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Parks - Shelters and Other

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1. 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

2. Can I reserve a County Park?

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

3. How much does a shelter reservation cost?

Shelter Reservation Cost:

Weekends and Holidays: 

• $60 per shelter for In County residents
• $75 per shelter for Non County residents. 

Weekday and Non-Holiday:

• $35 per shelter.

4. Is there a grill near the shelter area?

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

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

The shelters at the various parks all have electric and should seat approximately:

• Checkerboard County Park = 75
• Dennis Frandsen County Park = 48
• 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
• Ki-Chi-Saga County Park: Shelter #2 = 75
• Kost Dam County Park = 24.

6. 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 will be open for use and no special arrangements are necessary.

7. What information is required to reserve a shelter?

• Your Name
• Group Name
• Mailing Address
• Email Address
• Phone Number
• Date of Event
• Payment (Cash, Check, Debit/Credit or eCheck)

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

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

9. 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.

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

Yes, if you plan on having several 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 (PDF) and Regulations Page of the Large Event Special Use Permit (PDF) to see if your activity requires more than just a Park Shelter Reservation. 

Please contact the Parks Office by calling 651-213-8960 if you are unsure.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. What if someone has come early and taken the shelter 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.

15. Are there any boat landings at the County Parks?

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

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. How much 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

19. 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.

20. 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 by calling 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.

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

Yes. 

Depending on availability, other County Parks with shelters are:

• Checkerboard County Park
• Dennis Frandsen County Park
• Ki-Chi-Saga County Park
• Kost Dam County Park. 

You can also check with nearby cities regarding their parks.

22. 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.

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

Contact Park Director Joseph Tart by emailing County Parks or by calling 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.