Additional amenities may be available at some locations, but as a general guideline, when we use these terms this is what you can expect:
AccessibleDesigned to accommodate mobility impairments. May or may not meet formal ADA guidelines. | |
All-terrain vehicles (ATV)Unpaved trails where ATVs are allowed. There may also be other types of activities along the trail. | |
AmphitheaterOutdoor terraced seating around a stage area. | |
Athletic fieldPolo, soccer, or other groomed field. | |
BicyclingPaved trails where biking is allowed. There may also be other types of activities along the trail. | |
Boat launchA public water access designed to accommodate boat trailers and motorboats, with parking nearby. Swimming and fishing are not allowed at boat launches. | |
CabinFully furnished. Some have indoor plumbing and fireplaces; most have either a full kitchen or a kitchenette. Some are seasonal, others year-round. Cabins range from quite modern to nearly a century old. | |
Camper cabinRustic, one-room cabins that sleep up to six people. Bunk beds and mattresses are provided; bring your own bedding. Some are accessible, and many have heat and electricity. | |
Campground (vehicle or tent)Will have a fire ring, picnic table, access to toilet facilities, and a clearing for a tent. | |
Canoe/kayak access (sometimes also called carry-in access)Public water access for smaller boats, with parking nearby. Not generally large enough for boat trailers or motorboats. Swimming and fishing are not allowed. | |
Cart-in campsiteRustic campsite with no drive-up access. Off-site parking a half mile or less away, with a trail leading to the site. Carts are provided to help carry your gear. | |
Council ringLarge firepit encircled by benches. | |
County park | |
Dam | |
Park officeStaffed office. May have restrooms; self-guided information and interpretation; and gift or convenience items for sale. | |
DockA place for boats to moor, but not to launch. Tourboats may board here. | |
DogsleddingGroomed trail for dogsledding. Skijoring may or may not be permitted. | |
Drinking waterPump or water fountain. | |
DumpsterEstablished trash area. May also include recycling. | |
Equestrian campgroundSpecial camping area where people can camp with their horses. Each site will have a fire ring, picnic table, clearing for tent, hitching rails, manure bin, water, trailer parking, and access to toilet facilities. Some have optional electric hook-ups. | |
Equestrian rest areaRiding trail pull-off area with hitching rails. Generally includes toilet facilities, water, and seating. | |
Fireplace/woodstoveIndoor, wood-burning. | |
Fire towerCurrently in use for fire spotting, not open to the public. | |
Fish cleaning shelterDedicated building for cleaning fish. Will have tables, sinks, and trash cans. | |
Fish hatcheryDNR office for fish management. | |
Fishing pierGenerally near parking, with a hard surface path from the parking area. Many are accessible. | |
Forestry nurseryDNR office for forestry management. | |
GasFuel available for sale. May include propane. | |
Gas stoveIndoor, gas or propane-burning. | |
GateGates are set up and closed to signify unsafe or unusable trails. Do not go into a gated area. | |
Geologic markerArea of geologic significance. Generally includes some sort of signage or self-guided interpretation. | |
Gift shop | |
Golf courseMaintained golf course, open to public players for a fee. | |
Grocery storeBasic food items available. | |
Group centerDesigned to accommodate large groups of 60-120 people. Some have sleeping facilities, others do not. All will have a dining room, kitchen, and bathrooms. | |
GuesthouseGenerally, a guesthouse is the same as a cabin except that it was once an occupied residence. Guesthouses are fully furnished, and range from quite modern to nearly a century old. Some have indoor plumbing and fireplaces; most have either a full kitchen or a kitchenette. Some are seasonal, others year-round. | |
Hike-in campgroundNo drive-up access. Parking a half mile or more away. Will have a fire ring, picnic table, clearing for tent, primitive toilet facilities. | |
HikingUnpaved trail for hiking. There may also be other types of activities along the trail. | |
Historic siteDesignated historic area. Generally includes some sort of signage or self-guided interpretation. | |
Horseback ridingUnpaved trail where horses are allowed. There may also be other types of activities along the trail. | |
Hospital or First Aid station | |
HostelPrivately operated lodging at Itasca State Park. | |
InformationSelf-service information. | |
Interpretive centerSelf-guided information and interpretation. Unstaffed. | |
Lighthouse | |
LodgeFull kitchen and full bathroom. Larger than a cabin. | |
LodgingSome sort of indoor sleeping quarters. Lodging in state parks generally refers to camper cabins, cabins, guesthouses, and lodges. Other lodging occasionally includes privately owned facilities as well, most often when used to indicate lodging along a trail rather than within a state park. | |
MarinaSlips or safe refuge available to public boaters for a fee. | |
Mountain bikingManaged, unpaved trails where mountain biking is allowed. It may or may not be a dedicated mountain biking singletrack trail; some mountain biking trails may have other types of activities along the trail. | |
Nature observationArea for viewing nature. | |
Nature programsNaturalist-led programs. Most are family friendly and suitable for people of all ages. | |
Observation TowerFire tower or other tall structure that may be open to the public. | |
Off-highway motorcycles (OHM)Unpaved trails where off-highway motorcycles are allowed. There may also be other types of activities along the trail. | |
Off-road vehicles (ORV)Unpaved trails where off-road vehicles are allowed. There may also be other types of activities along the trail. | |
OutfitterPrivately owned service for water recreation outfitting. May provide rentals, transportation, or other services. | |
OverlookArea for viewing outstanding scenery. | |
PaddleboardingStand-up paddleboard rentals available. | |
Parking | |
Pay phone | |
Picnic areaWill have picnic tables and nearby parking. Some have toilet facilities. | |
Picnic shelterOpen-sided shelter with roof and picnic tables. | |
Point of interestHistoric, geologic, or other point of interest. Generally includes some sort of signage or self-guided interpretation. | |
Playground | |
Primitive group campDesigned for groups that want to set up multiple tents in close proximity to one another. No drive-up access, parking is a half mile or more away. Will have fire rings, picnic tables, tent clearings, water, and primitive toilet facilities. | |
Primitive toiletNon-flushing toilet with toilet paper. No running water. | |
Recycling station | |
RentalsMay include canoes, kayaks, motors, boats, snowshoes, skis, or other. | |
Resort | |
Rest areaWill have a parking area and picnic table. Some have toilet facilities. | |
RestaurantSit-down dining. | |
RestroomsFlush toilets and running water. May be seasonal only. | |
Restroom shower buildingFlush toilets and running water, with one or more shower stall. May be seasonal only. | |
Rock climbingSelf-guided or organized outdoor rock climbing. | |
RV campgroundRV camping only. Electrical and water hookups, access to toilet facilities. | |
RV sanitation stationDump and fill. | |
Scientific and Natural Area (SNA)DNR designated areas for scientific and natural preservation. | |
Sea kayakingOpen water kayaking, not suited to river kayaks. | |
ShelterOpen air shelter with roof. | |
Shelter/campsiteDesigned for tents; an open-sided shelter with a roof. | |
Shooting rangeFee-based outdoor shooting range. | |
Shore fishingBeach or other cleared area designed for shore fishing. | |
ShowerOne or more shower stall. No toilets. | |
Single campsiteMore privacy than other campsites. Will have a fire ring, picnic table, access to toilet facilities, and a clearing for tent. | |
SkiingGroomed trails dedicated to either cross-country or skate skiing. Walking, snowshoeing and other activities are not allowed on groomed ski trails. | |
SkijoringGroomed ski area where skijoring is allowed. There may also be other types of activities along the trail. Skijorers must stay off groomed cross-country ski trails. | |
Sledding hill | |
SnowmobilingGroomed trails where snowmobiling is allowed. There may also be other types of activities along the trail. | |
Snack bar"Grab and go" food. | |
SnowshoeingTrails groomed for snowshoeing. Snowshoeing is also allowed anywhere except on groomed cross-country ski trails. | |
SpelunkingSelf-guided or organized cave tours. | |
Storm shelterDesignated area in which to shelter during severe weather. | |
SwimmingManaged area for public swimming. | |
TipiHeavy canvas structure on a permanent wooden platform. Not furnished, no electricity. Picnic table and fire ring outside; no cooking of open flames inside a tipi. | |
Tour boatFee-based guided tours. | |
Trail centerVisitor center with a specific trail purpose like horse riding or skiing. May have rentals. | |
Visitor centerSelf-guided information and interpretation. Staff available. Indoor bathroom with flush toilets. | |
Volleyball court | |
Walk-in campgroundNo drive-up access. Parking within one half mile. Will have a fire ring, picnic table, clearing for tent, primitive toilet facilities. | |
Wall tent10 x 12 foot unfurnished canvas tent on a low wooden platform with a ramp for accessibility. Drive-up access. Modern restrooms nearby. | |
Watercraft campsiteMinimally maintained campsite accessible from the water. Will have a fire ring, primitive toilet facilities, and clearings for tent and watercraft. | |
Waterfall | |
Wildlife Management Area (WMA)DNR designated areas for wildlife management. | |
Wildlife/waterfowl production areaProtected nesting or other habitat area. | |
Winter campingNo running water or electricity. Site and trail access will be plowed or shoveled, and there will be a picnic table and fire ring. | |
YurtAn insulated round canvas tent set on a wooden platform, generally available year-round. Each yurt has windows, a domed roof, wood floor, bunk beds, a table and chairs or stools, and a wood-burning stove. No drive-up access. |