Lac qui Parle State Park is located on the west side of Lac qui Parle Lake. Go 12 miles northwest of Montevideo on Hwy. 7. Take Chippewa Co. Rd. 13 to Lac qui Parle Co. Rd. 33, follow 33 around the southern tip of the lake north to the park entrance. To access the park from the north; leave Hwy. 40 at the Milan bridge and take Lac qui Parle Co. Rd. 33 south 7 miles to the park entrance.

Historical Features:

Lac qui Parle, the “Lake that speaks” according to Dakota legend, was named by French explorers who lived with the Native Americans. Some of the earliest archaeological artifacts in the state have been found along the beaches of this area. Lac qui Parle State Park consists of 530 acres. It is the southern gateway to Lac qui Parle Lake, a broadening of the Minnesota River in the Glacial River Warren Valley. To the north and west of the recreation area is the 32,000 acre Lac qui Parle Wildlife Management Area.

Wildlife / Goose Hunting:

The management of wildlife-deer, geese, prairie chickens, and other animals - is a major success story. Lac qui Parle has become one of the biggest and most popular goose management areas in the United States. In some years, 400 goslings are born. Goose hunting in the fall is enjoyed by many hunters along Lac qui Parle Lake.

Watching the seasonal migrations of waterfowl is a popular activity at Lac qui Parle. The geese arrive in early March and continue through April...as many as 200,000 geese can be seen at one time there. Spring migrations of all waterfowl continue through April. In the first half of September, fall flights begin and continue until early December. Flights of whistling swans pass over Lac qui Parle in April and November. Pelicans nest in the area on a one-acre island. A checklist “Birds of Lac qui Parle State Park” is available at the park or by calling 320.752.4736. The 229 birds listed on this checklist are the regular and casual species sighted in or near the park.

Hiking, Biking, Swimming, Boating, Fishing, Picnicking:

The state park has 65 semi-modern campsites (22 with electricity), showers and flush toilets, primitive group camps (50 capacity), horseback riders group camp (100 capacity) with an open shelter, 33 picnic sites, swimming beach, drive-in boat launch to Lac qui Parle Lake, 6 miles of hiking trail, 6 miles of horseback riding trails, 5 miles of ski trail, trailer sanitation dump station, canoe access to Lac qui Parle River, and public telephone. Fishing is a popular year-round activity on Lac qui Parle Lake.

Winter Activities:

Great cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, sledding, snowshoeing, ice fishing, skating, warming house and more await visitors looking for outdoor adventure. Bring your camera to capture the beauty of these sparkling winter landscapes.

Daily or annual permits are required for all vehicles entering a state park. They may be purchased at the park headquarters.

For information contact Lac qui Parle State Park Manager, Rt. 5, Box 74A, Montevideo, MN 56265-9804 • 320.752.4736.

Natural Resources