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.

Park: Daily, 5 AM–10 PM
Visitor Center: Daily, 9 AM–6 PM

Legend

Trails and Roads

Amenities

Recreation Areas

Natural Areas

Boundaries

Things To Do

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.

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.

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.

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. Check the trail conditions before you head out.

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.

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.

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.
 

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.

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.
 

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).

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. Check trail conditions.

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.

Small watercraft rack rentals are also available online on a first-come, first-served basis. Reserve a small watercraft rack.

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.
 

children slide down a slide

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

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.
 

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. A daily or annual pass is required.

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.

two girls swimming

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.

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.

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.

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

Cleary PDF Maps

Summer | Winter  

Dog Off-leash Area | Campgrounds

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

#threeriversparks

Related News

  • November 26, 2024

    Three Rivers Park District and Minnehaha Creek Watershed District will operate aeration systems in several lakes starting after Dec. 16, 2024. Learn more about these systems and how to stay safe on the lakes this winter.

  • 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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