Father Hennepin State Park: Best Trails, Beach Days, and Tips
Looking for a state park that works for a big group? Father Hennepin was perfect for us.
Every few years, my old neighborhood gets together to relive our camping trips from when I was a kid. Three generations come together to reminisce.
I had been looking forward to this trip for over a year. Thankfully, Father Hennepin State Park was the perfect place to connect, with plenty of things to do.
First Impressions of Father Hennepin State Park
The first thing I noticed about Father Hennepin State Park was its size and setting on Lake Mille Lacs. It sits along the southeast shore near Isle, with easy access to town but a quiet, tucked-away feel.
Being separated from larger forest blocks means fewer bear sightings than nearby Mille Lacs Kathio State Park, though wildlife is still common.
The park is named for Father Louis Hennepin, a priest who traveled with a French expedition in the 1600s and wrote about the Mille Lacs area. The park location isn’t the exact site he visited, but it honors his writings and regional history.
Things to Do at Father Hennepin State Park
Father Hennepin State Park has a lot to do for guests. From camping to swimming to fishing, it’s a great getaway from the city.
Hiking Club Trail at Father Hennepin State Park
Miles: 2.0 miles
Difficulty: Easy
This is the first Hiking Club Trail I’ve done where I felt like I saw the whole park. The short two-mile loop on flat terrain crosses the main highlights: beach, fishing pier, and campground.
Trail signs are clear, but going clockwise can feel a little confusing since many arrows face counter-clockwise traffic. If you like following sign direction, start at the beach and head counter-clockwise.
I noticed a few side trails not shown on my printed map or my Avenza download. They reconnect to main paths, but stick to signed trails if you want to keep it simple.
If you’re camping, the loop conveniently passes through the campground. Day trippers should park at the beach lot. Take the path by the bathrooms to hop on the loop.
Grab the free Avenza map for Father Hennepin State Park. It uses GPS, so you can navigate without cell service.
Cooling Off at the Beach
One of the few sandy public beaches on Lake Mille Lacs is at Father Hennepin State Park. The picnic area has a volleyball court, horseshoe pits, playground equipment, and an open picnic shelter.
There’s a nice mix of sandy swim area with shaded picnic tables in the grass.
The sandy beach stretches roughly a quarter mile. There’s space for boat tie-ups along the shoreline when lake conditions allow. Many visitors bring watercraft to enjoy calm summer days.
The beach is popular in summer, and some campers at Mille Lacs Kathio State Park make the short drive to swim here.
Showers for rinsing off sand and restrooms are available in season. On hot days we spent hours in the water. It was a highlight of the trip.
Camping at Father Hennepin State Park
The campground hosts over 100 sites and feels open. After time in the wooded sites at Mille Lacs Kathio, the openness here was a surprise—more like many RV parks.
The plus side is better breezes and easy visibility for keeping an eye on kids. With multiple families, it gave a fun community feel.
Sites do not have direct lake views, even the tent sites closest to the water. A short path leads to the rocky shoreline for sunsets.
Wheelchair-Accessible Fishing Piers
The park has two fishing piers. The one near the beach sits along a short paved path and is wheelchair accessible. The second pier is off County Road 34.
Northern pike, walleye, bluegills, sunfish, and bass are common on Mille Lacs.
Fish For Free in Minnesota State Parks
Did you know if you have a Minnesota driver’s license you can fish for free in Minnesota State Parks? The only expectation is if the body of water requires a trout stamp, or if you are in a Recreation Area. To fish for free you must be:
1. Fishing from shore or wading in water within the state park; or
2. Fishing through the ice, from a boat or a float on a designated lake that is completely encompassed within a Minnesota state park.
Click here for the official statue.
Home to White Deer Sightings
There are occasional sightings of white deer in and around the park. True albinism is rare (about 1 in 100,000). Some “white” deer may be leucistic rather than albino. Keep your eyes peeled at dawn and dusk.
Bike
The Mille Lacs Soo Line Trail is a paved multi-use route that connects the Isle area toward Mille Lacs Kathio State Park. To reach it from Father Hennepin, ride low-traffic roads out of the park. The easiest access is in the town of Isle or via 40th Ave S.
Other Questions about Father Hennepin State Park
How much does it cost to camp at Father Hennepin State Park?
All Minnesota State Parks are free with an annual permit. You can buy them in person or online for $35. If you are planning to visit for the day, expect to pay around $7.
Throughout the year, there are a few free days and other discounts you can check out too.
Camping costs anywhere from $25-35 a night.
Pro Tip: Visit any State Park during one of their free days. Check out Minnesota State Park Pass Hacks, Tips, and Free Days to find all the days
Are dogs allowed at Father Hennepin State Park?
Yes, dogs are allowed at Minnesota state parks, including Father Hennepin. Keep them on a 6-foot leash and never leave them unattended at camp. Dogs are not allowed on designated swimming beaches, but there are other shoreline spots where they can wade.
Are there bears at Father Hennepin State Park?
Black bears are uncommon around Father Hennepin compared to nearby Mille Lacs Kathio State Park, but they do pass through the area. Always store food securely and follow posted guidance. Bear activity varies year to year.
Would I go back to Father Hennepin State Park?
To swim, definitely. For camping and hiking, maybe—depends on the experience I want. I like more diverse trails and thicker woods when I camp.
The Father Hennepin State Park campground is very RV-friendly, and we saw plenty of big rigs. I prefer more trees when I camp. You can see most of the park in a couple of days.
