Howard Lake Memorial Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Howard Lake Memorial Park is a beautiful park located in Howard Lake, Minnesota.


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Summary

It boasts a variety of features that make it a great destination for visitors of all ages. One of the biggest draws is its location on the shore of Howard Lake, which offers stunning views of the water and surrounding landscape.

Visitors to the park can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, boating, hiking, and picnicking. There are also several playgrounds and sports fields, making it a great place for families with children.

One of the main points of interest in the park is the Howard Lake Legion Memorial, which honors veterans from the area who have served in the military. The memorial includes a wall of honor with the names of local veterans, as well as several other features that pay tribute to their service.

Another popular attraction is the park's outdoor amphitheater, which hosts a variety of concerts and performances throughout the year. There are also several picnic shelters and grills available for use, making it a great spot for outdoor gatherings and events.

Interesting facts about the park include its history as a former Native American settlement and its connection to the Dakota War of 1862. The park was also the site of several significant events during World War II, including a rally to support the war effort and a ceremony to honor local soldiers who had been killed in action.

The best time of year to visit Howard Lake Memorial Park depends on what activities you are interested in. Summer is the most popular season, with warm weather and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Fall is also a great time to visit, with beautiful foliage and cooler temperatures. Winter activities include ice fishing and snowmobiling, while spring is a great time to see the park's wildflowers and migratory birds.

       

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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.
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