Sakatah Lake State Park

Snapshot virtual tour

Welcome to the Sakatah Lake State Park virtual tour! Campers have many places to enjoy, and lakeside views to admire. Join visitors fishing from the pier or get on a bike and explore the Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail. We hope it prompts you to visit the park in person sometime soon.

Photo of bicyclists riding on the Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail.

 

Bicycle trail entrance

Located between Faribault and Makato, the Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail is a 39-mile multiple use trail which has been developed on an abandoned railroad grade. Three miles of the trail run through Sakatah Lake State Park alongside Upper Sakatah Lake. Parking and access points can be found along the trail, including at Sakatah Lake State Park.

Photo of the shady paved trail, used by a variety of trail users throughout the seasons.

 

Bicycle trail

This trail is a favorite for bikers, walkers, joggers, and in-line skaters. The paved trail is level. The trail skirts a number of lakes and passes by quaint towns where food and services are available. Snowmobiles use the trail in winter months.

Photo of a pretty view of Sakatah Lake from the boat ramp.

 

Boat ramp

Sakatah Lake State Park's boat ramp will accommodate most boats. Mooring is not available. Canoe and kayak rental is available seasonally. The lake is home primarily to pan fish, along with a few sport fish species. The lake provides access to Tetonka and Lower Sakatah lakes.

Photo of a shoreline picnic area.

 

Picnic area

Situated on the shores of Upper Sakatah Lake, the main picnic area is well-shaded. The fishing pier is adjacent to the picnic area. A restroom building is available seasonally. The picnic area is accessible, but the nearest parking lot is 300 feet away. The picnic area parking lot is 0.1 miles from the Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail.

Photo of visitors fishing on the park's fishing pier on Sakatah Lake.

 

Fishing pier

The park's T-shaped fishing pier brings visitors onto the lake where the view is always good. Fishing is less predictable, but it's always fun to wet a line. The lake is home to pan fish primarily, along with a few sport fish species. Minnesota residents can fish for free from shore in state parks (enquire at the park for more information). Fishing poles with tackle boxes can be checked out from the park office for free.

Photo of the Big Woods Trail, winding through shady woodland.

 

Big Woods Trail

The Big Woods Trail goes through the most varied terrain in the park. This loop may feature a wildflower carpet in spring, cool shade in summer, and brilliant fall colors. The trail takes its name from the remnant of Big Woods landscapes in the area.

Photo of the interior of the park office and gift store.

 

Office and Nature Store

In addition to camper registration and supplies, visitors can rent canoes or kayaks, check out fishing poles, or sign out a birding kit. Why not pick up a souvenir from the Nature Store before you leave?

Photo of the campground and a glimpse of the park's cabin tucked away in the woods.

 

Campground and cabin

Sakatah Lake State Park features 62 wooded campsites, 14 of which have electricity. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. If you have questions about sites and your equipment, call the park for help selecting the most appropriate site. Campsites can be reserved up to 120 days in advance. The park has one camper cabin.

Photo of the restroom building and information kiosk.

 

Shower building

The modern restroom building services the park's 62 semi-modern campsites and camper cabin from early May to mid-October. Amenities include sinks, flush toilets, showers, mirrors and electrical outlets. Information and interpretive messages are posted on the kiosk next to the building.

Photo showing the restroom sinks inside the restroom building.

 

Restroom interior

Amenities include sinks, flush toilets, shower, mirrors and electrical outlets. The modern restroom building services the park's 62 semi-modern campsites and camper cabin from early May to mid-October. The park is known for the cleanliness of its facilities.

Photo of the bicycle touring camp site.

 

Bicycle touring camp

The bicycle touring camp features a cluster of five campsites adjacent to the Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail. Sites are available only to visitors traveling on bicycles. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Water and outhouses are 350 feet from the bike camp on the edge of the upper group camp.

Photo of campers enjoying the upper group camp.

 

Upper group camp

The upper group camp is located along the shore of Upper Sakatah Lake, near the boat landing and next to the state trail. This site has running water and outhouses. Electricity is also available for a fee. The site accommodates tents, and a limited number of trailers, with a capacity of 50 people.

Photo of the lake near the lower group camp grounds.

 

Lower group camp

The lower group camp is located away from the main park use area on the shore of Lower Sakatah Lake. This site has a hand pump for water and an outhouse. The site accommodates tents only, with a capacity of 50 people. This first view shows the largest camping area, which is 325 feet downhill from the parking area. This group camp has its own dock. This camp is 0.6 miles from the Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail, requiring travel on paved and gravel roads.

Photo of picnic tables located at the lower group camp site.

 

Lower group camp parking levels

The lower group camp is situated on two levels. The parking area, outhouse, hand pump and a small area for camping are up top. The primary camping area is located below, next to the lake and 325 feet  from the parking lot. Parking is limited.

Photo of the dock located on Sakatah Lake, available for campers staying at the lower group camp.

 

Lower group camp dock

The lower group camp features its own dock for fishing, boating, watching the sunset, or stargazing. Lake conditions and fishing are better in the spring and fall. Boaters can access Upper Sakatah Lake from Lower Sakatah Lake.

Back to top