Zippel Bay State Park - Minnesota

Address:HC2
Williams, Minnesota

Lake of the Woods, much like an ocean in size, is at the center of the experience at Zippel Bay State Park. With a beautiful sandy beach bordering on jackpine, aspen, and birch, there is plenty of recreational activity available for park-goers here. There are fantastic nature trails that wind through the habitats of coyotes, mink, and moose, as well as picnic areas, and drive-in camping in a fabulous wilderness setting. In the wintertime, Zippel Bay is perfect for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. When you visit, be sure to drop by the Visitors Center and check out the interpretive exhibits.

After visiting Zippel Bay, you'll remember the sunsets, and the miles of white sand beach. The park is located on the shores of Lake of the Woods, one of the world's largest lakes. Because of its size, the lake freezes much later than most lakes and remains ice covered much later in the spring. In the spring hear the ice as it is stressed by wind and compression. During the winter, visitors will be treated to the intricate ice forms on rocks and the shore. The mood of the lake is always changing, from three-foot high crashing waves, approaching storms and lightening flashes, to an eerie stillness with faint sounds from a thousand raucous gulls, out of sight in the lakes interior. The 3,000-acre park offers a swimming beach on the big lake, a marina in Zippel Bay and stone jetty providing access to Lake of the Woods and safe passage off the lake. Watch for sandhill cranes and piping plovers. The park offers drive-in campsites and a group camp.