Scenic State Park is located in the Heartland region of Minnesota near the tiny town of Big Fork. Larger towns in this region include Deer River and Grand Rapids.

How to Get to Scenic State Park: Drive 7 miles east from Big Fork on County Road 7 to the park entrance.

Park Highlights:

• This is one of Minnesota’s most picturesque parks. Virgin stands of our Minnesota State Tree, the Red or Norway Pine, populate the park. The Lodge and other historic log buildings were built during the depression by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Interpretive exhibits are on display in the Lodge.
• The 3,360 acre park is right on the edge of the Chippewa National Forest. Many of Minnesota’s largest lakes and best recreational opportunities are here.

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Scenic State Park’s Natural Attractions: The lakes, marshes, and pines attract many species of animals and birds. Just some of these include eagles, pileated woodpeckers, loons, ospreys, and many varieties of songbirds. You may even spot a rarely seen spruce grouse. Many small mammals and amphibians live in the park. It is also one of the best places in Minnesota to see a moose.

Things to Do in Scenic State Park: Enjoy the picnic area and swimming beach on Coon Lake. A large enclosed picnic shelter accommodates up to 225 people and features a massive stone fireplace and original log and branch furniture. It is a splendid place for a family reunion or wedding reception and can be reserved by calling the park office.

A fishing pier on Coon Lake offers fishing from shore. Sandwick Lake, Pine Lake, Cedar Lake, and Lake of the Isles all provide opportunities to fish for northern pike, walleye, bass, and panfish. Canoes and fishing boats are available to rent.

Hike the 14 miles of trails including 2 miles of self-guided trails. In winter, 6 miles of trails are available for cross-country skiing and 10 miles are groomed for snowmobiling. Snowshoeing is permitted throughout the park except on groomed trails.

Camping in Scenic State Park: The park has 93 drive-in sites distributed between the Chase Point and Lodge campgrounds; 21 sites in the Chase Point campground have electrical hookups and there are 2 sites with electricity in the Lodge campground. In addition, there are 2 backpack sites and 5 canoe-in sites. There is also a group camp that accommodates up to 60 people. Picnic tables, fire rings, showers, flush and vault toilets, and a dump station are available. One camper cabin and a large guesthouse can be reserved by calling the park office.

Read More: Minnesota Camping

More Attractions in This Region: Driving tours in this area any time of year will reward you with beautiful Minnesota vistas. Travel the Edge of the Wilderness National Scenic Byway. The highway covers forty-seven miles from Grand Rapids to Effie.  

Other State Parks in This Region of Minnesota: McCarthy Beach State Park > Schoolcraft State Park > Hill Annex State Park

Contact

56956 Scenic Highway 7
Bigfork, MN 56628

Phone: 218-743-3362

Email: scenic.statepark@state.mn.us

Other Pages You May Like:

Voyageurs National Park

Boundary Waters Minnesota Vacation

Minnesota National Parks and Forests


Minnesota State Parks