Gary Mattson Park
Rate this placeNearby: Sturges Park Griffing Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Gary Mattson Park is a beautiful park located in the state of Minnesota, known for its breathtaking scenery and a range of exciting outdoor activities.
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Summary
From hiking and camping to fishing and boating, this park has something for everyone.
One of the key reasons to visit Gary Mattson Park is the stunning natural beauty that surrounds it. The park is nestled among picturesque lakes and forests, offering visitors the chance to experience the great outdoors at its finest. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the park's walking trails, or head out onto the lake for a day of fishing or boating.
There are also several specific points of interest within the park that visitors won't want to miss. These include the park's large picnic area, which is perfect for a family gathering or a social event with friends. The park also features several playgrounds, basketball courts, and other amenities that make it a great place for families with young children.
One interesting fact about Gary Mattson Park is that it is named after a local fishing enthusiast who was known for his love of the outdoors. Mattson was known for his passion for fishing and his dedication to preserving the natural beauty of the state, and the park is a fitting tribute to his legacy.
The best time of year to visit Gary Mattson Park depends on what activities you are interested in. In the summer months, the park is bustling with activity, with visitors enjoying swimming, boating, and fishing on the lake. However, fall and winter can also be an excellent time to visit, with the park's beautiful autumn foliage and winter sports such as ice fishing and cross-country skiing.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Lake Maria State Park Campground
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Joyner Airport
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Schroeder County Park Campgrounds
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Canoe-In Campsite
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Sturges Park
Griffing Park
West Pulaski Park
Humphrey Arends County Park
Nevy County Park