Garden Island State Recreation Area
Garden Island State Recreation Area is a state recreation area in Lake of the Woods County. It was established in 1998. 4 lakes with water-quality readings are within 15 miles of the park, including Big Traverse Bay Lake, Low Lake, Lake of the Woods.
Garden Island State Recreation Area is a Minnesota State Recreation Area — a public-land designation focused on recreation rather than ecological preservation. 181,375 acres are protected. 4 measured lakes are within easy reach of the park. Big Traverse Bay Lake has the lowest nutrient and algae readings of the set.
Reading the per-lake measurements alongside the park designation gives a fuller picture than either alone: the park tells you what land is protected, the readings tell you what condition the water in that protected area is in.
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Official Resources
Nearby Lakes (within 15 mi)
Lakes closest to Garden Island State Recreation Area, weighted by size. Click a lake for its water-quality readings, fish species, and depth.
| Lake | County | Surface Area | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big Traverse Bay Lake | Lake of the Woods | - | 1.4 mi |
| Low Lake | Lake of the Woods | - | 11.1 mi |
| Lake of the Woods | Lake of the Woods | - | 12.4 mi |
| Lake of the Woods | Lake of the Woods | - | 13.8 mi |
Other Parks in the Area
- Zippel Bay State Park— State Park, 21.7 mi
- Hayes Lake State Park— State Park, 48.3 mi
Where to stay near Garden Island State Recreation Area
Compare cabins, hotels, and vacation rentals near Garden Island State Recreation Area — find a place to stay close to the park and its nearby lakes.
Top-rated places to stay near Garden Island State Recreation Area
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Source: EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys, 2026.