Why do they come? It’s an opportunity for many to spend time close to nature, believes Sobrack, but in a way that is more controlled and comfortable.

But even for those who live in the northland and are used to its beauties, the park offers stunning vistas with large white pines and blue lakes. There is also fishing, boating, swimming, hiking and camping. There is history; buildings of the Rustic Style on the National Register of Historic Places. There is interesting geology; one hiking trail lies along an esker, rocks left behind from a water-carved tunnel as it melted out of an ancient glacier.

And there are lakes. Six lakes lie wholly or partially within the park boundaries including the 627 acre Coon-Sandwick Lake combination which received the water from that same ancient glacial Lake Agassiz. The lake holds crappie, sunfish, northern pike and largemouth bass and is stocked biyearly with walleye.

It’s a gorgeous place, and on the first Sunday in June local residents are invited to come see its beauty as state parks host an open house across Minnesota. No vehicle stickers are required on that day.

The park is located seven miles south of Bigfork on Highway 7. There is a small gift shop at the entrance building with information and park maps. The park has 106 campsites, 20 with electric hookups, 10 miles of hiking trails and five miles of interpretive trails. A lake guest house sleeping 10 and a restored CCC log cabin sleeping 4 are available for rental during the summer. A large interpretive building at the swimming beach is available for rental for gatherings such as weddings. There is also a group camping site on the shores of Lake of the Isles which can be reserved.

User fees have increased this year statewide. Vehicle permits are $25, a second vehicle is $18. Daily stickers are $7. Campsites are $18 from fishing opener to MEA weekend; electricity $4 and boat/canoe rentals $10 per 4 hours or $20 per day. For more information, call the park at (218) 743- 3362. Statewide reservations can be accessed at (866) 85-PARKS.

Scenic State Park is open year around, with 5 miles of cross country ski trails and 10 miles of snowmobiling trails. Two camp sites are kept open during the winter, although, said Sobrack, he hasn’t yet had to turn anyone away in January.

This year a new assistant manager has joined the park staff; Taylor Scott who most recently was the specialist at Gooseberry State Park. There are also 12 seasonal employees.