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.
Lake Shetek attracts anglers from Minnesota and surrounding states
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
Marshland on the Bluebird Trail
View of Lake Shetek from the beach area
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 on the Bluebird Trail is home to many species of waterfowl
Boat landing at Lake Shetek State Park
Camping and Lodging
Historical Sites
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
