Hidden Lake Modern Group Center

For Minnesotans planning large group gatherings, be it family reunions, youth camps, educational retreats, or corporate team-building events, the Hidden Lake Modern Group Center in Carlos, MN, presents an exceptional solution. Nestled within the picturesque Lake Carlos State Park, this facility is designed to accommodate substantial groups, offering a blend of comfortable accommodations and direct access to the stunning natural beauty of Minnesota's lakes country. Unlike traditional individual campsites, this group center provides dedicated communal spaces and lodging, making it an ideal choice for organized events.

The Hidden Lake Modern Group Center stands out for its comprehensive setup, including a dining hall, bunk houses, and modern shower facilities, all situated amidst the serene maple-basswood forest between Lake Carlos and Hidden Lake. This thoughtful design ensures that groups can enjoy both privacy and shared experiences, fostering connection and creating lasting memories. It’s an invaluable resource for locals looking to host significant gatherings in a natural setting, where the logistical challenges of large group camping are significantly eased by the center's specialized infrastructure. It represents a prime opportunity to experience the collective joy of Minnesota's outdoors with all the necessary comforts for a large party.

The Hidden Lake Modern Group Center is located within Lake Carlos State Park, with its address being XMR2+RR, Carlos, MN 56308, USA. This placement is key to its appeal, as Lake Carlos State Park is a renowned destination in the Alexandria Lakes Area of West Central Minnesota. The park is situated approximately 10 miles north of Alexandria, a major hub for services and recreation in the region.

Accessibility to the group center is generally straightforward, typically involving well-maintained state and county roads leading into Lake Carlos State Park. Once within the park, signage guides visitors to the Hidden Lake Group Center. While it offers a sense of seclusion and immersion in nature, the proximity to Alexandria means that groups have convenient access to essential amenities like grocery stores, medical facilities, and additional recreational opportunities should they be needed. The setting between Lake Carlos and Hidden Lake provides immediate access to water-based activities such as swimming, fishing, and boating. For Minnesotans, this location is ideal: far enough to feel like a true retreat into nature, yet close enough to a vibrant community for convenience. The drive through Minnesota’s picturesque landscapes sets the stage for a memorable group experience.

• Overnight Accommodations: The center can accommodate up to 60 people overnight.
• Bunk Houses: Two bunk houses are available, each sleeping 18 people on bunk beds, providing comfortable communal sleeping arrangements.
• Dining Hall: A spacious dining hall is included, featuring a commercial kitchen and seating for up to 60 people, complete with tables, chairs, and a fireplace.
• Commercial Kitchen: The kitchen is fully equipped with a commercial gas range stove (six burners and a griddle), a walk-in cooler, freezer, refrigerator, microwave, stainless steel work/serving tables, dishes, utensils, cookware, coffee pot, and toaster. Basic cleaning supplies (dish/hand soap, towels, sponges, brooms, dustpans, mops, buckets, paper towels, trash bags) are also provided.
• Crafts Building: A dedicated crafts building offers a large open classroom/recreation hall, divided into two rooms, with some additional bedding (two single beds and four bunk beds) in one room.
• Staff Building: An accessible staff building is available with 14 single beds and three bathrooms.
• Shower Building: A separate building provides modern shower facilities with separate men's and women's sections, plus family assist facilities and flush toilets.
• Private Boat Dock: The group center has its own private boat dock on Lake Carlos, offering exclusive access for boating and water activities.
• Council Fire Ring: A large council fire ring is available for communal campfires, perfect for group gatherings and storytelling.
• Picnic Tables: Numerous picnic tables are scattered around the grounds for outdoor eating and activities.
• Paved Sidewalks: Paved sidewalks connect the various buildings, enhancing accessibility and ease of movement within the center.
• Overlook: An overlook provides scenic views of the surrounding natural landscape.
• Accessibility Features: The staff building and the bathroom/shower building have accessible entrances and bathrooms, with more information available from the park.
• Cleaning Supplies: Basic cleaning supplies are provided for the kitchen and general cleanup. Groups are responsible for cleaning the camp before check-out.

• Exclusive Group Accommodation: Designed specifically for large groups, providing private and self-contained facilities for an immersive experience.
• Rustic Charm with Modern Comforts: Nestled in a beautiful maple-basswood forest between Lake Carlos and Hidden Lake, it blends rustic appeal with modern conveniences like a commercial kitchen and flush toilets.
• Premier Lakeside Access: Boasts a private boat dock on Lake Carlos, offering unparalleled access to this large, clear lake for swimming, boating, and fishing.
• Comprehensive Facilities: Includes a full dining hall, multiple bunk houses, a crafts building, and a staff building, catering to various group activities and lodging needs.
• Capacity for Large Gatherings: Can accommodate up to 60 people overnight, making it ideal for large family reunions, organizational retreats, or youth groups.
• Scenic Natural Setting: The location between two beautiful lakes and within a lush forest provides a serene and picturesque backdrop for any group event.
• Proximity to State Park Amenities: While self-contained, groups also have access to the wider Lake Carlos State Park amenities, including additional hiking trails, swimming beaches, and interpretive programs.
• Flexibility for Activities: The crafts building can serve as a classroom or recreation hall, supporting diverse group activities.
• Dedicated Fire Ring: The large council fire ring is a focal point for evening gatherings, promoting camaraderie and traditional camping experiences.
• Seasonal Availability: Open from Memorial Day weekend until two weeks after Labor Day, aligning with prime Minnesota summer outdoor activity periods.

As a content writer, I cannot invent specific, real-time promotions or special offers for the Hidden Lake Modern Group Center. As a facility operated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) within Lake Carlos State Park, its pricing and any potential "offers" are generally standardized by the state. Group centers typically have set daily and overnight fees.

However, based on the nature of group centers and state park operations, what might be considered "special offers" or valuable features include:

• Set Group Rates: The center operates on a set overnight fee ($425 per night, plus tax, with a minimum or per-person charge, whichever is greater) and a day-use fee ($255, plus tax). These rates provide predictable budgeting for large groups.
• Included Utilities: The overnight fee generally includes utilities, which simplifies planning and avoids additional hidden costs for power and water.
• Pre- or Post-Camp Periods: The option to arrange pre- or post-camp periods for program leaders at an additional charge ($100 per night) offers flexibility for setup and wrap-up, which can be a valuable service for organized groups.
• Check-out Extension: The possibility to arrange a different check-out time with an additional day-use charge (if the camp is available) provides flexibility for groups needing extra time.
• Cost-Effectiveness for Large Groups: When divided among 60 people, the per-person cost for lodging and comprehensive facilities can be very affordable, making it a budget-friendly option for large gatherings.

To learn about specific availability and to make a reservation, groups must contact Lake Carlos State Park directly, as group centers are not part of the standard state park reservation system. It's crucial to confirm all pricing, deposits, and terms directly with the park staff well in advance.

For reservations, inquiries about availability, or to learn more about the Hidden Lake Modern Group Center within Lake Carlos State Park, please use the following contact information:

• Address: XMR2+RR, Carlos, MN 56308, USA (within Lake Carlos State Park)
• For Reservations: Please contact Lake Carlos State Park directly. You can typically find their contact information on the Minnesota DNR website for Lake Carlos State Park.
• Lake Carlos State Park Phone: (320) 993-3750.

It is important to note that group centers often require direct contact with the park office for reservations, as they are not usually part of the general online campsite reservation system. It is highly recommended to call well in advance, especially for peak season dates, due to the popularity of such facilities for large groups.

The Hidden Lake Modern Group Center is exceptionally suitable for Minnesotans, particularly those organizing events for large groups, due to its unique combination of specialized facilities and prime location within Lake Carlos State Park. For locals, this means having a dedicated, comprehensive venue close to home for family reunions, youth group outings, educational programs, or corporate retreats, without the need for extensive travel across state lines. It simplifies the logistics of accommodating many people, offering bunk houses, a fully equipped commercial kitchen, and a large dining hall – features rarely found at standard campsites.

The center's setting between Lake Carlos and Hidden Lake provides an unparalleled backdrop for outdoor activities central to the Minnesota experience. Groups can enjoy private access to Lake Carlos via their own dock, facilitating swimming, fishing, and boating, while also having access to the broader state park's extensive trail system. This blend of structured group facilities and vast natural playgrounds makes it ideal for fostering camaraderie and creating shared memories in a stunning environment.

For Minnesotans, who value their state parks and outdoor recreation, the Hidden Lake Modern Group Center offers a convenient, affordable (when costs are shared among a large group), and well-equipped option for gatherings. It eliminates many of the complexities of coordinating large-scale camping, allowing organizers and participants to focus on connecting with each other and the beautiful Minnesota landscape. It's a true asset for the community, providing a purpose-built space for groups to enjoy the best of Minnesota's outdoors together.