Lake Shetek State Park
Overview
Created in 1937, the park gives you access to the largest lake in Southwest Minnesota. Lake Shetek has long drawn humans. The first to farm and settle here were of the Great Oasis culture around 900-1100 A.D. The Dakota people, who had their homes around the lakes and prairies, came into contact with European explorers in the 1840s. Immigrants later created a settlement along the lake that came to an end during the tragic U.S./Dakota War of 1862. During your visit you may see reminders of this time. Today, the park offers you opportunities to make new memories in this historic place. Camp, fish, swim, hike, paddle and more.
- Trails
- 6
- Viewpoints
- 15
- Activities
- 0
- POIs
- 40
Opening Hours
08:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Emergency SOS
Amenities Available
- Paved Parking Lots
Designated vehicle parking areas with clearly marked spaces and ADA-accessible spots mandated by federal law. Most parks offer free or low-cost daily parking passes.
- Restrooms / Flush Toilets
Modern restroom facilities with running water and proper sanitation. Subject to seasonal closures in northern states during winter months.
- Drinking Water Fountains
Potable water stations distributed throughout the park, tested regularly for safety to ensure clean water access for all visitors.
- Picnic Areas & Shelters
Covered pavilions equipped with tables and built-in grills. Shelters are often reservable for group events and birthday parties.
- Visitor / Ranger Station
Information hub staffed by rangers or volunteers offering maps, wildlife briefings, and educational programs for school groups and families.
- Hiking & Nature Trails
Marked paths ranging from easy, paved walks to rugged backcountry routes, blazed with color-coded markers and difficulty ratings.
- Campgrounds
Tent and RV sites featuring fire rings and picnic tables. Some include full electric hookups, reservable through Recreation.gov.
- Swimming Areas / Beaches
Designated swim zones with seasonal lifeguard coverage. Daily water quality reports are posted at the entrance and online.
- Fishing Piers & Access
Accessible fishing spots and ADA-compliant piers along rivers and lakes. A valid state fishing license is required to fish.
- Historic Site
- Overlook
- RV Sanitation Station
0.8 mi from park centre
Open · 08:00 – 22:00
- Paved Parking Lots
- Restrooms / Flush Toilets
- Drinking Water Fountains
- Picnic Areas & Shelters
- Visitor / Ranger Station
- Hiking & Nature Trails
- Campgrounds
Required Permits
VEHICLE PERMITSRequired
Permits required; purchase at ranger station or entrance kiosk.
Alerts & Advisories
Stay informed before heading out
Safety Tips
Safety Advisory
- No major emergency closures or active safety alerts are currently reported for Lake Shetek State Park, but visitors should always check local weather updates before arriving.
- Because severe weather and high winds can develop quickly on the open water, boaters and swimmers should monitor wind conditions before heading out onto Lake Shetek.
Popular/Nearby Trails
Hiking (Fish Pond/Lake Side Trail)
Hiking (Park Lake /Bluebird Trail)
Hiking (Hawthorn/Monument Trail)
Hiking (Zuya/ Boat Landing/Loon Island /Picnic Trail)
Hiking (Smith Lake Trail)
Casey Jones State Trail
Nearby Viewpoints
Historic Site
Monument / Memorial
0.3 mi
Campground
0.3 mi
Watercraft Access Point
Personal Watercraft
0.3 mi
Overlook
0.4 mi
Historic Site (Lake Shetek Monument)
Monument / Memorial
0.4 mi
Historic Site (Koch Cabin)
Monument / Memorial
0.4 mi
Campground
0.4 mi
Amphitheater
0.5 mi
Swimming Beach
Swimming Area
0.5 mi
Picnic Area
0.5 mi
Historic Site
Monument / Memorial
0.8 mi
Watercraft Access Point
Personal Watercraft
1.0 mi
Historic Site
Monument / Memorial
1.0 mi
Watercraft Access Point
Personal Watercraft
1.0 mi
Dam (Currie Dam)
Dam
1.7 mi
Nearby Points of Interest
Reviews & Ratings
Community Photos
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours of Lake Shetek State Park?
Lake Shetek State Park is open every day from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
What is Lake Shetek State Park?
Created in 1937, the park gives you access to the largest lake in Southwest Minnesota. Lake Shetek has long drawn humans. The first to farm and settle here were of the Great Oasis culture around 900-1100 A.D.
Where is Lake Shetek State Park located?
Lake Shetek State Park is located in Currie, Minnesota, United States.
How many trails are there at Lake Shetek State Park?
Lake Shetek State Park has 6 mapped trails covering 10.4 miles in total. The longest is Casey Jones State Trail at 3.3 miles.
What is there to see at Lake Shetek State Park?
Places to see at Lake Shetek State Park include Dam (Currie Dam), Historic Site, Historic Site (Koch Cabin), Historic Site (Lake Shetek Monument), Swimming Beach, Watercraft Access Point and 7 more.
What facilities are available at Lake Shetek State Park?
Facilities at Lake Shetek State Park include Campgrounds, Drinking Water Fountains, Fishing Piers & Access, Hiking & Nature Trails, Historic Site, Overlook, Paved Parking Lots, Picnic Areas & Shelters and 4 more.
Is there parking at Lake Shetek State Park?
Yes, Lake Shetek State Park has parking (Paved Parking Lots).
Can I camp at Lake Shetek State Park?
Yes, Lake Shetek State Park has 6 campsites marked on its map, including Cart-In Site, Primitive Group Camp and RV Sanitation Station.
How can I contact Lake Shetek State Park?
You can contact Lake Shetek State Park by phone at 8886466367.
What safety tips should visitors to Lake Shetek State Park know?
No major emergency closures or active safety alerts are currently reported for Lake Shetek State Park, but visitors should always check local weather updates before arriving. Because severe weather and high winds can develop quickly on the open water, boaters and swimmers should monitor wind conditions before heading out onto Lake Shetek. Visitors are also advised to stay on designated trails to protect fragile prairie habitats and to bring insect repellent for lakeside areas during warmer month
Download The App & Explore Anywhere
Explore interactive maps, discover trails and points of interest, and navigate confidently with the OuterMap mobile app — with detailed information and offline access wherever you go.