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 and interesting state park located in Minnesota, USA. It's close to the city of Moose Lake in Carlton County. This park is a special place where you can explore nature and enjoy outdoor activities. You can find it easily, just a short drive east from Interstate 35.
The park was officially opened in 1971 and covers a large area of 1,194 acres. Some of the cool things to do here include hiking on 5.5 miles of trails, visiting the 105-acre Echo Lake, and checking out the Agate/Geological Interpretive Center. There's also a paved trail that connects to the city of Moose Lake and the Willard Munger State Trail, perfect for biking!
Contents
Discovering Moose Lake State Park
How the Land Was Formed
The land where Moose Lake State Park sits was shaped by huge sheets of ice, called glaciers, long ago. As the last glacier melted, it left behind a mix of rock, sand, and clay. This process also created big blocks of ice that later melted to form lakes like Moosehead Lake and Echo Lake.
Because of these ancient glaciers, Carlton County is a great spot to look for special rocks called Lake Superior Agates. These beautiful, colorful stones are Minnesota's state gemstone!
The Agate/Geological Interpretive Center
Inside the park office, you'll find the amazing Agate/Geological Interpretive Center. This large center, about 4,500 square feet, is full of cool things to learn. It has displays that explain how the land was formed and showcases many stunning Lake Superior Agates. There's also a classroom for activities and a gift shop.
Plants and Animals of the Park
Forests and Fields
A long time ago, this area was covered with tall white and red Norway Pine trees. Many of these original forests are now gone. When the park was created, much of it was old farmland. Over the years, new pine and spruce trees have been planted to help the forest grow back. Other parts of the park have groves of Aspen, Basswood, Birch, and Maple trees.
Who Lives Here?
The mix of open fields and mature forests makes Moose Lake State Park a home for many different animals. You might spot beavers, skunks, and porcupines. There are also Franklin and Richardson's Ground Squirrels scurrying around.
Birdwatchers will love the variety of birds, including graceful Trumpeter Swans, Mallard and Wood Ducks, and the famous Common Loon. You can also see Woodpeckers, Crowned Kinglets, Warblers, Catbirds, and Cedar Waxwings.
If you enjoy fishing, Moosehead Lake has Walleye. Echo Lake is known for its Panfish. Both lakes have been stocked with Northern Pike, Walleye, and Largemouth Bass in the past.
Fun Things to Do at Moose Lake State Park
Outdoor Adventures
Moose Lake State Park offers lots of ways to have fun outdoors! You can rent fishing equipment, birdwatching kits, and activity kits for kids. Rowboats, canoes, and kayaks are also available to rent for exploring the lakes.
There are 5.5 miles of hiking trails that wind through tall pine trees, lead to a wildlife observation area, or follow the edge of Echo Lake. The day-use area has picnic tables, horseshoe pits, a swimming beach, and a fishing pier on Echo Lake.
Biking and Winter Sports
For bike riders, there's a paved trail that connects the park to the Willard Munger State Trail. This is a great way to explore more of the area on two wheels.
When winter arrives, the park transforms into a snowy playground. You can go ice-fishing, hiking, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing on special trails.
Camping Under the Stars
If you want to stay overnight, the park has 35 campsites. Twenty of these sites have electricity, and two are walk-in sites for a more rustic experience. There's also a group campsite for larger gatherings.
To enter the park, you'll need a Minnesota State Park Vehicle Permit. It's a small fee that helps keep the park beautiful for everyone!
