Mattocks Park

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Mattocks Park is a scenic nature reserve located in the state of Minnesota, offering visitors a wide range of outdoor activities and breathtaking views.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The region is known for its diverse wildlife, including various species of birds, mammals, and fish, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

One of the primary reasons to visit Mattocks Park is the abundance of recreational opportunities available. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and boating, as well as hunting in designated areas during specific seasons. Additionally, the park offers picnic areas, playgrounds, and scenic overlooks for visitors to enjoy.

Some of the specific points of interest in Mattocks Park include the Mississippi River, the Back Channel, and the Mattocks Lake. The Mississippi River, which runs through the park, offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy water activities such as kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. The Back Channel, a narrow waterway that connects the Mississippi River to Mattocks Lake, is a popular spot for boating and fishing.

Mattocks Lake is a pristine body of water that is ideal for swimming, boating, and fishing. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including walleye, northern pike, and bass. Additionally, the park is home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, ospreys, and herons.

Interesting facts about Mattocks Park include the fact that it was once a popular site for logging and fur trading in the 1800s. Additionally, the park is known for its unique geology, which includes limestone bluffs, caves, and sinkholes.

The best time of year to visit Mattocks Park depends on the activities you plan to participate in. Summer is the most popular season for outdoor activities such as swimming, boating, and hiking, while fall is the ideal time for hunting and viewing fall foliage. Winter offers opportunities for ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.

       

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
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
View more

Featured Parks