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Submission
Located 3 miles southeast of Albert Lea on County Highway 38. Interstates 90 and 35 intersect just north of Albert Lea. Both interstates have signs directing visitors to the park. From Interstate 35: Take exit 11, turn east on Freeborn County Road 46. Follow County Road 46 for 1/2 mile then turn south on Freeborn County Road 38 and continue on County Road 38 for 1 1/2 miles to park entrance. From Interstate 90: Take Interstate 35 South and follow above directions.
We went to Myre-Big Island State Park for the first time in 20 years and I forgot how amazing it was. The park is much larger than I remember with several walking, hiking, and biking trails. In the winter there is groomed snomobiling trails which is beautiful. There is tenting and camper spots in a few different areas of the park. There was some newer bathrooms built with outdoor sinks for washing. We saw a ton of wild life as we walked the trails. We loved it and would go again.
The BEES! We had to leave the park because the yellow jackets were so pervasive. That being said, the nature is beautiful there and the trails are great. Lots of amazing opportunities for wildlife viewing and the park staff was very gracious.
I had a wonderful time at this park! I stayed in backpack site 3. There is a mix of lakeshore, forest and prairie here. When I visited there were no garbage receptacles at the picnic area and the restrooms were closed (I think likely because it's after labor day) but the vault toilets were fine, and I did find dumpsters at the main campground. If you're doing the hiking club trail, it's a longer one compared to most of the other parks so be prepared for that. I did a few sections of it and never did find the password (it must be in one of the parts I didn't get to). The trails are mostly flat and wide. There are portions that overlap with a bike trail. The signs are adequate to get around without having to have a map in hand or on your phone.
The backpacking sites are a ways from the campground but not too far. 1 and 2 are closer, but spaced out from each other, and 3, 4 and 5 are on the outer edge of the park right off the lake (I believe you can also paddle in, at least there was a portage sign in site 3). Make sure to get water before proceeding to the backpacking sites. The only downside to my site was that I could hear highway noise. I think 1+2 are farther away from the road.
The bird watching in the fall is incredible. I saw or heard over 30 species of birds, including 2 kinds of owls at night. If you visit the backpack sites you'll be treated to hundreds of pelicans, ducks, geese, herons, and other waterfowl.
