Sakatah Lake State Park

Bicycle trail entranceLocated 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.

Bicycle trailThis 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.

Boat rampSakatah 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.

Picnic areaSituated 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.

Fishing pierThe 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.

Big Woods TrailThe 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.

Office and Nature StoreIn 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?

Campground and cabinSakatah 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.

Shower buildingThe 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.

Restroom interiorAmenities 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.

Bicycle touring campThe 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.

Upper group campThe 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.

Lower group campThe 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.

Lower group camp parking levelsThe 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.

Lower group camp dockThe 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.