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Zippel Bay State Park
State Park Information
State Park Overview
Nature of the Area
Zippel Bay State Park is located in a jackpine -spen and birch setting along a two-mile sand beach shoreline of Lake of the Woods. The Lake, ocean-like in its size and moods, dominates the scene. Visitors standing on the fine sand beach of the park are 80 miles from the northern tip of the lake. The lake is 55 miles wide at its widest and varies in depth from 4 to 35 feet in the southern bays to more than 150 feet deep in northern areas. During June and July, four species of ladyslippers and many other orchids can be observed along the parks trails. Each year, visitors discover the parks blueberries, Juneberries, pin cherries, choke cherries, cranberries, wild strawberries and edible mushrooms. Deer and other wildlife can be seen in small clearings in the park.
The area in which the park is located was once covered by Glacial Lake Agassiz. The area includes extensive peatlands and sandy, mineral soil. The western end of the Red Lake Peatlands is perhaps the last pure wilderness remaining in Minnesota. The gently sloping topography throughout the park is interrupted by several abrupt slopes (old beachlines of Lake of the Woods) and by several prominent rock outcroppings. A beautiful view of Zippel Bay can be seen from atop the granite-like outcrop next to the boat harbor.
The parks location on the northern border of the state affords opportunities to observe an interesting variety of wildlife not common elsewhere in the state. Park wildlife includes coyote, black bear, mink, fisher, otter and pine marten. Timber wolves are occasionally seen or heard in the park. Deer are commonly seen and, on occasion - moose is sighted. On the list for birdwatching are white pelicans, double crested cormorants, four species of terns and herring, ring-billed, Franklins and Bonapartes gulls. Bald eagles nest - the park and osprey can be seen in the Bay and along the lake. Sandhill cranes nest in the park and can be heard almost every day from spring to fall. In addition, the endangered piping plover may also be spotted along the beach front.
History of the Area
More Info
Zippel Bay State Park