If you’re a Minnesota nature lover, you’ve likely explored the state’s most popular parks. North Shore parks such as Gooseberry Falls and Tettegouche draw many visitors. But there are many other regions to discover! One often overlooked part of Minnesota is its southwestern corner. But even this quiet region, far from the state’s largest cities, is home to some beautiful state parks. For example, Lake Shetek State Park is home to hiking trails, a swimming beach, and even a unique island to explore. If that sounds good to you, read on below to learn more about this little-known state park.

Lake Shetek State Park is a 1,109-acre state park in southwestern Minnesota. It’s about 170 miles southwest of Minneapolis, near the small community of Slayton. A larger city, Marshall, is about 30 miles north.

The park is named after its most prominent feature: Lake Shetek, a nearly 3,600-acre lake that happens to be the largest lake in southwestern Minnesota. It’s also the headwaters for the Des Moines River. The park is along the lake’s western edge.

There are many things to do in the park. One of the most popular is visiting the sand-bottomed swimming area along Lake Shetek. In the summertime, many enjoy coming here to take a cooling dip.

Fishing is another popular activity. A fishing pier on the lake lets visitors try to catch walleye, northern pike, crappies, catfish, and more.

There’s also a boat landing where you can launch your boat. The park also has row boat, canoe, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard rentals available.

Beyond the lake, there are many other fun things to do. Hiking trails take visitors through the grassy prairie lands. The quietly beautiful landscape is perfect for reflection. Many visitors spot wildflowers such as blazing star, black-eyed Susans, coneflowers, and more.

Along your hike, as you pass alongside the flowers and beneath oak, elm, and ash forests, you may even encounter wildlife.

White-tailed deer, foxes, muskrats, and coyotes have all been spotted here. Along the water, you could see herons, ducks, geese, and pelicans.

One popular hike is along the Loon Island Causeway. This gravel-lined path connects the mainland to Loon Island, a small island within Lake Shetek. Additional hiking trails on the island offer beautiful views of the lake and the mainland.

All in all, Lake Shetek State Park is a lesser-known - but still fantastic - state park. It’s great for people who want to go off the beaten path, especially those who enjoy hiking, swimming, fishing, and enjoying nature!

Have you ever been to Lake Shetek State Park? Do you have any other favorite lesser-known state parks in Minnesota? Let us know in the comments! And if you’re looking for more places to explore in southwestern Minnesota, check out our past articles about Blue Mounds State Park and Pipestone National Monument.