The Myre-Big Island State Park is three miles from the town of Albert Lea and has trails that wind their way through wet lowlands, groves of oak trees and grasslands. This is a popular park for watching waterfowl at Albert Lea Lake and in surrounding marshes, and the park also has a 116-acre island covered by a forest. The park has 93 drive-in sites in two campgrounds, including 32 that come with electric hookups. Visitors can also stay at four sites that can be reached by canoe, or in camper cabins. Myre-Island State Park has two shower buildings, restrooms with flush toilets, picnic areas and a dump station. Fishing is allowed in Albert Lea Lake.
Myre-Big Island State Park
19499 780th Avenue
Albert Lea, MN 56007
507-379-3403
dnr.state.mn.us
The Albert Lea/Austin KOA offers campers the choice of staying on RV sites or tent sites or in one- or two-bedroom cabins. The KOA also has lodges that can sleep up to six. The property, which is a good choice for families, has a large swimming pool, a kiddie pool and a game room. Planned activities include arts and crafts, indoor and outdoor movie nights, and scavenger hunts. Groups are welcome to use a meeting hall that can accommodate up to 90 people. Showers and restrooms are located on the property, which has free wireless Internet available. Campers can also purchase firewood on the grounds. Located in the area are the Spam Museum, the Mall of America and a casino.
Albert Lea/Austin KOA
84259 County Road 46
Hayward , MN 56043
507-373-5170
koa.com
The Frontenac State Park is known for its bird-watching opportunities on the Mississippi River and Lake Pepin. More than 260 species of birds have been identified in the park, which also has bluffs, prairies and forests. Hiking and skiing are popular activities in the park, and fishing, swimming and boat tours are available nearby. Frontenac State Park has 58 camping sites in four loops, and most of the sites are in wooded areas. Of those sites, 19 have electric connections. Six more cart-in sites are within a third of a mile of the parking area with carts available to transport your gear. The park also has a group site for up to 35 people. Showers and restrooms are located at the main campground. A dump station and picnic areas are also in the park.
Frontenac State Park
29223 County 28 Boulevard
Frontenac, MN 55026
651-345-3401
dnr.state.mn.us
