Frontenac State Park

The park is named after the town of Old Frontenac, which in turn was named for Louis de Buade de Frontenac, the governor of New France in the late 1600s. After many attempts to preserve the area as a park in the 1930s, Frontenac State Park was finally established in 1957.

Located on the Mississippi River, Frontenac is a birdwatcher’s paradise. It’s one of the best spots in the country to view birds migrating in the spring and fall. More than 260 species of birds have been recorded here. No wonder: Lake Pepin’s diverse habitats — bluffland, prairie, floodplain forest and upland hardwood forest — attract numerous warblers, hawks, waterfowl and shorebirds. Hikers and skiers enjoy spectacular views of this beautifully wooded river valley. Fishing, swimming and boat tours are all available nearby.

The park has 58 drive-in campsites, 19 of which are electric, with six cart-in sites, two backpack sites, and a group camp. All campsites are 100% reservable. Hike the many trails that overlook Lake Pepin, meander through restored prairies, or take wander down to the shores of the Mississippi River.