RV rental Moose Lake State Park, MN: Motorhome rentals, camper van rentals and more

Formed by a massive glacier that scraped its way north some 10,000 years ago, Moose Lake, MN, and the neighboring lakes are precious gems, home to hundreds of birds and wildlife. The local residents, recognizing the value in protecting the natural resources, petitioned the state to purchase land to preserve for the future. In 1971, Moose Lake State Park was officially established with an initial purchase of a few hundred acres. The state park was later expanded with additional land purchases. Today, it’s just shy of 1,200 acres, surrounding a small lake called Echo Lake.

Moose Lake and the surrounding areas were devastated by a large forest fire in 1918 that was started by sparks from locomotive coal engines. The massive fire blazed across over 250,000 acres and destroyed 38 small towns and communities. It caused around $73 million in damages, roughly $1.22 billion in today’s dollars. The unfortunate accident was no doubt compounded by a rare drought that had struck Minnesota, turning normally lush fields and meadows into tinder.

One thing this region is known for is its annual county fair, which is one of the longest-running fairs in the state. Started in 1890, the fair has been held annually without fail in Barnum, usually in mid-August. Although the events change with each passing year, a few traditional events die hard. In addition to horse races, one of the few in the state that allows amateurs, the fair also holds tractor pulls and livestock judging events.

The closest large town is Cloquet, about 25 miles north. Between dozens of state forests and parks and its proximity to the larger towns north, it’s smart to search for an RV in Carlton County, MN and head out on an amazing outdoor adventure.