Lake Bronson State Park

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LAKE BRONSON STATE PARK is located in Kittson County, one mile east of the city of Lake Bronson. Access to the park is from County State Aid Highway 28. Highway map index: B-3. Lake Bronson is located in a transition area between two geographic zones within Minnesota. To the west is the former prairie of the flat Red River Valley area. To the east is the rolling hills of aspen forest. The park is a fine example of this transition area between prairie and forest and as a result supports a variety of wildlife from the prairie dwelling upland sandpipers and sharptail grouse to the spectacular moose.

One of the few sizable bodies of water in the area, Lake Bronson is a popular park for water related recreation. With an excellent swimming beach, good fishing, and enjoyable canoeing and boating, Lake Bronson provides abundant opportunities for summertime fun.

In winter, snowmobilers, skiers, and hikers enjoy Lake Bronson State Park’s network of trails through varying vegetation and terrain.

GEOLOGY: Approximately 8,000 years ago a massive lake, Glacial Lake Agassiz, existed in the northwest corner of Minnesota extending into North Dakota and Canada. It was formed by glacial ice blocking drainage to the north. The landscape in Lake Bronson State Park was formed as a result of the forces of this glacial lake.

As the ice blockage to the north melted, Lake Agassiz began retreating in stages, creating a series of gravel ridges along the generally flat terrain. The ancient McCauleyville Beach, formed during the final stage of the Lake Agassiz retreat, passes through the park.

Streams in the area meander quietly except when passing over a former beach ridge, where rapids may exist. In time, eroded notches are formed in the beach ridge. One of these notches was used as the site for the dam which backed up South Branch Two River to form Lake Bronson.

WILDLIFE: Many visitors leave Lake Bronson State Park with the memorable experience of seeing the mighty moose. For an observer with a keen eye, this experience is not unusual as this, the largest member of the deer family, is fairly common in the park area.

The variety of wildlife within the park makes a trail excursion very worthwhile. Moose, deer, and occasionally black bears can be observed on a trail hike. Sometimes hikers flush a sharptail grouse (once very common throughout the prairies of the Midwest). Over 200 species of birds use the park during the year as well as 53 kinds of mammals and 24 species of reptiles and amphibians. A handy check list of the park mammals is available at the contact station. Check with the park naturalist for current information on wildlife sightings.

HISTORY: The fact that the town of Bronson was renamed Lake Bronson attests to the important role the park lake played in local history. When the region was without lakes, the drought in the 1930s caused wells to dry up in Bronson and Hallock. It was decided that the only solution for the future was to dam the South Fork Two River and create a sizeable artificial lake.

After much difficulty, the two communities secured the funds for the project. Dam construction began in 1936. However, it was discovered that the dam site contained quicksand to a depth of 100 feet. An engineer, Clifford Holland, devised a system by which the weight of the dam forced water up through six-inch pipes, thus solidifying the soil base. These pipes which successfully kept the dam in place can be seen today in the spillway wall.

The lake now provides a variety of recreational opportunities not found elsewhere in the area. Fishing, swimming, and canoeing are all popular activities in the park.

INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS: In the summer, visitors have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of activities. Naturalist-led hikes, slide shows, films, and craft demonstrations are scheduled throughout the summer. A self-guided trail brochure is available for the Hi-Bank Trail. Check the naturalist program schedules posted throughout the park for activity times.

SO EVERYONE CAN ENJOY THE PARK. . .

• The park belongs to all Minnesotans. Please treat it with respect and help us to protect it by following the rules.

• The park is open year-round. On a daily basis, the park gate is closed from 10:00 P.M. to 8:00 A.M. the following morning except to registered campers.

• Camp only in designated locations.

• The use of firearms, explosives, air guns, slingshots, traps, seines, nets, bows and arrows, and all other weapons is prohibited in state parks.

• Pets must be restrained on a leash no longer than six feet. Pets are not allowed in park buildings.

• Park in designated areas only.

• Motor bikes and other licensed vehicles are allowed only on park roads, not on trails.

• Enjoy park wildlife and plants but please respect them. Do not pick or dig up plants, disturb or feed animals, or scavenge dead wood.

• Build fires only in designated locations—fire rings or fireplaces. Wood is available for purchase from park staff. Portable stoves or grills are permitted.

• Daily or annual permits are required for all vehicles entering a state park. They may be purchased at the park headquarters or the Information Center in St. Paul (see “FOR MORE INFORMATION” to left).