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Thousand Hills State Park
660-665-6995

Thousand Hills State Park boasts excellent fishing opportunities at the 573-acre Forest Lake, which is stocked with crappie, largemouth bass, walleye and channel catfish among others. Forest Lake fishing regulations are as follows:

• All largemouth bass more than 12 inches but less than 15 inches, and all walleye less than 18 inches in total length must be returned to the water unharmed immediately after being caught.
• Fish may be taken only with pole or rod with an attached line, limb lines or bank lines with the exception of carp, which may be taken by gig, longbow or crossbow during statewide seasons (no trot lines or jug lines allowed).
• Not more than three poles or rods may be used by one person.
• Bullfrogs and green frogs may be taken during the statewide season, but only by hand, hand net, gig, longbow or hook and lines.
• Seining or trapping live bait is prohibited.
• Outboard motors over 90 horsepower are not allowed to operate on Forest Lake.
  

Located in close proximity to the park's dining lodge is a paved boat ramp approximately three stalls wide. A city permit is required on all private boats. Outboard motors over 90 horsepower are not allowed to operate on Forest Lake.

A decal bearing the permit number and year shall be placed on the port of the transom.

There are over 60 picnic sites located within Thousand Hills State Park including four open shelters and one enclosed shelter. The shelters provide a perfect venue for hosting large family gatherings or special outings and can be reserved in advance for a fee.

The enclosed shelter can be reserved for $50 per day and has an occupancy limit of 75 people. The shelter includes two grills, 12 tables, benches, a stove, refrigerator, electricity and a restroom facility with water on location.

Point Shelter, an open shelter that accommodates up to 69 guests, includes two grills, a children’s playground facility, electricity and water. The reservation rate is $40 per day.

The remaining three open shelters, Shelter 2, Dead Man’s Curve Shelter and the beach shelter, all can be reserved at a rate of $30 per day. They accommodate between 36 and 48 guests and include outdoor grills. If not reserved, all open shelters are open to park visitors at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis.

Additional children’s playground facilities are located at Campground 1 and the main day-use picnic area.

For shelter reservation information, please contact the park office at 660-665-6995.

Swimming
The beach at Thousand Hills State Park is open daily May 24 to Sept. 1 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Lifeguards are on duty full time. Dressing rooms and showers are also provided. A snack bar is open at the beach during these times offering soda, chips, water and candy.

The beach will be closed on days the concessionaire and the park superintendent feel the weather is inclement. Please check the boathouse for possible closing information or call the park office at 660-665-6995.