Bear Head Lake State Park with Kids: A Minnesota Mom's Guide

This post featuring my guide to Bear Head Lake State Park with kids may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy (linked below).

A girl walks along a trail in Bear Head Lake State Park.

If you're heading to Ely with your family, don't skip Bear Head Lake State Park. It's one of my FAVORITE state parks in Minnesota!

We love Bear Head Lake for its wild and rugged feel, and manageable (and super fun!) hiking trails with kids. If you've been curious about the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) but aren't quite ready to commit to a full backcountry trip with your family, this is the perfect introduction. My guide to Bear Head Lake State Park will help you and your kids make the most of your visit.

Tucked just south of the BWCAW, Bear Head Lake offers that same "Up North" feel. Think towering pines, rocky ridgelines, and quiet lakes. But you can skip the logistics of a wilderness permit or long portages. They even have backpack or canoe-in sites if you want to level up the experience.

A young girl walks along a heavily wooded hiking trail near Ely.

On our most recent visit, we tackled part of the Norberg Lake Trail. One of the best trails in Bear Head Lake State Park for families, this 3.5-mile loop is also the park's Hiking Club Trail. It's a bit rugged in spots (expect rocks and some elevation), but that's part of the adventure. Keep your eyes open, too. This area is known for wildlife. And, spotting something like a deer or eagle can turn a simple hike into a core memory for your kids.

Whether you're paddling across pristine lakes, casting a line, or winter hiking through quiet pine forests, Bear Head Lake State Park is packed with year-round adventure. Below, I'm sharing my tips and favorite things to do at Bear Head Lake State Park to help you and your kids plan an amazing experience!

Know Before You Go

Entrance sign to Bear Head Lake State Park.

Here's everything you need to know before visiting Bear Head Lake State Park with your kids:

Nearest City: Ely
Address: 9301 Bear Head State Park Rd, Ely, MN 55731
Vehicles require a Minnesota State Park Vehicle Permit (annual or day-pass)
Open daily from 8 am until 10 pm (ranger station hours vary by season)
Best seasons to hike here: All Seasons
Bear Head Lake State Park Maps
Nearby family-friendly places to eat in Ely: Northern Grounds, Boat House Brew Pub & Restaurant, The Frisky Otter, and Insula Restaurant

Unique Park Highlights in Bear Head Lake State Park

A young girl throws a rock into a lake at Bear Head Lake State Park.

Bear Head Lake State Park features unique characteristics that are hard to find elsewhere in Minnesota. They include:

This state park was established in 1961
Just minutes from the Boundary Waters, this state park has an unmistakable wilderness atmosphere
There are 23 miles of lakeshore in this state park-there is even a fishing pier!
You can rent a paddleboard or snowshoes from the park office (call ahead for availability)
Additionally, you can also borrow GPS units, fishing poles, or birding equipment
Winter, backpack, and canoe-in camp sites available
In 2010, Bear Head Lake State Park won the America's Favorite Park contest

Best Hiking Trails in Bear Head Lake State Park for Families

A man and his young daughter look at a park map.

There are 14 miles of trails within the park. Most of the trails in Bear Head Lake State Park are rated as easy or moderate. Here are a few of my top picks for the best trails in Bear Head Lake State Park for families:

Norberg Lake Trail – moderate, 2.8-mile loop
Becky and Blueberry Lake Trails – moderate, 3.5 or 6.0-mile loop

Seasonal Things to Do in Bear Head Lake State Park

A young girl walks along an icy trail at Bear Head Lake State Park.

There are plenty of fun seasonal things to do in Bear Head Lake State Park with your kids. Here are a few good ones to know about while you plan your visit!

In the summer, you'll find about 14 miles of hiking trails that wind through pine forests and along scenic lakes. Some routes even connect to the Taconite State Trail for longer outings. If you want to get on the water, you can even rent a paddleboard from the park office (call ahead for availability).

Tall trees in Bear Head Lake State Park, with an icy lake in the distance.

Winter is such a great time to visit with kids! The park offers 4.9 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails (a Great Minnesota Ski Pass is required). Plus, 4.5 miles of snowmobile trails (with access to a much larger regional network). You can also snowshoe almost anywhere in the park (just avoid groomed trails). If you don't already have them, you can rent snowshoes from the park office (call ahead for availability).

Tips for Visiting Bear Head Lake State Park with Kids

Here are a few tips for visiting Bear Head Lake State Park with kids:

Hiking shoes with good ankle support are recommended due to the rugged terrain
I also highly recommend wearing ice cleats or snowshoes in the winter
Hiking poles may be helpful, as the terrain is uneven and steep in some places
Bring bug spray and mosquito nets. Visit on the wrong day, and they will eat you alive!
Have a refillable water bottle with you (and extra water in the car)
Pack snacks and plenty of water, follow Leave No Trace principles, and have fun!

Family Itinerary for Bear Head Lake State Park

Let's plan your family visit to Bear Head Lake State Park. I've included two kid-friendly itinerary ideas. One for a short visit and one for a longer visit to Bear Head Lake State Park with kids.

If You Only Have 1 Hour

If you're short on time at Bear Head Lake State Park, it's still easy to squeeze in a quick experience with your family. I recommend picking one of the following!

Rent a paddleboard from the park office and get out on the water, or check out a fishing rod and cast a line from the pier. This park is made for water experiences, especially in the summer! If you have a kayak, I recommend bringing one to explore Bear Head Lake.

Alternatively, you can keep things simple with a picnic at the beach or trail center. Afterward, take a quick hike along the easy, family-friendly Beach Trail. This trail is a quarter-mile long and ends at the lake, which has a few docks. It's a great spot to watch for birds. Or, throw a few rocks into the water.

A young girl stands at the edge of a hiking trail.

If You Have More Time

With a little more time, you can do all of the above and add in one of the park's longer treks. I recommend the Norberg Lake Trail. I think it's one of the best trails in Bear Head Lake State Park for families!

This roughly 3-mile loop (and official Hiking Club Trail) is a bit rugged in some spots, with rocks and some elevation, but that's all part of the experience. If your kids are anything like mine, they'll love the challenge and adventure!

Along the way, you'll pass towering white and Norway pines and stretches of Norberg Lake. You'll also get scenic views over the East Bay of Bear Head Lake. Keep your eyes open, too. This area is excellent for spotting a deer or eagle!

Where to Stay near Bear Head Lake State Park

Antonia reads a book near a cozy bed at Piney Woods Retreat.

If you are planning a family trip to visit Bear Head Lake State Park, here's where to stay in Ely, Minnesota, with kids:

Camp at Bear Head Lake State Park (including backpack and canoe-in sites)-some sites remain open for winter camping
Piney Woods Retreat (we love this Minnesota cabin for families!)
Grand Ely Lodge
Moose Track Adventures
YMCA Camp Northern Lights
Canoe On Inn

Have Fun Exploring Bear Head Lake State Park with Your Kids!

Antonia and her young daughter take a hike in northern Minnesota.

Whether you're planning a quick stop or a full day, Bear Head Lake State Park is a fantastic state park to explore with your kids. It is truly one of my favorite state parks in Minnesota!

Bear Head Lake has that remote, northern-Minnesota feel of the BWCAW without the barriers that can make backcountry trips feel overwhelming with kids. You can easily paddle, hike, fish, or simply let your kids explore at their own pace. For us, it's become a go-to when we visit Ely with our daughter!

Whether you're tackling one of the best trails in Bear Head Lake State Park for families or spending an afternoon on the water, there's no shortage of fun things to do here. If you're building out your kid-friendly Ely itinerary, make sure this stop is on your list.

This guide to Bear Head Lake State Park with kids is just the starting point. Once you're there, you'll quickly see why it's such a special place. Bear Head Lake State Park is all about simple, meaningful moments with your kids. I hope you fall in love with this state park, just like we did!

Unless otherwise noted, all images in this article were taken by and belong to the blog’s author, Antonia Grant. This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy for more information.

A Complete Guide to Bear Head Lake State Park with Kids