History
CWP is located on the headwaters of Bear Creek in the rugged bluff country of Southeastern Minnesota. There are approximately 15 miles of primitive trails winding through a variety of inviting natural habitats in the undeveloped areas of the park. A mile-long hard-surfaced trail links the campground, boat launch, fishing pier, and picnic areas. Motor vehicles and bicycles are restricted to improved roads and designated trails only. Chester Woods Park contains many great opportunities to explore and watch wildlife. Fish at or canoe on Chester Lake. Watch the wood ducks and mergansers feed. Hike the trail that crosses fields, oak woods, and bluff prairie. Here, savanna and grasshopper sparrows and bobolinks can be found. Other animals that can be seen are bull snakes, painted turtles, white-tail deer, broad-winged hawks, red-eye vireos, and veeries. The Park is 1333 acres & Chester Lake is 118 acres. The Chester Lake dam is one of the largest earthen dams in MN at 96 ft tall.
Specialties
* 41 campsites with electrical hookup * 9 non-electric campsites * 2 camper cabins, 1 sleeps 5 & 1 sleeps 6 and both are handicap accessible & have A/C * 2 remote non-electric canoe-in campsites * 7 picnic shelters There are approximately 15 miles of primitive trails winding through a variety of inviting natural habitats in the undeveloped areas of the park. A mile-long hard-surfaced trail links the campground, boat launch, fishing pier, and picnic areas. In the summer, canoes, paddleboats, kayaks, and paddle boards are available for rent. In the winter, 10+ miles of trails are groomed for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat-tire bikes.