National and State Parks - Recreational Areas

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Sakatah State Park
State Park Information

State Park Overview

Nature of the Area
Original notes from surveyors in the late 1800s described the area as low, rolling land with second rate timber and prairieland with bur oak, basswood -spen, butternut, elm -sh and ironwood. This area is an example of a transition zone, or ecotome, between the Southern Oak Barrens and the Big Woods Landscape Regions.

Glacial activity 14,000 years ago shaped this landscape. The park sits on a moraine - large mound of rock and mineral debris deposits. In some areas of the park, these moraine deposits are up to 400 feet deep. Glacial ice blocks left by receding glaciers formed depressions which filled with water creating lakes such as Sakatah Lake.

Open fields, wetlands, upland forests, lakes and forest edges provide the perfect habitat for many southern Minnesota wildlife species. Deer, muskrat, raccoon, mink, rabbit and red fox are animals commonly seen in the park. Listen for songbirds, woodpeckers, hawks and owls in the park.


History of the Area

More Info

Sakatah State Park