City of Montevideo

Nature

Haven for Nature Lovers

Montevideo is the convergence point of two rivers, the Minnesota River and the Chippewa River. Check out one of the many parks around town or choose a more adventurous path. You’ll have a blast floating down our newly created rapids on the Minnesota river. If you would prefer a more dry river experience there are many natural wonders to explore in and around the river. Just a hop, skip and a jump away, Lac qui Parle Lake is a haven for nature lovers.

  • Parks
  • Rivers
  • Rapids
  • Wildlife Refuges
  • Prairies
  • Rock Outcrops
  • Cemeteries

Parks Around Montevideo

  • Smith Park is Montevideo’s premier picnicking and gathering location. The many majestic trees shade the large playground and the three log shelter buildings, constructed as WPA projects in the 1930’s. To check availability of Smith Park facilities, call the City of Montevideo at 320-269-6575. Reservations must be made in person.
  • Lagoon Park has ten campsites, eight with water and electrical hookups, and provides modern bathroom and shower facilities. Availability is on a “first come/first served” basis.
  • Wildwood Park boasts nature trails which wind along the Chippewa River, providing an ideal hiking ambience.
  • Windom Park Recreation Area is a 25-acre city park featuring six tennis courts, baseball field, sand volleyball court, basketball court, playground equipment, picnic shelter and a hard-surfaced walking path. Windom Park also houses Montevideo’s outdoor swimming pool complex, complete with a 151-foot waterslide, wading pool, concession area and patio. 
  • Central Park
  • Chinhinta Park
  • Evans Park
  • Hillcrest Park
  • Larson Park
  • Sheridan Park

Lac Qui Parle Wildlife Management Area 

Lac Qui Parle Wildlife Management Area is a 24,000-acre area, located north and west of Lac Qui Parle State Park. An attractive headquarters building houses a small museum and a staffed information center. Bird watchers and nature observers visit the area each year to enjoy the native prairie grasses and flowers. In addition, the abundance of song birds and waterfowl which use the Wildlife Management Area for a nesting and migratory stopover make it a hot spot. The combination of wetland, brush, woods and native prairie provides ample cover for hundreds of birds and small game. Abundant wildlife can be seen almost anytime of the year. Marsh Lake contains the largest white pelican colony in North America and the WMA offers excellent viewing for numerous wetland and grassland dependent wildlife species.