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.

Main image

Bear Head Lake State Park at a Glance#

Website: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00175

Google
Apple
OSM

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).

Air Quality: AQI 23 Good
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
25°
Warmest Month
-23°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January - -23° - -10° -23° 25 mm - - 2.8 m/s - -
February - -20° - -6° -19° 19 mm - - 2.7 m/s - -
March - -13° - 1° -11° 31 mm - - 3.0 m/s - -
April - -5° - 9° -1° 51 mm - - 3.2 m/s - -
May - 3° - 17° 8° 79 mm - - 3.1 m/s - -
June - 8° - 23° 15° 110 mm - - 2.7 m/s - -
July - 12° - 25° 18° 94 mm - - 2.5 m/s - -
August - 11° - 24° 18° 101 mm - - 2.5 m/s - -
September - 6° - 18° 12° 96 mm - - 2.7 m/s - -
October - 0° - 11° 3° 70 mm - - 3.0 m/s - -
November - -8° - 2° -7° 38 mm - - 3.0 m/s - -
December - -17° - -6° -17° 25 mm - - 2.7 m/s - -