Lake Shetek State Park
- Status
- Open (per official listing)Daily 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- Entrance fee
- Statewide rule — see below
- Day-use reservations
- None mentioned
- Dogs
- Dogs allowed, with restrictions
- Camping
- 141 campsitesAlso cabins, glamping or camper cabins
- Official site
- dnr.state.mn.us(507) 763-3256
Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. Details last changed Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current
Current alerts 1
Weather Good NewsThe Zuya Group Center is open for reservations. The Zuya Group Center will feature a newly constructed restroom/shower building that is fully… (more)
The Zuya Group Center is open for reservations. The Zuya Group Center will feature a newly constructed restroom/shower building that is fully accessible, freshly painted buildings, new beds and mattresses and a kitchen fully stocked with dining and cooking utensils, pots, pans, plates, bowls, cups, toaster, coffee maker and most everything that groups will need. Cleaning supplies and paper products are also provided. Reservations for the group center will be taken 365 days in advance by calling the park office. If you have questions, please contact the park office at 507-763-3256.
Posted by the park 2026-06-01. Official alert
Overview
Lake Shetek State Park is a 820-acre park in Murray County, about 8 miles northeast of Slayton.
Visitors come for horseback riding, historic sites, canoeing and kayaking, swimming, and boating. The official site lists about 14 miles of trails. Water access includes a swimming beach and a fishing pier. For overnight stays there are 141 campsites across 7 camping areas (RV sites with electric hookups, tent sites, group camping, and showers). There are also cabins and camper cabins or similar shelters for rent.
Hours
Park, gate, office and facility hours are listed separately because they often differ. Alerts above override normal hours.
| Facility | Days | Hours | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park | Daily | 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. | — |
| Office | Mon, Tue | 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. | — |
| Wed | 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. | — | |
| Sun | 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. | — | |
| Sun | 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. | — | |
| Park | RVs: There are 32 full hookup sites in Sunrise Campground. All electric sites at Lake Shetek State Park have now been upgraded to 20/30/50 amp. Programs: There are occasional interpretive programs held in the park. Please check with the office, DNR online event calendar or park bulletin boards for more details. Rentals: Rowboats, canoes, single and tandem kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are available for rent. Snowshoes are available to rent during the winter months. Also available for free checkout are volleyballs, horseshoes, kid's discovery kits, birding kits, and GPS units for geocaching. The picnic shelter in the park is available for rent. Contact the park for more information. Water: The water will be turned on for the season on April 17, 2026, weather permitting. Drinking water: During the winter months there is drinking water available at the park maintenance shop. The drinking water spigots throughout the park will be turned on for the season on April 17, 2026, weather permitting. Dump station: The water at the dump station will be turned on for the season on April 17, 2026, weather permitting. Trails: Lake Shetek has 8 miles of summer hiking trails, six miles of surfaced bike trails and 7.5 miles of wheelchair accessible trails. In winter, the park has five miles of groomed snowmobile trails. Snowshoeing is permitted anywhere in the park except on groomed snowmobile trails. There are also two marked snowshoe trails, 3/4 mile and 2 1/4 miles in length, starting at the picnic area parking lot. The stone shelter with a wood stove is available. Buildings: Check out the unique WPA-built beach house with its cut stone walls and curved staircase to the lakeshore. It is the only one of its kind and a landmark on Lake Shetek. Be sure to read up on the pioneer history of Lake Shetek and visit the historic 1850's Koch cabin, cabin sites and the Shetek monument, where 14 of Lake Shetek's early residents are buried. Electric sites: There are 32 electric sites in Oak Woods Campground and 32 full hookup sites (sewer/water/electric) in Sunrise Campground. Each electric site has 50/30/20 amp service. Showers: The bathroom/shower buildings will open for the season on April 17, 2026, weather permitting. Other: Lake Shetek State Park now has a mobility track chair that is available for free check out at the park office. You can request use of the chair by making a free reservation online at MNDNR.gov/reservations, contacting the park office by phone at 507-763-3256 or by coming to the park office during open hours. For more information about the track chair program in MN State Parks, please go on the DNR website at www.mndnr.gov and type "track chair" in the search to be taken to the webpage. Campgrounds: The campgrounds are open for the season and will stay open until the first significant snowfall. The park has 4 Camper Cabins that are available year-round. During the winter months, the cabins are available and reservations can be made by calling the reservation line or by calling Lake Shetek State Park at 507-763-3256. The park has six non-electric sites. Rustic camping is available in the Prairie Campground and a rustic cart-in site at Park Lake. There are 7 cart-in campsites adjacent to Oak Woods Campground. Bathrooms: Vault toilets are available throughout the park year round. The bathrooms will open for the season on April 17, 2026, weather permitting. The beach house bathrooms will open for the season on April 17, 2026, weather permitting. | ||
Official wording
Daily from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m.
Mon-Tues: 8 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday: 8 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thurs-Sat: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday 8 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. until Labor Day
The campgrounds are open for the season and will stay open until the first significant snowfall. The park has 4 Camper Cabins that are available year-round. During the winter months, the cabins are available and reservations can be made by calling the reservation line or by calling Lake Shetek State Park at 507-763-3256. The park has six non-electric sites. Rustic camping is available in the Prairie Campground and a rustic cart-in site at Park Lake. There are 7 cart-in campsites adjacent to Oak Woods Campground.
RVs: There are 32 full hookup sites in Sunrise Campground. All electric sites at Lake Shetek State Park have now been upgraded to 20/30/50 amp. Programs: There are occasional interpretive programs held in the park. Please check with the office, DNR online event calendar or park bulletin boards for more details. Rentals: Rowboats, canoes, single and tandem kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are available for rent. Snowshoes are available to rent during the winter months. Also available for free checkout are volleyballs, horseshoes, kid's discovery kits, birding kits, and GPS units for geocaching. The picnic shelter in the park is available for rent. Contact the park for more information. Water: The water will be turned on for the season on April 17, 2026, weather permitting. Drinking water: During the winter months there is drinking water available at the park maintenance shop. The drinking water spigots throughout the park will be turned on for the season on April 17, 2026, weather permitting. Dump station: The water at the dump station will be turned on for the season on April 17, 2026, weather permitting. Trails: Lake Shetek has 8 miles of summer hiking trails, six miles of surfaced bike trails and 7.5 miles of wheelchair accessible trails. In winter, the park has five miles of groomed snowmobile trails. Snowshoeing is permitted anywhere in the park except on groomed snowmobile trails. There are also two marked snowshoe trails, 3/4 mile and 2 1/4 miles in length, starting at the picnic area parking lot. The stone shelter with a wood stove is available. Buildings: Check out the unique WPA-built beach house with its cut stone walls and curved staircase to the lakeshore. It is the only one of its kind and a landmark on Lake Shetek. Be sure to read up on the pioneer history of Lake Shetek and visit the historic 1850's Koch cabin, cabin sites and the Shetek monument, where 14 of Lake Shetek's early residents are buried. Electric sites: There are 32 electric sites in Oak Woods Campground and 32 full hookup sites (sewer/water/electric) in Sunrise Campground. Each electric site has 50/30/20 amp service. Showers: The bathroom/shower buildings will open for the season on April 17, 2026, weather permitting. Other: Lake Shetek State Park now has a mobility track chair that is available for free check out at the park office. You can request use of the chair by making a free reservation online at MNDNR.gov/reservations, contacting the park office by phone at 507-763-3256 or by coming to the park office during open hours. For more information about the track chair program in MN State Parks, please go on the DNR website at www.mndnr.gov and type "track chair" in the search to be taken to the webpage. Campgrounds: The campgrounds are open for the season and will stay open until the first significant snowfall. The park has 4 Camper Cabins that are available year-round. During the winter months, the cabins are available and reservations can be made by calling the reservation line or by calling Lake Shetek State Park at 507-763-3256. The park has six non-electric sites. Rustic camping is available in the Prairie Campground and a rustic cart-in site at Park Lake. There are 7 cart-in campsites adjacent to Oak Woods Campground. Bathrooms: Vault toilets are available throughout the park year round. The bathrooms will open for the season on April 17, 2026, weather permitting. The beach house bathrooms will open for the season on April 17, 2026, weather permitting.
Source: official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Times are local to the park (America/Chicago).
Fees and passes
Per vehicle: a state park vehicle permit (one-day $7 or year-round $35) is required for every vehicle; same price for residents and nonresidents. Four free park days per year. Iron Range OHV SRA states 'There is no entrance fee'.
Statewide fee rule from Minnesota's park system; this park’s page doesn’t list its own fees.
Minnesota park passes
- Year-round vehicle permit — $35. Unlimited visits to every Minnesota state park and recreation area for 12 months from the month of purchase Details
- One-day vehicle permit — $7. One day, one vehicle Details
- Additional year-round vehicle permit — $26. Additional vehicles owned by a year-round permit holder Details
- Year-round motorcycle permit — $30. Motorcycle, 12 months Details
- One-day group permit — $5. Group vehicles, one day Details
From the Minnesota state guide. Confirm which passes this park accepts.
Reservations
- Day use
- No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
- Camping
- Recommended
- Booking system
- Reserve MN (US eDirect)
- Phone
- 866-857-2757
Reservations are recommended for camping and lodging during the normal camping season, especially for weekends and holidays.
We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.
Pets
Dogs allowed, with restrictions
Not allowed in or on: cabins.
Pets not allowed in cabins.
Service animals are generally permitted where pets are not. Check with the park for specific areas.
Camping
| Campground or site type | Sites | Hookups / features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drive-in Sites 66 sites | 66 | ShowersRVs up to 70 Feet | — |
| Pull-Through Sites 3 pull-through sites with electricity, 1 pull-through site with full hook-up | 3 | Showers | — |
| Electric Sites 64 sites — There are 32 electric sites in Oak Woods Campground and 32 sites with sewer/water/electricity in Sunrise Campground. All sites with electricity are 20/30/50 amp service. | 64 | ElectricShowersRVs up to 70 Feet | — |
| Cart-in Sites 7 sites | 7 | Showers | — |
| Group Camp 1 Site - accommodates up to 30 people — The Wilderness Group Camp is adjacent to Park Lake. Hand pump and vault toilets available. No showers are available. Drive-in, tent only site. | 1 | Showers | — |
| Group Center More details about the Zuya Group Center. The group center overlooks Lake Shetek, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is accessible and available for rent from mid-May to the end of September. The maximum occupancy is 84 people. | — | Showers | — |
| Other Park Lake Campsite - accommodates 6 — This is a small lakeside camp for tent camping only. The site will accommodate up to six people. Campers will have about a 60-yard hike to the site from the parking area. A cart is available at the parking lot to assist in transporting camping equipment and supplies to the site. This campsite has access to a nearby hand pump for water and has vault toilet facilities. | — | Showers | — |
Camping details from the park
Drive-in Sites — 66 sites
Pull-Through Sites — 3 pull-through sites with electricity, 1 pull-through site with full hook-up
Electric Sites — 64 sites: There are 32 electric sites in Oak Woods Campground and 32 sites with sewer/water/electricity in Sunrise Campground. All sites with electricity are 20/30/50 amp service.
RV Length Limit — 70 Feet: Length is measured from front of tow vehicle to rear of vehicle being towed.
Accessible Sites — 8 sites: Three accessible drive-in sites with full hookup are available in the Sunrise Campground. Three accessible drive-in electric sites are available in the Oak Woods Campground. Two accessible drive-in campsites are available in the Prairie Campground.
Cart-in Sites — 7 sites
Group Camp — 1 Site - accommodates up to 30 people: The Wilderness Group Camp is adjacent to Park Lake. Hand pump and vault toilets available. No showers are available. Drive-in, tent only site.
Group Center: More details about the Zuya Group Center. The group center overlooks Lake Shetek, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is accessible and available for rent from mid-May to the end of September. The maximum occupancy is 84 people.
Other — Park Lake Campsite - accommodates 6: This is a small lakeside camp for tent camping only. The site will accommodate up to six people. Campers will have about a 60-yard hike to the site from the parking area. A cart is available at the parking lot to assist in transporting camping equipment and supplies to the site. This campsite has access to a nearby hand pump for water and has vault toilet facilities.
From the official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.
Cabins and lodging
- Camper Cabins
Accessible Lodging: The park has two accessible camper cabins.
The Zuya Group Center has one accessible cabin, two accessible bathroom/shower rooms, and the dining hall has an accessible entrance.
Camper Cabins — 4 year-round cabins, available Thursday - Sunday during the winter season, available daily Apr - Oct: Cabins C2 and C3 are wheelchair accessible, and sleep 5. Cabin C1 sleeps 5, and C4 sleeps 6. Pets not allowed in cabins. Available year-round, Thursday - Sunday during the winter season, available daily Apr - Oct. More information on camper cabins.
Things to do
CampingHikingBikingFishingHistoric sites and toursRanger and interpretive programsPicnickingHorseback ridingSwimmingBoatingCanoeing and kayaking
Trails
| Trail | Length | Difficulty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accessible (summer) | 4.5 mi | — | 4.5 miles — There is a crushed quartzite rock trail that is wheelchair accessible that starts at the picnic area, continues along the lake shore to the boat landing, across the causeway and around Loon Island. This trail is 1.5 miles in length. Portions of the paved bike trail starting at the park office and continuing along Smith Lake and Lake Shetek to the town of Currie are also wheelchair accessible. This section is approximately 3 miles in length.AccessibleAccessible |
| Self-Guided (summer) | 1 mi | — | 1 mile — A one-mile loop trail around Loon Island highlights some of the natural and cultural history of the island. This trail is also the park's Hiking Club Trail.Self-Guided |
| Hiking (summer) | 14 mi | — | 14 miles — There are 14 miles of hiking trails, including 6 miles of the bike trail, that take you through a variety of landscapes that make up Lake Shetek State Park. Sights include restored prairie areas, wetlands with a variety of waterfowl, the very popular Loon Island Trail, and woodlands with 250-year-old oak trees.Hiking |
| Paved Bike (summer) | 6 mi | — | 6 miles — The Casey Jones/Currie Loop State Trail is a 6-mile loop that connects Lake Shetek State Park and the nearby town of Currie. The bike trail can be accessed at a trail head in Currie or in the state park. The trail goes past several of the park's historic sites from 1862, past beautiful views of Smith Lake and Lake Shetek and through restored prairie areas. he bike trail also takes you past several rolling landscapes of grassland and farm fields.Paved Bike |
| Snowmobile (winter) | 5 mi | — | 5 Miles — Approximately 5 miles of groomed snowmobile trails within the park connects to the wider Murray County Trail System. The trail enters the park in a couple different locations and winds through the park's woodlands and prairies.Snowmobile |
| Snowshoe (winter) | — | — | Anywhere in park except for groomed snowmobile trails — Snowshoe rentals are available at the ranger station.Snowshoe |
Trail descriptions from the park
Summer — Accessible — 4.5 miles: There is a crushed quartzite rock trail that is wheelchair accessible that starts at the picnic area, continues along the lake shore to the boat landing, across the causeway and around Loon Island. This trail is 1.5 miles in length.
Portions of the paved bike trail starting at the park office and continuing along Smith Lake and Lake Shetek to the town of Currie are also wheelchair accessible. This section is approximately 3 miles in length.
Summer — Self-Guided — 1 mile: A one-mile loop trail around Loon Island highlights some of the natural and cultural history of the island. This trail is also the park's Hiking Club Trail.
Summer — Hiking — 14 miles: There are 14 miles of hiking trails, including 6 miles of the bike trail, that take you through a variety of landscapes that make up Lake Shetek State Park.
Sights include restored prairie areas, wetlands with a variety of waterfowl, the very popular Loon Island Trail, and woodlands with 250-year-old oak trees.
Summer — Paved Bike — 6 miles: The Casey Jones/Currie Loop State Trail is a 6-mile loop that connects Lake Shetek State Park and the nearby town of Currie. The bike trail can be accessed at a trail head in Currie or in the state park.
The trail goes past several of the park's historic sites from 1862, past beautiful views of Smith Lake and Lake Shetek and through restored prairie areas. he bike trail also takes you past several rolling landscapes of grassland and farm fields.
Winter — Snowmobile — 5 Miles: Approximately 5 miles of groomed snowmobile trails within the park connects to the wider Murray County Trail System. The trail enters the park in a couple different locations and winds through the park's woodlands and prairies.
Winter — Snowshoe — Anywhere in park except for groomed snowmobile trails: Snowshoe rentals are available at the ranger station.
Trail conditions: Lake Shetek has 8 miles of summer hiking trails, six miles of surfaced bike trails and 7.5 miles of wheelchair accessible trails. In winter, the park has five miles of groomed snowmobile trails. Snowshoeing is permitted anywhere in the park except on groomed snowmobile trails. There are also two marked snowshoe trails, 3/4 mile and 2 1/4 miles in length, starting at the picnic area parking lot. The stone shelter with a wood stove is available.
Swimming
Swimming Beach — Near picnic area
Boating and paddling
Boat Access — Lake Shetek: The drive-in boat landing provides direct access to Lake Shetek and has a large parking lot for vehicles and trailers.
Canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, paddleboat and rowboats are also located here and are available to rent at the park office.
Boat Docks
Canoe Access — Smith Lake: The canoe access and dock on Smith Lake within the park is part of the canoe trail on Lake Shetek. Signs marking the portages to Lake Shetek are visible. There are also canoes located here that can be rented at the park office.
Fishing
Fishing Pier — Near picnic area: It is wheelchair accessible and located adjacent to the picnic area.
A state fishing license is usually required.
Amenities
Facilities
- Restrooms
- Flush toilets
- Showers
- Picnic areas
- Picnic shelters
- Playground
- Visitor center
- Park or camp store
- Group facilities
Water
- Swimming beach
- Marina or boat slips
- Fishing pier
Camping
- RV dump station
- Tent camping
- RV camping
- Electric hookups
- Group camping
Lodging
- Cabins
- Glamping or camper cabins
Accessibility
- Accessible cabins or lodging
✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.
Accessibility
- Accessible cabins or lodging
Accessible Sites — 8 sites: Three accessible drive-in sites with full hookup are available in the Sunrise Campground. Three accessible drive-in electric sites are available in the Oak Woods Campground. Two accessible drive-in campsites are available in the Prairie Campground.
Group Center: More details about the Zuya Group Center. The group center overlooks Lake Shetek, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is accessible and available for rent from mid-May to the end of September. The maximum occupancy is 84 people.
Accessible Lodging: The park has two accessible camper cabins.
The Zuya Group Center has one accessible cabin, two accessible bathroom/shower rooms, and the dining hall has an accessible entrance.
Read more from the park
Camper Cabins — 4 year-round cabins, available Thursday - Sunday during the winter season, available daily Apr - Oct: Cabins C2 and C3 are wheelchair accessible, and sleep 5. Cabin C1 sleeps 5, and C4 sleeps 6. Pets not allowed in cabins. Available year-round, Thursday - Sunday during the winter season, available daily Apr - Oct. More information on camper cabins.
Showers — Wheelchair accessible: Shower buildings are located in Oak Woods Campground and are available to all campers registered in Oak Woods and Sunrise Campgrounds.
Flush Toilets — Wheelchair accessible: Flush toilet buildings are located in the Oak Woods and Sunrise Campgrounds and are available to all campers registered in the Oak Woods and Sunrise Campgrounds.
Picnic Area — Close to the lake and swimming beach: Located close to the lake and swimming beach, it is handicap accessible with fire rings and picnic tables scattered throughout.
Fishing Pier — Near picnic area: It is wheelchair accessible and located adjacent to the picnic area.
Accessible — 4.5 miles: There is a crushed quartzite rock trail that is wheelchair accessible that starts at the picnic area, continues along the lake shore to the boat landing, across the causeway and around Loon Island. This trail is 1.5 miles in length.
Portions of the paved bike trail starting at the park office and continuing along Smith Lake and Lake Shetek to the town of Currie are also wheelchair accessible. This section is approximately 3 miles in length.
All-Terrain Track Chair: The park has an all-terrain, electric powered chair that may be used on designated trails within the park.
- Reserve the chair
- Map of designated trails
- Learn more about track chairs
Official accessibility information
Conditions change. Contact the park to confirm specific accessible features before your visit.
Getting there
- Address
- 163 State Park Road
Currie, MN 56123 - Nearest town
- Slayton — about 8 mi northeast (straight line)
- Coordinates
- 44.0948, -95.6808
- Phone
- (507) 763-3256
- lakeshetek.statepark@state.mn.us
Google Maps directionsApple MapsOfficial park map (PDF)
Directions from the park
North of Currie on County Road 38.
Nearby state parks
Sources and freshness
- Minnesota State Parks and Trails — park page — last checked Oct 29, 2026; page says updated Jun 1, 2026
- MN DNR A-Z list of state parks and recreation areas (park IDs in server-rendered <noscript> links) + state waysides page; details from the compass feature_detail JSON API used by park.html
- Wikidata
- USGS PAD-US 4.1 (boundary and acreage)
“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. “Last changed” (Oct 29, 2026) is when the information shown here last differed from the previous check. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology