Glendalough State Park
Prior to becoming a state park in the mid-1990s, this nearly 2,800-acre mix of elm and basswood forests, fields, hills and unspoiled lakes had been managed as a natural wildlife preserve and land stewardship continues to be a hallmark of Glendalough State Park. Glendalough State Park is located about 4 miles north of Battle Lake just off the Otter Trail Scenic Byway in Minnesota’s Otter Tail County.

Sunset over Annie Battle Lake

Cattails are a constant companion on a walk around the lakes

A spring hike at Glendalough

A paved trail rounds Annie Battle Lake and connects to nearby Battle Lake

Big skies on the prairie

Picnic area near the beach at Annie Battle Lake
Trails
Hikers at Glendalough State Park can enjoy the park’s diverse landscapes on nine miles of trails along Sunset, Molly Stark, Annie Battle, Blanche and Emma Lakes. Another two miles of interpretive trails tell the story of the prairie and the area’s cultural and natural history. Terrain ranges from flat to hilly. The paved 5.5-mile Glendalough Trail loops around Molly Stark and Annie Battle Lakes and has a spur connecting the park to the nearby town of Battle Lake. Two miles of trail are available for mountain biking.

Glendalough Trail

Hiking the Ice Ridge Trail between Blanche and Emma Lakes
Camping
History
Wildlife

A park naturalist with spotting scopes near the eagles nest

April is a great time to observe eaglets in the nest
Fishing
Winter
Cross-country skiers have access to eight miles of groomed trails at Glendalough State Park. Snowshoeing is allowed throughout the park except on groomed ski trails. Park visitors can warm up in the visitor center or the lodge building.
More about skiing at Glendalough State Park