Big Stone Lake is 26 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, northern pike, yellow perch and bluegills. The northern section of the park, called the Bonanza Area, provides a picnic area and boat launch for guests. The area also includes the Bonanza 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.
Park Highlights:
Lakeside Campsites
Fishing
Bird Watching
Native Prairie/Oak Savanna in Scientific and Natural Area
Wildflowers Spring/Summer
Camping
Drive-in Sites 37 Sites
Thirteen lakeside sites. Boat landing, beach within walking distance of campground. In winter, the road to the campground is not plowed.
Electric Sites 10 Sites
Sites are close to shower building.
RV Length Limit 48 Feet
Length is measured from front of tow vehicle to rear of vehicle being towed.
Trails
Summer
Hiking 3 Miles
One trail starts near park office with opportunities to view wildflowers. The other trail is in the Bonanza area and takes you along the lake through sheltered woods.
Winter
Snowshoe Anywhere in Park
Recreation Facilities
Summer
Picnic Area 2 Main Areas - no shelters.
Both areas are lakeside. One area has a grill and is near the swimming beach.
Playground Near Campground
Sand box.
Horseshoes Near Campground
Pick up equipment at park office.
Golf Course Within 8 Miles
One golf course in Ortonville.
Winter
Other Bonanza Education Center (BEC)
Water
Water Source Big Stone Lake
Fishing Big Stone Lake
Swimming Beach Within the park
Boat Access Drive-in