{"id":10103,"date":"2021-01-13T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-01-13T15:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/?p=10103"},"modified":"2024-02-08T06:51:09","modified_gmt":"2024-02-08T12:51:09","slug":"hiking-and-other-things-to-do-at-moose-lake-state-park","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/hiking-and-other-things-to-do-at-moose-lake-state-park\/","title":{"rendered":"Hiking and other things to do at Moose Lake State Park 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In early December, I was getting kinda bummed that we still hadn\u2019t seen any snow in the Twin Cities. I actually went looking for it. The only thing I wasn\u2019t expecting was the level of ice on the trail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This season is definitely a learning curve. Moose Lake State Park has been on my list for a while.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Like most of you, I\u2019ve passed it on Highway 35 a million times and even said, should we stop? But we are usually too drained from our other adventure to make it happen. This time, I was going to take a special trip to Moose Lake State Park and make it happen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moose Lake State Park Highlights<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Between two high-profile state parks, Jay Cooke<\/a> and Banning<\/a>. That doesn\u2019t diminish the fun you can have. Some of the favorite things to do are hike, fish, swim at the beach, and visit the Moose Lake Agate and Geological Center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The park was created in 1962 when a group of locals wanted to have more camping opportunities in the area. It turns out they created a nice oasis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because of everything near the park, visitors love the quiet camping experience. I can confirm that there isn\u2019t much activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The park is easy to find off the highway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moose Lake State Park Hiking Club State Trail<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Miles:<\/strong> 2 miles
Difficulty:<\/strong> Easy with Rolling Hills
Total Miles Hiked:<\/strong> 93.9 miles<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Moose Lake State Park Hiking Club<\/a> Trail wanders through the forest and past some of the best features of the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Rolling Hills Trial trailhead is located at the park entrance. There is a short trail leading from the parking lot before it crosses the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then you get access to two different hiking trails, the Rolling Hills Hiking Club Trail<\/a> or the Wildlife Pond Trail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make sure to download your Moose Lake State Park Map before you leave. Avenza has GeoPDF Map<\/a> from MNDNR. This doesn’t require internet on the trail and will track your location using your phone’s GPS. You’ll never feel turned around again! The best part is, it’s free!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Hiking<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Natural Dam<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The first thing you\u2019ll come to is the Dam. This is a natural land dam, not the traditional one you think of. If the map didn\u2019t have a dam symbol on it, you\u2019d never know you were on one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The great thing about the dam is that it creates a beautiful wildlife lake. A group of trumpeter swans live here and are seen on the wildlife pond trail. During winter, they migrate to warmer waters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bird Watching at the Park<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Wander along the wildlife pond trail loops to catch glimpses of migrating colorful warblers, nesting ducks, geese, and trumpeter swans. Butterfly watching opportunities abound in the meadows, field edges and hardwood stands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Canadian tiger swallowtail, northern pearly eye, and mourning cloak are a few of many colorful butterflies to enjoy.<\/p>\n\n\n