Cleary Lake Regional Park

Cleary Lake Regional Park is one of the most popular year-round recreation spots in the south metro. With amenities including a golf course, campground, picnic area, cross-country ski trails, swimming beach and more, this beautiful park has something for everyone.

Hours Park Hours: Daily, 5 AM–10 PM Visitor Center: Daily, 9 AM–5 PM

Cleary PDF Maps

Summer | Winter  

Dog Off-leash Area | Campgrounds

Find yourself in the parks with the Avenza app! Learn more.

Invasive Species Work

Emerald ash borer, a serious invasive pest that kills ash trees, has been found in this park. We are actively monitoring and managing this situation by removing and replacing infected trees. There will be significant tree removal in this park and you may see signs about the work we're doing. Learn more about the emerald ash borer and our management of the invasive species.

Things To Do

Bike Trail

Biking

Biker on paved trail

3.5 miles of trails

Take a pleasant ride on this quiet and scenic trail around Cleary Lake. The paved trail has rest stops and a water pump located along the way. The trail connects to the Big Woods Regional Trail.

Boat Launch

Boating

Family in a paddleboat

137 acres of water

A launch is located on the south end of Cleary Lake. No gas boat motors allowed and no wake. 

Interested in kayaking, canoeing or paddleboarding? See our paddling page.

Campground

Camping

Campfire and tent at night

22 campsites

Roughing it was never so easy. Several campsites ranging in size from small to large are located in Cleary Lake Park for outdoor enthusiasts.

Cross-Country Skiing

Cross-country Skiing

Skier on groomed trail

Six miles of trails

Cleary Lake Regional Park has cross-country ski trails for all skill levels, through rolling hills and hardwood forests. Ski rentals can be reserved online (see rates). Check the trail conditions before you head out.

Dog Trails - Off Leash

Dog Off-leash

Dogs and their companions

28 fenced acres

A 28-acre off-leash area provides great opportunities for dog owners to exercise their dogs. The area is fenced and has a wetland pond. Daily or annual pass is required.

Dog Trails - On Leash

Dog Trails

Dogs on leash with companions

5.3 miles of trails

Walk your dog on miles of trails that wind through the park. Dogs on a six-foot, non-retractable leash are allowed on paved and turf trails except where otherwise noted. Owners must pick-up after their dog.

Fishing / Fishing Pier

Fishing

Child fishing from pier

143 acres of water

An accessible fishing pier is located on Cleary Lake. Anglers must have a valid Minnesota fishing license.
 

Geocaching

Geocaching

GPS units on table

Geocaching is a family-friendly, high-tech treasure hunt that combines respect for the environment with a sense of adventure. This activity involves placing or looking for a cache using global positioning system (GPS) equipment.

Golfing

Golfing

Youth swinging golf club

Nine holes

The scenic terrain of Cleary Lake Golf Course draws both beginner and experienced golfers. The nine-hole executive course and driving range offer a full range of amenities and concessions for an all-around enjoyable experience.
 

Hiking

Hiking

A turf trail passes by a sign that says "hiking trail."

5.9 miles of trails

A trail with rest stops and a water pump loops around Cleary Lake. The trail has connections leading to the Big Woods Regional Trail for east and west connections from the park.

Please note: In winter, hiking on cross-country ski trails is not permitted.

Fall Hiking – Lighted Trails

Hike under the lights in fall. The Poplar and Lakeside trails at Cleary have lights on until 9 PM until winter trail operations begin (typically after 2–3 inches of snowfall).

Mountain Bike Trail

Mountain Biking

Person riding fat bike on snowy trail

3.8 miles of trails

During the winter only, fat tire mountain bikes are permitted on the paved trail for free. With a daily or annual cross-country ski pass they are also allowed on the multi-use Golf Course ski trail. Click below to check trail conditions.

Paddling

Paddling

Kayaker on lake

137 acres of water

Cleary Lake is a quiet place for paddling. No motors allowed. Boat rentals for canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are available. 

Watercraft rentals are available from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day every year. Boats can be reserved online up to seven days in advance or in person. Reserving online is encouraged to ensure availability. Reserve a boat.

Picnic Area

Picnic Areas

Children in picnic area

The southeast shore of Cleary Lake has great vistas and lots of near-by amenities. There are first-come, first-served picnic areas and reservable picnic sites.
 

Play Area

Play Areas

children slide down a slide

Closed for the season

A small play area is located in the picnic area. It features a variety of slides, tunnels, nets and other climbing components.
 

Skijoring and Dog Sledding

Skijoring & Dog Sledding

Skijourer with dog

1.5 miles of trails

A great place to get out and enjoy the winter season with your dog. Skijoring is allowed on the multi-use Golf Course ski trail with a daily or annual ski pass.
 

Snowmobile Trail

Snowmobiling

Snowmobilers on wooded trail

Cleary Lake Park provides a link through the park along the northern boundary to state Grants-in-Aid snowmobile trails to the east and west of the park.

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing

Couple snowshoeing in an open field

Get out and explore winter. Snowshoeing is allowed on the multi-use Golf Course cross-country ski trail. Snowshoes are available to rent online as conditions allow. Advance reservations required.

Swimming

Swimming

two girls swimming

Closed for the season

An unguarded beach is open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. The water is regularly monitored to ensure safe water quality. The beach is unguarded and free. Hours are 9 AM–8 PM.

Upcoming Events

Throughout March | Multiple Locations
Attend a maple syrup festival, learn to make your own syrup, discover maple sugaring and more!

Ongoing | Multiple Locations
Search for signs of spring with us!

All Programs & Events

Visit the reservation system to browse all upcoming programs and events at Cleary!

Cleary Lake offers indoor and outdoor options for your next meeting, retreat, wedding or other event.

In Partnership

scott county logoCleary Lake Regional Park is operated under a joint powers agreement between Scott County and Three Rivers Park District. 

Trails That Connect

#threeriversparks

Related Blog Posts

Species Spotlight: Beavers

By: Steven Hogg

March 08, 2021

Beavers are found throughout Minnesota and Three Rivers Parks, but how much do you really know about them? Learn all about their unique adaptations to living in the water, how they survive winter, and how and why their populations are managed.

September 07, 2020

While dryland training is commonly used to prepare for winter sports, anyone can benefit from it. Learn what dryland training means and what kinds of exercises you can incorporate into your visit to the parks. 

June 15, 2020

Learn all about Minnesota's largest turtle, from the long list of things they eat to the huge number of eggs they can lay at once to what you can do to help protect them.

Related News

  • December 05, 2022

    Aerations systems are operating in several lakes in and near Three Rivers parks to help fish receive sufficient oxygen during the winter. Operation of the aeration systems may result in unsafe ice conditions on portions of the lakes for the duration of the winter.

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