Mini-wakan State Park

Closed — This is a day-use only park with no camping facilities. The day-use lodge is available for reservations from May 1 through October 15. Water is off for the season during winter months.

About

Mini-Wakan State Park is a 20-acre day-use facility situated on the north shore of Big Spirit Lake, Iowa's largest natural lake, in the Iowa Great Lakes region. The park sits on the Iowa-Minnesota border in Dickinson County. Originally developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, the park retains its historic character with a recently renovated CCC-era day-use lodge. The park serves primarily as a lake access point, offering a public boat ramp and multiple shoreline fishing areas along Big Spirit Lake. The lake is known for excellent fishing opportunities in the Iowa Great Lakes region. The day-use lodge is available seasonally for rental and accommodates gatherings of up to 120 people, making it popular for weddings, reunions, and special events. Mini-Wakan State Park provides day-use amenities including picnic areas and restrooms. The park connects to both the Dickinson County trail system in Iowa and the Jackson County trail system in Minnesota, offering opportunities for hiking and biking. Visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, and fishing on Big Spirit Lake. The park is managed by staff from nearby Gull Point State Park.

Directions

Off Highway 9 at the stoplight by Hy-Vee in Spirit Lake, head north on Peoria Avenue which turns into 240th Avenue. Follow this road on the west side of Big Spirit Lake until 100th Street. Turn right on 100th Street at the Iowa-Minnesota border and take the first turn on your right.

Nearby Campgrounds