Submitted by: Jenny Eastvold (Reprinted from The Side Laker)

The park will be hosting a day-long fishing clinic provided by the MinnAqua program on Thursday, July 22nd from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Clinic topics will include learning about fishing regulations, how to identify fish, and fish habitat. Participants will learn knot tying and casting, plus have an opportunity to practice fishing from the park's pier. The clinic is designed for all ages. No fishing license is required for Minnesota residents. Fishing rods will be available for use. Call 218-254-7979 before July 20th to register.

If you have friends visiting with kids this summer, we have a variety of free opportunities available to help keep them entertained. All that's needed is a daily ($5) or annual ($25) permit for entry to the park. Bikers or walkers can enter at no cost. Fishing rods and basic tackle kits can be checked out from the park office on a first-come, first-serve basis. A fishing license isn't needed for Minnesota residents if angling from shore within park boundaries. Pickerel Lake is not included since it's a trout lake, but the Side Lake and Beatrice Lake Campgrounds offer a number of shore fishing areas.

The park also has a basic GPS unit that can be checked out and used to find the geocache located in the park. This sport is really growing in popularity, with many opportunities to find other caches if you find you enjoy this modern form of treasure hunting.

Birding kits with binoculars and bird books are an option for those who would like to learn more about birds in the area.

New happenings in the park include the upgrading of two campsites to allow better access for campers with disabilities. The sites have level campsite spurs, elevated fire rings, and accessible picnic tables. These upgrades were funded by the Legacy Amendment Dollars. The park also will soon be adding a pedal boat to the rental fleet. Kayaks, canoes, and rowboats remain available. New McCarthy Beach apparel is also on hand.

If you will be traveling to other parts of the state this summer, stop by the park to pick up a program guide listing special programs occurring at state parks throughout the state.

For those with family and friends visiting, camping reservations can be make by calling 866-857-2757 (or online at www.stayatmnparks.com) up to one year in advance. DNR and park information can be found online at www.mndnr.gov.

And finally, just a reminder that ATV use is not permitted in the use areas or on the trails within the state park. We have maps available for the Thistledew ATV trail system.