Mille Lacs Kathio State Park is a stunning natural attraction located in Onamia, Minnesota. Known for its beautiful landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich history, the park offers a wide range of outdoor activities and recreational opportunities for visitors of all ages. With its scenic campgrounds, historic fire tower, and picturesque cabins, Mille Lacs Kathio State Park provides the ideal setting for nature enthusiasts, families, and outdoor adventurers. Whether it's exploring the observation tower, enjoying the fall colors, or embarking on a horseback riding adventure, there is something for everyone to enjoy at this beloved state park. The park's mesmerizing beauty and tranquil surroundings make it a popular destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and connect with nature. Whether for a day trip or a longer stay, Mille Lacs Kathio State Park promises an unforgettable outdoor experience for all who visit.
Amenities and More
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Good for kids
- Dogs allowed
- Picnic tables
- Public toilet
- Hiking
- Kid-friendly hikes
Reviews
Mille Lacs Kathio is a good state park with a ton of hiking trails through some fairly scenic wooded areas along the southern shore of Lake Mille Lacs. I've visited most Minnesota state parks, and this one falls near the middle in terms of uniqueness and how exciting it is. The one super cool thing they have to offer here is the fire lookout tower. Climbing to the top is a good workout, and being up that high is pretty neat. They have great facilities and interpretive center.
This might be my favorite MN State Park. There are hiking/skiing/horseback trails, I particularly like Landmark Trail with it's wonderful views of interesting terrain and Ogechie Lake. The archeological/anthropological information is fascinating, and I'm glad there are some perspectives shared of Native people today.
All in all this seems to me like a well managed state park for a day of adventure or a calm picnic. The observation tower is fun even though I can't get very far up it! I can't speak for the camping as I haven't been there yet (but want to).
Definitely worth the drive up
From Minneapolis. Everything is really muddy if it’s not frozen so prepare for that, but otherwise a beautiful place. Tower is the main attraction and worth the climb for the amazing views even in bad weather.
A nice and centrally-located state park just south of Lake Mille Lacs. It is open all year round - in the winter they offer some groomed CC ski trails. I would recommend visiting to tower as well. It offers a good view of the surrounding part and some of the lake. Though, it does close during the winter months. The trail center is open and free to use (obviously with a park pass). There is a warm fireplace which is very nice during the cold winter months. Additionally there are some tables inside the building for use, plus a free bathroom.
There are many trails of various uses, but some can get wet in the spring/summer months, so definitely be aware of that.
The only negative is that it can get crazy buggy in the moist and warm months of spring/summer. It is nice to travel back during the winter to experience the freedom from the bugs.
The entrance is nicely signed coming from HWY169. Very easy to get to. Overall a very nice park and I would definitely recommend a visit.
What a great park.
The campsites are large and spacious! They have lots of trees and coverage and we felt pretty close to secluded.
There is a small swimming pond that is good for kids. No pets allowed here though.
The interpretation center was nice lots to learn and do. They have programs during the weekends that we did that were good.
The rangers were very friendly and helpful. We saved some turtles that were in mortal danger.
There is SOO much to explore. More reasons for us to come back to.
We did the beaver dam walk and we don't recommend this. It is very overgrown and it got way too dense at one point and the trail is not very obvious. It was a highlighted trail so we were surprised by how overgrown it was.
The camper bathroom shower areas were very clean and nice. The women's section doesn't have small trashes in each stall however. Otherwise they are good.
When we went there was a space for a playground but it has since been removed.
Pretty nice weekend trip. I wasn’t blown away by anything though. I wouldn’t say its worth making a whole trip to, but if you are in the area it’s cool.
It was really buggy though. We had to wait in line for the fire tower and were being devoured.
Also, the staff REALLY should put a 6 person max sign by the tower. All other towers in the area have this, and people are too stupid to wait.
We stayed in camper cabin #4 for 3 nights Sept 17 - 20. There were very few people in the park and even fewer bugs. Red maples were glowing. Park and cabin are very well maintained. We didn't realize until our last night that there are hot showers available in the main campground just a few hundred feet away. We especially enjoyed hiking the Landmark Trail including a night hike where we saw awesome northern lights across Ogechie Lake. Beautiful ducks, hawks, cranes and swans on Ogechie Lake. This park is huge with many miles of roads and trails.
My favorite park in Minnesota. I've walked half a dozen trails at Kathio. Favorite is the Landmark Trail. Thanks for the parks!!!
Location
15066 Kathio State Park Rd, Onamia, MN 56359, United States
Hours
-
Updating...
Liked by Others
Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park
10 reviews
29500 N Mt Spokane Park Dr, Mead, WA 99021, United States
Incourage Martial Arts - Burke
8 reviews
1004, 8932 Burke Lake Rd, Springfield, VA 22151, United States
