Lac qui Parle State Park

Introduction of Lac qui Parle State Park

Lac Qui Parle State Park is a historic testament to the state’s conservation efforts. Why not park the RV and spend a night or three in one of the park’s two campgrounds to take in all that this outdoor oasis has to offer?

Lac qui parle is a French translation of a Dakota phrase that means “the lake that speaks.” Avid birdwatchers should keep their eyes and ears open when visiting the eponymous lake, especially during migration periods when countless geese and other migratory species stop over on their way south for the winter or back up north for the spring.

We won’t tell you about the park’s history because you’ll have plenty of opportunities to discover it for yourself. History buffs should visit the Lac Qui Parle mission sites and the old fort, while wildlife enthusiasts should hike the park’s trails to get up close and personal with the area’s flora and fauna.

Those planning to camp at Lac Qui Parle State Park should be aware that the lower campground is in a flood zone. When planning your trip, keep weather conditions in mind, as flooding can cause campground closures and limited amenities. When planning your trip, don’t mix up this state park with the adjacent wildlife management area of the same name; hunting is not permitted on the state park’s grounds.

Lac qui Parle State Park Camping

Upper Campground

Lac Qui Parle State Park welcomes big rigs, with 67 tent and RV camping sites in two campgrounds. The Upper Campground has 43 campsites, 28 of which have electric hookups and 9 of which have full hookups. Three of the Upper Campground’s eight pull-through sites have full hookups as well.

Larger vehicles should park in the Upper Campground, which can accommodate vehicles up to 60 feet long. The Upper Campground has flush toilets and hot showers, as well as seasonal dump stations in both campgrounds. Pet-friendly sites include a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill.

From April to November, visitors to Lac Qui Parle State Park are welcome to park their RV and enjoy some outdoor adventures.

Lower Campground

The Lower Campground has 24 campsites on a beautiful grassy knoll shaded by lush trees. The majority of the sites have electric hookups, while the remainder are primitive. The Lower Campground has a vehicle length limit of 50 feet. In the Lower Campground, amenities include a seasonal dump station and vault toilets. You’ll have access to a fire ring, grill, and picnic table, allowing you to prepare meals right at your campsite. Pets are welcome, but they must be kept on a leash outside the RV. From April to November, the Lower Campground is usually open.

Lac qui Parle State Park Activities

Fishing

Lac Qui Parle Lake is nearly 6,000 acres in size but only 15 feet deep, so don’t let that deter you from casting your line! Put your rod and reel in the trailer and go fishing for bluegill, sturgeon, or pike. Walleye are also stocked in the lake. Anglers can also fish on the Minnesota River, which runs through the park.

Boating

Launch your canoe or kayak from the on-site boat launch and paddle the calm waters of Lac Qui Parle Lake. You don’t own a boat? Not a problem! Lac Qui Parle State Park offers canoe and kayak rentals, so pack the life jackets and get ready for an unforgettable lake excursion!

Hiking

Do you want to explore the park’s trails without the snow? The main trailhead for the park’s six-mile hiking trail network is located at the picnic shelter in the lower campground. All of the trails are easy and relatively flat, so there’s no need to bring your fancy hiking gear on this trip. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture images of the local flora and fauna along the way!

Bird Watching

Oh, the swans, geese, and pelicans! This biodiverse park is home to a plethora of bird species, making it ideal for binocular viewing in all seasons. Check the official state park website for a complete list of species you might see. Visit in the winter for an extra special outing — you might just see an eagle soaring through the sky!

Snowshoeing

Lac Qui Parle State Park is open to snowshoers, so put on your gear and head out to see the park from a new angle. When the chill sets in, head to the picnic shelter in the Lower Campground, which doubles as a warming house in the winter and features a cosy fireplace. Keep off the groomed trails during your snowshoeing adventure, and be aware of any signposted areas that prohibit snowshoeing.

Cross-Country Skiing

Lac Qui Parle State Park is open to snowshoers, so put on your gear and head out to see the park from a different angle. When the chill sets in, head to the picnic shelter in the Lower Campground, which doubles as a warming house in the winter and has a cozy fireplace. However, avoid groomed trails and keep an eye out for signposted areas that prohibit snowshoeing.

Trails Lac qui Parle State Park

Looking for the best trails in Lac Qui Parle State Park for a challenging hike or a family outing? AllTrails has two excellent hiking trails, as well as biking and running trails. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, as well as reviews and photos from other nature enthusiasts.

Are you prepared for your next hike or bike ride? Lac Qui Parle State Park has two easy hiking trails that are great for the whole family. Looking for a more challenging hike? We’ve got you covered with trails ranging in elevation gain from 2 to 3 meters. Whatever you have planned for the day, Lac Qui Parle State Park has the perfect trail for you.

History of Area

Joseph Renville, an independent fur trader, built a stockade overlooking the foot of Lac qui Parle shortly after 1826. In July 1835, Dr. Thomas Smith Williamson and Alexander Huggins established the Lac qui Parle Sioux Mission within the stockade. The missionaries translated the Gospel as well as several hymns into Dakota. They also finished the language’s first dictionary. Minnesota’s first cloth was also made at the mission. Lac Qui Parle State Park was established in 1941.

Lac qui Parle State Park Location

From spring to fall, you won’t have to worry about road hazards if you drive through Lac Qui Parle State Park. However, if you visit during the winter, keep an eye out for snow, sleet, ice, and the hazards that come with them, especially since the park’s roads are gravel. Driving conditions are also made hazardous by heavy rain and flooding.

Lac Qui Parle State Park is close to Highway 59, which leads into Watson, where campers can get some basic supplies. Montevideo is a little further down the highway and has more amenities, such as fast-food chains and local restaurants.

Parking

Lac Qui Parle State Park has a number of parking areas for day visitors. The picnic shelter and the group camp area each have two parking areas in the Lower Campground. Please keep in mind that the other two lots in the Lower Campground are only for equestrian day-use visitors and group campers. Additional parking is available in the Upper Campground and near the park’s entrance. In addition to the camping fees, there is a vehicle entry fee.

Public Transport

There is no public transportation.