Moose Lake State Park
Moose Lake State Park is a public state park in Minnesota near Moose Lake in Carlton County. Spanning 1,194 acres and established in 1971, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Minnesota |
| Nearest City | Moose Lake |
| County | Carlton |
| Park Size | 1,194 acres |
| Established | 1971 |
| Google Rating | ⭐ 4.5/5 (600 reviews) |
Location & Getting There
Moose Lake State Park is located near Moose Lake, Minnesota. The park’s coordinates are 46.4417, -92.7364.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a Minnesota state parks vehicle permit?
A daily vehicle permit costs $7. An annual vehicle permit costs $35 and covers unlimited entry to all 75+ Minnesota state parks and recreation areas throughout the year.
Where is the source of the Mississippi River?
The Mississippi River begins at Lake Itasca in Itasca State Park, Minnesota. Visitors can walk across the river at its headwaters where it flows just 18 feet wide and knee-deep over a rocky streambed.
Can I see the Northern Lights at Minnesota state parks?
Yes, northern Minnesota parks like Voyageurs, Scenic, and Lake Bemidji offer some of the best Northern Lights viewing in the continental US, especially during fall and winter when skies are darkest.
What are the best state parks on the North Shore?
Top North Shore parks include Gooseberry Falls, Split Rock Lighthouse, Tettegouche, Temperance River, and Judge C.R. Magney (home of Devil’s Kettle waterfall). All are connected by the Superior Hiking Trail.
Explore More Minnesota State Parks
Moose 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.
Wildlife & Nature
Moose Lake SP — on Echo Lake — is a premier agate-hunting destination. The park’s gravel beach yields Lake Superior agates. The park also preserves the site of the 1918 Cloquet-Moose Lake Fire, which killed 453 people. Bald eagles fish the lake. Common loons nest. White-tailed deer are abundant.
Nearby Attractions
Moose Lake — adjacent — has the Agate Geology Center and the Fire Museum. Carlton — 15 miles south. Jay Cooke SP — 25 miles south. Duluth — 40 miles north.
Park Location
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