Things to
do in our backyard!
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The following is a list of activities to do in our area. If you need more information, please come up to the office we will be more than happy to get you on your adventure.
OUTDOOR RECREATION: We have volleyballs, horseshoes, sand toys and a couple yard games to lend in the store. Feel free to come up and borrow them. Don’t forget to check out the kayaks and the paddleboats.
BLUE CLOUD ABBEY: Located near Marvin just off Hwy 12, this beautiful monastery is open to the public for tours. Contact the director at 398-9200 or 398-9208.
ANTIQUES: There are several antique shops in the area located in Big Stone City, Ortonville, Milbank and the surrounding area. Brochures with the addresses and contact information are located in the store on the literature rack.
INDOOR RECREATION: Just 20 minutes away, Milbank offers an indoor recreational facility “Unity Square” for indoor swimming, basketball, racquetball, etc. Contact Info: 432-9236. See the complete flyer in the back of this book.
TROUT POND: Stocked every year in May with hatchery trout ~ a great way to spend the afternoon bobbering for trout. Check in the office for directions and details.
HORSEBACK RIDING: Guided trails, hiking and horse rental with 2,000 acres to ride on. Canyon Ranch is located in the heart of the Coteau Hills, just north of Sica Hollow State Park. 605-738-2480.
GOLFING: Pine Hills Golf Club is Milbank’s 18-hole course just off Highway 15. Contact Info: 432-4124.
Ortonville Municipal Golf Course is an 18-hole course located on the hill above town and overlooks Big Stone Lake. Contact Info: 320-839-3606.
NATURE LOVER’S: Big Stone Wildlife Refuge is 2 miles southeast of Ortonville on Hwy 75. Over 11,000 acres area with an auto tour that provides a good overall view of the refuge. Hikers and bikers get the best view of the prairie plants, granite outcroppings, river meanders, wildlife and the buffalo. Contact Info: 320-273-2191.
BIRDING: Big Stone Lake is located on the Glacial Lakes & Prairies birding tour. We have booklets located in the store that shows the trails near the state park and the wildlife refuge.
WILDLIFE DISPLAY: Local taxidermist, Charles Hanson, has on display many species of birds at the Big Stone County Museum including the loon, sandhill crane, great grey owls and barred owl. Call the museum for hours 320-839-3359.
HISTORY BUFFS: Big Stone Historical Society Museum is located at the intersection of Hwy 12 and 75 in Ortonville. If features many historical artifacts about the Big Stone Lake Area. Contact info: 320-839-3359.
GRANITE COMPANY TOURS: Cold Springs Granite is located south of Big Stone City on 485th Avenue. They offer tours of their facility by reservation only. Contact info: 432-9389.
TERRY REDLIN CENTER: Located just off I-29 in Watertown just under an hour drive from the resort is a must see for Redlin Print lovers. The gallery houses over 180 of Terry Redlin’s originals. Contact info: 1-877-Tredlin. Admission is FREE!
ZOO: Bramble Park Zoo & Discovery Center is located in Watertown and houses over 500 species of animals. Check out the new Discovery Center. Contact info: 605-882-6269. Open year round.
FORT SISSETON: The historical weekend is June 6, 7 & 8 near Lake City, SD. You will see military encampments, Indian cultural programs, craft show, fur trade rendezvous, medicine show and much more. Contact info: 605-448-5474.
CASINOS: For the gamblers in the group there are two major casinos in the area. Dakota Magic Gaming & Entertainment Center located on the I-29 border north of the resort. Contact info: 1-800-325-6825.
Dakota Sioux Casino is located just north and little west of Watertown. Las Vegas style gambling with weekend entertainment. Contact info: 1-800-658-4717.
AMUSEMENT PARK: Located in Watertown on west Hwy 212 this facility offers go-cart racing, miniature golf, water wars and indoor arcade. Contact info: 605-882-6959.
SHOPPING: Main street Ortonville and Milbank offer the small town shopping experience with unique stores that offer gifts, collectibles, crafts, antiques, consignments and COFFEE. If the mall experience is what you are seeking then Watertown makes a nice day trip that offers the Watertown Mall with a Herberger’s and JC Penneys, Super Wal-Mart, Target, Shopko and also fun and unique downtown shopping. Ask in the office more details.
COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONS:
JUNE 27, 28 & 29: Second Annual Farley Fest at Lake Farley Park just north of Milbank. Check in the store for a current poster for details of all the events the Milbank community has planned.
AUGUST 15, 16 & 17: 70TH ANNUAL CORNFEST at Ortonville. This year features the “Nitty Gritty Dirt Band” and lots of activities including a free sweetcorn feed and fireworks. See the poster in the office for details.
RAINY DAYS: We offer a selection of board games in the store for you to borrow from the lending library. Also see the indoor recreation center listed above or check out the local museums.
DIGITAL TV SYSTEM: New in 2006 was the addition of the digital television system to each cabin that offers almost 20 channels of entertainment. See the TV guide listing in this booklet for station numbers and network assignment.
There is plenty to see and do in the Big Stone Lake area. Hope this list will get you started. If you need further guidance, please ask. We have a literature rack full of resources to help make your stay in our neck of the woods more enjoyable. You can also check out the following community website: www.bigstonelake.com; www.milbanksd.com; www.sdglaciallakes.com.