Lime Lake County Park

For Minnesotans seeking a quiet and well-maintained natural space for a peaceful getaway, Lime Lake County Park in Avoca, MN, offers a charming, unassuming option. This park provides a refreshing escape, focusing on the simple pleasures of outdoor life by the water. It’s the kind of place where you can truly unwind, surrounded by nature, and appreciate the thoughtful touches that maintain its serene atmosphere. Known for its well-kept grounds and its unique natural water feature, Lime Lake County Park is an excellent choice for those who prefer a less commercialized camping experience, offering a genuine connection to the landscape of Southwest Minnesota.

Many visitors hold a special connection to this park, with some even recalling proposals made there decades ago, a testament to its enduring charm and natural beauty. Recent changes, such as the removal of a dam and its replacement with a natural water flow, have enhanced the park's ecological authenticity, creating gentle rapids and a more harmonious environment. This commitment to natural restoration, combined with diligently maintained picnic shelters and accessible areas, reflects a park that values both its ecological integrity and visitor comfort. While it might be described as "simple," this simplicity is precisely its strength, providing a clean, accessible, and tranquil setting for a relaxing day trip or an overnight camping adventure by the lake.

Lime Lake County Park is conveniently located at 1998 Lime Lake Dr, Avoca, MN 56114, USA. Avoca is a small town in Murray County, in the southwestern region of Minnesota. This location makes the park easily accessible for residents across the state, offering a peaceful retreat that's not too far off the beaten path.

The park sits directly on the shores of Lime Lake, a 96-acre body of water known for its recreational opportunities. The presence of a boat launch at the park ensures easy access to the lake for those bringing their own watercraft. The surrounding area of Murray County offers a scenic drive, transitioning from agricultural lands to pockets of natural beauty. The park's rural setting contributes to its quiet charm, making it an ideal destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Despite its tranquil atmosphere, the park is easily reachable via well-maintained county roads, ensuring a smooth journey for campers and day-trippers alike. Its accessibility makes it a suitable spot for spontaneous weekend trips or planned outings for any Minnesota local.

Lime Lake County Park provides essential services for a comfortable and enjoyable outdoor experience, particularly catering to those looking for a simple, natural camping or day-use environment. While it emphasizes a rustic charm, key amenities are in place to ensure visitor comfort.

• Campsites: The park offers a few camper sites, providing a basic yet functional space for overnight stays. These sites are designed for a more rustic camping experience, likely accommodating tents or smaller RVs, with an emphasis on nature immersion. Murray County Parks lists Lime Lake Park as having 3 overnight camping sites.
• Picnic Shelter: A well-kept picnic shelter is available, offering a shaded and convenient spot for group gatherings, meals, or a break from the sun.
• Boat Launch: For water enthusiasts, the park features a boat launch, providing direct access to Lime Lake for fishing, boating, and other water activities.
• Portable Toilets: For restroom facilities, the park is equipped with portable toilets, ensuring basic convenience for visitors.
• Picnic Areas: Beyond the main shelter, other picnic areas are likely available throughout the park, offering various spots for enjoying an outdoor meal.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are welcome in the park, provided they are kept on a leash no more than six feet in length and under immediate control. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets.

Lime Lake County Park’s appeal lies in its natural features and the recreational opportunities it provides within its tranquil setting.

• Lime Lake Access: The park's prime feature is its direct access to Lime Lake. This 96-acre lake is an "all-sport lake" and is suitable for various water activities. It's noted for its good fishing, with anglers expecting to catch black crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass, rock bass, sunfish, and yellow perch. Historically, it has been managed as a Northern Pike and Yellow Perch fishery.
• Natural Water Flow/Rapids: A unique highlight is the area where the former dam was removed and replaced with a natural rock barrier, creating a "natural water flow" and "lots of rocks going downstream, creating a rapids." This feature adds a scenic and auditory element to the park, perfect for peaceful contemplation or exploration.
• Well-Maintained Grounds: Visitors consistently praise the park for being "well kept up," indicating a commitment to cleanliness and maintenance that enhances the visitor experience.
• Picnic Areas & Playgrounds: Beyond the shelter, the park offers general picnic areas and playground equipment, making it suitable for families with children.
• Falling Waters Trail Access: The 10.5-mile non-motorized Falling Waters Trail passes through Lime Lake, offering a scenic route for cyclists, runners, and walkers who wish to explore beyond the park boundaries. This trail is a significant regional asset for outdoor enthusiasts.
• Swimming Area: The park includes a designated swimming area, allowing visitors to cool off in Lime Lake during warmer months.
• Fishing Opportunities: With a boat launch and direct lake access, the park is a prime spot for fishing. The variety of fish species present ensures a good chance of a catch.
• Tranquil Atmosphere: The "simple park" description suggests a quiet and uncrowded environment, perfect for relaxation and escaping daily stressors.

As Lime Lake County Park is managed by Murray County Parks, specific, commercial-style promotions are not typically offered. However, county parks often provide very affordable rates for camping, making them an excellent value for locals. According to Murray County Parks information, overnight camping at Lime Lake Park is available for $20.00 per night for a camper site and $15.00 per night for tenting. Camping at Murray County Parks is on a first-come, first-serve basis, meaning no reservations are taken for overnight camping. Payment is typically made upon arrival using pay envelopes available at drop boxes within the campground, or via the Murray County online bill pay system. For the most current fee information and any operational updates, it is always best for Minnesota residents to check the official Murray County Parks website or contact the park directly. While there might not be "discounts" in the traditional sense, the inherent affordability and simplicity of the park represent a consistent value proposition for locals seeking a budget-friendly outdoor experience.

For inquiries or more information about Lime Lake County Park, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 1998 Lime Lake Dr, Avoca, MN 56114, USA
• Phone: (507) 836-1195
• Mobile Phone: +1 507-836-1195

You can contact the Murray County Parks Department using this number for information regarding Lime Lake County Park's facilities, rules, and any updates.

Lime Lake County Park is an exceptionally suitable destination for Minnesota locals due to its blend of accessibility, affordability, and authentic natural charm. Situated in Avoca, within the scenic Murray County, it offers an easy drive for many across the state, minimizing travel time and maximizing the duration of your outdoor escape. For those who appreciate a less crowded, more personal camping experience, the park's simple and rustic approach is ideal.

The core appeal for Minnesotans lies in its direct access to Lime Lake, offering abundant opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming, all popular local pastimes. The unique natural water flow and rapids add a distinctive character, providing a soothing backdrop to your relaxation. The fact that the park is consistently "well kept up" ensures a pleasant visit every time, reflecting the pride and care of local management. Furthermore, the very reasonable camping fees of $20 per night for camper sites and $15 for tenting, combined with the first-come, first-serve policy, make it an attractive and flexible option for spontaneous adventurers. It’s a place where families can easily enjoy a picnic, anglers can find their catch, and anyone can simply unwind by the water, all without breaking the bank or traveling great distances. Lime Lake County Park offers a true slice of peaceful Minnesota outdoor life, making it a perfect, no-fuss local getaway.