Sibley State Park is a place where prairies and lakes meld together in harmony. Amid this prairie, a large lake beckons visitors to swim, boat and fish. Scattered across the park are many smaller lakes revealing a natural world full of wildlife.
You can hike up Mount Tom where an observation tower offers views of the rolling fields and lakes. And a canoe route invites adventurers to portage and canoe across Henschien and Swan Lakes.
Established as a state park in 1919, this park was named after Henry Hastings Sibley, Minnesota’s first governor. He was a complicated figure who at times defended Native Americans’ rights and at others facilitated injustices against Native Americans that reverberate today.
Two private landowners held the last remaining private property along the southern leg of Swan Lake. The two projects were coordinated together. The land extends between Swan Lake and the much smaller Meadow Lake.
This project involved two private landowners along Lake Andrew, the main lake in the park.
Sibley State Park Improvement Association
This was perhaps one of the largest cleanup efforts that Parks & Trails Council has ever been involved with. We partnered with the volunteer-based Sibley State Park Improvement Association to remove 123 tons of trash that included 588 tires, leaking appliances, hazardous wastes like farm herbicide, and crumbling boats, as well as the house and sheds.
The volunteers sowed native grass and forb seeds to begin the restoration work that would be continued by the park staff after the land was conveyed in 2018.
This land also served as a critical link for connecting the nearby Glacial Lakes State Trail into the park. This connection will enable bicyclists and pedestrians to safely cross Hwy. 71 via a pedestrian tunnel, connecting with the nearby town of New London.
May 23, 2022 – Trail ribbon-cutting ceremony set for June 11
July 13, 2018 – Parks & Trails Council conveys 154-acre property to Sibley State Park
Sept. 21, 2014 – Making a vital trail connection while restoring a prairie
With the acquisition of this property, Lake 21 is now fully encompassed within Sibley State Park and offers a stunningly natural lake experience.
Retired park manager Dave Lais remembers discussions with the landowner years ago. At that time he was scaling back operations on his minimal-frills resort along the lake and looking to sell the property. Unfortunately the park staff were unsuccessful in acquiring it and the owner pursued a sale to a high-end development, which luckily for the park, also failed to materialize.
A decade later, the children inherited the land and were interested in selling. Dave Lais enlisted Parks & Trails Council to buy it. This land required heavy lifting to remove buildings (three dwellings were moved) and other structures (decrepit shed, silo, and outhouse were demolished). The dedicated volunteers with Sibley State Park Improvement Association contributed the labor while P&TC contributed the funds.
Oct. 6, 2020 – Lake 21 now fully encompassed within Sibley State Park
Friday, November 27, 2026 @ 5:00 am – 10:00 pm –
On four days each year, all Minnesota state parks and state recreation areas offer free admission to everyone – no vehicle permits needed!
Free park days in 2026
Monday, January 19
Saturday, April 25
Saturday, June 13
Friday, November 27
To promote public interest in Sibley State Park and Glacial Lakes State Trail and to help enhance and enlarge the park, while encouraging its protection and enjoyment.
Friends Since: 1935
To donate, mail to:
SSPIA
PO BOX 129
NEW LONDON, MN 56273-0129