You know that South Dakota’s nickname is the Mount Rushmore State, that we became a state in 1889, and that our official food is mouthwatering chislic, but do you know much about our geography? Sure, the Missouri River runs through South Dakota, but there is so much more to know and love about our geography, including the lowest point in the state, Big Stone Lake:
Nestled along the South Dakota and Minnesota border, Big Stone Lake is famous for being both the lowest point in the Mount Rushmore State and the source of the Minnesota River.
Google/Sonia Hartman
While everyone knows that Black Elk Peak (formerly known as Harney Peak) is the highest point in SoDak with an elevation of 7,242 feet, Big Stone Lake proves to be its polar opposite, thanks to its elevation of a mere 965 feet.
McGhiever/Wikimedia Commons
Covering a surface area of 12,610 acres and stretching 26 miles from end to end, Big Stone Lake is not only the lowest point in the state but one of the most popular places for outdoor recreation, including hunting and fishing, boating, camping, swimming, hiking, and more.
Google/Tina Frederics
In addition to the water itself, Big Stone Lake also houses two separate state parks, including South Dakota’s Hartford Beach State Park and Minnesota’s Big Stone Lake State Park.
Google/Kelly Stolen
Not only is the area fun, but it is also historically significant, as it is said to have formed post-ice age when the glacial Lake Agassiz drained through the gap into Glacial River Warren.
TripAdvisor/Tayloml Before becoming a vital water and recreational source, Big Stone Lake was also home to the Lakota people.
To learn more about this fascinating area and all there is to see and do, please visit the Big Stone Lake Area Chamber of Commerce’s website.
Google/Kelly Stolen
Do you have a place that you would like to see featured on Only in South Dakota? Remember to nominate it here! For more information on the highest point in the Mount Rushmore State, click on This Hike Through The Clouds Will Give You The Absolute Best Views In South Dakota.
Google/Sonia Hartman
McGhiever/Wikimedia Commons
Google/Tina Frederics
Google/Kelly Stolen
TripAdvisor/Tayloml
Before becoming a vital water and recreational source, Big Stone Lake was also home to the Lakota people.
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Address: Big Stone Lake, United States
