Jesse Diehn,
Parks Manager
Contact Information
Phone: 320-523-3747
Social Media
- Follow on Facebook
- Subscribe to “Renville County Parks” (rencoparks) on Snapchat
Hours and Location
Hours:
Monday – Friday
8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Address:
Government Services Center
105 South 5th Street, Suite 319
Olivia, MN 56277
Park gates are open to motorized vehicles year-round, with the exception of plowable snow events. During these times, gates will be closed until weather conditions allow gates to be reopened.
The Parks are Calling!
Experience the natural beauty of Renville County by visiting 1,300+ acres of parkland featuring primitive stands of trees, wildflowers and native prairies, wildlife, and the uniqueness of bedrock outcroppings located along the banks of the Minnesota River. Enjoy the steep-wooded bluffs and observe first-hand the many historic sites along the Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway. Day visits are FREE and there is a small fee for overnight camping. We hope to see you soon!
NOTICE: The Vicksburg County Park boat landing is closed until further notice due to material wash out.
Learn More About Renville County Parks
As part of a Park’s Trail Enhancement Project, trail rating and trail feature maps are now available for most of Renville County’s Parks. Click the links below to download the maps of your choice.
County Parks Open for Winter Recreational Activities
Visitors are welcome to enter any of the seven county parks by foot to enjoy winter recreational activities. The park roads in Beaver Falls and Skalbekken County Parks will be groomed during the winter to allow for walking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, fat-tire biking and other non-motorized recreational uses. (Groomed status will be kept up-to-date below). The groomed trail follows the park road in both parks, providing a 1.5-mile trail in Skalbekken and a 2-mile trail in Beaver Falls. Rustic restrooms are open in Beaver Falls and Skalbekken this winter.
- The park gates are open to motorized vehicles year-round, with the exception of plowable snow events. During these times, the gates will be closed until weather conditions allow them to be reopened.
- “NO HUNTING” in any county park at any time of the year, unless in possession of a permit under the terms of a special park hunting season.
| Park | Date Groomed | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Beaver Falls 31599 Co Rd 2 Morton, MN 56270 | N/A | See you next winter! |
| Skalbekken 79186 Co Rd 10 Sacred Heart, MN 56285 | N/A | |
| Birch Coulee 68638 Co Rd 18 Morton, MN 56270 | N/A | |
| Mack Lake 60757 County Road 5 Fairfax, MN 55332 | N/A |
Where to Park Your Vehicle When Visiting a Park in the Winter:
Park gates are open to motorized vehicles year-round, with the exception of plowable snow events. During these times, gates will be closed until weather conditions allow gates to be reopened.
- Anderson Lake: You may park next to the gate and enter by walking past the gate.
- Beaver Falls Horse Camp (PDF): You may park by the shelter.
- Beaver Falls Rec. Area (PDF): You may park by the entrance gate.
- Birch Coulee (PDF): You may park by the entrance.
- Lake Allie (PDF): You may park by the shelter.
- Mack Lake (PDF): You may park by the entrance.
- Skalbekken Upper Shelter (PDF): You may park by the shelter.
- Skalbekken West Entrances and Horse Camp (PDF): You may park by the shelter in the horse camp or enter on Skally’s Road.
- Vicksburg Entrances (PDF): You may park by the entrance.
If you have any questions regarding use of the parks during the winter and early spring, please contact the Renville County Parks Department at 320-523-3747 or send an email.
There is hereby created a Renville County Parks and Trails Committee, as authorized under Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 398, whose duties and responsibilities shall consist of the following:
- To study, report, and make recommendations on amendments to the Park Ordinance prior to adoption of an amendment by the County Board.
- To conduct public hearings, review all information, and prepare a report and recommendation to the County Board on park land acquisition and development.
- Act as an advisory board to the County Board reviewing all recreation, leisure, and park related issues including park planning, operation, maintenance, protection, and improvement.
- Study and recommend appropriate fees for park permits.
- Such other duties as the Renville County Board of Commissioners may prescribe.
Parks and Trails Committee Members:
- District 1: Penny Macik
- District 2: Louise Kiecker
- District 3: Calvin Aarons
- District 4: Stephen Altmann
- District 5: Larry Eekhoff
- Youth At-Large: VACANT
- Youth At-Large: VACANT
- At-Large: Brad Bastian
- At-Large: Dave Fischer
- County Board Chair: Randy Kramer
- County Board Vice Chair: Dave Hamre
- Parks Manager (Public Works): Jesse Diehn
- HRA/EDA:
Q. Are there entrance or usage fees in Renville County Parks?
Admission for general park use is free. Permit fees are charged for camping. Rental fees are charged for reservation of picnic shelters. Group camping rates can be obtained by calling 320-523-3747.
Q. Are there group camping rates?
There are no group camping rates.
Q. How far in advance can I reserve a picnic shelter?
Picnic shelter reservations are taken at the Renville County Parks Department office beginning the first working day of January for the upcoming season. To make a reservation, call 320-523-3747.
Q. Am I able to rent picnic tables for a private gathering?
Park equipment and picnic tables are not for rent outside of park.
Q. Can I cut dead trees in the parks for firewood?
The cutting of firewood for personal use is not allowed in the park system. However, any fallen/downed trees may be cut and used for recreational firewood in the parks.
*Unless you are a resident of Renville County bringing in firewood from a source in Renville County, no firewood shall be transported into, possessed, or burned in any Renville County park unless it bears evidence that it is from a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources approved source and/or a certified firewood vendor. Deadfall (downed trees and limbs) gathered in the park system may be used for small recreational fires in fireplaces or fire rings.
Q. Can I access the parks when the gates are closed?
Yes, however, the parks are not open to vehicle traffic once the gates are closed.
