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Lake Shetek State Park

3,600-acre Lake Shetek (Ojibwe for pelican) is southwestern Minnesota’s largest lake and is the headwaters of the Des Moines River. Lake Shetek State Park occupies about 1,152 acres on the southeastern shore of the lake. Loon Island, a bird sanctuary, is connected to this park by a narrow causeway and is home to ducks, owls, woodpeckers and many other birds.The lake is famous among visitors from Iowa, South Dakota and Minnesota who come to catch walleyes, northerns, bullheads and crappies off Loon Island and along the causeway. Lake Shetek State Park is located north of Currie in Minnesota’s Murray County.

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Lake Shetek attracts anglers from Minnesota and surrounding states at Lake Shetek State Park

Lake Shetek attracts anglers from Minnesota and surrounding states

Pelicans, Shetek in the Ojibwe language, gave the lake its name at Lake Shetek State Park

Pelicans, Shetek in the Ojibwe language, gave the lake its name

The Currie Dam near the headwaters of the Des Moines River on the southern end of the park at Lake Shetek State Park

The Currie Dam near the headwaters of the Des Moines River on the southern end of the park

Marshland on the Bluebird Trail at Lake Shetek State Park

Marshland on the Bluebird Trail

View of Lake Shetek from the beach area at Lake Shetek State Park

View of Lake Shetek from the beach area

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Trails

Just north of the campground is a swimming beach and a pleasant lakeshore picnic area, a good way to cool off after hiking the 14 miles of trails the park has to offer. The paved Casey Jones Trail’s Currie Loop connects the park with nearby Currie and takes riders on a six-mile ride through farm country, patches of prairie and historical sites.

Eastlick Marsh is home to many species of waterfowl at Lake Shetek State Park

Eastlick Marsh on the Bluebird Trail is home to many species of waterfowl

Boat landing at Lake Shetek State Park

Boat landing at Lake Shetek State Park

Camping and Lodging
The semi-modern campground has 66 drive-in sites and seven cart-in sites along the lakeshore, a short distance from the campground. There’s a separate, smaller rustic campground for up to six, and one group camp area for up to 30. Another group center has room for up to 80. For a less rustic experience, rent one of four year-round camper cabins.
Historical Sites
Lake Shetek Park itself has two historical sites. One is the pioneer Koch cabin across the road from the campground. The other is the Shetek Monument just off the entrance road, relating to the U.S. Dakota Conflict of 1862.

The Shetek Monument marks the grave of 15 people who were killed in the war of 1862 at Lake Shetek State Park

The Shetek Monument marks the grave of 15 people who were killed in the war of 1862

Winter

Winter is quiet time at the park, but you can explore the hiking trails with snowshoes. No groomed ski trails exist here. An enclosed, heated stone shelter provides a place to warm up. Find southern Minnesota ski trails

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