Head Lake State Park
A serene northwoods escape with a beautiful lake, scenic trails, and award-winning facilities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful lake and fewer crowds
Bear Head Lake State Park
Best Time
Peaceful lake and fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene northwoods escape with a beautiful lake, scenic trails, and award-winning facilities.
"This is easily my favorite state park in all of Minnesota. "
Kayak Rentals are Worth It
Rent a kayak for a few hours to explore the lake; it's well worth the price for the views and experience.
Dog-Friendly Adventures
Bear Head Lake State Park is a great spot for your furry friends, offering plenty of space to explore.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Norberg Lake Loop Trail
Bear Head Lake State Park
A scenic 3.1-mile moderate hike offering beautiful lake views and a true taste of the northwoods.
Bear Head Lake
Bear Head Lake State Park
Pristine lake perfect for kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and enjoying the peaceful northwoods atmosphere.
Camper Cabins
Bear Head Lake State Park
Cozy and well-equipped cabins offer a comfortable stay with lake access and a private retreat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Stay Early
Embrace the Northwoods
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Kayak Rentals are Worth It
Rent a kayak for a few hours to explore the lake; it's well worth the price for the views and experience.
Dog-Friendly Adventures
Bear Head Lake State Park is a great spot for your furry friends, offering plenty of space to explore.
America's Best Restroom!
Don't miss the award-winning campground restroom and shower building – a unique park feature!
Pack Bug Spray
Essential for enjoying the beautiful outdoors, especially during warmer months.
Tips
from all over the internet
Kayak Rentals are Worth It
Rent a kayak for a few hours to explore the lake; it's well worth the price for the views and experience.
Dog-Friendly Adventures
Bear Head Lake State Park is a great spot for your furry friends, offering plenty of space to explore.
America's Best Restroom!
Don't miss the award-winning campground restroom and shower building – a unique park feature!
Pack Bug Spray
Essential for enjoying the beautiful outdoors, especially during warmer months.
Visit the Bear Center
Combine your park visit with a trip to the nearby North American Bear Center. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Bear Head Lake State Park for its beautiful lake, serene northwoods atmosphere, and family-friendly amenities. The clean facilities, including the award-winning restrooms, and the availability of kayak rentals are frequently highlighted as major positives. While some note the trails are somewhat limited, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, with many visitors expressing a strong desire to return.
"Great state park! We visited here for the first time and will be back. Kids 10, 8, 5, we tent camped. Spacious sites, plenty of little docks to bring kayaks and canoes, small little beach area, clean bathrooms and showers. Kayak, boat, and canoe rentals available for a good price. Friendly staff!"
Chrissi Prom
"Quaking Aspen camping cabin was a wonderful way to enjoy our 5 days. Wirh lake access, we kayaked every day, hiked and grilled at our fire ring. The cabin was spacious, immaculate and private for these two older folks who needed to get away from the stresses of city living"
Julie Boettcher
"This is a great up north park. The highlights are the beautiful lake, scenic pines, and wonderful campground and day use area. It's really a good park for families. The campground is next to the lake so you can bring your boat right to it. It is also walking distance to the beach area. Trails are fun but limited and could be improved to highlight the lake more."
Wyatt W. Penke
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bear Head Lake State Park is conveniently located near Ely, MN, about a 20-minute drive. Follow local signage from Ely to reach the park entrance.
Public transport options are very limited in this remote northwoods area. It is highly recommended to have your own vehicle for easy access to the park and surrounding attractions.
Roads leading to and within the park are generally well-maintained, especially during the summer and fall. Winter driving may require caution due to snow and ice.
The closest major airport is Duluth International Airport (DLH), which is about a 2.5-hour drive from Bear Head Lake State Park. Ely also has a small municipal airport.
Yes, you can bring your own boat. The campground is located next to the lake, allowing easy access for boat trailers.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
A Minnesota State Park vehicle permit is required for entry. These can be purchased online or at the park entrance.
The park is open year-round from 8 AM to 10 PM daily. Camping and cabin stays allow for overnight access.
Vehicle permits are required. Daily permits are available, or you can purchase an annual pass for access to all Minnesota State Parks. Check the official MN State Parks website for current pricing.
Yes, advance reservations are highly recommended, especially for camper cabins and popular campsites, as they tend to book up quickly.
Minnesota State Parks offer various passes, including annual permits, which can be more cost-effective for frequent visitors. Check the MN State Parks website for details.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Norberg Lake Loop Trail (3.1 miles) is a popular choice for its scenic views. Other options include the Blueberry Lake Trail (4.3 miles). +2
Yes, Bear Head Lake is known for fishing. Anglers can target walleye, largemouth bass, and other species. Boat and kayak rentals are available.
Families can enjoy the small beach area, picnic spots, kayaking, and easy hiking trails. The clean facilities are also a plus.
Yes, Bear Head Lake State Park is dog-friendly, making it a great destination for visitors with pets.
The park offers tent campsites, RV sites, and camper cabins for a more comfortable stay. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants within the park itself. Visitors will need to bring their own food and supplies or dine in nearby Ely.
The town of Ely, a short drive away, offers several dining options, including local lodges and cafes.
Yes, most campsites are equipped with fire rings and picnic tables, allowing for campfires and grilling.
While there isn't a full-service store, the visitor center may have limited supplies. It's best to bring your own food and drinks.
Yes, Bear Head Lake State Park has designated picnic areas, including a beach area perfect for a day-use picnic.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of Norberg Lake, especially during sunrise and sunset. The trails offer beautiful forest and water vistas.
You might spot deer and various bird species. While not a primary wildlife destination, the natural setting offers opportunities for nature photography.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with golden hour casting a beautiful glow over the lake and forests.
Drone usage is subject to Minnesota State Park regulations. It's advisable to check the official MN State Parks website or contact the park directly for current drone policies.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for landscapes and general shots. A wide-angle lens can capture the expansive northwoods scenery.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The Norberg Lake Loop Trail is a manageable hike for most children, offering engaging scenery without being overly strenuous.
🐶 Dog Owners
Remember to keep your dog on a leash and always clean up after them to ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors. The spaciousness of the park and the natural environment make it an excellent place for dogs to explore and burn off energy.
🎣 Anglers and Paddlers
Paddling on Bear Head Lake provides a unique perspective of the park's natural beauty. Explore quiet coves, enjoy the tranquility of the water, and perhaps even spot some local wildlife.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails
These trails are perfect for experiencing the northwoods vibes that make this park so special. Whether you're looking for a brisk morning hike or a leisurely afternoon stroll, the diverse trail system provides ample opportunities to connect with nature. Remember to wear appropriate footwear and bring water, especially during warmer months.
Water Activities on Bear Head Lake
For those who prefer to stay closer to shore, a small beach area provides a pleasant spot for swimming and relaxing.
Unique Accommodations and Amenities
A notable amenity that sets this park apart is its award-winning campground restroom and shower building, recognized as 'America's Best Restroom.'
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