Big Stone Lake Area Chamber

Attractions
Big Stone Apple Ranch 35445 State Hwy 7 Clinton, MN 56225 Ph# 320-839-2048 e-mail: bette@bigstonelake.net Bette Johnson, Owner
Big Stone County Historical Society 985 - US Hwy 12 Ortonville, MN 56278 Phone: 320/839-3359
Big Stone County Museum Located at the junctions of State Highway 12 and 75. The museum is the home of many historical treasures of the past. A granite anchor, a symbol of glacial River Warren, which is now Big Stone Lake, and the headwaters of the Minnesota River. The Muskegon - Golden Bantam boat, which once traveled the waters of Big Stone Lake, is also on display at the museum. Come see the Charles Hanson North American Wildlife Collection, now displayed inside the former Artichoke Lake General Store which has been relocated to the museum grounds. Developed by local farmer/ explorer Charles Hanson, this collection contains over 500 waterfowl from across the Americas and the world. You'll see native waterfowl as well as upland birds and other exotic specimens from places as far away as the Arctic Sea. Museum hours: Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. - Sunday 1-4 p.m.
Big Stone County Park 1122 - 6th Street Graceville, MN 56240 Phone: 320/748-7143 Herman & Patty Wencel
Big Stone Lake Our area's biggest attraction with a surface area of 12,610 acres. The lake separates the states of Minnesota and South Dakota. Great walleye fishing and recreational activities. Public accesses, resorts, campgrounds and two State Parks
Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge RR 1, Box 25 Odessa, MN 56276 Phone: 320/273-2191 Fax: 320/273-2231 Brett Wehrle, Manager The upper reaches of the Minnesota River in west central Minnesota are a refuge for wildlife - and are fascinating to people interested in wildlife - oriented recreation. Located two miles southeast of Ortonville near the Minnesota - South Dakota border, Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge offers recreational opportunities to visitors throughout the year.
Granite Quarries Granite outcroppings emerged from the Glacier Age. We are now one of the three leading granite mining areas in the United States. The first known granite quarry, the Baxter Quarry, was in operation as early as 1886. The quarries produce a beautiful red granite, known worldwide as Mahogany granite. Tours available upon request
Ortonville Municipal Golf Course The Ortonville Public Golf Course offers 18 holes with watered fairways. This par 72 course has a scenic variety of par 3, 4 and 5 holes. Four ponds and treacherous bunkers add to the beauty and challenge of the course. After golfing, enjoy great food and a charming atmosphere at the Ortonville Club House overlooking beautiful Big Stone Lake. Beginning as a nine hole golf course in 1940, the early grounds and clubhouse were built as a WPA Project. This took about a year to build, and the results were terrific. The three finishing holes were constructed to overlook Big Stone Lake with a different view from each green. This original course was built with many men, horses and farm tractors. The second nine holes were built in 1973. With modern equipment, this was completed in just five weeks. The land, labor, and even trees were all donated towards the project which ultimately cost $110,000. Though a municipal course, the cost to the city was zero for this expansion. The back nine alone has recently been appraised at $450,000. With and estimated worth of the first nine at $550,000, it is accurately described as a "Million Dollar" facility	For current rates/info go to the City of Ortonville's web at: http://www.ortonville.net/City%20Page/golf.htm
Rausch Bros. Monument Company, Inc. West Hwy. 12 P.O. Box 248 Big Stone City, SD 57216 Phone: 605-862-8155 Fax: 605-862-8355 Web: www.rauschgranite.com Email: mike.rausch@rauschgranite.com Michael F. Rausch, President
The Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway Route Search the river of stories... on your road to memories. Exploring the Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway may take you as little as two days or a full week . . . there are enough stories for an entire lifetime. Planning your venture into the valley along one or several byway itineraries can make the most of your time. You'll find distinctly different sights with each segment and each byway community has a variety of lodging, restaurants and vehicle services. Check out their web site at www.mnrivervalley.com