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Parks & Trails

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1. Geocaching: What do I need?

You will need a GPS device or a GPS-enabled mobile phone so that you can navigate to the cache, and a Geocaching.com Membership.

2. Geocaching: What is it?

Geocaching is a real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS-enabled devices. Participants navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and then attempt to find the geocache (container) hidden at that location.

At its simplest level, geocaching requires these 8 steps:
1. Register for a free Basic Membership at Geocaching.com.
2. Visit the "Hide & Seek a Cache" page.
3. Enter your postal code and click "search".
4. Choose any geocache from the list and click on its name.
5. Enter the coordinates of the geocache into your GPS Device.
6. Use your GPS device to assist you in finding the hidden geocache.
7. Sign the logbook and return the geocache to its original location.
8. Share your geocaching stories and photos online.

3. Geocaching: Are there geocache sites in our County Parks and on our County Trails?

Yes. There are caches in all of the County Parks and on the County Trails. Find information and coordinates at the Geocaching.com website.

4. Geocaching: Are there different types?

Yes. There are currently over a dozen "cache types" in geocaching, with each cache type being a different variation of the game. Geocaches can be found all over the world. It is common for geocachers to hide caches in locations that are important the them, reflecting a special interest or skill of the cache owner. These locations can be quite diverse. They may be at your local park, at the end of a long hike, underwater or on the side of a city street.

5. Where are the County Parks located in Chisago County?

Checkerboard County Park - 38990 Keystone Ave - North Branch
Dennis Frandsen County Park - 1331 North Lake Dr - Braham
Fish Lake County Park - 43308 Elmcrest Ave - Harris
Ki-Chi-Saga County Park - 29061 Glader Blvd - Lindstrom
Kost Dam County Park - 11535 Kost Trail - North Branch

6. Where are the campsites located in Chisago County?

Ki-Chi-Saga County Park - 29061 Glader Blvd - Lindstrom. Campsite #1 (South Center Lake) and Campsite #2 (Linn Lake).

7. Are there boat landings at the County Parks?

Fish Lake County Park has a boat landing. All other County Parks have carry-in access only.

8. Can I reserve a County Park?

County Parks are open to the public. You are permitted to reserve a shelter area or a campsite.

9. Can we fly our drone in a County Park?

Drones are permitted in County Parks at this time. However, the owners must follow FAA regulations and they cannot be used over busy park areas. If open field areas are available drone use is permitted.

10. Do my guests and I need to pay a parking fee to use a County Park?

If you walk-in or bike-in there is no fee to use a County Park. However, all vehicles entering Fish Lake County Park on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays require a permit from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Vehicle permits are NOT required at Checkerboard County Park, Dennis Frandsen County Park, Ki-Chi-Saga County Park or Kost Dam County Park.

11. If the park attendant is not at the building do I still need to pay for parking?

There is an honor box. You need to place your payment in an envelope and then place the green slip on your window.

12. What is the vehicle permit fee at Fish Lake County Park?

All vehicles entering Fish Lake County Park on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays require a permit from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. - Daily Permit per Vehicle: $3 - Season Permit per Vehicle: $20 - Bus Permit: $15

13. Can I purchase a season parking pass?

Yes. A season pass is $20 and is good for one (1) season (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend) at Fish Lake County Park.

14. How do I reserve a picnic shelter, pavilion, covered area or campsite?

To reserve a park shelter or campsite, please use our Online Reservation Process.

15. How much does a shelter or campsite reservation cost?

Shelter Reservation

Weekends and Holidays: $60 per shelter for county residents; and $75 per shelter for non-county residents. Weekday, excluding holidays: $35 per shelter.

Campsite Reservation

$15 per night.

16. What information is required to reserve a shelter or campsite?

Your Name
Group Name
Mailing Address
Email Address
Phone Number
Date of Event

17. If I reserve a shelter before Memorial Day weekend or after Labor Day weekend are staff available to unlock the restrooms?

Special arrangements will be made to get you a key. You will need to have a designated person responsible to open and close the restrooms for your group. Restrooms at Checkerboard County Park, Dennis Frandsen County Park and Kost Dam County Park are open and no special arrangements are necessary.

18. How many people can be seated under a shelter?

The shelters at the various parks should seat approximately:
- Checkerboard County Park = 75 (NO electric)
- Dennis Frandsen County Park = 48 (electric)
- Fish Lake County Park: Shelter #1 (South - nearest playground) = 75
- Fish Lake County Park: Shelter #2 (Lake) = 75
- Ki-Chi-Saga County Park: Shelter #1 (adjacent to play structure) = 75 (electric)
- Ki-Chi-Saga County Park: Shelter #2 = 75 (NO electric)
- Kost Dam County Park = 24 (NO electric).

19. How many people can use a campsite?

Maximum of our (4).

20. What features are available at the campsites?

South Center Lake

Restrooms/County Parks - Portable; Fire Pit; and two (2) Tent Sites.

Linn Lake

Restrooms/County Parks - Portable; Fire Pit; Table and Tent Pad.

21. How do I know when my shelter reservation is confirmed?

When the County has received payment by cash, check or credit card we will send you a confirmation and posting.

22. How do I know when my campsite reservation is confirmed?

When you have completed the online reservation and payment process you will receive an email confirmation. There are no postings provided for campsites. Please have access to the email confirmation of your reservation and payment to secure the site.

23. How do others know that I have reserved the shelter for the day?

A posting will be displayed on the shelter that you reserved. You will need to bring your copy of the posting to replace it should someone inadvertently remove it before you arrive.

24. What if someone has come early and taken the shelter or campsite that we reserved?

Shelter Reservation

IF PARK STAFF ARE ON DUTY: Let them know and they will alert the park guests that the shelter has been reserved for the day by others. IF PARK STAFF ARE NOT ON DUTY: It will be important that you have brought a copy of your shelter reservation posting. You will need to show them the posting with matching date and correct park identified on it. You will need to inform them that your group has paid and reserved the shelter for the day and are planning to set-up for your event. Ask them to please remove their belongings from the shelter area until you are finished.

Campsite Reservation

It's possible someone else unknowingly pitched a tent, not knowing that campsites need to be reserved and paid for in advance. You will need to inform them and show proof of your reservation confirmation.

25. If the shelter is not available, are tents permitted?

It depends. How big is the tent? Are you going to have a company put it up? Are you planning to rent tables also? You will need to contact the Parks Office at 651-213-8960 to request special approval on any large tents. Another consideration is anticipated parking availability, if park management believes there will be no parking due to other large scheduled events, tents would not be permitted.

26. If the shelter at Fish Lake County Park is not available are there other parks we can use?

Yes. Other County Parks with shelters are Checkerboard County Park, Dennis Frandsen County Park, Ki-Chi-Saga County Park and Kost Dam County Park. You can also check with nearby cities regarding their parks.

27. Is there a grill near the shelter area?

All of the shelters have a large group grill near them. The shelter at Kost Dam County Park has a standard grill adjacent to it.

28. May I cancel my shelter reservation and get a refund?

Yes. If you cancel the shelter reservation four (4) weeks prior to your event you will receive a 50% refund.

29. Where are the County Trails located in Chisago County?

Sunrise Prairie Regional Trail - Trail Heads are located as follows:
* North Branch - 6311 Maple St
* Stacy - 5859 Stacy Trail
* Wyoming - 26854 Forest Blvd
* Athens Trail Park-n-Ride - 6081 Athens Trail

Swedish Immigrant Regional Trail - Trail Heads are located as follows:
* Shafer - 30269 Tern Ave
* Shafer - 30320 Redwing Ave

30. Are trail maps available?

Maps of the completed trail segments are found on the Sunrise Prairie Regional Trail Page and the Swedish Immigrant Regional Trail Page.

31. Who do I contact if I have questions not listed here?

Contact Park Director Joseph Tart by emailing County Parks or phone at 651-213-8960. You can call 24/7 and leave a message at the office if there is no answer. The Park Director will return your email or phone call at the first available opportunity.

32. How do I make a donation to the County Parks and Trails?

You can mail a donation to the Chisago County Parks & Trails Office at 313 N Main St, Suite 240, Center City, MN 55012. Please include your name and address so proper recognition and acknowledgement can be provided back to you.

33. Are reservations needed to use the Sunrise Prairie Regional Trail or the Swedish Immigrant Regional Trail?

Reservations are not necessary. However registration is necessary if large events are planned on the trails. Please contact the County Parks Office at 651-213-8960 to discuss.

34. What is considered a large event on the Regional Trails?

A large event is one that will add significant traffic to the trails and might hinder its use by others during this time. You must register all events with greater than 30 participants by contacting County Parks Office at 651-213-8960.

35. What is the difference between a Large Event Special use Permit AND a Special Use Permit?

The main difference is the number of participants that will occupy a park or trail at a given time. Fee amounts will also vary between these two permits.

36. When is a Large Event Special Use Permit required?

Any daily event or large gathering of more than 75 participants who will occupy a portion of a park or trail for a specific activity in accordance with County Ordinances.

37. When is a Special Use Permit required?

Any daily event or gathering of 30 to 74 participants who will occupy a portion of a park or trail for a specific activity in accordance with the County Ordinances.

38. What happens with my Damage Deposit?

Damage Deposits are required for each Large Event Special Use Permit. Following a review of the event after it has occurred, all or a portion of the damage deposit will be refunded.

39. Do I need a Special Use Permit if I have already reserved a park shelter?

Yes, if you plan on having a number of participants and/or activities outside the park shelter area such as: fishing contest, tournaments, films, multiple canopies or tents. Please see the Regulations Page of the Special Use Permit and Large Event Special Use Permit to see if your activity requires more than just a Park Shelter Reservation. Please contact the Parks Office if you are unsure.