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Minnesota
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Minnesota State Parks

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Southern Region
Big Stone Lake State Park
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BIG STONE LAKE STATE PARK
BIG STONE LAKE STATE PARK
35889 Meadowbrook State Park Road
Ortonville, Minnesota   56278

Phone: 320-839-3663
Toll Free: 888-646-6367
Reservations: 866-857-2757
Email: park email button icon
Big Stone Lake is 30 miles long and is located on the South Dakota-Minnesota border. The lake is the source of the Minnesota River and attracts anglers who catch walleye, northerns and bluegills. The northern section of the park, called the Bonanza Area, provides a picnic area, boat launch and a primitive group camp for guests. The area also includes the Big Stone Lake Environmental Education Center which provides a place to discover the past and ways to preserve it. The southern section of the park, called the Meadowbrook Area, contains a campground, swimming beach and hiking trails.
Nature of the Area
Big Stone Lake State Park is part of the Minnesota River Country Landscape Region, a large area which extends almost 200 miles from Ortonville to Mankato. At one time, the landscape consisted of tall and mid-grass prairie, interspersed with marshes, lakes and streams. Today, extensive farming has replaced the prairie. Cottonwoods, ash, and silver maples can be found on the lake's shoreline. The Bonanza Area includes 30 acres of rare glacial till hill prairie, which is designated as a Scientific and Natural Area (SNA).

Long ago, this area was the south end of glacial Lake Agassiz. Torrents of water cut the valley when glacial river Warren drained Lake Aggassiz. The area around Big Stone Lake State Park consists of granite and gneiss quarries. The top three inches of stone is exposed and contains the fossil remains of sharks' teeth.

Deer, raccoons, thirteen-lined ground squirrels, meadowlarks, sedge wrens, robins, thrashers and mourning doves are sighted in the park.
History of the Area
In 1923, State Auditor Ray Chase critiqued the state park system and thought there was a geographic imbalance in the system. In his proposal for additional parks, Chase urged that more state parks be established in southern Minnesota. The Ortonville area was targeted as a place with a need for a state park. It wasn't until 1961 that Big Stone Lake State Park was established at the urging of Ortonville business people who were concerned about lakeshore development. Working with U.W. (Judge) Hella, director of Parks and Recreation Division, legislation was drafted to establish Big Stone Lake as a state park.
Swimming
1. Big Stone Lake State Park offers a designated swimming area on the shores of Meadowbrook.
2. No lifeguards are present, so swim at your own risk.
3. The lake's water is typically warm and calm during summer months for comfortable swimming conditions.
4. Swimming outside the marked areas can be dangerous due to boat traffic and fishing activities in other parts of the park.
5. There are no indoor or pool facilities available; all swimming takes place in natural bodies of water within this state park.

Boating
The park offers a variety of boating options for visitors. There is a boat ramp available in the Meadowbrook area, allowing easy access to water activities such as fishing and waterskiing on the lake's 26 miles of shoreline. Canoe rentals are also offered within the park, providing an opportunity for leisurely exploration or bird-watching along its many tributaries and marshes.
Fishing
Enjoy fishing in a 26-mile long, freshwater lake with species like walleye, northern pike and bluegill. There are also yellow perch, crappie and largemouth bass to catch. Boat ramps provide easy access for anglers of all levels.



Picnicking
Big Stone Lake State Park offers picnic tables, fire rings and grills. A sheltered area is available for larger groups.
Bicycling
Biking enthusiasts can explore the park's 3-mile Prairie Trail. Be aware, it is not paved and may be rough.

The trail offers scenic views of native prairies but requires cautious biking due to uneven terrain.

There are no bike rentals available on-site; visitors must bring their own equipment for cycling activities.

During winter months, bicycling options might be limited or unsafe because of snowfall and icy conditions.

Remember that helmets are recommended when riding bikes in this area for safety reasons.

Please note: there aren't any dedicated mountain biking trails within the park boundaries.

Cyclists should respect wildlife habitats while exploring these natural spaces by sticking to designated paths only.
Birding
The park offers birding opportunities with over 200 species, including waterfowl and songbirds. Birdwatchers can spot rare birds like the Marbled Godwit and Forster's Terns. The Bonanza Area is a popular location for spotting migratory birds in spring or fall seasons.

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Area Campgrounds
Lakeshore RV Park & Fruit Farm
39445 Lakeshore RV Park Road
Ortonville, MN
320-839-3701
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
From Ortonville, go 7 miles northwest on Hwy. 7. Follow signs to park.

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Minnesota
12

Minnesota State Parks

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