Lake Carlos State Park

Welcome to Lake Carlos State Park, an oasis of tamarack bogs, marshes, ponds, and forest located in central Minnesota near Carlos.

Park History: The landscape of Lake Carlos State Park and surrounding Douglas County was formed by glacial activity at the end of the last ice age. For many centuries, the land was occupied by various Native American tribes including the Sioux and Dakota. In 1851, the Traverse de Sioux treaty opened up the region to European Settlers. These settlers were chased out during the U.S. Dakota conflict of 1862 but returned later in the year. In the 1930's during the midst of the Great Depression, the State of Minnesota purchased the land that became Lake Carlos State Park in 1937.

Wildlife: The land that makes up Lake Carlos State Park is a transition zone from coniferous forest to prairie and helps protect the habitat of many wild animals including ducks, herons, beavers, deer, and many others. It is said that over a third of the state's 80 mammals and 150 birds are inside the park at some point of the year. Please treat their home with respect.

For the lover of the outdoors Lake Carlos State Park boasts many miles of multipurpose trails and over 100 campsites (81 with electricity). Come on out and have a blast!

To contact the park office please call 320-852-7200.