One-Third As Salty As The Ocean, Minnesota’s Salt Lake Is One Of The Most Unique Lakes In The State
When most people imagine a Minnesota lake, they don’t imagine anything too out of the ordinary. And it’s true that most Minnesota lakes are indistinguishable from one another: they often have clean water that sparkles in the sun, lovely shorelines of rock or sand, and fishing docks for casting a line. But the Land of 10,000 Lakes has more than a few different unique bodies of water. One happens to be in southwestern Minnesota, right on the border with South Dakota. Head to the Salt Lake Wildlife Management Area for a glimpse of one of the most unique places in the state. Here’s what you’ll find when you get there:
Salt Lake is a small but interesting lake in southwestern Minnesota. It's right on the border with South Dakota, sharing the lake's shores with our neighbor to the west.
Salt Lake is part of the Salt Lake Wildlife Management Area. This designation protects the lake and surrounding area. This is important because Salt Lake - 1/3 as salty as the ocean - is a rare part of the landscape. It's the only salt lake in the state!
Not only is Salt Lake rare for Minnesota. It is also home to many unique animals and plants. For example, red saltwort is only found in a few places in Minnesota. Salt Lake is one of them!
Other plants, such as prairie cordgrass, are also abundant along Salt Lake's shoreline. As you walk along the banks, you may spot many different kinds of birds. Audobon designates salt lake as an Important Bird Area. More than 120 bird species have been spotted here!
While Salt Lake is not a swimming lake, it's still a fascinating part of the Minnesota landscape. This little-known spot is well worth the road trip to get there.
The WMA is not well-developed, but there is a viewing area with a sign. There are also some clear parts along the shoreline where you can hike. You will love your visit to this unique Minnesota salt lake!
Have you ever visited Salt Lake? What are your other favorite lakes in Minnesota? If you’re interested in visiting some of the lesser-known lakes, consider traveling to Caribou Lake or the Hill Annex Mine Lake.
Address: Salt Lake, United States
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Betsy is a Minneapolis-based writer who's lived in Minnesota for 20 years. If you know of any amazing Minnesota restaurants, nature areas, or other attractions, feel free to let her know about them at brathburn@onlyinyourstate.com or on Twitter @betsyrathburn.
