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Check out these area attractions while you are visiting
Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge
Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge
Reducing Water, Returning Wings Story Map (click)
A compelling story of wildlife management in a viewable format!
Marsh Lake Drawdown planned in 2026
Marsh Lake Drawdown planned in 2026
From Q-92 Radio News....
Visitors to Marsh Lake in the Lac qui Parle Wildlife Management Area will see lowered water levels as the result of a drawdown planned for spring and summer 2026.
The intent of the drawdown is to improve habitat for fish and wildlife by increasing aquatic vegetation and improving water quality.
As of January 2026, water levels on Marsh Lake were just over 938 feet. The target elevation for this drawdown is 936 feet.
"A previous drawdown in 2019 and 2020 produced an abundance of emergent vegetation in the lake," said Walt Gessler, Lac qui Parle area wildlife manager. "Native vegetation reestablished where we had hoped and submergent vegetation showed steady improvement over the previous five years, which provided a tremendous benefit for clean water, fish and wildlife."
During the drawdown, boaters will be able to access the lake only at the main river channel above and below the Louisburg Grade Bridge. Boating on the main part of Marsh Lake will be difficult during the summer, when water levels will be at their lowest. Boating conditions below the dam on Lac qui Parle Lake should not be affected and that area will remain open to boat traffic.
This drawdown plan relies on normal or below normal precipitation and is planned for only one growing season. Low water levels mimic drought conditions, which allows aquatic vegetation to grow. Once water levels rise, vegetation helps hold the lake bottom in place, resulting in clearer water. Exposed mudflats will also provide strong feeding conditions for migrating shorebirds, which should create excellent birdwatching opportunities.
The last drawdown spanned two growing seasons. A shorter drawdown of one growing season is not anticipated to result in as much emergent vegetation as the last drawdown, leaving more open water areas for hunter access.
After the lake is refilled, the plan calls for water levels to fluctuate naturally.
More information is available at the Lac qui Parle area wildlife page (mndnr.gov/areas/wildlife/lac_qui_parle_wma.html). Comments and questions can be sent to Walt Gessler at walt.gessler@state.mn.us.
AREA ATTRACTIONS
Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway- a great way to see many interesting sites and attractions. Covers the entire region from Ortonville South along the scenic Minnesota River Valley.
DINING GUIDE
Montevideo- Local eateries This is a partial list of places to eat in Montevideo
Madison-Local eateries This is a partial list of places to eat in Madison
Dawson-Local eateries This is a partial list of places to eat in Dawson
Appleton-Local eateries This is a partial list of places to eat in Appleton
Ortonville- Local Eateries This is a partial list of places to eat in the Ortonville Area
MUSEUMS/HISTORIC SITES
Chippewa County Historical Society-Chippewa City-Pioneer Village, Swensson Farm, Lac qui Parle Mission (Montevideo)
Lac qui Parle County Historical Society- Lac qui Parle County Museum, Robert Bly House (Madison)
Camp Release Monument-State Monument to the Dakota War of 1862-located just west of Montevideo on Hwy 212 (Montevideo)
Big Stone County Museum- Has a large taxidermy collection, many birds, fossils, and artifacts, a walking trail, & a lookout tower of MN River Valley (Ortonville)
Yellow Medicine County Museum-Pioneer history of the area, Bison Kill Site artifacts, Glacial history, Native American history display (Granite Falls)
Andrew J. Volstad House Museum - home of the author of the National Prohibition Act, of 1919, historic home museum. (Granite Falls)
Milwaukee Road Heritage Center- The Railroad Museum collects and restores Milwaukee Road memorabilia and artifacts at the Milwaukee Road Museum and Railroad Park, Depot, model train display, turntable (Montevideo)
STATE PARKS/ NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES
Lac qui Parle State Park The park is a small park that is great for birding, hiking, canoeing, kayaking. Be sure to check out the historic buildings in the lower campground. The Map Building contains a WPA project that created a 30-foot-long concrete relief map of the Upper Minnesota River, from Ortonville to Montevideo.
LqP Bird Checklist click to access
Big Stone Lake State Park this park features native prairie, fishing, bird watching, hiking and spring and summer wildflowers.
BS Bird checklist click to access
Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge Auto Tour route is open with excellent birding along the way. Several platforms extend out to the water for the best viewing. 250 documented species and is a part of the Big Stone-Lac qui Parle Important Bird Area recognized by Audubon MN. biking, boating, fishing, hunting, wildlife watching, hiking, and photography are some of the activities that are encouraged on the refuge.
BigStoneNWR Bird Checklist click to access
Montevideo Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
Montevideo Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
Take some time while you are out exploring the prairies of western Minnesota to stop and support our local attractions and businesses. The local CVB has generously provided the funding for the buses for this event.
THANKS MONTEVIDEO for your support of this long- running event.
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