Baker Park Reserve is located on Lake Independence and is the home of Baker Outdoor Learning Center. The park offers year round outdoor activities, including swimming, archery, camping, fishing, skiing, and golf.
Baker Park Beach
The beach at Baker is free, but unguarded and is open between Memorial Day and Labor Day from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. This locally popular beach is known for its clean facilities and easy access from the beach parking lot. It is approximately a 15 minute walk from the campground.
New Play Area
In 2021, Three Rivers opened a new creative play area at the park. Playground amenities include:
- A huge climbing structure
- A nearly nine-f00t-tall and zip line feature that stretches over 100-feet (70 feet in diameter)
- Inclusive equipment that can accommodate kids of all ages.
Installed in 1977, the previous play area was the oldest playground in the Three Rivers system. The park worked with the community, including kids and families, to design the new playground.
The play area is open daily from 9 a.m. – sunset. Find up-to-date information on openings/closings at the Three Rivers Playground page
Family Archery at Baker Park Reserve
Baker is offers family archery programs. Skilled instructors aid families in learning the basics of shooting safely and accurately using fun games. The range includes stationary targets and an elevated platform. Equipment provided for this program. This program is for ages 8+ and children 17 years and younger must be accompanied by a registered adult. More archery ranges.
Fishing Lake Independence
Lake Independence covers nearly 950 acres on the northwest side of Baker Park. Fishing is allowed from the fishing pier near the beach and on the ice during ice-fishing season. A valid fishing license is required at Three Rivers Parks.
Wildlife in Baker Park Reserve
Trumpeter Swans
Baker is one of several Parks participating in Three Rivers' Trumpeter Swan Reintroduction Project. This program was launched in 1966 and gained support from the formation of the Trumpeter Swan Society in 1968. It started with one pair of swans and has grown to over 12,000 birds. Baker, and other parks in the metro area, are home to nesting pairs and their cygnets. Three Rivers asks that park visitors respect these wild birds, and the parks in general, by following park ordinances, remaining on designated trails, not getting too close, and avoid feeding the wild animals.
Wood Ducks
Three Rivers Park District's Wood Duck Management Program includes wood duck boxes at this park, which are maintained and monitored by volunteers. The program has been active for over 50 years and records show it has successfully offered nesting space to wood ducks. According to Three Rivers, the best time to watch wood ducks, swans and other water fowl is in the spring and fall.
Beavers
Beavers are nocturnal, so Three Rivers recommends waiting patiently near Half Moon Lake suggests in the early mornings or late evening hours for a chance to see these elusive rodents. Learn more here.
Birthday Parties at Baker Park Reserve
FootGolf Parties
Take your party outside with FootGolf! It's just like playing golf but you kick a soccer ball instead of hitting a golf ball. Tennis shoes or indoor soccer shoes are required; no soccer cleats allowed. Balls are included while supplies last; players may want to bring their own.
Learning Center Parties
• GPS Party (9+)
• Insects Party (5+)
• MN Animals Party
• Rock Climbing Party (7+)
• Snowshoeing Party
• Survival Party
Baker Campground
Baker Campground is located on the shores of Lake Independence inside the park reserve. It offers over 200 campsites both without and without electricity. It also has five camper cabins available. Shower and bathroom facilities are located nearby. While camping there is plenty to do both in and around the park.
Baker Park Campground Reservations: Book a site online or by calling 763-559-6700.
Baker National Golf Course
The park is home to Baker National Golf Course, which offers 9-hole golf, foot golf and mini golf. The course has been certified as an Audubon Sanctuary by Audubon International for the past 25 years. To reach certification, Baker Golf Course must maintains a high level of environmental quality in areas that include environmental planning, wildlife and habitat management, outreach and education, chemical use reduction and safety, water conservation, and water quality management. Read about all of Three Rivers sustainable golf course practices here.
Baker Park Reserve Maps
Three Rivers Park District offers pdf maps for Summer and Winter, the Campground, the Outdoor Learning Center, the Recreation Area and Ski Trails here. Use our map below to find directions to baker park reserve.