Bear Head Lake State Park

Park State park centered on Bear Head Lake, forests

Northeastern Minnesota park with interconnected lakes, boreal forest, trails and campsites; anglers, canoeists and hikers use its paddling routes and backcountry sites.

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How to Get to Bear Head Lake State Park #

Bear Head Lake State Park is located in northeastern Minnesota. Drive via Minnesota state highways from Virginia or Ely; the park is signposted from the nearest regional routes. Expect gravel access roads to some trailheads.

Tips for Visiting Bear Head Lake State Park #

  • Reserve campsites well in advance - summer weekends fill quickly.
  • Rent a canoe to explore remote coves and spotting loons at dawn.
  • Hike the ridge trails to find overlooks with clear views of the lake; mosquitoes can be numerous near water early and late in the day.

Best Time to Visit Bear Head Lake State Park #

Summer for water activities; fall for quiet hiking and foliage; winter for snow sports if equipped.

Summer
June-August · 15-28°C
Warmest months for boating, camping and swimming.
Fall
September-October · 5-18°C
Fall colors and cooler air; excellent for hiking.
Winter
November-March · -20 to 0°C
Snow and ice open possibilities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Weather & Climate near Bear Head Lake State Park #

Climate

Bear Head Lake State Park's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -23°C to 25°C. Moderate rainfall (739 mm/year).

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
25°
Warmest Month
-23°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of -10°C and lows of -23°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

-17°
Feels Like Freezing
-17°C
Temperature
-23° -10°

Weather

25 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm

February

February is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -20°C. The driest month with just 19 mm.

Comfort

-13°
Feels Like Freezing
-13°C
Temperature
-20° -6°

Weather

19 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

March

March is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -13°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm).

Comfort

-6°
Feels Like Freezing
-6°C
Temperature
-13°

Weather

31 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-5°

Weather

51 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cold with highs of 17°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm).

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cold
10°C
Temperature
17°

Weather

79 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (110 mm).

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
23°

Weather

110 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 25°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm).

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Mild
18°C
Temperature
12° 25°

Weather

94 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm

August

August is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm).

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Cool
18°C
Temperature
11° 24°

Weather

101 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm

September

September is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm).

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
18°

Weather

96 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

October

October is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°

Weather

70 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm).

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-8°

Weather

38 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -17°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

-11°
Feels Like Freezing
-11°C
Temperature
-17° -6°

Weather

25 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

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