Lake Shetek

About Lake Shetek

Lake Shetek is located in the southwest of the state and is one of several prairie lakes in the Minnesota State Park system. Lake Shetek plays an important role in the early history of Minnesota. In the language of Ojibway, "shetek" means pelican, so you can find a lake named after a variation of this word. It is a small lake with a population of about 1,000 people and a total area of 1.5 square miles.

Before the advent of white settlers, the area was certainly home to various Indian tribes that inhabited the prairie. The white settlement here was probably the first step in increasing the population of the state of Minnesota, and the settlers came to realize that the village of Shetek did not exist on paper as a fictitious population center. They decided to stay and build their huts east of the lake, but the Dakota Uprising of 1862, which occurred in response to the government's failure to provide the food promised by the local tribes, led to a surprising attack on the settlement.

Some were killed, others captured, and others captured by the US Army, the Minnesota Army Corps of Engineers, and the United States Army Air Force.

The military action that led to the crackdown on the widespread attack drove the majority of the Dakota away from Minnesota forever. Lake Shetek is widely considered to be the source of the Des Moines River, but the river does not start at Lake Shetek, but flows through what is known as Shetek Inlet and then flows into the Mississippi.

In fact, Lake Shetek is connected to a number of other lakes in the state of Minnesota, including the Mississippi and its tributaries, and the Great Lakes. In the 1930s, EPA workers dug up the two lakes as breeding grounds for state fishing, while others describe them more accurately as flooded wetlands.

Downstream, a small dam is maintained and repaired several times by the Army Corps of Engineers since it was originally built by early settlers for milling purposes in the area. In 1993, the dam was supported by water from the downstream flooding of the Des Moines River. The dam does little to regulate the water level, but releases catfish in floods and releases them into the lake.

The lake also contains some of the earliest stories from Minnesota: In 1851, the US government brought 200 homeless men temporarily in the care of men to Lake Shetek to build a hospital for the elderly and disabled and a school for children.

Originally planned for future groups as a warehouse for underprivileged, the original EPA building is a prime example of rustic gravel architecture and is still fine Minnesota architecture, and was good for Minnesota. Some of the group's buildings are still used by the state's parking system, but others were eventually sold for church and warehouse space.

The State Park is spread over several cottages from the time of the original settlers. The dam built during this period is still in operation, canoes can be rented in the park and a visitors "park has been built on the site of the former railway station and the old railway tracks.

An educational trail has been created, which can be reached on foot from the dam and by boat from Lake Shetek.

This popular hiking trail leads through the historic Railway Museum, where a historical railway museum has been established. This area within the park is equipped with many hiking trails and cycle paths that allow horse riding. Some parts of Casey Jones Trail are not suitable for horse riding, but there are also tents and some areas are equipped for camping.

Fishing has always been popular at Shetek Lake, and while the original stocking ponds within the park are no longer used (except for a small fish pond), the DNR of Minnesota stores the most popular wild fish.

In the winter of 1974 / 75 a mechanical ventilation system was installed in the northern part of the lake. Murray County kept the system running during the winter months to avoid dropping it into winter when it is most active.

The lake is also popular for all kinds of water sports, sharing sunny summer weekends with lakes such as Lake Superior, Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. The most popular fish are the Shetek Lake, but the ice fishing season is in the winter months, especially in the spring and summer months.

Lake Shetek has been a popular holiday destination for almost a century, and several seaside resorts have been located along the coast for many years. Shallow water and sandy beaches make the lake a great place for kayaking, canoeing, swimming and fishing, but regulars often reserve their favorite waterfront spots, such as the Lake Superior beach. There are many stretches of coastline dotted with summer cottages and year-round houses, and you will find miles of paths and quiet streets where you can ride your bike or skateboard.

The state DNR provides a bird watching checklist that you can download from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website or from its website. Murray County has one of the highest populations of deer and pheasants in the state of Minnesota, and hunters come here to find lodgings for the deer season and pheasant hunting. Here you can find white-tailed deer, black bears, elks, elks, coyotes, peregrine falcons and many other bird species.

Lake Shetek guarantees visitors four seasons of sport and fun, and several restaurants and drinking spots around the lake ensure that lonely hunters and fishermen can find a warm fire and a new friend in the evening. Winter fun is provided by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the Murray County Parks and Recreation Department. Food and gas are provided by Minnesota Public Service, the state's largest public utility.

Eight miles south of Lake Shetek is a small race track, where stock car races take place weekly. The town of Currie is just 6 km away and hosts regular festivals and events that delight visitors.

Other events are always a good opportunity for first-time visitors to discover some of the more interesting features of Lake Shetek, such as the lake itself, the waterfalls and the lake park.

Accommodation is plentiful, but reservations for the popular holiday weeks are recommended in advance. The area is ideal for families with small children, as shown in the real estate ads, and it is a great place for a family holiday with family and friends, especially during the holidays.

Lake Shetek offers beautiful views of the Great Lakes, Lake Superior and the Minnesota State Capitol.