Lake Shetek is the largest lake in southwestern Minnesota. The word "Shetek" is Ojibwe for pelican. If you're near Lake Shetek on the right day, you could see the entire lake covered in a giant flock of the birds.
Lake Shetek State Park features a swimming beach, boat launch and some great crappie and walleye fishing. A six-mile bike trail wraps around the lake and into the town of Currie, home to the End-O-Line Railroad Park.
There is an effort to restore the natural prairie around Lake Shetek. Showy wildflowers are popping up all over and the prairie provides habitat for a variety of wildlife. You might catch a glimpse of a white-tailed deer or hear the call of a bobolink.
If you’re in the area, stop by Blue Mounds State Park in Luverne. Blue Mounds is home to one of the last remaining herds of bison in the world. The landscape features a small piece of America’s once vast tallgrass prairies and is a birders paradise.
Minnesota Landmarks
This summer, the Lottery is celebrating eight uniquely Minnesota Landmarks. Our tickets feature Minnehaha Falls and Lake Harriet in the Twin Cities, Canal Park and Gooseberry Falls on the North Shore, Lake Bemidji and Lake of the Woods in Northern Minnesota, Lake Shetek in the Southwest and Lake Pepin in the Southeastern part of the state. Stay safe and visit one of these beautiful spots in your corner of our great state.