SCENIC STATE PARK
With its pristine lakes, virgin pines, swimming beach, and nesting osprey, Scenic State Park is well deserving of its name. Here, visitors can hike the Chase Point Trail for hypnotic views of Coon and Sandwick Lakes and listen to the wind whistle through the the giant pines. The park's overnight facilities include campsites (boat-in, drive-in, backpack), and a guest house. The historic lodge houses interpretive displays.
Scenic State Park protects the entire virgin pine shorelands of Coon and Sandwick Lakes, plus part of the Lake of the Isles, Tell Lake, Cedar Lake and Pine Lake. Coon and Sandwick lakes are the most popular places in the park and offer great fishing for walleyes, northerns, bass and panfish. The park is located in the Laurentian Mixed Forest landscape region abundant with aspen-birch, white and Norway pine, jack pine and mixed hardwoods.
During the last glacial period, imagine a sheet of ice hundreds of feet high slowly creeping and gouging the earth. As the climate changed and glaciers began to melt, the retreating glaciers left behind depressions, ridges and deposits of soil that formed the rolling hills throughout the area.
More than 40 species of animals inhabit Scenic State Park including bald eagles, ospreys, loons, jays, pileated woodpeckers and a variety of songbirds. Birders consider this one of the best places in the state to see the hard-to-find spruce grouse. Along the lakes, marshes and streams, you may come across frogs, toads or even snakes. Otters, beavers and an occasional moose share this 3,560-acre habitat.
Although the Ojibwe used this area as part of their hunting grounds, there is little evidence that it was heavily used.
1. Scenic State Park offers two sandy beaches for swimming: Coon Lake Beach and Sandwick Lake Beach.
2. Both lakes are surrounded by beautiful forest, providing a picturesque backdrop while you swim.
3. Lifeguards aren't present at the park's beaches; visitors should exercise caution when swimming in these areas.
4. Swimming is not allowed outside of designated beach areas due to safety concerns such as hidden rocks or currents.
5. The water quality at both lakes is regularly tested during summer months ensuring safe conditions for swimmers.
6. The lake temperatures can vary greatly throughout the year so check before planning your visit.
7. Picnic tables and grills near each beach provide an opportunity to enjoy meals after a refreshing swim.
The park offers a variety of boating options for visitors. There are boat rentals available, including canoes and rowboats. The two large lakes within the park - Coon and Sandwick Lakes - provide ample space for recreational boating activities such as fishing or simply enjoying the natural surroundings from water level. Boat ramps are also provided at both these lakes to facilitate easy access to waterside fun.
Enjoy fishing in pristine lakes, home to Northern Pike, Walleye and various panfish. Ice fishing is popular during winter months. The park also offers boat rentals for a relaxing day on the water. Anglers can try their luck at Coon or Sandwick Lake within the park boundaries.