Beautiful Birds and Summer Fun Awaits at Lake Rebecca Park Reserve
Address: 9831 Rebecca Park Trail, Rockford, MN 55373
About Lake Rebecca Park Reserve
When Three Rivers Park District launched their trumpeter swan reintroduction program in the late 1960s, Lake Rebecca Park Reserve was one of the locations they focused on. Since then, it has become a haven for the beautiful birds that can be spotted at the refuge year-round, making it an ideal place for bird-watching. While the park is known for its trumpeter swans, there is much more to explore at this gem in Rockford.
Bird Watching
Trumpeter swans were once abundant across Minnesota, but hunters decimated their population. It’s a true triumph that these feathered fowl now call Lake Rebecca Park Reserve home! The park recommends heading to the Kasma March for the best viewing, as it is a popular nesting site (visible from the bike/hike trail on the south side of the park and from the gravel refuge road on the east side) Another great place to catch the birds is Rebecca Refuge, visible from the gravel refuge road from the Hilltop picnic area and the John Hannah Trumpeter Swan Overlook. One of the best times to spot the birds is during the late fall, but birds gather here year-round, so there isn’t a bad time to visit!
Swimming and Playing
Minnesota is home to MANY amazing playgrounds, and Lake Rebecca Park Reserve has one of the coolest ones. It uses nature as its inspiration, featuring hollowed-out trees, caves, and faux creek beds for climbing, crawling, and exploring. There’s a life-sized log cabin, as well as hidden creatures for kids to spot as they play. One of the most thrilling features is a giant, three-tiered slide that looks like a tree house. After playing up a sweat, visitors can take a dip at the lake’s north shore swimming beach. It’s open daily throughout the summer months from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Campgrounds
If you and your family want to extend your stay, there are two group campgrounds located in the park reserve. Sarah Creek Campsite is located in the northeast part of the park reserve and is an easy bike ride away, with swans visible along the way. The South Group Campsite is near the horse, mountain bike, and bike/hike trails.
Related Article: Elm Creek Park Reserve—It’s a Full-On Family Adventure
Lake Rebecca Park Reserve Highlights
- Rolling hills and wetlands across a large park reserve with 254 acres of water
- Ideal spot for tracking wildlife, namely, the trumpeter swans
- Unguarded swimming beach open Memorial Day through Labor Day
- Large playground and ample picnic tables
- Horseback trail loop
Know Before You Go
- Website
- Hours: Open daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- The complete list of programs and class offerings can be found here.
- Latest updates and upcoming events can be found on their social media sites.
Mary McGuire is a mother of two young girls and freelance journalist based in the Twin Cities. Her current interests include searching for lost pacifiers, cleaning up crushed Cheerios, and sharing everything our great state has to offer with other families. Born and raised in Edina, Mary has worked in broadcast television for more than a decade at TV stations across the country.
