Lac Qui Parle State Park Is A Minnesota Wildlife Haven

Anyone who’s spent time in the Land of 10,000 Lakes knows that this state is crawling with wildlife. In the north, bears and moose are the rulers of the forest. In the south, buffalo still roam a small part of Minnesota prairie. And all over the state, birds, deer, rodents, insects, and more make their homes in Minnesota. There’s a remote state park in Minnesota that is a haven for wildlife. Next time you want to see Minnesota wildlife, head to Lac qui Parle State Park.

Lac Qui Parle State Park is a remote park in western Minnesota. It’s about 140 miles west of Minneapolis. Address: 14047 20th Street Northwest, Watson, MN 56295.

Sandita_travels/TripAdvisor

The park is located on 6 acres of floodplains and rolling prairie hills. Thanks to its small size, the park is easy to explore in a single weekend. Seven miles of hiking trails wind through the park.

Jan Schmitt/Google

The hills are beautiful, but it’s the lake that gives Lac qui Parle its name. It translates to “lake that speaks,” and if you visit during the right season, you’ll soon know why.

Erik Tietz/Google

In the spring and fall, Lac qui Parle plays host to thousands of Canada geese. They nest here until it is time to migrate south again for the winter.

CropShot/Flickr

Other birds make homes at Lac qui Parle, too. Swans can be spotted in the sky in April and November, and pelicans nest on a small lake island.

yadem.hayseed/Flickr

There are many other animals in the area, too. Rodents such as squirrels and raccoons are easy to spot if you’re quiet and careful.

Tony Webster/Flickr

White-tailed deer thrive in this area, too. Lac qui Parle is so full of wildlife that you’re bound to see at least one animal when you visit.

Larry Smith/Flickr

All in all, this remote state park lives up to its name. There’s plenty of camping available, including three seasonal camper cabins. Book your stay today!

Shelly Hanson/Google

For more information about this beautiful park, including how to book your visit, take a look at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website. And if you love little-known state parks in Minnesota, check out our article about Minnesota’s most overlooked state park.