Hayes Lake State Park

Hayes Lake State Park is a nature reserve in Roseau County combining wetlands, forests, and grasslands in a single protected area. The park provides space for outdoor activities including hiking, camping, and wildlife observation across its natural zones.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources established this park in 1971 as a protected area for public use and environmental stewardship. This founding reflected a broader effort to preserve distinctive ecosystems across the region.

The park functions as a place where visitors encounter Minnesota's natural habitats directly through trails and educational offerings. The setting demonstrates how wild ecosystems exist alongside settled areas in this region.

The park offers 35 campsites with electrical hookups, bathroom facilities, and showers alongside two overnight cabins for flexible lodging choices. Visitors should explore the grounds in sturdy footwear and weatherproof clothing, as the terrain includes wet and variable conditions.

The park sits at the boundary between farmland and wild forest, hosting large predators like moose, lynx, and wolves in a relatively accessible setting. This location offers visitors an unusual chance to encounter these shy animals in their natural habitat near developed areas.

Location: Roseau County

Inception: 1971

Website: https://dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00174

GPS coordinates: 48.62310,-95.50750

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:24