What can we do there?
Crow Wing State Park offers a diverse range of recreational activities:
Hiking and Biking: The park features over 18 miles of hiking trails and 6.5 miles of paved bike trails, which are part of the Paul Bunyan State Trail system. These trails wind through prairie, pine, and hardwood forests, offering scenic views of the Mississippi River.
Historic Sites Exploration: Visitors can explore the historic Beaulieu House, built in 1849 by fur trader Clement Beaulieu, and learn about the area's rich history through interpretive signs along the Main Street Crow Wing Self-guided Trail.
Camping: The park offers a campground with 61 sites, a camper cabin, a group camp, and a riverside campsite for canoeists, providing various options for overnight stays.
Fishing and Boating: With access to both the Mississippi and Crow Wing Rivers, the park provides opportunities for fishing and boating. A boat ramp is available for easy river access.
Wildlife Observation: The diverse habitats within the park make it an excellent spot for observing various wildlife species, including deer, eagles, and numerous bird species.
How far is it from True North?
Crow Wing State Park is located approximately 130 miles northeast of True North, about a 2-hour drive via US-10 W.
When is it open?
The park is open year-round, with specific operating hours for the park office:
Sunday through Thursday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
It's advisable to check for any seasonal activity updates or changes in operating hours before planning your visit.
How much does it cost?
Entrance to Crow Wing State Park requires a vehicle permit:
Daily Permit: $7 per vehicle
Annual Permit: $35 per vehicle
Additional fees apply for camping and equipment rentals. For the most current information on fees, reservations, and activity availability, visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website or contact the park office directly at 218-825-3075.
More things to do
Boat & Water Rentals
Lake Fun Rentals
Lake Fun Rentals provides the best boat rental experience in the Brainerd Lakes area, and will deliver boats right to the True North dock. Located on Gull Lake, they have the finest fleet of brand-new, high-end rental boats on the Gull Lake Chain and top-tier customer service.
Restaurant, Catering
Passport
Located in historic downtown Brainerd, Passport (formerly Sage on Laurel) provides catering for groups staying at True North including family vacations, weddings, celebrations, meetings, and more. Passport also offers private cooking classes to guests staying at True North.