Moose Lake State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Moose Lake State Park |
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Entrance sign
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 Moose Lake State Park
Location in Minnesota
Moose Lake State Park
Location in the United States
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| Location | Carlton, Minnesota, United States |
| Area | 1,194 acres (4.83 km2) |
| Established | 1971 |
| Governing body | Minnesota Department of Natural Resources |
Moose Lake State Park is a fun state park in Minnesota, USA. It's located near the town of Moose Lake in Carlton County. You can find it just half a mile east of Interstate 35 at exit 214. The park entrance is off County Highway 137.
This park was created in 1971 and covers about 1,194 acres. Some cool things to see and do here include 5.5 miles of hiking trails and a 105-acre Echo Lake. There's also a wildlife pond and a paved trail that connects to the town of Moose Lake and the Willard Munger State Trail. Inside the park office, you'll find the Agate/Geological Interpretive Center.
Contents
Discovering Park Geology
The land in Moose Lake State Park was shaped by glaciers long ago. As the last glacier melted, it left behind lots of rock and soil. Big chunks of ice also melted, forming Moosehead and Echo Lakes. The southern edge of Moosehead Lake was once the shore of a huge ancient lake called Glacial Lake Nemadji.
Because of these glacial deposits, Carlton County is a great place to look for special rocks called Lake Superior Agates. These beautiful stones are Minnesota's state gemstone.
Agate Interpretive Center
Inside the park office, you can visit the Agate/Geological Interpretive Center. This large center has cool displays that teach you about geology. It also has a classroom, a gift shop, and park offices. The main hall shows off many amazing Lake Superior Agates.
Plants and Animals in the Park
A long time ago, this area had many white and red Norway Pine trees. Most of these original trees are now gone. When the park was first started, much of it was old farmland. New pine and spruce trees have been planted to help the forest grow back. Other parts of the park have older Aspen trees mixed with Basswood, Birch, and Maple.
The open areas and mature forests in the park create homes for many different animals. You might see beavers, skunks, and porcupines. There are also Franklin and Richardson's Ground Squirrels.
Bird Watching Opportunities
Many types of birds live here too. These include Trumpeter Swans, Mallard and Wood Ducks, and Common Loons. You might also spot Woodpeckers, Crowned Kinglets, Warblers, Catbirds, and Cedar Waxwings.
Fish in the Lakes
Moosehead Lake has Walleye fish. Echo Lake is home to many Panfish. Both lakes have been stocked in the past with Northern Pike, Walleye, and Largemouth Bass.
Fun Things to Do at the Park
Moose Lake State Park offers many activities for visitors. You can rent fishing equipment, birding kits, and activity kits for kids. Rowboats, canoes, and kayaks are also available to rent.
Trails and Picnic Areas
There are 5.5 miles of hiking trails that wind through tall pines. Some trails lead to a wildlife observation area or along Echo Lake. The day-use area has picnic tables, horseshoe pits, and a swimming beach. You can also use the boat access and fishing pier on Echo Lake.
Biking and Winter Activities
For bike riding, there's a wide shoulder on County Highway 137. This leads to the park's paved trail, which connects to the Willard Munger State Trail. In winter, you can enjoy ice-fishing, hiking, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing on the trails.
Camping at the Park
The park has 35 campsites. Twenty of these have electricity. There are also two walk-in sites and a rustic group campsite. To enter the park, you need a Minnesota State Park Vehicle Permit.
