La Salle Lake State Recreation Area

La Salle Lake State Recreation Area

Explore Minnesota’s deepest inland lake, reaching over 200 feet deep, at La Salle Lake State Recreation Area, about 35 miles north of Park Rapids. While visiting, you can hike around the lake, fish, kayak, camp, and enjoy the beautiful lake views. LSLSRA offers a campground, two rentable guest houses, a fishing pier, and a nice picnic area. In the early 1990s, an early Native American Elk Lake Culture prehistoric site was discovered adjacent to LaSalle Creek near the outlet of LaSalle Lake. The site was identified during planning for an upgrade of the county highway and was partially excavated in 1995 before the road was rebuilt.

The Institute for Minnesota Archaeology states: ”…artifacts recovered from the LaSalle Creek site have provided archaeologists with a clearer picture of how the producers of Brainerd Ware ceramics lived, what they ate, and what tools they made. In addition, the date of 3,180 years ago obtained from charred residue on the inside of a ceramic sherd at the LaSalle Creek Site is one of the earliest known dates for an Elk Lake Culture occupation in Minnesota.”

The northern headwaters of the Mississippi River are a critical area for these early archaeological sites, and additional cultural resource areas may be discovered on the property.
La Salle Lake State Recreation Area is Minnesota’s newest state recreation area. It offers an incredible wilderness experience and a peaceful getaway amid red and jack pine forests and woodlands.

Take advantage of fishing opportunities on Minnesota’s deepest inland lake, at 213 feet. Other highlights include a cold-water stream, a scientific and natural area, and a pristine stretch of the Mississippi River.
All sites have full sewer, water, and electric hookups for lodging and camping.
To make reservations, go to: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/