Glendalough State Park

Glendalough State Park is located in the Heartland region of Minnesota near Battle Lake.

How to Get to Glendalough State Park: Drive 1.5 miles north of Battle Lake on State Highway 78, and then 1.8 miles east on Ottertail County Highway 16.

Park Highlights:

• The property that is now the park was once a private vacation retreat for Minneapolis Tribune owner F.E. Murphy and for later owners, the Cowles Media Company. The original lodge remains. Donated to the Nature Conservancy in 1990, the property became a state park two years later.
• One of the lakes in the park, Annie Battle Lake, has been preserved as a "heritage fishing" lake. Special regulations ensure a serene fishing experience and the possibility of catching trophy-size bass and northern pike.

Glendalough's Natural Attractions: The park remained mostly undeveloped by previous owners, and still offers pristine marsh, forest, and prairie as well as nine miles of undeveloped shoreline around six lakes. Waterfowl are plentiful here, including our Minnesota state bird, the loon. Eagles nest in the trees in the park, and deer are commonly seen.

Things to Do in Glendalough State Park: Rent a canoe, kayak, or rowboat to get out on the lakes. The creeks that connect the lakes allow for extensive exploration. A canoe-access fishing pier is available, and a floating observation blind on one lake makes for "up close" waterfowl viewing. Beaches and picnic areas are available on two sandy lakes for campers and day visitors alike.

Hiking trails and a paved biking trail take you through the variety of terrain and to all of the lakes. Come in spring to see a profusion of wildflowers, and in autumn for fall color viewing. In winter, you can rent cross-country skis and snowshoes.

Glendalough State Park Camping

Camping in Glendalough State Park: Many campers believe the campground here to be one of the state's best. Twenty-two campsites are walk-in/cart-in sites; 2 sites are canoe-in. There are no drive-in sites. Carts are available at no charge. Campsites are within 200 yards of the parking lot, yet are well separated by trees. Two group sites accommodate groups of 20 and 40 people. Four year-round camper cabins can be reserved by calling the park. Picnic tables, fire rings, showers, and flush and vault toilets are provided. Lack of vehicle traffic makes for quiet camping.

More Attractions in This Region: Visit Phelps Mill, just north of the park, to see all the original flour milling equipment and learn about the process. The second weekend in July you could attend the Phelps Mill Festival, an art and music festival. Explore Battle Lake, Minnesota.

Other State Parks in This Region of Minnesota: Lake Carlos State Park > Maplewood State Park > Buffalo River State Park

Contact

25287 Whitetail Lane
Battle Lake, MN 56515
Phone: 218-864-0110
Fax: 218-864-0587
Email: glendalough.statepark@state.mn.us

Related Links:

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