McCarthy Beach State Park

McCarthy Beach State Park spans multiple lakes including the Sturgeon Lake chain, Side Lake, Pickerel Lake, and Beatrice Lake, each with sandy shores. The park connects these water bodies through 18 miles of trails that wind through northern forests.

The park project began in 1943 following John McCarthy's death, when local residents raised funds to protect the area. The official establishment came in 1945 to preserve the forest resources and natural landscape.

The park serves as a refuge for wildlife, allowing visitors to watch white-tailed deer, black bears, and over 175 bird species in their natural surroundings. The forested landscape creates space where these animals move freely throughout the seasons.

Visitors should prepare for changing conditions depending on the season, as the forests can be snow-heavy in winter and humid in summer. Spring or autumn offers the most comfortable hiking without extreme temperatures.

This park functions as a hub for the Taconite State Trail, a major pathway that connects multiple recreation areas across the region. This link makes it an important junction point for longer treks in the surrounding landscape.

Location: French Township

Inception: 1945

Website: https://dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00226

GPS coordinates: 47.67250,-93.03000

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:05