Garvin Park - Garvin, MN
"Garvin Park - A Nice Place to Visit"
Garvin Park

Garvin, MN  56132
(507) 629-4081

Located 13 miles south of Marshall, MN
Garvin Park has a lot to Offer!

  • Garvin Park winter tubing hill
  • Camping & picnicking Facilities
  • Hiking & cross-country trails
  • Horse & snowmobile trails
  • Bow hunting
  • Softball diamond
    • Rich History
    Back in the Thirties, one of the most popular spots in Lyon County was a 27-acre track of woodland along the Cottonwood River. This park became a reality through the efforts of interested local people, the Garvin Community Club, and Mr. H.C. Garvin, a retired Winona businessman. In his youth, Mr.Garvin was a station agent at Tracy for the Chicago Northwestern Railroad. He became the chief contributor of money and equipment for the park.

    As a result of the depression years, many men were out of work. Mr. Howard Bussard administered federal relief funds to pay a crew of men for the labor needed to create a park. Two log cabins were built, a ball diamond cleared, picnic tables built, fireplaces put in many locations and a swimming pool dredged.

    Garvin Park - Garvin, MN
    Garvin Park - Garvin, MN Park Development
    Mr. Frank Swain was hired as caretaker. He planted many flowerbeds and made a rock garden. He kept the park mowed and clean.

    On May 30, 1935, a crowd of 5,00 attended the dedication event. Hundreds during the next years visited the park, but spring floods washed away the bridge and destroyed much of the work done. Funds ran low and soon the area reverted to its wild state.

    In 1967, the Lyon County Board, together with the Park Advisory Board, levied local funds to match state and federal grants to enlarge Garvin Park by 490 acres and to develop recreational facilities. As of 1998 it is presently 700 acres in size.

    Inner Tubing
    Inner tubing is a popular winter activity enjoyed by all ages. Garvin Park opens its tubing hill when Mother Nature has blanketed us with enough snow. We are able to stay open all winter long thanks to the snow machine donated by Chet Johnson. Also, if you are the type that gets cold easily, there is a warming house open for your use.

    The hill is open to the public on Saturday and Sunday afternoons from 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. Private parties may be held on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Monday nights. For more information on private parties contact the park.
    Cost: $2.00 per person

    		Garvin Park - Garvin, MN

    Special Events:
    Garvin Park - Garvin, MN Turkey Season
    Turkey season is in the spring. There are seven 5-day seasons, which begin in mid-April and run through mid-May. Legal hunting hours is ½ hr before sunrise until noon.

    The park is closed until noon to all other visitors during this season. Bag limit is one tom with a beard of at least three.

    Deer Season
    Deer hunting in the park is open to bow hunting only and runs from mid September to December 31st. Either sex may be taken. No permanent stands may be placed in the park.     		Garvin Park - Garvin, MN

    Facilities:

    Camping:
    • 2 campgrounds with 33 rustic campsites (14 with electricity)
    • Dumpsites available

    No sticker required/honor system
    Costs: $3.00 no electric
    $5.00 with electric

    Picnicking:

    • 5 large shelters with tables spread throughout (4 with electricity)
    • Hiking & cross-country Skiing Trails: 2-1/2 miles
    • Horse and Snowmobile Trail: 5-1/2 miles
    • Bow Hunting: Deer taken according to state law only
    • Softball Field
    • Lookout Tower: a tower that looks over the beautiful park.
    Help Us Improve Garvin Park is the result of many; the county board, the park board, the state, and individuals who have not only given money, but donated land and time. Any donations are gratefully accepted.