If you happen to be looking for a lakefront Minnesota state park that’s not too far from a town, you’re in luck. Father Hennepin State Park is tucked onto a peninsula in Mille Lacs Lake and shares a bay with the charming town of Isle, Minnesota. In fact, you can pretty easily walk from the park to downtown Isle if you’re so inclined.

Isle is a small Minnesota town with a population of just over 800 people that sits on a bay of massive Mille Lacs Lake (or Lake Mille Lacs, depending on who you ask).
Google Street View
Every year, though, the town hosts thousands of tourists who flock to Mille Lacs for angling and other outdoor recreation.
Peter Gilles/Google
They enjoy what the charming town has to offer, like its resorts, restaurants, and bars.
Kevin Stewart/Google
The Mille Lacs Lake Historical Society Museum even offers a little area history for interested tourists.
Isle is also home to its own gorgeous municipal park. Isle Lakeview Park is about as scenic a city park as you'll find in the North Star State.
Rebecca Warchol/Google
The town is also known as the home of a beloved bakery.
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Any trip to town, in fact, requires a stop at Isle Bakery, which is located right downtown.

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Just off Main Street, you'll also see something most small towns can't offer: a state park entrance.
Andrew Nyhus/Google
Yup, Father Hennepin State Park is practically in the town of Isle.
This gorgeous park on a peninsula is surrounded by the expansive waters of Mille Lacs Lake.
Father Hennepin State Park/Google
It's also covered in forest, which makes for fantastic hiking or picnicking.
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Spend the night in one of the park's two campgrounds, and take your time exploring the lakeshore.
Shane Dubble/Google
Be sure to pack a swimsuit, though - Father Hennepin State Park boasts one of the best beaches in the Bold North.
Jacob Chung/Google

For more information about Father Hennepin State Park, its operating season, or to reserve a campsite, visit the park’s webpage on the Minnesota DNR website. Be sure to take some time explore the area – Isle and Father Hennepin State Park are just two of many fantastic stops on the Lake Mille Lacs Scenic Byway. In fact, Mille Lacs Kathio State Park is less than 20 minutes outside of Isle if you’re looking for a different kind of park experience in the area.

Have you visited Father Hennepin State Park and/or the delightful town of Isle? What are some other small towns with state parks right next door?

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Father Hennepin State Park, Father Hennepin Park Road, Isle, MN, USA