Sakatah Lake State Park
Sakatah Lake State Park, which is 7 miles east of Elysian, offers unique sites, including bike-in sites with no auto access. Drive-in sites are located in wooded areas. RVs up to 55 feet can be accommodated. The park also has group camps, cabins and a limited number of electric sites. Flush toilets, showers and a dump station are accessible in summer, but only vault toilets are open in winter. Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail is a 39-mile paved path that accommodates hikers, bikers, and skaters Visitors can go canoeing or kayaking in the Cannon River or in the lake. The park also has several cross country ski trails, although there is only one expert trail at this location. Visitors can also snowshoe anywhere in the park except along the groomed ski trails.
Sakatah Lake State Park
50499 Sakatah Lake State Park Road
Waterville, MN 56096
(507) 362-4438
dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/sakatah_lake
Bray Park
Bray Park Campground is located 6 miles west of Elysian and provides RV and tent campsites. Campers can choose open or wooded sites. Showers, a dump station and electric service are available. There are several short but interesting trails on the grounds, including one with a swinging bridge that crosses a ravine. A boat dock offers access to Madison Lake. Guests can swim at the beach or visit the interpretive center. Sakatah Trail access is north of Madison Lake.
Bray Park
Osprey Lane
Madison Lake, MN 56063
(507) 304-4025
co.blue-earth.mn.us/dept/parks/bray.php
Beaver Dam Resort
Beaver Dam Resort is less than 8 miles from Elysian. The resort offers established sites and a campground area. The campsites have full or partial hookups, and each comes with a picnic table and fire ring. The resort also rents cabins and provides a shower house. The pool is open during the summer months and a playground, basketball court, volleyball court and horseshoes are part of the outdoor games and recreation at the facility. The resort gives campers access to German Lake and Jefferson Lake for boating and water sports.
Beaver Dam Resort
46115 Beaver Dam Road
Cleveland, MN 56017
(507) 931-7376
beaverdamresort.com
Article Written By Alice Moon
Alice Moon is a freelance writer with more than 10 years of experience. She was chosen as a Smithsonian Institute intern, working for the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., and has traveled throughout Asia. Moon holds a Bachelor of Science in political science from Ball State University.
