Big Stone Lake #8, Ortonville

Big Stone Lake #8 in Ortonville offers paddlers and boaters convenient access to this popular 10,540-acre lake located on the Minnesota-South Dakota border. The ramp is well-maintained and situated in Ortonville, Big Stone County, making it an accessible launch point for kayaks, canoes, and motorboats. The lake is known for excellent fishing opportunities, with walleye, northern pike, bluegill, and perch being commonly caught species, though the water body attracts recreationalists of all types.

Paddlers will find Big Stone Lake suitable for both casual kayaking and canoeing, with nearby marinas offering boat rentals if needed. The area provides scenic views, particularly along the lakeshore through apple orchards to the north. Adjacent recreation areas include the Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge and Northern Tallgrass Prairie National Wildlife Refuge, offering excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and exploring native prairie ecosystems. The region is also popular for bird watching, making it an attractive destination for nature-oriented paddlers and outdoor enthusiasts.