Lac qui Parle is a French translation of the namegiven to the lake by the Dakota Indians who called it the "lake that speaks." If you visit in the spring or fall you'll understand why. The lake is a stop over for thousands of migratory Canada geese and other waterfowl. You'll hear a chorus of honking, quacking, and other vocalizations. Paddle the lake, or cast a line and catch walleye, northerns, perch, or crappie. Explore one of the trails by foot or horseback. Visit the historic Fort Renville and Lac qui Parle mission sites. While in the area, be sure to visit the 33,000 acre Lac qui Parle Wildlife Management Area.
Park Highlights:
Camping
Fishing
Bird Watching/Winter Eagle Sightings
Hunting
Canoeing
Cross-country Skiing
Camping
Drive-in Sites New Upper Campground has 43 sites; Lower campground has 24 sites.
Upper campground sites include two wheelchair accessible sites, 37 electric sites including 9 sites with full water and sewer hookup. Upper campground is open from April 22 through MEA weekend. There is no winter camping in this park. Vault toilets are available year-round in the park and the lower campground.
Pull-Through Sites 8 sites in Upper Campground
Three of these pull-through sites have sewer, water and electric hook-ups available.
Electric Sites 37 sites in upper campground; 21 sites in lower campground.
Reservations are recommended for weekends.
RV Length Limit Lower Campground - 50 Feet / Upper Campground - 60 Feet
Length is measured from front of tow vehicle to rear of vehicle being towed.
Cart-in Sites 3 sites in Upper Campground
Sites are located 100 to 400 feet from parking area. These sites are more secluded and shaded than other campsites in the park.
Horse Camp None
The park has horse trails for day-use only.
Group Camp 2 Sites - Each accommodates up to 50 people
Sites are located in Lower Unit. No electrical hookup. Water spigot and vault toilets available. Tents only.
Trails
Summer
Hiking 7 miles in upper and lower units
Visitors can access trails from behind the picnic shelter in the lower campground. Flat trails are easy to hike and take the visitor along some of the backwaters in the park. Lots of good bird watching and wildlife observation along trails. Trails are located in the upper and lower unit and are susceptible to seasonal flooding.
Horse 5 Miles in Lower Unit
Flat trails for easy riding. Trails are located in the lower unit and are susceptible to seasonal flooding.
Winter
Snowshoe Anywhere in the park
Recreation Facilities
Summer
Picnic Area On Lac qui Parle Lake
Tables and fire rings available in area. Picnicking is available at various locations in the park.
Picnic Shelter 2 Open Shelters
Shelters are located near the Lower Unit Campground. One shelter has electricity. Can be reserved by calling the park office.
Winter
Warming House Lower campground
In winter, the picnic shelter, located near the lower unit campground, is used as a warming house. The shelter is enclosed and contains fireplace.
Water
Water Source Minnesota River and Lac qui Parle Lake
Fishing Lac qui Parle Lake
Excellent fishing for walleye and catfish.
Swimming Beach Within the park
Sandy beach located in a scenic, rocky area on the west side of Lac qui Parle Lake. No lifeguard.
Boat Access Near the Beach
There are several boat access sites throughout the Lac qui Parle Lake area.
Boating Restrictions Lac qui Parle Lake
No jet skis allowed. Lake is located within Lac qui Parle Wildlife Management Area. Rules governing lake use vary with the season. Check at the park headquarters for current information and regulations.
Canoe Access On Lac qui Parle River Near Lower Campground
Canoe access is open and available.
