Stewardship Trail

The Stewardship Trail, which was restored and updated in 2018, circumnavigates the 58-acre Round Lake and surrounding forest to provide visitors with the opportunity to see and learn about the environment, wildlife, and natural resources in the area.

The mostly flat trail starts in Round Lake State Park near the boat ramp and is just over 3 miles long. Hiking near the water has a calming effect, which makes for a peaceful adventure. An abundance of interpretive signs are staggered around the trail to give information and even a little humor during the hike. Keep an eye out for an abundance of wildlife such as beavers, turtles, frogs, osprey, muskrats, Canada geese, deer, and even moose and bears. The trail is open year-round, but during the winter if the snow is deep enough snowshoes or cross-country skis are helpful. The lake is a popular fishing spot.

For closer views of the water or a shorter hike, take the Trapper’s Trail option with a footbridge that connects back to the Stewardship Trail, cutting out about a mile or so of trail. There is also a separate section of trail for mountain biking with clear signage at the junctions.

The trailhead has a large parking area, vault toilets, a day-use shelter with picnic tables, and access to the boat ramp and docks. During the winter there is a separate road into the park located 300 feet east of the main entrance. The state park provides various programs during the summer.