Lake Bemidji State Park
Lake Bemidji State Park | |
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Location | Beltrami, Minnesota, United States |
Coordinates | 47°32′24″N 94°49′10″W / 47.54000°N 94.81944°W |
Area | 1,654 acres (6.69 km2) |
Elevation | 1,348 ft (411 m)[1] |
Established | 1923 |
Named for | Lake Bemidji |
Governing body | Minnesota Department of Natural Resources |
Lake Bemidji State Park CCC/NYA/Rustic Style Historic Resources | ||
MPS Minnesota State Park CCC/WPA/Rustic Style MPS | | |
NRHP reference No. | 89001674 | |
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Added to NRHP | October 25, 1989 |
Lake Bemidji State Park is a state park of Minnesota, United States, on the north shore of 6,765-acre (27.38 km2) Lake Bemidji. The northern half of the park preserves a spruce-tamarack bog. A district of National Park Service rustic structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps and National Youth Administration in the 1930s is on the National Register of Historic Places. The park is located 5 miles (8.0 km) north of the city of Bemidji.
Geology and landscape
The landscape in the park is the last stage of the glacier in Minnesota. As the ice melted 10,000 years ago, soil, gravel, and rock were deposited creating the park's rolling topography. Many swamps and bogs were formed when chunks of ice separated from the receding glacier and left depressions which filled with water. Lake Bemidji was created by two huge blocks of ice being left behind by the retreating glacier.
The present landscape is not fixed. The land continues to change slowly due to the erosion by wind and water, shoreline wave action, and other acts of mother nature.
History
For hundreds of years, ancestors to the
In the late 19th century, European immigrants migrated to this region to harvest the
Today, the park has grown to over 1,600 acres (6.5 km2) to serve 150,000 plus visitors a year.
Wildlife
The vegetation in the park supports many wildlife species.
In the wetland areas of the park, waterfowl,
In all, nearly 50 species of mammals and almost 200 different kinds of birds can be seen throughout the year in Lake Bemidji State Park. Contact the park naturalist for current information on where and when to observe the variety of wildlife.
Recreation
Lake Bemidji State Park offers recreational activities year round. Activities include camping, hiking, biking,
Camping
The park has 95 drive-in sites, including 43 electric sites, 4 pull-through sites, and 4 handicapped accessible sites. In winter, only one site is available to drive-in. This is a non-electric site. Other sites are available on a walk-in basis after deep snow cover.
Two group camp sites are available. Bass Creek is a tent-only group camp that can accommodate up to 30 people. Water is available in the nearby parking area. The North Group Camp site accommodates up to 50 people and has three spaces for small trailers or pick-up campers. The group camps are available in winter but access is on foot. For group camp reservations, contact the state park reservation service at 1-866-85PARKS or online at www.stayatmnparks.com.
Trails
In the summer, there are 2 miles (3.2 km) of handicapped accessible trails, including the boardwalk and Rocky Point trail; 15 miles (24 km) of easy to moderate hiking trails that take you through areas of maturing pine, aspen and hardwoods; 6 miles (9.7 km) of paved bike trails which connect with the Paul Bunyan state trail; 5 Miles of mountain bike trails; and a 1/4 mile Bogwalk which is accessible by a 1-mile (1.6 km) hike.
The course for the Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon, first run in October 2013, travels through the park on the paved trails.
In the winter, there are 11 miles (18 km) of groomed cross country ski trails, 3 miles (4.8 km) of snowmobile trails that connect with an extensive trail system beyond the park, and you can snowshoe anywhere in the park except the groomed trails. Showshoes can be rented at the park office.
Recreational facilities
In the summer, park visitors can use the lakefront picnic and beach area which has picnic tables, an enclosed shelter with a fireplace, a volleyball court, a shower, restrooms, and pedestal grills. The shelter building and the sanitation building in the park were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps and the National Youth Administration, and are of rustic style log construction. These buildings are now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Shelter can be reserved by calling the park office.
There is a boat landing located next to the picnic area for those that wish to go fishing or boating. Canoes and fishing boats are available for rent from May 10 through October 13. There is also a handicapped accessible fishing pier.
In the winter,
Naturalist and interpretive programs
Throughout the year, the Visitor Center is a place where information about the park's trails, animals, geology, and other interesting features can be found through exhibits, films or slide programs. A complete list of programs and special programs or organized groups is available upon request.
Naturalist programs are offered Wednesday through Sunday from mid-June through Labor Day. Fall, winter and spring programs are generally offered on weekends. The Interpretive Center is open for schools, scouts and other community organizations upon request. Programs focus on the lake and wetland environments found in the park.
Interpretive programs in the summer include, morning hikes, boat tours of Lake Bemidji, evening films, and campfire talks. Winter programs include snowshoeing, candlelight skiing, and
Images
Sources
- DNR Website
- Lake Bemidji State Park Flyer. (12/2007). State of Minnesota, Department of Natural Resources
- Rustic Style Resources in Minnesota State Parks
- National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
References
- ^ "Lake Bemidji State Park". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. January 11, 1980. Retrieved February 25, 2011.