Hayes Lake State Park is part of the history of Northwestern Minnesota. It contains the site of the first homesteader to the area, Alva Hendershot, and in the northwest part of the park, his grave and the remains of his homestead can stll be seen while walking along the trail. Those date back to the early 1900s. Many of his descendants' grave sites are also here.
Another cool fact that few people know is that Hayes Lake is a man-made lake. Northwestern Minnesota doesn't have lots of lakes so in 1967 it was decided to dam the river, thus creating a lake behind it. The lake was named for A.F. Hayes, who also was an early settler in this area. The park has 13 miles of trails and along them, you can see lots of wildlife, such as deer, porcupines, and even mink! Be on the lookout for the black bear, too. If you are in the mood for a scenic hike, take the path to Beemis Hill, which the park also manages. Its about a 6-7 mile hike, but once there, you can rest in the cabin, pump well water, and camp. We are going back this winter because Beemis Hill also boasts an amazing sledding hill with a warming house right on top of the hill.
Hayes Lake State Park is part of the history of Northwestern Minnesota. It contains the site of the first homesteader to the area, Alva Hendershot, and in the northwest part of the park, his grave and the remains of his homestead can stll be seen while walking along the trail. Those date back to the early 1900s. Many of his descendants' grave sites are also here. 
Another cool fact that few people know is that Hayes Lake is a man-made lake. Northwestern Minnesota doesn't have lots of lakes so in 1967 it was decided to dam the river, thus creating a lake behind it. The lake was named for A.F. Hayes, who also was an early settler in this area. The park has 13 miles of trails and along them, you can see lots of wildlife, such as deer, porcupines, and even mink! Be on the lookout for the black bear, too. If you are in the mood for a scenic hike, take the path to Beemis Hill, which the park also manages. Its about a 6-7 mile hike, but once there, you can rest in the cabin, pump well water, and camp. We are going back this winter because Beemis Hill also boasts an amazing sledding hill with a warming house right on top of the hill. 
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