Nine thousand years ago, glaciers ground across and transformed the landscape here, creating beautiful Lake Kenogamisis, with its crystal-clear waters where pickerel and pike lurk in scores of inlets and hidden bays.

And it wouldn’t be the north without a forest fire or two. Years before MacLeod became a park, fire swept through the old-growth forest. Today, MacLeod’s campsites are nestled in the young primarily aspen forest that now covers the peninsula.

Like so many areas in the north, prospectors came here looking for gold. Today, the only evidence of this important history is a number of abandoned mine sites. One of these, the MacLeod-Cockshutt Mine, is the park’s namesake.

Moose feeding in the shallows, a glimpse of a fox or black bear, northern warblers, red-eyed vireos, ovenbirds, bald eagles soaring overhead, . . . the north is all around at MacLeod, especially at night. If you’re lucky, you may see northern lights turn the sky into shimmering curtains of colour.

Whether you are passing through or planning to stay for awhile, quiet, fun and relaxing times await you. MacLeod Park offers visitors an opportunity to experience the hospitality of the Greenstone region. The Park is located about 8 km east of Geraldton and 25 km west of Longlac. Visitors to the park thoroughly enjoy the natural landscape and recreational opportunities. To discover more of the history of this wonderful area, visit the Geraldton Heritage Interpretive Centre on the corner of Highway 11 and Michael Power Boulevard on Barrick Drive, just as you drive into Geraldton. There is also an excellent 18-hole golf course five minutes away located north off Hwy 11 on Michael Power Blvd. 

The area of the Park was first inhabited by First Nation peoples who, during the summer, caught and dried large quantities of fish at the nearby narrows. They also used agate from nearby gravel sources to make arrowheads.

Gold prospectors combed the northern landscape for the treasures they believed were hidden in the rocks. Gold mining was short lived, but the legacy lives on in the abandoned mines and the name of the park itself, which commemorates a former nearby gold mine, where the site of the head frame still stands today.

Of course, the swimming is excellent and the boating superb.

The Park has 120 campsites of which 28 have electrical service and a group camping area that is in a isolated area in the heart of nature. The park has two comfort stations, a boat launch, vault toilets, trailer dumping and a fish cleaning station. Please note that campsites are available on first come, first served basis.

For information on other Ontario Parks, visit www.ontarioparks.com  

The 2009 seasonal site draw has taken place.  The Park opens Victoria Day Weekend.  Please contact the Park Gate House for information on any remaining seasonal sites for the 2009 camping season.