Where the Minnesota River Is Born
Why Rent On Big Stone Lake
Big Stone Lake stretches 26 miles along the Minnesota-South Dakota border, marking the very spot where the Minnesota River begins its long journey south. The lake sits between the towns of Ortonville, Minnesota, and Milbank, South Dakota, and carries a geological significance matched by very few lakes in the upper Midwest. The surrounding landscape is wide and open, with prairie, wetlands, and sky in every direction.
Why a Lakefront Rental Wins Here
Hotels in this part of the border country are limited, and none of them put you on the water. A waterfront cabin or vacation rental on Big Stone Lake does. You get a kitchen, multiple bedrooms, outdoor space for the dog, and direct lake access without having to pack the car each morning. Rentals here tend to be relaxing and unfussy, which suits the pace of the lake itself.
Wildlife, Fishing, and the Big Stone Refuge
Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge is one of the outstanding natural areas of the upper Midwest, and it sits right along the lake’s shoreline. Birdwatching here during migration season is exceptional, and the refuge’s trails offer quiet walks through grassland and wetland habitats. The lake is popular for fishing, with walleye and other species drawing anglers from both states throughout the season.
Big Stone Island and the Natural World
Big Stone Island Nature Area is accessible only by boat or canoe, which makes it feel like a private discovery. Songbirds, waterfowl, and shorebirds use the island as habitat, and the crossing itself is a morning trip worth making with kids. The Big Stone County Museum in Ortonville holds historical artifacts including the Charles Hanson North American Wildlife Collection, which gives the visit an educational dimension that children and adults both appreciate.
Golf, Trails, and a Slower Kind of Week
Ortonville has an 18-hole golf course, and Graceville has a 9-hole course for the players in your group. State parks and scenic trails round out the options for families who want structure alongside their lake time. We think Big Stone Lake rewards the families willing to go a little further off the main roads: the views are wide, the water is calm, and the pace is exactly what a real vacation should feel like.
- Surface area (mi)
- 32
- Max depth (ft)
- 16.08
- Elevation (ft)
- 964.57
- Shoreline length (mi)
- 119.99
Popular activities
- Boating
- Kayaking
- Fishing
- Hiking
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Nearby lakes
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Big Stone Lake has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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No, swimming in Big Stone Lake may not always be safe. The lake has high water conditions that can lead to safety hazards, and it has been affected by issues like zebra mussels and potentially elevated bacteria levels, especially after heavy rainfall.
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Big Stone Lake is a popular destination because of its excellent fishing, particularly for walleye. The area also offers various outdoor activities such as hiking, birding, golfing, and swimming beaches. Additionally, there are several state parks, wildlife refuges, and scenic trails available for exploration.
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For walleye in Big Stone Lake, South Dakota, the daily limit is typically 4 fish and the minimum length limit is 14 inches, though specific regulations can vary. Other species like largemouth and smallmouth bass have a daily bag limit of 5 fish with a minimum length limit of 14 inches from June 21 to March 1.
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The beach at Big Stone Lake State Park is best for families. It has a swimming beach and offers canoe and kayak rentals on weekends, making it a great spot for family activities. The park also provides sanitary facilities and a boat launch with a dock.
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Towns near Big Stone Lake include Ortonville, Beardsley, and Big Stone City. Ortonville is the county seat of Big Stone County and is located along the shores of the lake. These towns are situated in Minnesota, with Big Stone City also extending into South Dakota and Grant County.
