Big Stone Lake
Big Stone Lake straddles the border between Minnesota and South Dakota, making it a unique natural wonder shared by two states. Here’s some information about it:
Books about Big Stone Lake:
Big Stone Lake Fun Book: A Fun and Educational Book About Big Stone Lake
Big Stone Lake Safety Book: The Essential Lake Safety Guide For Children
Location: Big Stone Lake lies on the western border of Minnesota and the northeastern corner of South Dakota [1, 2]. Towns bordering the lake include Ortonville, Minnesota, and Big Stone City, South Dakota [5].
Size and Depth: The lake stretches for 26 miles (42 kilometers) in length, with an average width of about a mile (1.6 kilometers) [1, 2]. While extensive, it’s relatively shallow, with a maximum depth of only 16 feet (4.9 meters) [2].
Origin: Big Stone Lake was formed at the end of the last ice age when glacial Lake Agassiz drained through a gap, creating Glacial River Warren [2]. The valley of that river now holds Big Stone Lake.
Source and Outlet: The Little Minnesota River feeds Big Stone Lake at its north end, and the Minnesota River flows out of the lake’s southern end, eventually emptying into the Mississippi River [2]. The flow of water from the lake is regulated by the Big Stone Lake Dam, built in 1937 by the state of Minnesota [2].
Significance: Big Stone Lake is the source of the Minnesota River, making it a vital part of the state’s water system [5]. It’s also a popular destination for outdoor recreation, particularly fishing [3, 5].
Fishing: Anglers flock to Big Stone Lake for its abundance of walleye, a prized freshwater fish [3, 5]. Perch, bluegill, pike, and crappie are also commonly caught in the lake [3]. The extensive shorelines and rockpiles provide diverse fishing opportunities [6].
Activities: Beyond fishing, visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, and bird watching at Big Stone Lake [4, 5]. There are also parks and campgrounds around the lake that offer opportunities for relaxation and exploration [4, 5].
Big Stone Lake State Park: Located on the Minnesota side of the lake, this park offers camping, swimming, hiking trails, and boat launches, making it a popular spot for enjoying the lake’s beauty [4].
Big Stone Lake serves as a natural treasure and recreational hub, shared by Minnesota and South Dakota.
A vibrant sunrise over Big Stone Lake: Capture the calmness of the lake at dawn, with a gentle mist rising off the water and the sky ablaze with orange, pink, and purple hues. Distant hills on the Minnesota or South Dakota side can be faintly visible in the background.
Panoramic view of Big Stone Lake at sunset: Showcase the vastness of the lake at dusk. Sailboats dot the glassy surface of the water, reflecting the vibrant orange and red hues of the setting sun.
- A close-up view of a rocky shoreline on Big Stone Lake: Depict the natural beauty of the lake’s edge. Clear blue water laps against the rocky shore, with lush green vegetation growing nearby. Perhaps include a colorful bird perched on a rock, ready to take flight.
