When it was good, it was very good, when it bad it was disappointing. The Boardwalk was closed because it fell apart, and the trail from our campsite was closed due to past flooding. In both cases, the long grasses grown into the trails gave me the idea that the closures had happened several months back with no maintenance done all summer. The camper cabin was warm and the wood stove worked wonderfully. Wood for the stove was included in the rental cost; something we didn't know until we had already purchased a cord. There is no electricity in the cabin, which IS advertised correctly. However, the emergency backup solar-powered light, which should run for 15 minutes (for those who arrive at night, I guess) was not working. Also, there were no towels for spray bottle to clean the cabin as required upon check-out. The outhouse was as expected and I appreciated the particularly sturdy door and hand sanitizer. Other trails were in very good condition, wide and well maintained. The interpretation center was smaller than I expected, but had heat, electricity and flush toilets. There is a brand-new bird watching platform overlooking a marshy pond a short distance from the picnic area. Definitely...
Read moreWe stayed in camper cabin 3 and had a great time! Helpful info: There is no water. Bring your own. There is a key/dead bolt for the cabin. There is one youtube video that shows a light in the cabin-there was no light in Cabin 3. The walk-in trail is mainly down-hill on the way in and therefore mainly up-hill on the way out. It's not smooth-there are rocks, roots etc. (I was grateful for the all-terrain wagon to carry the pack n play!) There isn't good signage when you first enter the trail from the parking lot. Take the trail that goes right past the Trail Center and there should be clearer signs at that point. There were two bundles of wood already at the cabin that you could just pay for as you left the park depending on how much you used. There is room in the cabin for a pack n play. The park/cabin were perfect for an overnight trip for me and my 4 and 2 year old with plenty of trails to keep us occupied. I didn't have cell reception at the cabin. There is a grate for cooking on the fire pit. The lake is more for the ambiance/view than getting into. The biffy is just a very short walk away from the cabin. I hope these tips and...
Read more⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Hidden Gem of Minnesota Wilderness
Lake Maria State Park is pure magic. Tucked away from the noise of city life, this park offers a serene escape into Minnesota’s untouched beauty. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted by towering oaks, whispering birches, and the enchanting calls of frogs and songbirds. The rustic campsites—especially B6—are quiet, private, and beautifully integrated into the natural surroundings.
The hiking trails are well-marked and lead you through lush forests, peaceful wetlands, and stunning lake views. Wildlife is abundant—we saw deer, red foxes, barred owls, pileated woodpeckers, and even heard the haunting choruses of treefrogs echoing through the trees at night.
What truly sets Lake Maria apart is its sense of intimacy and solitude. It’s not overdeveloped or overcrowded—just you, the wild, and the quiet. A must-visit for anyone who craves a deeper connection with nature. We’ll...
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