Bear Head Lake State Park has officially won the $100,000 grant in the “America’s Favorite Parks” online contest.

Of more than 5.7 million votes cast from July 29 to Aug. 31, Bear Head garnered 28 percent. That’s saying something, considering they were up against some big-name national parks. They came in ahead of second place finisher, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, by a long shot. And the award will allow the park to do more than set out a few more picnic tables.

The award was offered through America’s State Parks Foundation made possible by Coca-Cola’s “Live Positively” initiative. Coca-Cola announced the winner on Thursday during a presentation at the Department of Natural Resources Headquarters in St. Paul.

Minnesota DNR Commissioner Mark Holsten said the donation was very generous and very much a surprise.

“At first, I didn’t know anything about it,” he said. “They were a couple of weeks into the event when I found out… At that moment, I was taken aback that Coke was generously putting this opportunity out there.”

At the check presentation, Park Manager Jen Westlund said winning the grant was “an incredible honor.”

“We’re very grateful to everyone, both in Minnesota and nationwide, who voted for Bear Head Lake State Park,” she said.

She added that the gift will be used to fund construction of a multi-season trail center where hikers, paddlers, snowshoers and families can gather before heading outdoors to explore the park.

Holsten explained that the DNR intends to use the funds strictly for Bear Head Lake State Park.

What’s more, he said Bear Head is more than a park by itself. It’s an integral part of developing a “complex” of parks in the area including the new Lake Vermilion State Park. Each would be connected by a trail system making them accessible to the other parks and surrounding communities.

He also credits Minnesotans for bucking a national trend away from spending time in parks and the outdoors.

“People across the country are typically not going to parks and pulling away from outdoor recreation,” he said. “But we have a great attachment to our parks that provide those [activities.]”

Eagles Nest Township, where the park resides, has no commercial outlets or merchants to determine how an influx of park visitors might benefit the community. But Township Chair Dan Humay said they have a good relationship with the park staff and Park Manager Jen Westlund is a great administrator. They share facilities, plan cooperative programs and several Eagles Nest residents volunteer at the park.

“It’s a give and take kind of thing,” he said. “We’re thankful for the park and consider them to be part of our community. I think they consider us a part of their community, too.”

He also indicated that the park winning the contest was significantly influenced by fans of local ursine celebrities Lily the Bear, her daughter Hope, and Lily’s mother June who all reside in the area.

“It’s fair to say this didn’t happen by coincidence, but because June wintered in the park for the last two years,” he said.