Under Two Hours From Minneapolis Is Minnesota's Underrated Lake State Park With Fishing, Boating, And Trails

One of the perks of living in or visiting the Twin Cities is that you don't have to go too far for outdoor recreation. Metro residents have access to about 10 state parks within 60 miles of their backyards. But anyone searching for a quieter nature escape can drive just a tad farther. Just 62 miles south along Interstate 35 is Sakatah Lake State Park, which should take you just over one hour to reach from downtown.

This outdoor playground sits along Sakatah Lake in Waterville, a small town in Minnesota, where the Cannon River naturally expands, creating a scenic place to fish, boat, and hike along lakeside trails. If you're wondering about the park's name, Sakatah came from the Wahpekute tribe of the Dakota Nation. The name literally means "the sights and sounds of children playing on the hill," but it's commonly translated as "singing hills." 

Interestingly, and possibly by luck, the remnant of an undeveloped old-growth forest can be found on the southern side of the lake. Commonly known as "Big Woods," the forest was around during the Europeans' first settlement. Eventually, the Minnesota legislature established the park to preserve the forest, brimming with canopies of sugar maple, basswood, elm, and oak. The park officially opened in the 1960s, offering outdoorsy people a place to explore the forest and play on the lake across roughly 840 acres. Today, guests can stop by from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., and should expect to pay a gate fee of $7 per vehicle.

You can easily spend an entire day at Sakatah Lake State Park, and camp too, if you choose. After visiting, one Google Maps reviewer had this to say: "Great state park right on the excellent Sakatah Singing Hills State Bike Trail. Marvelous biking and hiking, and the campground is just lovely." Each season brings its own magic. In summer and spring, expect lush trees and cheery wildflowers along the trails. In autumn, the oak and maple forest glows across the hills with shades of red, gold, and orange. When the trails are covered in snow, skiers and snowmobile riders will be having fun on the designated pathways.

Around 8 miles of trails weave through the park, but if you only have time for one, make it the Sakatah Singing Hills Trail. The scenic, paved lakeside rail-to-trail stretches for 39 miles, connecting Faribault to Mankato, a nearby city boasting outdoor attractions and boutique shops that's perfect for a day trip. Three miles of this multi-use path pass through the park. Since you won't have steep hills to climb, it's suitable for casual hikers, kids, and wheelchair users. As you trek, enjoy a peaceful stroll through the forest with views of the lake and plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife in the area.

Moreover, the trail connects to Waterville, about 2 miles away, where you can grab coffee or fresh produce to take home. Or treat the little ones to a s'mores sundae from Snack Shack, a '50s-themed local joint in town. With more time, burn more calories on the Hiking Club Trail, the Big Woods Loop, and the Wahpekute Trail. Together, the three paths total roughly 4 miles, so it won't take long to hike them. You'll see more of the varied terrain, from mixed hardwood forests to peaceful waterways.

When you're ready to get on the water, you have several ways to experience it. The lake is divided into two sections: the Lower Sakatah and the Upper Sakatah, with the latter being the largest. The upper lake is where you'll see most visitors fishing, boating, and paddling. The lower lake is perfect for watching wading birds along the shoreline. It also has a private dock for group campers. Locals enjoy relaxing by the water. As one Facebook user commented, "I spent a few beautiful days and nights at Sakatah Lake State Park — three days of bike riding, an afternoon of kayaking, and an evening on the pier watching the sunset."

During camping season (April 1 to October 19), visitors can rent a canoe, kayak, paddleboard, or even fishing equipment from the park. This makes it convenient for road-trippers and out-of-towners to access the lake without too much hassle. And of course, you can launch your own boat from the ramp as well. With your Minnesota fishing license, cast your line for a chance to reel in largemouth bass, walleye, or panfish. Unlike Minnesota's deepest lakes, Sakatah Lake is quite shallow, so fishing here is more for the casual fisherman. The park recommends fishing in spring, early summer, or fall when the water has less algae growth present. While out on the water waiting for fish to bite, visitors mention seeing all kinds of birds like pelicans, geese, herons, and turkey vultures.