Myre-Big Island State Park
Also known as Helmer Myre State Park, Myre - Big Island State Park
- Status
- Status not postedDaily 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- Entrance fee
- Statewide rule — see below
- Day-use reservations
- None mentioned
- Dogs
- Dogs allowed, with restrictions
- Camping
- 130 campsitesAlso cabins, glamping or camper cabins
- Official site
- dnr.state.mn.us(507) 668-7060
Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current
Overview
Myre-Big Island State Park is a 1,615-acre park in Freeborn County, about 3 miles east of Albert Lea.
The park supports canoeing and kayaking, swimming, boating, wildlife watching, and ranger programs. The official site lists about 15 miles of trails. Water access includes a swimming beach. Camping is available: 130 campsites across 5 camping areas, including RV sites with electric hookups, tent sites, group camping, and showers. Roofed lodging includes cabins and camper cabins or similar shelters.
Hours
Park, gate, office and facility hours are listed separately because they often differ. Alerts above override normal hours.
| Facility | Days | Hours | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park | Daily | 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. | — |
| Other — Summer | Sun–Thu | 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. | — |
| Fri, Sat | 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. | — | |
| Other — Winter | Daily | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. | — |
Official wording
Daily from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m.
Summer: (1st weekend in May thru 3rd weekend in Oct) 10 am to 7 pm Sun-Thurs 10 am to 8 pm Fri & Sat
Winter: 10 am to 3 pm daily
Camping is available year-round. In winter, several electric campsites are available in Big Island campground. Please call the park to make sure sites are accessible.
Electric sites: 32 electric sites available during the regular camping season. RVs: There are gravel pads at each site. There are no pull through sites at Myre-Big Island State Park. Only 1 sleeping unit is allowed per site. Trails: Summer: 15 miles of hiking trail, 1/2 mile of accessible trail, 7 miles of mountain bike trail. Winter: 7 miles of groomed snowmobile trail which connect to Freeborn County snowmobile trails. Snowshoeing is permitted anywhere in the park except on groomed snowmobile trails. Showers: Shower facilities are available for registered campers in both campgrounds from the first weekend in May through the third weekend in October each year. Dump station: Fill and dump station is located at the entrance to the White Fox Campground and is available from the first weekend in May through the third weekend in October each year. Campgrounds: Camping is available year-round. In winter, several electric campsites are available in Big Island campground. Please call the park to make sure sites are accessible. Drinking water: Potable water fill up for campers is located at the fill and dump station at the entrance to the White Fox campground. Water spigots are also located in both campgrounds and the Big Island picnic area. Water is available from the first weekend in May through the third weekend in October each year. Bathrooms: Accessible flush toilets are available in the park office year-round. Primitive toilets are available year-round in both campgrounds, at the Big Island picnic area, and along the Pelican Trail. Plumbed restroom facilities in the campgrounds are open from the first weekend in May through the third weekend in October each year.
Source: official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Times are local to the park (America/Chicago).
Fees and passes
Per vehicle: a state park vehicle permit (one-day $7 or year-round $35) is required for every vehicle; same price for residents and nonresidents. Four free park days per year. Iron Range OHV SRA states 'There is no entrance fee'.
Statewide fee rule from Minnesota's park system; this park’s page doesn’t list its own fees.
Minnesota park passes
- Year-round vehicle permit — $35. Unlimited visits to every Minnesota state park and recreation area for 12 months from the month of purchase Details
- One-day vehicle permit — $7. One day, one vehicle Details
- Additional year-round vehicle permit — $26. Additional vehicles owned by a year-round permit holder Details
- Year-round motorcycle permit — $30. Motorcycle, 12 months Details
- One-day group permit — $5. Group vehicles, one day Details
From the Minnesota state guide. Confirm which passes this park accepts.
Reservations
- Day use
- No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
- Booking system
- Reserve MN (US eDirect)
- Phone
- 866-857-2757
We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.
Pets
Dogs allowed, with restrictions
Not allowed in or on: cabin.
Pets not allowed in cabin.
Service animals are generally permitted where pets are not. Check with the park for specific areas.
Camping
| Campground or site type | Sites | Hookups / features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drive-in Sites 93 Sites — About a third of the sites are located in the heavily wooded Big Island campground. The balance of the drive-in sites are available in the White Fox campground which offers a picturesque prairie setting. | 93 | ShowersRVs up to 60 Feet | — |
| Electric Sites 32 Sites — 17 sites in the Big Island campground and 15 in the White Fox campground. | 32 | ElectricShowersRVs up to 60 Feet | — |
| Backpack Sites 4 Sites — Sites are located between 1 and 2 miles from parking area. Sites can also be reached by mountain bike although accessibility is limited during wet periods. Call ahead for current status. All sites can be reached by canoe. A fire ring and picnic table are available at each back pack site. | 4 | Showers | — |
| Group Camp 1 Site - Accommodates up to 50 people — Little Island Campground is located on a 7-acre island on Albert Lea Lake. Vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings are provided. No vehicle access. Carry-in distance is approximately 350' from parking area. Tents only. | 1 | Showers | — |
| Group Center Maximum capacity 50 — More details about the group center. Located in the southwest part of the park along the northern shoreline of Albert Lea Lake. Visitors need to bring their own tent or camper trailer for overnight camping. Available seasonally and accessible. | — | Showers | — |
Camping details from the park
Drive-in Sites — 93 Sites: About a third of the sites are located in the heavily wooded Big Island campground. The balance of the drive-in sites are available in the White Fox campground which offers a picturesque prairie setting. Electric Sites — 32 Sites: 17 sites in the Big Island campground and 15 in the White Fox campground. RV Length Limit — 60 Feet: Length is measured from front of tow vehicle to rear of vehicle being towed. Accessible Sites — 1: There is one accessible drive-in campsite in the White Fox Campground. Backpack Sites — 4 Sites: Sites are located between 1 and 2 miles from parking area. Sites can also be reached by mountain bike although accessibility is limited during wet periods. Call ahead for current status. All sites can be reached by canoe. A fire ring and picnic table are available at each back pack site. Group Camp — 1 Site - Accommodates up to 50 people: Little Island Campground is located on a 7-acre island on Albert Lea Lake. Vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings are provided. No vehicle access. Carry-in distance is approximately 350' from parking area. Tents only. Group Center — Maximum capacity 50: More details about the group center. Located in the southwest part of the park along the northern shoreline of Albert Lea Lake. Visitors need to bring their own tent or camper trailer for overnight camping. Available seasonally and accessible.
From the official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.
Cabins and lodging
- Camper Cabins1 cabin — Camper cabin located in the Big Island campground can accommodate 5 people and is wheelchair accessible. Pets not allowed in cabin. Available April through October. Closed for the winter season. More information on camper cabins.
Accessible Lodging: The park has one accessible camper cabins. New York Point Group Center is accessible Camper Cabins — 1 cabin: Camper cabin located in the Big Island campground can accommodate 5 people and is wheelchair accessible. Pets not allowed in cabin. Available April through October. Closed for the winter season. More information on camper cabins. Camper Cabins — 1 cabin: Camper cabin located in the Big Island campground can accommodate 5 people and is wheelchair accessible. Pets not allowed in cabin. Available April through October. Closed for the winter season. More information on camper cabins.
Things to do
Wildlife viewing and birdingHikingCanoeing and kayakingCampingRanger and interpretive programsPicnickingFishingSwimmingBoating
Trails
| Trail | Length | Difficulty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snowmobile (winter) | 7 mi | — | 7 Miles — Snowmobile trails connect with Freeborn County trails.Snowmobile |
| Snowshoe (winter) | — | — | Anywhere in park — Snowshoers should keep off groomed snowmobile trails. Snowshoe rentals are available at the ranger station.Snowshoe |
| Accessible (summer) | 0.5 mi | — | 0.5 miles — Trail is located on Big Island between the picnic area and the Big Island campground.AccessibleAccessible |
| Self-Guided (summer) | 8.25 mi | — | 8.25 miles — Trails include the Bur Oak Esker, Big Island Great Marsh trails. AN interpretive guide book available at the office.Self-Guided |
| Hiking (summer) | 16 mi | — | 16 miles — Trails take you along a combination of wooded and open rolling hills. Albert Lea Lake can be seen from some areas along parts of the trail.Hiking |
| Paved Bike (summer) | 6 mi | — | 6 miles — Trail connects to the Blazing Star State Trail. Trail runs from park to the city of Albert Lea.Paved Bike |
| Unpaved Bike (summer) | 7 mi | — | 7 miles — These are grass trails that are also used for hiking. Accessibility is limited during wet periods. Call ahead for current status.Unpaved Bike |
Trail descriptions from the park
Winter — Snowmobile — 7 Miles: Snowmobile trails connect with Freeborn County trails. Winter — Snowshoe — Anywhere in park: Snowshoers should keep off groomed snowmobile trails. Snowshoe rentals are available at the ranger station. Summer — Accessible — 0.5 miles: Trail is located on Big Island between the picnic area and the Big Island campground. Summer — Self-Guided — 8.25 miles: Trails include the Bur Oak Esker, Big Island Great Marsh trails. AN interpretive guide book available at the office. Summer — Hiking — 16 miles: Trails take you along a combination of wooded and open rolling hills. Albert Lea Lake can be seen from some areas along parts of the trail. Summer — Paved Bike — 6 miles: Trail connects to the Blazing Star State Trail. Trail runs from park to the city of Albert Lea. Summer — Unpaved Bike — 7 miles: These are grass trails that are also used for hiking. Accessibility is limited during wet periods. Call ahead for current status. Trail conditions: Summer: 15 miles of hiking trail, 1/2 mile of accessible trail, 7 miles of mountain bike trail. Winter: 7 miles of groomed snowmobile trail which connect to Freeborn County snowmobile trails. Snowshoeing is permitted anywhere in the park except on groomed snowmobile trails.
Swimming
Swimming Beach — Within 3 to 5 miles of the park: The nearest swimming beach is location at Fountain Lake; 3-5 miles from the park. The beach address is: 705 N Shore Ave, Albert Lea, MN 56007
Boating and paddling
Boat Access — Drive-in access.: There is a public water access/boat launch at the park. Boating Restrictions — Inquire at Park Office.: Please visit Lakefinder for more information on Albert Lea Lake. Boat Docks
Fishing
Fishing — Albert Lea Lake.
A state fishing license is usually required.
Amenities
Facilities
- Restrooms
- Flush toilets
- Vault or pit toilets
- Showers
- Picnic areas
- Picnic shelters
- Park or camp store
- Restaurant or food service
- Group facilities
Water
- Swimming beach
- Marina or boat slips
Camping
- RV dump station
- Tent camping
- RV camping
- Electric hookups
- Group camping
Lodging
- Cabins
- Glamping or camper cabins
Accessibility
- Accessible cabins or lodging
✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.
Accessibility
- Accessible cabins or lodging
Accessible Sites — 1: There is one accessible drive-in campsite in the White Fox Campground. Backpack Sites — 4 Sites: Sites are located between 1 and 2 miles from parking area. Sites can also be reached by mountain bike although accessibility is limited during wet periods. Call ahead for current status. All sites can be reached by canoe. A fire ring and picnic table are available at each back pack site. Group Center — Maximum capacity 50: More details about the group center. Located in the southwest part of the park along the northern shoreline of Albert Lea Lake. Visitors need to bring their own tent or camper trailer for overnight camping. Available seasonally and accessible. Accessible Lodging: The park has one accessible camper cabins. New York Point Group Center is accessible Camper Cabins — 1 cabin: Camper cabin located in the Big Island campground can accommodate 5 people and is wheelchair accessible. Pets not allowed in cabin. Available April through October. Closed for the winter season. More information on camper cabins. Flush Toilets — Wheelchair accessible: Picnic area and group center toilets are wheelchair accessible. Seasonal use only. Vault Toilets — Throughout Park: Two are wheelchair accessible. Picnic Area — Big Island: Located on the Big Island, the picnic area includes fire rings and tables. Area is close to trails, including the wheelchair accessible trail. Picnic Shelter — Open Shelter: Shelter is located in picnic area on Big Island may be reserved by calling the park office. Shelter has a fireplace and picnic tables. The open picnic shelter is wheelchair accessible. Accessible — 0.5 miles: Trail is located on Big Island between the picnic area and the Big Island campground. Unpaved Bike — 7 miles: These are grass trails that are also used for hiking. Accessibility is limited during wet periods. Call ahead for current status. All-Terrain Track Chair: One all-terrain, electric powered chair that may be used on designated trails within the park. • Reserve the chair • Map of designated trails • Learn more about track chairs
Official accessibility information
Conditions change. Contact the park to confirm specific accessible features before your visit.
Getting there
- Address
- 19499 780th Avenue
Albert Lea, MN 56007 - Nearest town
- Albert Lea — about 3 mi east (straight line)
- Coordinates
- 43.6404, -93.3090
- Phone
- (507) 668-7060
- myrebigisland.statepark@state.mn.us
Google Maps directionsApple MapsOfficial park map (PDF)
Directions from the park
Located 3 miles southeast of Albert Lea on County Highway 38. Interstates 90 and 35 intersect just north of Albert Lea. Both interstates have signs directing visitors to the park. From Interstate 35: Take exit 11, turn east on Freeborn County Road 46. Follow County Road 46 for 1/2 mile then turn south on Freeborn County Road 38 and continue on County Road 38 for 1 1/2 miles to park entrance. From Interstate 90: Take Interstate 35 South and follow above directions.
Nearby state parks
Sources and freshness
- Minnesota State Parks and Trails — park page — last checked Oct 29, 2026
- MN DNR A-Z list of state parks and recreation areas (park IDs in server-rendered <noscript> links) + state waysides page; details from the compass feature_detail JSON API used by park.html
- Wikidata
- USGS PAD-US 4.1 (boundary and acreage)
- Photo: Public Lands Institute - Myre-Big Island State Park - 001.tif — CC0 1.0 (public domain dedication), Public Lands Institute
“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. No change has been detected since this page was first published. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology