Minnesota Hiking Club #62 - Big Stone Lake State Park

Minnesota Hiking Club

#62 - Big Stone Lake State Park

Date Hiked: January 26th, 2025

Other Hikes That Day: Lac Qui Parle State Park

Wanderloon Ranking System Score: 2.08

I have accidentally called this park "Big Stone Gap" at least 37 times, including the first time writing the name of this essay.

This place is extremely visible for those who frequent the state parks. For those who don't know, Minnesota State Parks have a daily parking fee of $7, but one can bypass that and purchase a yearly permit for $35. In other words, if you're looking to partake in the Minnesota Hiking Club and plan to do more than five parks in a year, it's a bargain. The permit that I received before beginning this expedition has a gorgeous sunset photo from Big Stone Lake State Park, as I presume everyone else who purchased theirs in 2024 has on their front passenger window.

This park is less than 200 miles away, and yet it takes almost 3.5 hours to get there. US-212 is the biggest road to head toward that area of the state, and even that is only a two-lane road after a certain distance from the Cities. Near Ortonville on the border with South Dakota, approaching from the south may find one in a bit of confusion without knowing in advance that there are multiple sections of the park. The stamp can be acquired at the first entrance, but the Hiking Club trail is a considerable distance north. After navigating the winding roads to find the correct starting point for the Hiking Club trail, I simply once again recall that most people won't be dealing with thick ice as an inhibitor on the final descending hill.

Speaking of things that made me instantly regret my life choices, one moment of stepping outside the car on January 26th was enough to make me think a trip to Oz was imminent. A cold wind that stiff should be reserved for pond hockey rivalries or temporarily wiping out approaching Ring Wraiths from crossing the border. Many scenarios are possible in these remote locations in the extreme desolation of the deep winter. 

While the eponymous lake supported many people and vehicles, I was the only one traversing the Hiking Club Trail, as I'd come to expect. Most days would find this a delightful woodsy stroll, a down-and-back excursion with a little loop at the end. I found myself being grateful for elevated wooden planks in the loop, as they were considerably less icy than the rest of the path. There are falls to be viewed along this route, though like many I would encounter during my winter travels, they were frozen when I visited. Beautiful they are, though in a different but notable way from the typical experience when one can feel their own face. 

Big Stone Lake's reputation has it placed upon the windshields of many state park visitors. Its Hiking Club trail sees some elevation change along its terrain, which can be tricky when ice is a factor. I have no doubt of its splendor, at least when not being pummeled by wind with an apparent vendetta.