17. Explore Lake Carlos State Park

Lake Carlos State Park has 1,231 acres of beautiful landscape that sits in the hardwood transitional zone between the prairies to the southwest and the coniferous forests of the northeast. The park’s glacial topography allows visitors to explore dense forest through rolling hills, woodland ponds, marshes, wet meadows and lakes. There are over 14 miles of trails, picnic areas, swimming beach and more! The park makes your adventure easy by offering great amenities including canoe rental, boat dock, paddleboat rentals, fishing kits, children’s discovery kits, educational programming and lots of special events throughout the year.