Father Hennepin State Park

Introduction of Father Hennepin State Park

Father Hennepin State Park is one of the state parks in Minnesota that you must see. It is named after Father Louis Hennepin, a priest who arrived in the area with a French expedition in 1680. When he returned home, he described the area’s beauty as “enchanting and breath-taking.”

Father Hennepin State Park offers 320 acres of natural beauty and vegetation to visitors. The park is located on Millie Lacs Lake’s southeast corner. With over a mile km of beach, the park offers a variety of water-based activities such as swimming, fishing, canoeing, boating, and much more.

You can also see stunning wilderness in its natural state. Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts can see a variety of birds and mammals, including ruffed grouse, squirrels, and chipmunks. If you’re lucky, you might be able to spot a whitetail deer at Father Hennepin State Park.

The park’s streams and ponds provide habitat for a variety of amphibians, insects, and large fish species. There are numerous places to picnic near the waterways and enjoy the diverse habitat at its best. The beach picnic area provides plenty of family-friendly activities along the sandy beach.

Father Hennepin State Park Camping

The park has semi-modern lakeside campgrounds with some electrical hookups (50 amp). There are 103 tent-only and 103 RV/trailer-only campsites. There are both primitive group campsites and accessible sites. There are hot showers and flush toilets at the campground. There is also a dump station nearby for RV visitors. Pets are permitted on the campsite.

The campsites are large and overlook a beautiful view. Furthermore, the campground is densely forested, providing plenty of shade for campers.

There are two campgrounds available. If you prefer to be surrounded by green vegetation, Maple Grove is more woodsy; however, it lacks electrical sites. It is less public than the Lake View campground.

Because of its proximity to the lake, the Lake View campground is more spacious and overlooks the lake shore, making it ideal for a variety of lake-related activities. It is a family-oriented campground, but it provides little privacy and is frequently crowded during peak seasons.

Father Hennepin State Park Activities

Fishing

The clear water and picturesque view of the deep blue lake are extremely refreshing. It is an ideal opportunity to fish for a variety of fish species in peace.

There are accessible fishing piers that allow park visitors to fish without the need for a boat, making it easier to enjoy fishing without too much difficulty.

Picnicking

Set up your umbrella at the beach and let your kids play with the water toys on a day full of pleasant memories with the park’s extended shoreline that stretches as far as the eye can see.

The beach picnic area also has a volleyball court and plenty of recreational opportunities for families to enjoy.

Hiking

Hikers enjoy visiting Father Hennepin State Park in the spring to see a colourful array of wildflowers and the natural beauty of sugar maples and oaks, as well as other natural vegetation.

Hiking on paved trails or along the lakeshore on a flat, sandy trail are both options. The hike takes you along the shore, where you can hear seagulls crying or geese calling, as well as the sound of softly crashing waves in the background.

Hiking near the woodland area is also an option. During your hike, you might see raccoons or hear chipmunks and squirrels scurrying among the leaves.

Cycling

If you want to cycle in the fresh air and enjoy the scenic forest, there is an 11-mile paved cycling trail that connects Father Hennepin State Park to the Mille Lacs Kathio. In addition to cycling through beautiful scenery and feeling the wind in your hair, you might spot a rare albino deer that lives in Father Hennepin State Park.

This cycling trail is one of the most beautifully developed features of the Soo line roadbed. The trail has grand plans to connect more areas to provide a wonderful and scenic biking experience for those who want to bike or rollerblade amidst nature and magnificent scenery.

Swimming

The lake Millie Lacs stretches out along the shore of Father Hennepin State Park, providing park visitors with easy access to cool and refreshing water. You may want to dip your toes in the water after cycling or hiking in the hot summer sun. Please keep in mind that access to the beach requires a state park permit. Day passes are available at the park office.

Father Hennepin State Park Location

The park is on the southeast shore of Mille Lacs Lake, just west of Isle, Minnesota on Highway 27.

From the intersection of Interstate Highway 169 and Minnesota Highway 27 north of Onamia, Minnesota, take MN-27 east 9.2 miles to the Father Hennepin State Park entrance on the left in Isle.

Parking

Follow the park road for 1.2 miles to the beach and playground parking lot.

Public Transport

Public Transport is not available