City: Monticello, MN

Category: Parks & Recreation

Telephone: (763) 878-2325

Address: 11411 Clementa Ave. NW

Description: Lake Maria State Park includes a native stand of maple, oak, and basswood, remnants of the Big Woods that once covered much of south-central Minnesota. The park offers hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, and cross-country ski trails. Backpack sites are located on remote lakes and ponds throughout the park. Log camper cabins, also located near lakes and ponds, provide bunk beds for six people and a table and benches.The park maintains more than 20 miles of summer hiking trails, 16 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails, and 3 miles of winter hiking trails. Snowshoeing is permitted anywhere in the park except on groomed ski trails, and snowshoes can be rented at the visitor center. Boat and canoe rentals are available through the visitor center in summer. You can also make campsite and cabin reservations at the visitor center or on the park’s Web site.