Three Island Park
Three Island Park was deeded to Beltrami County in 1967 from the State of Minnesota. This day-use facility is located approximately 12 miles north of Bemidji on Three Island Lake and is 2,915 acres in size.
The scenic Turtle River flows from the mouth of Three Island Lake providing spectacular views, rolling terrain, a large diversity of plants and animals, and multiple recreational opportunities. At this confluence, is the major hub of the park with various trails and amenities. This location is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places as an archeological site.
Hours: Sunrise to sunset.
Summer Trails: With an objective of increasing recreation throughout the year, the NRM Department has opened these trails to a number of other, non-motorized activities during spring, summer, and fall. Horseback riding, running, hunter walking, and sightseeing to name a few. Horseback riders should take extreme caution when riding in wetland areas. Areas between trail marker 38 and 9 are very marshy and riding in this area is highly discouraged.
Three trailhead locations provide quick access to the trail system. Two of which can be found along Three Island Road, and the other north of County Highway 22 (Island View Road NE). Each trailhead has a gravel parking lot, vault toilet, and hand pump well.
Winter Trails: Over 28 kilometers of cross-country ski trails and 7 miles of snowmobile trails can be found in Three Island Park. Grooming and general trail-maintenance is done by the Bemidji Area Cross Country Ski Club (BACCSC) and the North Country Snowmobile Club on behalf of Beltrami County through the Minnesota DNR, Grant-In-Aid program. A 2.12-mile snowshoeing trail is also available with access at the shelter or along Three Island Road.
The gold and orange trails, at the north trailheads, are open to multi-use winter activities. These groomed trails allow skiing, biking, snowshoeing, walking, running, or any other non-motorized activity of your choosing. Dogs are only allowed on the Gold and Orange trail.
Facilities: The shelter building is open from December 1 through March 31 as a warming house for recreational users. From April 1 through November 30, the shelter is available for rent. If you are interested, please contact us and fill out the following Shelter Permit. The shelter is equipped with a wood stove and picnic tables (no electricity onsite).
Amenities: A vault toilet and hand pump well are available at each trailhead. Picnic tables are available in the shelter area. Public boat access to Three Island Lake, complete with dock and parking area is provided via Three Island Road. Winter access to Three Island Lake is not plowed, but is accessible with snowmobile or ATV.
Maps
Summer Trails
Winter Trails
Species of Concern Protection Area
Rules
CROSS COUNTRY SKI PASS: The Great Minnesota Ski Pass is required for cross country skiers 16 years and older. This pass can be purchased from the MN DNR utilizing their Electronic Licensing System. Money generated from this pass is distributed through the Grant-In-Aid program and is used for grooming and trail maintenance.
CROSS COUNTRY SKI TRAILS: Damaging groomed cross-country ski trails is prohibited. Pets, domestic animals, and horses are not allowed on groomed trails unless authorized.
DOG SLED/SKIJORING: Dog sledding, skijoring, or other sledding/skiing equipment pulled by a dog/animal is only permitted on designated trails.
EXPLOSIVES: Firecrackers/ fireworks are prohibited.
GARBAGE: Carry-in and carry-out all garbage. Disposal of game animal parts or waste in high-use recreation areas or along access roads is not permitted.
HUNTING: To accommodate the firearms deer season, the north and south gate of the North Snowmobile Trail at Three Island Park will be open for ATV use beginning the Saturday prior to the Statewide (A) Firearms deer season opening date and closing the Monday following the end of the Statewide (A) Firearms deer season. No general recreational ATV/UTV riding is permitted, only use directly associated with the firearms deer season. Hours of hunting related ATV/UTV use during the deer season must comply with MN DNR hunting regulations.
PETS: Pets must be personally attended to and on a leash not more than six feet in length and under the handler’s control while in a high-use recreational areas. Any pet off-leash in designated areas must be under immediate voice command. No animal shall disrupt or deprive others from using an area. Pet waste must be properly disposed of from mowed/maintained areas. Vault toilets cannot be used for waste disposal.
TRAIL CLOSURES: No person shall use any trail that has been temporarily closed for maintenance or trail preservation.
TREE STANDS: No permanent tree stands are permitted. All temporary tree stands, ground blinds, and climbing aids must be removed the day after the close of hunting season.
VEHICLES: Motor vehicles and snowmobiles are not allowed on non-motorized trails (including ski, horse, bike, etc.) unless the trail is posted open for that particular motorized use.
Abridged from the Developed County Parks and Recreation Area Ordinance. The above rules relate to Three Island Park. All other rules covered under the Ordinance are still in effect even though they are not listed in this abridged version.
Trail Closures
Species of Special Concern: View the letter to recreational users regarding the Species of Concern Protection Area in Three Island Park. Map of the Protection Area.
Additional Information
Forest Health Management in Three Island Park is governed by the April 11, 2011 amendment to the Recreational Facilities Plan and a list of current projects is available for viewing.
Legacy Stands have been identified and designated, with guidelines for their management being adopted by the Beltrami County Board on October 15, 2013. Within the 104-acre Legacy area at Three Island Park, timber harvesting activities are prohibited.
Three Island Ruffed Grouse Management Area
Since 1987 the north portion of Three Island Park has been recognized and managed as a Ruffed Grouse Management Area. The forest management activities in this area have favored not only Ruffed Grouse but also Woodcock, Whitetail Deer and other species which utilize young forest conditions for part of their habitat. The area provides excellent recreational hunting opportunities for these species