Mille Lacs Kathio

MAP AND GUIDE: MILLE LACS KATHIO STATE PARK 15066 KATHIO STATE PARK ROAD ONAMIA, MN 56359 MILLE LACS COUNTY 320-532-3523 MILLELACSKATHIO.STATEPARK@STATE.MN.US VISITOR TIPS • The main park road is very winding, please follow posted speed limit. SO EVERYONE CAN ENJOY THE PARK... ABOUT THE PARK Experience over 10,000 acres of hardwood forest, pine stands, lakes and wetlands within the park. View the Rum River as it flows through the park from its source on the southwest shore of Mille Lacs Lake. For thousands of years people have chosen this abundant landscape as a premier location to harvest resources and to live. Archaeologists have identified over 30 significant sites within the park, indicating over 9,000 years of human interaction with the landscape. The park is recognized as a National Historic Landmark to commemorate the meeting of French explorers and Dakota villagers in the 1600s. The designation also recognizes Kathio as the ancient homeland of the Mdewakanton Dakota nation and the historic homeland of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe nation. Learn more about this rich history as you explore the park. A FULL SET OF STATE PARK RULES AND REGULATIONS IS AVAILABLE AT THE PARK OFFICE OR MNDNR.GOV. PARK OPEN 8 a.m.–10 p.m. daily. VEHICLE PERMITS Permits required; purchase at park office or entrance kiosk. PETS WELCOME Keep on 6-foot leash; pick up after; attend at all times; not allowed in buildings or at beaches. − Soak in the scenery from the top of the park observation tower. • Watch for wood ticks and deer ticks. • Check park website and bulletin boards for seasonal trail closures. • Pack your bug spray in the summer months for a more enjoyable hike. • Bicycles are allowed on park roads and posted trails. • Help keep our rivers clean. Check your watercraft for aquatic invasives before and after launching. • In an emergency call 911. • Non-emergency sheriff’s number: 888-860-8250. ONLY HAVE AN HOUR? • Climb to the top of the 100-foot observation tower that overlooks the park and Mille Lacs Lake, a must during the fall color season. • Hike the Landmark Trail (1 mile roundtrip) to visit the sites of former American Indian villages and explore part of the Kathio National Historic Landmark District. • Visit the park’s interpretive center to learn about the area’s rich history and diverse wildlife. LOOKING FOR MORE TO EXPLORE DURING YOUR STAY? VISIT MNDNR.GOV/MILLELACSKATHIO CAMPGROUND QUIET HOURS 10 p.m.– 8 a.m.; only registered campers may be in campground during quiet hours. FIREWOOD Must be purchased at this park or from vendors who sell wood approved for this park; no gathering firewood in the park. TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS Landmark Trail/Trail Through Time 1-mile loop Mostly flat • Gravel Hike to the sites of ancient American Indian villages on the Landmark Trail as you learn about the interactions between the Dakota and French explorers. Return on the Trail Through Time and walk through a living timeline of the historic forest types that have covered the park’s landscape over the years. Touch the Earth Trail 0.5-mile loop Flat • Accessible • Gravel • Boardwalk This self-guided interpretive trail offers a boardwalk through a section of bog with stops along the way to discover more about the park’s unique natural resources. Glacial Ridge Trail 1.2-mile loop Hilly • Rough terrain • Packed dirt • Wooden bridges Appreciate spring wildflowers or beautiful fall colors as you hike near a beaver pond and through a mixed hardwood forest. Black Bass Trail 1.5 miles one-way or 4.5-mile loop Hilly • Gravel Hike into the remote and scenic Black Bass Lake, a designated Heritage Lake (special regulations apply). Anglers may either fish from shore or from a rented canoe. Visit in fall and experience migrating waterfowl. PRESERVE MINNESOTA’S PAST Archeological and historical sites hold important clues to Minnesota’s past. If disturbed, a part of our heritage is lost forever. Park historic sites and artifacts are protected by state and federal laws. If you discover items please leave them undisturbed and report your sighting to park staff. BE OUR GUEST Make a reservation and stay awhile at a campsite with electric options, a backpack-in campsite, horse camp, group campsite, or cabin. Visit mndnr.gov/reservations to book your stay. WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT FISHING REGULATIONS? VISIT MNDNR.GOV/FISHMN MORE INFORMATION MORE TO EXPLORE AT THE PARK WINTER OPTIONS • Attend a free naturalist program. • Rent cross-country skis or snowshoes. • Check out a birding kit and watch for wildlife. • Ski on groomed trails. • Rent a canoe, rowboat or kayak and explore the gentle flow of the Rum River. • Snowshoe or hike on ungroomed trails. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is an Equal Opportunity Employer. • Ride snowmobile trails. This information may be available in alternative format upon request. • Borrow a GPS from the park office and find a geocache. • Reserve a cabin or campsite year-round. • Fish from shore at the Buckmore Dam on the Rum River. • Bring a sled and enjoy the sliding hill. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Information Center 500 Lafayette Rd. , St. Paul, MN 55155-4040 888-646-6367 or mndnr.gov/parks