Lake Elmo Park Reserve is 2,165 acres (3 ½ square miles) with 80 percent of its acreage set aside for preservation and protection. This portion will eventually resemble the land as it was prior to the arrival of the settlers in the mid-1800s. This park reserve offers gently rolling hills with a variety of landscape types, including forest and prairie. Watch for pheasants, weasels, red fox, woodpeckers, cardinals, cottontail rabbits, squirrels and white-tailed deer.
Lake Elmo Park Reserve has a fishing pier on the southwest side of Lake Elmo. There is also a motorized boat launch with 20 trailer spaces available if you are looking to launch a boat. The launch is open to winter access and has open speed from noon to sunset. Boat launch hours are 6 a.m. – 11 p.m.
There are several play areas located throughout Lake Elmo Park Reserve. The largest “destination” play area is actually four separate play areas installed in one general location. There are slides, swings, tunnels, and more. Each of the two reservation picnic areas also has a play area. The campground has one play area, too.
Lake Elmo Park Reserve also features a beautiful campground. Find a campsite that suits your needs, from sites with electric and water hook-ups, to group sites, and rustic hike-in sites.