Cleary Lake Regional Park, located just south of Prior Lake and Savage, is one of the most popular year-round recreation spots in the south metro. Family-friendly amenities include a golf course, campground, picnic area, swimming beach, paved and natural surface trails, boat rentals, and volleyball courts and an off-leash dog area. Activities include paddling, fishing, and camping. In winter, the park grooms and lights some of its trails for cross-country skiing, winter biking, skijoring, and snowshoeing. Cleary beach is free, but unguarded, and is open between Memorial Day and Labor Day from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m, daily. The park has a compact wooden play structure near the picnic area that includes slides, tunnels, nets, climbing elements and a separate swing set. Check the Three Rivers Play Areas page to see closures/openings. Family Archery programs are offered at Cleary to learn the basics of shooting safely and accurately with the help of skilled instructors. Families can test their skills with fun games and practice shooting at stationary targets. While Cleary doesn’t have a permanent range, click here to find a list of archery ranges in local parks. Cleary offers Outdoor Skill Challenge Birthday Parties. These are educator-led parties, where the kids will learn a new outdoor recreation skill for the first hour and a half, and the spend an hour on your own party activities. Party supplies and refreshments are the responsibility of the hosts. These parties are available year round and cost $125.00. Call 763-694-7777 to learn more. For more birthday party ideas, see FFTC’s Ultimate Guide to Birthday Parties in the Twin Cities. Cleary Lake Campground has 20 rustic tent-only campsites at two hike-in campgrounds — Red Pine Hike-In Campground and Basswood Hike-In Campground. These are rustic tents-only campsites. Book a site online or by calling 763-559-6700. Cleary Lake is home to wild beavers. Three Rivers recommends sitting quietly on a dock or trail near the lake either in the late evening or early mornings for your best chance at spotting the elusive nocturnal rodents. This would be a good activity to combine with a camping trip. In the winter months, families can cross-country ski at the park. Two of its hiking trails are lit for easier hiking during the long evenings of winter — visit either the Poplar or Lakeside trail if you plan to hike after sunset. Three Rivers and Scott county are in the process is to develop an updated 20-year master plan for the park. The public is invited to view an interactive map and master plan and leave comments and suggestions for how the park can best serve their families.
Related Articles
Swimming at Cleary Lake Regional Park
The Playground
Family Archery at Cleary Lake Regional Park
Birthday Parties
Camping at Cleary Lake Regional Park
Beavers in Cleary Lake
Winter at Cleary Lake Reginal Park
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