Bear Head Lake State Park in Minnesota, USA - map, photos and visitor information

Research checked: 2026-10-26. Check linked official notices before travel.

Bear Head Lake State Park in Minnesota offers rocky forest walks near Ely. Choose a short shoreline outing on the Beach Trail or the rougher Norberg Lake Trail, the park’s Hiking Club route. Once snow arrives, that route closes to hikers for the rest of winter.

Highlights

The Beach Trail follows the lakeshore for a quarter mile each way over uneven rock and packed dirt. When the route is open to hikers, the 2.8-mile Norberg Lake loop passes large pines and views of Norberg Lake and Bear Head Lake’s East Bay. Expect steep, rocky ground on that loop.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Safety information

Watch for rocks, roots, poison ivy, and ticks. Give wildlife space and never feed animals. Check snow and trail conditions before a winter outing.

Visit responsibly

Keep pets attended on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Pets cannot enter buildings or the beach. Use firewood from the park office or an approved vendor; gathering wood in the park is prohibited.

Vehicle permits

Every vehicle entering a Minnesota state park needs a vehicle permit. DNR’s permit and reservation information explains vehicle-permit requirements.

Maps, location, and access

The park address is 9301 Bear Head State Park Road, Ely, MN 55731. Use the official park map and trail guide to locate the park office, trail center, and trail routes.

Nearby parks and forests

Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park is another option in the Tower–Soudan area along Highway 169. Bear Island State Forest offers nearby forest roads in the Ely–Babbitt area; DNR describes access from Ely via Highway 21 and Ely Babbitt Road. Choose an actual access point before setting out.

Walk in summer, ski in winter

Match the route to your group: choose the Beach Trail for a short walk or allow more energy for Norberg Lake’s hills when that route is open to hikers. In winter, bring skis for the park’s 5.5 miles of groomed routes when snow permits. The park’s seasonal activity suggestions explain the winter options.

Facilities and accessibility

The trail center serves as a gathering space and winter warming shelter. Trail surfaces vary: the Beach Trail has uneven rock and packed dirt, while the Norberg Lake loop is rocky and steep. Ask park staff about the route and access features your group needs.

About the park

A park shaped by ice

Glaciers shaped the lakes, hills, and rocky ground. The state park was created in 1961.

Wildlife and habitats

Forest wildlife recorded in the park guide includes black bears, gray wolves, white-tailed deer, pine martens, otters, and moose. Treat sightings as a possibility rather than a planned attraction.

Contact

Contact Bear Head Lake State Park at 218-235-2520. The official DNR park page provides park notices and visitor information.