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Minnesota
52

Minnesota State Parks

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USA Parks
Minnesota
Southern Region
Sakatah State Park
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Sakatah State Park Sakatah Entrance © Wes Gerber
Sakatah State Park Hiding Spot © Wes Gerber
Hollow log on the Big Woods Trail
Sakatah State Park © Stacey Schottey
Sakatah State Park © Stacey Schottey
Sakatah State Park © Stacey Schottey
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SAKATAH STATE PARK
SAKATAH STATE PARK
50499 Sakatah Lake State Park Road
Waterville, Minnesota   56096

Phone: 507-362-4438
Toll Free: 888-646-6367
Reservations: 866-857-2757
Email: park email button icon
Sakatah-Singing Hills State Trail runs through Sakatah Lake State Park and stretches 39 miles from Mankato to Faribault. The paved trail offers hikers, bikers, skiers, and snowmobilers beautiful scenery through Minnesota's hardwoods. Sakatah Lake, a natural widening of the Cannon River, lures canoeists to paddle the calm waters, and anglers to catch walleye, large mouth and white bass, northern pike, and panfish. Whatever the season, visitors enjoy camping and picnicking.
Nature of the Area
Original notes from surveyors in the late 1800's described the area as low, rolling land with second rate timber and prairieland with bur oak, basswood, aspen, butternut, elm, ash, and ironwood. This area is an example of a transition zone, or ecotome, between the Southern Oak Barrens and the Big Woods Landscape Regions.

Glacial activity 14,000 years ago shaped this landscape. The park sits on a moraine, a large mound of rock and mineral debris deposits. In some areas of the park, these moraine deposits are up to 400 feet deep. Glacial ice blocks left by receding glaciers formed depressions which filled with water creating lakes such as Sakatah Lake.

Open fields, wetlands, upland forests, lakes, and forest edges provide the perfect habitat for many southern Minnesota wildlife species. Deer, muskrat, raccoon, mink, rabbit, and red fox are animals commonly seen in the park. Listen for songbirds, woodpeckers, hawks, and owls in the park.
History of the Area
Members of the Dakota Nation, the Wahpekita (Wapacoota) tribe inhabited the area that is now the park. They named the area Sakatah, which translates to "Singing Hills," hence the name for the state trail. The Cannon and other area rivers served as an important Indian water route between south central Minnesota and Wisconsin. The Big Woods made land travel difficult and a water route allowed larger loads. Numerous trading posts and Indian villages existed along the route. A village site is believed to have existed in the area of the point separating Sakatah and Lower Sakatah Lakes. In 1862 a trader by the name of Alexander Faribault established a post on the northeast shore of Cannon Lake -- one of the first white settlements in the area. He eventually opened at least five other trading posts along the Cannon River.
Swimming
1. Sakatah State Park offers a sandy beach for swimming on the shores of Lake Sakatah.
2. No lifeguards are present, so swim at your own risk.
3. The lake is known for its clear water and gentle waves, ideal for beginner swimmers.
4. Swimming areas are marked with buoys to ensure safety from boating activities in other parts of the lake.
5. Restrooms and picnic facilities near the beach make it convenient for day-long outings or quick dips into cool waters.

Boating
The park offers a variety of boating options for visitors. There is access to Sakatah Lake, which spans over 700 acres and provides opportunities for motorized as well as non-motorized boats. Canoe rentals are available within the park itself while boat ramps can be found at both ends of the lake providing easy water entry points. Fishing enthusiasts will find an abundance of species in this body of water including walleye, northern pike and various types of panfish.
Fishing
Located in Minnesota, this park offers fishing opportunities on Sakatah Lake. Species include Walleye, Northern Pike and Bluegill among others. Fishing from a boat or the shoreline is possible here. A public access point for boats exists too.



Picnicking
1. Sakatah State Park offers numerous picnic tables and grills.
2. Picnic areas are located near the lake for scenic views.
3. There's a large, covered picnic shelter available to rent.
4. The park provides trash cans at each site for easy cleanup.
5) Restrooms facilities are conveniently close to all picnicking spots.

Bicycling
Visitors can explore 39 miles of paved trails suitable for all skill levels. Be cautious, as some areas are hilly.

The Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail passes through the park and offers a scenic ride along Lake Sakatah's shoreline.

Mountain biking is not available within this area due to its focus on preserving natural habitats.

Riders should be aware that winter conditions may make certain paths inaccessible or more challenging than usual.

Remember to respect other trail users by maintaining appropriate speeds and yielding when necessary.

Bike rentals aren't provided in-park; visitors must bring their own equipment or rent from nearby facilities before arrival.

Always wear helmets while cycling for safety reasons, especially considering potential wildlife encounters on the path.

Check weather forecasts prior to your visit since adverse conditions could affect trail accessibility and overall riding experience.


Birding
Birdwatchers can explore a variety of habitats, including hardwood forests and wetlands. Over 200 bird species have been spotted here.

The park's three-mile trail offers excellent opportunities for spotting woodland birds like warblers and thrushes.

Waterbirds such as herons, ducks, grebes are commonly seen around the lake area during migration seasons.

Winter brings sightings of owls while summer is ideal to spot songbirds in full voice.

Visitors may also participate in organized birding events or use available resources to guide their own exploration.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
January 25 by chad kriese
park review stars; one to five greap park. great hiking and some very nice campsites
August 4 Great place for family camping! by mn-mom
park review stars; one to five Our family was very impressed with the clean facilities and peaceful environment.
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Area Campgrounds
Kiesler's Campground
14360 Highway 14 E
Waseca, MN
507-835-3179
Kamp Dels
14842 SakatahLake Road
Waterville, MN
507-362-8616
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
Park entrance is located off State Highway 60, one mile east of the intersection on State Highway 13 and 60 at Waterville, or 14 miles west of Faribault.

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Minnesota
52

Minnesota State Parks

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