McCarthy Beach State Park

Welcome to McCarthy Beach State Park located on the shores of Sturgeon Lake and boasting what Highway's Magazine has rated as one of the top 17 beaches on the continent.

Park History: The landscape in and around McCarthy Beach State Park was carved out by glacial retreat at the end of the last ice age. In 1999, archeologists unearthed a spear point of the Paleoindian tribes that dated back over 10,000 years. More recent peoples included the woodland people who roamed the land from 2,000 years ago to 500 years ago and they left behind artifacts such as ceramic pots used for cooking. It was the forests stretching as far as the eye could see that attracted European settlers to the region. Once they came they began to set up sawmills and build railroads. Portions of the old railroad bed are still within the park boundaries today.

In the 1930's McCarthy Beach had become a popular recreation destination named after an old property owner John McCarthy. In 1945, McCarthy Beach State Park was established in memory of the soldiers who died serving in WWII.

Flora and Fauna: McCarthy Beach State Park helps protect habitat for numerous plant and animals species. Some of the park's plants include aspens, birches, pines, and others. Some of the park's animals include bears, deer, wolves, squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons, and many reptiles and amphibians. Please treat their home with respect.

For the lover of the outdoors this park boasts many miles of multipurpose trails, a swimming beach, over 80 campsites (21 with electrical hookups), and seven fishing lakes stocked with trout, bass, pike, walleye, and panfish. Come on out and explore!

To contact the park office please call 218-274-7200.