Big Stone Lake State Park Travel Guide — Minnesota

Our Big Stone Lake State Park guide covers practical planning for Big Stone Lake State Park Minnesota — best time to visit, getting there, and what to do on the ground.

For those seeking a tranquil escape into Minnesota’s wild heart, Big Stone Lake State Park Minnesota offers an unparalleled experience. Nestled along the western border of the state, this park is a true gem, marking the headwaters of the mighty Minnesota River. We've compiled this comprehensive guide to help you plan your visit, ensuring you make the most of your time in this beautiful prairie and lake country.

Why Visit Big Stone Lake State Park

Big Stone Lake State Park is a destination for travelers drawn to the serenity of vast open waters and the subtle beauty of a restored prairie landscape. The park offers a quiet retreat where the rhythm of nature dictates the pace of your day. It’s a place where the sun sets dramatically over Minnesota’s largest lake, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, and where the calls of migrating birds echo across the water.

Beyond its scenic beauty, the park holds significant ecological importance. It preserves a unique stretch of native hillside prairie, oak basswood forest, and oak savanna woodland, providing a habitat for diverse wildlife. The lake itself is a vibrant ecosystem, teeming with over 45 different kinds of fish, making it a prime spot for anglers. Whether you're casting a line, observing rare bird species, or simply enjoying a peaceful sunset, Big Stone Lake State Park provides a genuine connection to Minnesota's natural heritage.

Who It's Best For

Our team recommends Big Stone Lake State Park for a variety of travelers, particularly those who appreciate outdoor recreation without the bustling crowds often found in larger, more well-known parks. It’s an ideal destination for:

• **Anglers:** With Big Stone Lake being a renowned fishing destination, especially for walleye, northern pike, bluegill, and yellow perch, serious anglers will find this park highly rewarding. The walleye season, notably, never closes on Big Stone Lake.
• **Birdwatchers:** The park is a popular birding spot, attracting a wide array of species, from songbirds in the prairie to various ducks, geese, cormorants, pelicans, and herons on the lake. Renting a birding kit from the park office can enhance the experience.
• **Nature Photographers:** The stunning views of the lake, exposed bedrock, glacial boulders, and diverse prairie wildflowers offer endless opportunities for captivating nature photography.
• **Families with Young Children:** The park features a playground and a swimming beach in the Meadowbrook area, providing family-friendly activities. Kids can also enjoy geocaching or renting fishing kits.
• **Campers Seeking Tranquility:** The Meadowbrook Campground offers quiet, lakeside camping, with some sites providing direct lake access for fishing.
• **Road Trippers:** Located on the Minnesota-South Dakota border, it’s a great stop for those exploring the region, perhaps as part of a larger USA Road Trip Planner or a journey through the best places in Minnesota.

If you're looking for a quiet, scenic getaway focused on nature and water activities, Big Stone Lake State Park is an excellent choice. It offers a more relaxed atmosphere compared to some of Minnesota's more visited parks like Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness or Itasca State Park.

Getting There & Parking

Reaching Big Stone Lake State Park is straightforward, though its western Minnesota location means it’s a destination best accessed by car. The park is situated near the town of Ortonville, Minnesota, which serves as a convenient hub for supplies and local services.

The main address for Big Stone Lake State Park is 35889 Meadowbrook State Park Rd, Ortonville, MN 56278.

The park is divided into two primary units, separated by approximately eight miles:

• **Meadowbrook Area:** This is the southern unit and where the main campground, swimming beach, and picnic area are located. The park office is also in this area.
• **Bonanza Area:** Located to the north, this unit offers primitive camping, hiking, and birdwatching, along with the Bonanza Education Center (open by appointment).

To get to Big Stone Lake State Park from Ortonville, you'll travel approximately seven miles northwest along State Highway 7. Keep an eye out for brown highway signs indicating the park entrance.

Parking at Big Stone Lake State Park

Parking is available at designated areas within both the Meadowbrook and Bonanza units. Visitors will need a park permit to enter. As of 2026, a daily park permit costs $7, while an annual permit is $35. A second vehicle annual permit is $26, and a handicapped permit is $12. These fees are separate from any camping charges. We recommend displaying your permit clearly in your vehicle. There are specific parking coordinates available for the Meadowbrook Area (N45 23.220, W96 32.052), Bonanza Area (N45 26.830, W96 42.795), and Overlook Area (N45 25.659, W96 41.521).

Top Things to Do

Big Stone Lake State Park offers a diverse range of activities that cater to outdoor enthusiasts. Our team has identified the top things to do at Big Stone Lake State Park, ensuring you experience the best of this lakeside destination.

Fishing and Boating

Big Stone Lake is renowned for its excellent fishing opportunities. Anglers can expect to catch walleye, northern pike, bluegill, and yellow perch. The lake is a border water, meaning its fishing season opens two weeks earlier than inland Minnesota waters, and the walleye season never closes. Boat launches are available in both the Meadowbrook and Bonanza areas, providing easy access to the lake. For those without their own watercraft, canoes and kayaks are available for rent during the summer months. The lake’s 26-mile length offers ample space for boating, though we advise caution on windy days as conditions can become powerful.

Birdwatching and Wildlife Viewing

Big Stone Lake State Park is a haven for birdwatchers. The park’s diverse habitats, including the lake, wetlands, and prairie lands, support a wide variety of avian species. You can spot songbirds like swallows, meadowlarks, and sparrows in the prairie, while hawks often soar overhead. On and around the lake, numerous species of ducks, geese, cormorants, pelicans, and herons are plentiful. Sandpipers are frequently seen along the beaches. Visitors can rent birding kits to enhance their experience. Beyond birds, the park is home to raccoons, deer, wild turkeys, pheasants, ground squirrels, and mourning doves. The Bonanza Scientific and Natural Area (SNA) within the park protects rare oak savanna and glacial till prairie habitat, further enriching wildlife viewing opportunities.

Big Stone Lake State Park Hiking Trails

For those who enjoy exploring on foot, Big Stone Lake State Park offers several scenic hiking trails. The trails are generally short and family-friendly, providing gentle walks through prairies, wetlands, and along the lakeshore. We recommend these Big Stone Lake State Park hiking trails:

• **Bonanza Area Hiking Club Trail:** This one-mile trail features rolling hills and extends south of the campground, offering fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities.
• **Bluebird Trail:** A flat, one-mile loop that winds through a prairie where you can spot bluebird boxes.
• **Prairie Trail:** This two-mile loop traverses tall-grass prairie, abundant with wildflowers and various pollinators.

In total, the park boasts approximately three miles of hiking trails. During the winter months, snowshoeing is permitted throughout the park, offering a different perspective of the frozen landscape.

Swimming and Picnicking

The Meadowbrook area of Big Stone Lake State Park features a designated swimming beach, perfect for a refreshing dip on a warm day. Picnic areas with beautiful lake views are also available, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely outdoor meal. We suggest packing a lunch and enjoying the serene lakeside atmosphere.

Geocaching and Fossil Hunting

For a unique adventure, visitors can engage in geocaching, using handheld GPS devices available for rent from the park. Additionally, the Bonanza area, once part of glacial Lake Agassiz, occasionally yields fossils among its glacial boulders and exposed bedrock, offering a fascinating treasure hunt for the curious.

Best Time to Visit

Our team consistently finds that the best time to visit Big Stone Lake State Park is from late spring through early fall. During these months, the weather is most conducive to enjoying the park's primary attractions.

• **Late Spring to Summer (May-August):** This period is ideal for water activities such as boating, swimming, and fishing. Migratory birds are highly active, making it prime time for birdwatching. The prairie wildflowers are also in full bloom, adding vibrant color to the landscape. However, be prepared for potentially windy conditions and bring insect repellent, especially near marshy areas.
• **Fall (September-October):** As temperatures cool, the park transforms with stunning autumnal colors, particularly along the lakeshore and through the apple orchards north of Ortonville. Fall also offers excellent bird migration viewing and a quieter atmosphere, though some park facilities may begin to operate on reduced hours.

While the park is open daily from 8 AM to 10 PM year-round, ranger station hours are seasonal and can vary. We always recommend checking the Explore Minnesota website or the Minnesota DNR website for seasonal updates and current conditions before your trip.

Where to Stay Nearby

When planning your trip to Big Stone Lake State Park, you have several options for accommodations, ranging from within the park to nearby towns. Our team has researched the best Big Stone Lake State Park lodging options.

Camping in Big Stone Lake State Park

The primary camping facility within Big Stone Lake State Park is the Meadowbrook Campground, located in the southern unit of the park. It offers 37 campsites, with 10 of these providing 30-amp electric hookups. Some sites are situated close enough to the lake for direct fishing access, though these typically do not have electric capabilities. All campsites require reservations, which can be made up to 120 days (four months) in advance. New dates become available at 8:00 AM Central Time. Same-day reservations are also available with no additional fee. Camping fees range from $20-$35 per night for drive-in sites, with an additional $10 per night for electric hookups. Generators are allowed during the day but must be turned off between 10 PM and 8 AM. Firewood should be purchased locally to prevent the spread of invasive species, as gathering firewood within the park is prohibited.

Hotels and Motels in Ortonville, MN

The closest town with traditional lodging options is Ortonville, Minnesota, located just a few miles from the park. While not a large city, Ortonville offers a selection of motels and inns that provide comfortable stays. We recommend checking popular booking sites for the most current availability and rates. These establishments typically offer standard amenities, serving as a convenient base for exploring the park and the surrounding area.

Vacation Rentals and Cabins

For a more private or home-like experience, several vacation rentals and cabins are available in and around Ortonville, particularly along the shores of Big Stone Lake. These often come with amenities like full kitchens, multiple bedrooms, and private lake access, making them ideal for families or longer stays. Some cabins boast gorgeous lake views and docks. We suggest looking for properties that highlight their proximity to Big Stone Lake State Park for easy access.

RV Parks and Private Campgrounds

Beyond the state park campground, you'll find private RV parks and campgrounds in the vicinity, including options just across the border in South Dakota. These often provide additional amenities such as full hookups (30 & 50 amp), larger sites, and sometimes even WiFi. Examples include a quiet 40-site full hookup campground just north of Big Stone City, SD, and Camp Dakotah near Sisseton, SD, which offers shaded, big-rig friendly sites. These can be excellent alternatives if the state park campground is full or if you require more extensive RV services.

Sample 2-Day Itinerary

To help you maximize your visit to Big Stone Lake State Park, our team has crafted a sample 2-day itinerary. This plan balances outdoor activities with opportunities for relaxation and local exploration, ensuring you get a comprehensive experience of Big Stone Lake State Park Minnesota.

Day 1: Lake Exploration and Meadowbrook Delights

• **Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Fishing and Boating.** Arrive early at the Meadowbrook Area. After setting up camp or checking into your nearby lodging, head to the boat launch. Spend the morning fishing for walleye or northern pike, or rent a canoe or kayak to paddle the calm morning waters of Big Stone Lake.
• **Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Lakeside Picnic.** Enjoy a packed lunch at one of the picnic areas in the Meadowbrook unit, taking in the expansive lake views.
• **Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Swimming and Nature Walk.** Relax at the swimming beach, perfect for families. Afterwards, take a leisurely stroll on the Bluebird Trail, a one-mile loop through the prairie, keeping an eye out for bluebirds and other prairie species.
• **Evening (5:00 PM onwards): Sunset and Campfire.** Prepare dinner at your campsite or enjoy a meal in Ortonville. As evening approaches, find a prime spot along the lake to witness a spectacular Big Stone Lake sunset. End your day with a campfire, if conditions allow, enjoying the peaceful sounds of the park.

Day 2: Prairie Trails and Cultural Insights

• **Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Bonanza Area Exploration.** Drive to the Bonanza Area, the northern unit of the park (about 8 miles from Meadowbrook). Embark on the Bonanza Area Hiking Club Trail (1 mile) or the Prairie Trail (2 miles) to experience the native prairie and oak basswood forest. This area is excellent for birdwatching and wildlife photography.
• **Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Ortonville Charm.** Head into Ortonville for lunch. Explore local eateries and perhaps visit Lakeside Park or the Ortonville Municipal Golf Course.
• **Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Local Attractions or Geocaching.** Depending on your interests, you could visit the Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge (approximately 12 miles away) for more extensive birding and an auto tour route (open April to December). Alternatively, try geocaching within Big Stone Lake State Park, renting a GPS device from the park office.
• **Late Afternoon (4:00 PM onwards): Departure or Extended Stay.** Enjoy one last view of the lake before departing, or extend your stay to further explore the surrounding Minnesota region, perhaps venturing towards the Chain of Lakes or even the Cathedral of Saint Paul if you're heading east.

Is It Worth Visiting?

Our editorial team wholeheartedly agrees: Big Stone Lake State Park is absolutely worth visiting for those who appreciate natural beauty, quiet recreation, and abundant wildlife. It’s a destination that delivers on its promise of a peaceful lakeside experience.

The park’s appeal lies in its unpretentious charm and its focus on accessible outdoor activities. Unlike some of Minnesota's more rugged or heavily trafficked parks, Big Stone Lake State Park offers a serene environment where you can truly unwind. The fishing is exceptional, the birdwatching opportunities are plentiful, and the gentle hiking trails provide a pleasant way to connect with the prairie landscape.

For families, the presence of a swimming beach and playground ensures that children have engaging activities. For solo travelers or couples, the quiet campsites and stunning sunsets offer a romantic or reflective escape. While it may not boast dramatic mountain vistas or towering waterfalls, the expansive lake, rolling prairies, and diverse wildlife create a unique and memorable experience. If you're seeking a destination where you can relax, fish, birdwatch, and enjoy the simple pleasures of nature, then Big Stone Lake State Park is undoubtedly worth visiting.

How to Get There

Reaching Big Stone Lake State Park is primarily done by road, as it’s located in a more rural part of western Minnesota. The town of Ortonville, Minnesota, serves as the closest community and a key reference point for directions. Our team outlines the best ways for how to get to Big Stone Lake State Park.

By Car

The most common and recommended way to access Big Stone Lake State Park is by personal vehicle. The park is located at 35889 Meadowbrook State Park Rd, Ortonville, MN 56278.

• **From Ortonville, MN:** The park is approximately seven miles northwest of Ortonville via State Highway 7. Look for brown highway signs that will guide you to the park entrance.
• **From Minneapolis/St. Paul (approximately 3 hours, 30 minutes to 4 hours):** Take I-94 West to MN-28 West towards Graceville/Ortonville. Alternatively, take US-12 West for a more direct route through smaller towns.
• **From Fargo, ND (approximately 2 hours):** Take I-29 South to US-12 East towards Ortonville.
• **From Sioux Falls, SD (approximately 2 hours):** Take I-29 North to US-12 East towards Ortonville.

We recommend using a GPS or mapping application for precise directions, but always keep an eye out for state park signage as you get closer to the destination. Ensure your vehicle has sufficient fuel, as services can be sparse in some of the more rural stretches leading to the park.

Public Transportation

Public transportation options directly to Big Stone Lake State Park are extremely limited, if available at all. The park's remote location means that a personal vehicle is virtually essential for convenient access and for exploring the various units of the park and surrounding attractions. If you are flying into a regional airport (such as Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport MSP or Fargo Hector International Airport FAR), you will need to rent a car to complete your journey to the park.

When planning your trip, consider that cell phone coverage and Wi-Fi can be unpredictable in some state parks, so it’s wise to download maps or directions in advance.

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FAQ

Big Stone Lake State Park camping

Big Stone Lake State Park offers camping at its Meadowbrook Campground, featuring 37 sites. Ten of these sites have 30-amp electric hookups, while others are non-electric, with some lakeside sites allowing fishing directly from your spot. Reservations are required and can be made up to 120 days in advance through the Minnesota DNR website or by phone (866-857-2757); same-day reservations are also available without a fee. Campsite fees range from $20-$35 per night, plus an additional $10 for electric hookups. Generators are permitted during the day but must be off during quiet hours (10 PM - 8 AM). Firewood must be purchased locally to prevent the spread of invasive species.

things to do in Ortonville

Ortonville, Minnesota, the closest town to Big Stone Lake State Park, offers several local attractions and events. You can enjoy a round of golf at the Ortonville Municipal Golf Course or relax at Lakeside Park. The town hosts various community events throughout the year. For example, in 2026, events include the "USA 250TH ANNIVERSARY OLD TIME PICNIC - YANKEETOWN" in July, the "Zion Annual Pie and Ice Cream Social" in August, and the "35th Oak Tree Classic" and "38th Annual Septemberfest" in September. We recommend checking local calendars for the most up-to-date schedule of things to do in Ortonville during your visit.

Big Stone Lake State Park with kids

Big Stone Lake State Park is a great destination for families with kids. The Meadowbrook area features a playground and a swimming beach, perfect for active children. Kids can also engage in birdwatching, with birding kits available for rent, or try their hand at fishing from designated lake access points. Geocaching is another fun activity, with handheld GPS devices available for rent. The park's gentle hiking trails, like the Bluebird Trail, are suitable for younger hikers, offering opportunities to spot wildlife and wildflowers.

best hotels near Big Stone Lake State Park

While Big Stone Lake State Park itself offers camping, the best hotels near Big Stone Lake State Park are primarily found in Ortonville, Minnesota. These typically include local motels and inns that provide comfortable, standard accommodations. For a more unique or spacious stay, consider vacation rentals and cabins available around Ortonville and along Big Stone Lake, many of which offer lake views and private amenities. Additionally, several private RV parks and campgrounds in the vicinity, including some just across the border in South Dakota, offer full hookup sites and additional facilities.

Big Stone Lake State Park tips

Our top Big Stone Lake State Park tips include: always securing your park permit upon arrival ($7 daily, $35 annual). For camping, make reservations 120 days in advance, especially for electric sites, or utilize same-day booking. Bring binoculars for birdwatching, as the park is a prime birding spot. Pack insect repellent during warmer months and be prepared for potentially windy conditions. Purchase firewood locally to prevent the spread of invasive species, as gathering wood in the park is prohibited. Finally, check the Minnesota DNR website for seasonal updates or burning restrictions before your visit.

where to stay near Big Stone Lake State Park

For those wondering where to stay near Big Stone Lake State Park, the most direct option is camping within the park at Meadowbrook Campground, which offers both electric and non-electric sites. Outside the park, the town of Ortonville, Minnesota, provides several hotel and motel choices. Additionally, a variety of vacation rentals, including cabins with lake access and views, are available in the Ortonville area. For RV travelers, private RV parks and campgrounds can be found nearby, offering full hookups and other amenities, some even in neighboring South Dakota.

For more detailed planning on your US adventures, consult our Plan Your US Trip guide. To discover more of Minnesota's natural wonders, explore destinations like Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Itasca State Park, or the North Shore.

Last updated: 2026-07-14 by the Roam States team.