Friends of Lake Bemidji State Park

YOU can difference in YOUR park. Your contributions will help enhance amenities and opportunities the park has to offer visitors! 

The mission statement of the Friends of Lake Bemidji State Park is "to support and enhance Lake Bemidji State Park’s natural and cultural resources, recreational opportunities, facilities, and educational programming through leadership, volunteerism, and fund raising for the present and future generations."

The Friends Group provides funds and volunteers to support many park projects and events. In 2008, the Friends Group provided a children's playground & nature play space, and in 2010 they provided a photo-op sign near the marina. Newly carved bears were added to the sign in 2023. 

The Friends Group annually supports youth programming as well as events such as the Memorial and Labor Day weekend pancake breakfasts, candlelight snowshoe & ski nights, music under the pines, and many other special events.

Currently...

With funds raised in 2023, the Friends Group helped contribute to improvements of the Oak Lane bathrooms (originally built in 1957). The partitions and toilets have been replaced. In 2025, the floors and counters will be improved. 

The Friends Group has also raised funds for improving the nature play area located near the playground. Work will begin at the nature play area in the spring of 2025.

The pollinator garden, located on the south side of the Visitor Center, will be replanted in 2025. 

Please consider contributing to the upcoming projects and events celebrating this milestone with an in-kind donation, signing up as a Friends Group member, or providing a monetary donation. Up-coming events can be found on the park's website or on the Friends Group Facebook page at www.facebook.com/FOLBSP. 

The Friends of Lake Bemidji State Park was incorporated in 2007 and is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Contributions are tax-deductible.