Lake Maria State Park - Monticello, Minnesota - State Park

Lake Maria State Park is located at Clementa Avenue Northwest in Monticello, Minnesota. It can be reached from the south via I-94 at Highway 39 and Wright County Road 111, or from the north via I-94 to Highway 8, County Road 39 and County Road 111. This 1,590 acre park was created in 1963 to provide a wilderness area within easy driving distance of the Minneapolis-St Paul area, which is approximately 45 miles away.

Camping at the park is available throughout the year with 17 backpack sites about a one mile walk from the parking area and overlooking lakes and ponds. There are also two group camp sites for tents only that accommodate up to 50 people in each, which are fairly rustic with just vault toilets and water available so campers should be aware there are no showers. Available throughout the year are three cabins large enough to sleep up to six people located less than a mile from the parking area and are heated by a wood stove only.

The park is a great spot for walking, cycling and horse riding in the summer months with various trails and paths situated here. There are a couple of one mile trails with observation points on the Zumbrunnen Trail and printed guides available for the Forest Shadow Trail. Anyone feeling up to tackling a longer walk can try a 14 mile long trail that takes visitors through wooded terrain with great wildflowers in spring and fantastic colors during the fall season.

Horse riders will find there are six miles of trails for them to use between May and November, while paved paths and mountain trails are suitable for cyclists. During the winter months visitors can still go hiking or perhaps try snow shoeing with three miles of packed trail open for this type of activity. Cross country skiing is also popular here with tracks taking skiers through the woodland area and past lakes and ponds.

During the winter visitors can also go skating on the small pond located below the Trail Center, which is lit to allow people to skate in the evenings. By the shores of Maria Lake is a picnic area with tables, fire rings, grills, drinking water, access to hiking trails and fishing piers. There are also picnic tables in the Trail Center with electrical outlets and toilets, which are handicap accessible.

The Trail Center also serves as an area for visitors to view exhibits as well as obtaining trail maps and information, while programs are offered on a monthly basis throughout the year. There is a small store at the park selling various gifts and souvenirs such as t-shirts, caps, mugs and field guides. Visitors wishing to rent equipment should note that snowshoes are only available to hire at weekends when sufficient snow is on the ground, while Canoe, boat and kayak rentals are available on weekends and holidays from the beginning of May until the middle of October.