Facilities and Amenities

Baker National Golf Course - One of the finest public golf courses in the Twin Cities, Baker National features an 18-hole championship golf course, a nine-hole executive course, driving range and practice facilities. Lessons and leagues are available.

Boating - At the extreme north end of this recreation complex is a boat launch giving access to Lake Independence. There is a capacity of 58 vehicles in the boat launch parking lot. Visitors can rent paddle boats, rowboats, canoes and kayaks from the rental building south of the main beach. Boat rental is available weekends and holidays, May 26 - September 3 or weekdays by group reservation. A photo I.D. is required as a deposit on equipment rental.

Camping - A 210-site campground (view map) is located within this recreation complex. There are 103 sites with electrical hookups; the remaining are non-electric. Shower and restroom facilities are available for the convenience and comfort of the campers. There are also five group camp sites located in four areas. They range in amenities from simple open-air sites to sites with shelter, electricity, water and flush toilets. The Half Moon Group Campsite is available by reservation for winter camping experiences. Reserve a site

Creative play area - A playground structure of approximately 11,000 square feet is located between the family and reservation picnic areas. Open seasonally.

Cross-country skiing (12.9.5K, 8 mi.) - Baker offers well groomed trails for skiers of all abilities. Trails are groomed for traditional and ski skating. Deer and other wildlife are common sights. The chalet offers equipment rental and lots of room to warm up. Baker also offers rental of a sit-ski and poles for persons with disabilities. A Three Rivers Park District Cross-Country Ski Pass is required for skiers ages 12 and older. Passes may be purchased at the chalet.

Horse trails - Baker offers scenic, mowed trails for horseback riders and trailer parking is available. Each horse and rider (age 16 or older) must have either an annual or daily permit. Three Rivers Park District does not rent horses. See more information.

Dog trails - Walk your dog on miles of trails that wind through the park. See more information.

Fishing - There is an accessible fishing pier on the south end of the beach for shore fishing.

Mountain bike trail (4 miles, winter only). This multi-use trail is open sunrise to sunset in the winter as snow conditions permit. A special-use permit is not required. Call 763-694-7860 for more information. Mountain biking is not allowed at Baker in the spring, summer or fall.

Near-Wilderness Settlement - Nestled in the middle of the 2,700-acre Baker Park Reserve, just 20 minutes from downtown Minneapolis, is a rustic, yet awe-inspiring residential center. The Baker Near-Wilderness Settlement offers guests a unique opportunity to reconnect with the natural world. Guests will rediscover their sense of wonder, the simple joys and camaraderie of cooking and eating outdoors, and the warmth and glow of the wood stove. The William M. Baker Lodge features a meeting/activity room that seats 120-lecture style and 80 for meals.

Picnic areas - A spacious, non-reservation picnic area extends south of the boat launch. During the summer season it encompasses a swimming beach, weekend boat rentals and has flush toilet facilities. There are also four reservation picnic sites. Three of these are open-air sites and accommodate up to 100 persons each. The fourth site accommodates up to 200 persons and contains a permanent shelter with electricity. Flushing toilets and a swimming beach are nearby. Reserve a site

Paved bike/hike trail (8.2 miles) - This trail is a loop through the southern portion of the park, with rolling hills and scenic views. There are two rest stops, one with toilet facilities and one with a water pump. Baker Park Reserve does not have summer mountain bike trails at this time. Tandem bikes and child trailers may be rented from the campground office May - October.

Sliding - is available near the chalet when conditions are favorable.

Snowmobiling (5 miles) - A 5-mile snowmobile trail on the east side of County Road 19.

Snowshoeing - The 100-acre campground and picnic area are open for winter exploration on snowshoes. In addition, a packed 1.2-mile snowshoe trail begins at the ski chalet. Snowshoes for this trail may be rented at the chalet.

Turf Hiking trail (11.6 miles) - The 2.6-mile Timber Trail is for hiking only and is the designated trail for the Autumn Hiking Adventures program. Hiking is also allowed on the horse trails. Although these trails are closed in the winter, visitors can enjoy a hike around the 1-mile campground loop.

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