Glacial Lakes State Park

Introduction of Glacial Lakes State Park

Glacial Lakes State Park RV vacations allow you to explore Minnesota’s towering hills and scenic valleys. This park protects some of the state’s last remaining rolling prairie remnants. The rolling hills are still dotted with bluestem, prairie clove, and wolfberry. The park, which covers 2,423 acres, is distinguished by lakes, ponds, and marshes. They are the result of glaciers that lived in the area over 10,000 years ago during the late glacial period. Visitors can enjoy a diverse landscape and flora with prairie to the east and hardwood forest to the west.

Glacial Lakes State Park, located in western Minnesota, is home to a diverse range of wildlife. Squirrels, beavers, and raccoons can be found in the oak forest. The park allows seasonal deer hunting and is home to over 100 bird species. Ducks and waterfowl can be found along the shoreline, while sparrows and bald eagles can be found in the prairie hills. A variety of warblers, woodpeckers, and owls nest in the oak trees.

A deck overlooking Signalness Lake is available for picnickers. Many interpretive and naturalist programs for all ages are held at the park’s council ring. Whether you enjoy hiking, winter activities, or backpacking, Glacial Lakes State Park has a lot to offer.

There are many overlooks to watch the park’s attractions from at an elevation of 1,352 feet. From these vantage points, visitors can see the park’s wetlands, Kettle Lake, and the extensive prairie. The oak forest, hills, and plains can all be seen from the Prairie Highpoint. The most rewarding hike is to the Highest Elevation Overlook, which exposes the ambiance of the entire park from the forests, prairies, glacial lakes, and hills below.

Glacial State Park has a number of lodging options. The pet-friendly campgrounds have 47 RV and camping sites, 14 of which have electric hookups. The Lower Campground has bathrooms with showers, and there is a dump station just outside the campground. Backpackers can hike to four different hike-in sites throughout the park, and horseback riders can stay at two equestrian camps. Some amenities, such as the bathroom, showers, dump station, and park office, are seasonal.

Glacial Lakes State Park Camping

The main campground is the pet-friendly Lower Campground, which has 19 campsites, 14 of which have electric hookups. Flush toilets, hot showers, and a dump station are among the amenities available. Because these sites are on gravel pads, you may need to level your rig. During your stay, however, you will be greeted by the soothing shade of oak trees, as well as a picnic table and fire ring right at your campsite. The most spacious sites can accommodate a trailer or RV up to 45 feet in length. From April to October, this campground is open.

The Oakridge Campground has 18 sites that are ideal for RV campers. This campground has no water or electric hookups, but there are communal water spigots located throughout the campground. If you want to be alone in nature, this is the place to be because most of the sites are secluded and shaded by majestic, giant oak trees. This area has vault toilets, picnic tables, and potable drinking water. Shower facilities from the main campground are used by campers in this area.

While 45 feet is the recommended maximum vehicle length, some sites have longer pads that can accommodate larger RVs up to 68 feet long. Except for site 39, which is a pull-through site, all of the sites are back-in sites.

Glacial Lakes State Park Activities

Swimming

Swimming is a must in the waters of Glacial Lakes State Park. Signalness Lake stands out among the park’s many enticing glacial lakes due to its large size, crystal clear waters, and swim beach on its southern side. There are benches along the lake if you just want to relax and commune with nature. Keep an eye on your loved ones because there are no lifeguards on duty. Baby Lake is also a great place to spend time with your family.

Hiking

Hiking the multi-use trail at Glacial Lakes State Park is the best way to appreciate the park’s natural beauty. With 16 miles of well-marked trails, getting to every corner of the park is simple. The nearly five-mile Hiking Club Trail, located in the park’s northern section, allows visitors to experience the lake views, forest, and campgrounds. Mardy’s Trail circles Lake Signals, and the rest of the trails are on the park’s southern edge and are ideal for exploring the prairie. The trails are moderately difficult, despite the fact that they meander through a hilly section. There are a lot of ticks, so bring bug spray in your travel trailer.

Fishing

A large portion of the park is dotted with glacial lakes, making freshwater fishing an activity you won’t want to miss. Minnesota residents do not need a state fishing license as a way of giving back to the community. Every year, walleye and panfish are stocked in Kettle and Baby Lakes. The 56-acre Signalness Lake offers excellent ice fishing for northern pike, perch, and bass during the winter. There is also a fishing pier, two fishing docks, and a fish cleaning station.

Horseback riding

Equestrians will love Glacial Lakes State Park. On the park’s south side, there are 14 miles of horseback riding trails. Explore the park’s other lakes, passing through wildflowers, native prairie grass, forest, and plenty of wildlife. There are also two horse camps in the park where horses and riders can spend the night away from the crowds. The first is at the end of the paved road, where you can park your trailer, and the second is on the shores of Baby Lake. This activity necessitates the purchase of a horse pass.

Boating and Canoeing

A few hours on the lake is a relaxing activity, whether you’re getting some fresh air, exercising, or fishing. Water enthusiasts can enjoy panoramic views of the prairie grassland surrounding Mountain Lake while enjoying the breeze. Boats, kayaks, standup paddleboards, and canoes can be rented from the park’s office if you don’t bring your own. In the day-use area, there is a boat ramp that provides trailer access to the lake for visitors with boats.

Glacial Lakes State Park Location

Glacial Lakes State Park is located on Country Road 41 south of Starbuck, 140 miles northwest of Minneapolis. The park is easily accessible via MN-29, which provides RVers with a smooth ride through beautiful scenery of rolling countryside and green pastures. The park’s roads are paved and easily accessible by foot or vehicle.

Starbucks is the nearest town, about a five-mile drive away. If you need gas, groceries, or fishing supplies, this is the place to go. ATMs and restaurants are also available.

Parking

Parking is available at your campsite or in the overflow lot at each campground. If you are only visiting for the day, there is plenty of parking in the Day Use Area just past the park entrance.

Public Transport

Public Transport is not available