Bear Head Lake State Park

By Sarah MitchellOutdoor Editor & Trail ExpertFebruary 5, 2026 · Updated May 13, 2026

BWCA gateway with primitive campsites.

Wildlife & Nature

Bear Head Lake SP — near Ely — provides a gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). The park’s boreal forest, rocky shoreline, and clear lakes support black bears, gray wolves, and moose. Common loons nest on every lake. Bald eagles fish from above. Northern lights are visible on clear nights.

Nearby Attractions

Ely — 10 miles north — is the gateway to the BWCAW and has the International Wolf Center and North American Bear Center. Tower — adjacent. Soudan Underground Mine SP — 5 miles west.

Things to Do

Minnesota’s state parks celebrate the Land of 10,000 Lakes — offering everything from boreal forests and Lake Superior’s dramatic North Shore to prairie grasslands, river bluffs, and glacial lakes. Activities include hiking through pine and birch forests, fishing for walleye, northern pike, and bass in park lakes, canoeing and kayaking pristine wilderness waterways, camping under northern skies, swimming at sandy lake beaches, cross-country skiing on groomed winter trails, snowshoeing through silent forests, mountain biking singletrack, and birdwatching along one of the nation’s most active migratory flyways. The North Shore parks along Lake Superior — Gooseberry Falls, Split Rock Lighthouse, Tettegouche — rank among the most scenic in the Midwest.

Best Time to Visit

Minnesota’s outdoor season varies dramatically. Summer (June–August) brings warm temperatures (70s–80s°F), excellent fishing, and long northern days — peak camping season. Fall (September–October) delivers extraordinary color, especially along the North Shore and in the Boundary Waters region, peaking late September to mid-October. Spring (April–May) is muddy but brings rushing waterfalls and migrating birds. Winter (December–March) is legendary in Minnesota — parks transform into cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter camping destinations. The North Shore of Lake Superior is stunning in every season but can see severe winter storms. Always carry warm layers near Lake Superior, as temperatures drop dramatically near the water.

Visitor Tips

Minnesota state parks require a vehicle permit ($7/day or $35/year). The annual permit covers all 75 state parks and recreation areas. Camping reservations are made through the Minnesota DNR reservation system up to 120 days in advance. North Shore parks (Gooseberry Falls, Split Rock, Tettegouche) book up fast for fall weekends — reserve by mid-summer. Most parks have excellent visitor centers with naturalist programs. Ticks are a significant concern May through October — perform tick checks after every hike and use repellent. Winter campers should note that many water systems are shut off November through April.

Explore More Minnesota State Parks

Bear Head Lake State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Minnesota. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Minnesota guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.

About the Author

Sarah Mitchell

Outdoor Editor & Trail Expert

Sarah Mitchell is an outdoor writer and trail researcher with over 8 years of experience exploring state parks across America. As the lead editor at AmericasStateParks.org, she has personally visited more than 200 parks in 42 states, logging thousands of trail miles and hundreds of campground nights. Sarah specializes in detailed park guides, accessibility information, and family-friendly outdoor planning. Her work focuses on helping first-time visitors feel confident and well-prepared for their state park adventures.

200+ state parks visited across 42 states | 8+ years of outdoor writing

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