Big Marine Park Reserve - Marine on St Croix, MN
Big Marine Park Reserve – A Pet-Friendly Outdoor Escape in Marine on St Croix, Minnesota
Located just outside the metro area, Big Marine Park Reserve is a hidden gem for dog owners seeking a peaceful retreat amidst nature. This expansive park welcomes dogs and features accessible paved trails perfect for dog-friendly hiking and strolls with your canine companion. Nestled near Big Marine Lake, the park is ideal for family adventures, with a clean beach, boat launch, picnic areas, and a modern playground for kids.
Pet owners in Marine on St Croix and the surrounding Minnesota communities appreciate the park’s welcoming atmosphere, spacious picnic spots, and plenty of shade, making it easy to relax with your dog. With wheelchair-accessible facilities, public restrooms, and ample parking, Big Marine Park Reserve is popular among locals for family outings, pet-friendly trails, and enjoying nature year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed at this park? Yes, dogs are allowed in the park.
- Are there hiking or walking trails connected to the park? Yes, the park features paved and accessible hiking trails that are dog-friendly.
- Is there a swim area or water access at the park? Yes, there is a beach and swimming area, but it is not specified if dogs are allowed in the swim area.
- Is the park wheelchair accessible? Yes, Big Marine Park Reserve has wheelchair-accessible entrances and parking lots, and the hiking trails are paved and accessible.
- Are there restrooms and picnic areas available? Yes, the park offers public restrooms, picnic tables, and barbecue grill facilities.
- Is there a playground for kids nearby? Yes, there is a modern playground and activities for children.
- Is parking available? Yes, there is ample parking, including trailer parking near the boat launch.
- Are there shaded areas in the park? Yes, the park has plenty of shaded spots, ideal for relaxing with your dog.
Reviews
Great place to get away from the city and enjoy a rural feel just a short drive from the metro area. A good size beach with nice, clean restrooms and changing amenities, a boat launch with trailer parking and a modern playground for the kids. Hiking trails are paved and accessible. Plenty of picnic spots and tables for a nice lunch next to the lake.
Lovely beach! Went on one of the hottest days of the year so far, but was still able to find parking and enjoy the water.
A lovely little park with boat access to the lake, a playground, and a swimming area with restroom facilities and places to picnic. The hiking trails are beautiful!
Beautiful park with clean beach and big playgrounds. Picnic tables and spacious area for yard games and family events.
We recently had the joy of hosting the Forest Lake Nature School at Big Marine Park Reserve, and even a summer storm couldn’t stop the kids from laughing, exploring, and playing in the rain 🌧️🌿 It was one of those rare days where joy and nature meet effortlessly—muddy boots, wet hair, and big smiles.
As a local wellness business just south of Big Marine, we’re incredibly grateful to have this wild, beautiful space so close. The bees at Honeycomb Cottage MN seem to love it too—our hives thrive just down the road, and we often hear from visitors how peaceful and restorative the entire area feels.
It’s a gift to raise children—and bees—in a place where nature is still allowed to be this alive. Thank you, Washington County Parks, for preserving this treasure. We’ll be back (hopefully with more puddles!).
—Ruth + Austin
Honeycomb Cottage MN
(Air Bee & Bee + nature-based healing experience in Stillwater)