Glendalough State Park, established in 1991, was formerly a property that was owned by the Minneapolis Tribune newspaper as a private retreat and game farm. The park has gentle rolling hills and five lakes which is the typical landscape in this transition area from prairie to northern hardwoods. The retreat was named Glendalough, meaning “the glen between two lakes,” by Minneapolis Tribune owner F.E. Murphy and his wife were of Irish descent.
The lakes that are within the boundaries of Glendalough State Park are non-motorized. The 335-acre Annie Battle Lake is a "Heritage Fishery" that has special fishing regulations which enable large sunfish, crappies, and bass to be caught from its waters.
In addition to fishing, other activities that can be enjoyed at Glendalough State Park included picnicking, hiking, biking, camping, swimming, canoeing, and kayaking. There are nine miles of hiking trails, two miles of mountain bike trails, and over five miles of paved bike trails in the park. The Glendalough Trail allows bicyclists to bike to the nearby town of Battle Lake to check out its shops and restaurants. The park offers rentals of bicycles, boats, canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards near the boat launch on Annie Battle Lake.
Winter activities at Glendalough State Park include cross country skiing and snowshoeing. There are eight miles of groomed cross country ski trails. Snowshoeing is allowed anywhere in the park except for on the groomed trails. Cross country skis and snowshoes are available for rent at the park office.
The park has a cart-in campground with 22 sites, a group site, and three canoe sites. There are also four camper cabins and two yurts that can be rented.
A fee is required for the park. A Minnesota state park day use or annual permit can be purchased at the Park Office or the entrance kiosk. Dogs are allowed in all areas of the park, except for in buildings and at beaches. Dogs must when kept on a leash 6 feet long or shorter. A link to the Minnesota DNR website for McCarthy Beach State Park can be found here.
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00167#homepage
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