Parks & Recreation

Future County Park

Help us plan for a new county park!

Sherburne County is developing a master plan to obtain funding for a future park. Take a virtual tour of the site! The 430-acre potential park property features over a mile of shoreline along Big Elk Lake. As we consider what the park could include, we want to hear from you! There are several ways for you to weigh in:

  1. Join us Saturday, January 30th for a masked and socially-distanced outdoor open house on Big Elk Lake. Visit several stations on the lake where you can view the property and visualize potential park improvements along the shoreline. You’ll have the opportunity to talk with County staff and consultants and share your thoughts. In order to maximize safety, we encourage you to sign up for a time slot between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090e4aa4ae28a4ff2-bigelk
  2. Can’t make it on the 30th? Check out information on the potential park, take a survey, and share your ideas on our virtual engagement map! https://hkgi.mysocialpinpoint.com/sherburne-county-park#/sidebar/tab/survey
Scene of people using parks and trails indicating the COVID-19 Social distancing rules.

For your safety the Sherburne County Parks & Recreation Department encourages you to take advantage of trails and open space in the park to maintain safe social distancing.
Please observe the Center for Disease Control guidelines for social distancing while enjoying the park

County Parks Mission Statement: To positively affect the community by providing outdoor recreational opportunities while protecting and preserving the environment.

A photo of a boardwalk at Grams Park

Sherburne County is home to thousands of acres of unique recreational land, including County, City and Township Parks, wildlife management areas, scientific and natural areas and public trails. The Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge and the Sand Dunes State Forest are top destinations for nature-based recreation.

Reserve a County Picnic Shelter

Hunting is prohibited on all County-owned land, including tax-forfeited parcels, parks and trails.

poison ivy

Use caution on all park trails to avoid contact with poison ivy. Learn how to identify poison ivy. 


Photo Peter M. Dziuk

  1. Winter Trail Use Update

    Trail updates Read on...

  2. Let it snow!!!

    Let it snow!!! This last snow fall has gotten us excited to groom trails for Nordic Skiing. Read on...

  3. Oak Savanna Habitat Restoration

    Selective tree harvest set to begin as early as December 4th. Trails will be closed for duration of harvest, possibly through January. Read on...
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Integrated Pest Management for Invasive Species Underway

Under the MN Noxious Weed Law (MN Statutes, sections 18.75 to 18.91), Sherburne County is required to control species on the regulated list, including noxious and specially regulated plants.

Spot applications of herbicide will be conducted by a contracted licensed pesticide applicator. Chemicals to be used are labeled safe for re-entry upon being dry.

Signs will be posted to notify park visitors of application. Visitors are encouraged to stay on mowed and gravel trails.