Lake Benton Hiking, Biking, Photography & Bird Watching

Hole in the Mountain Park is located within the western city limits of Lake Benton just off Highway 14. The park has 21 campsites with electricity and water and 30 electrical sites located in a separate area, which is reserved for those campers who bring their horses.

The park is approximately 800 acres of woodland and prairie land, and throughout the park, you will find historical sites along five miles of hiking/horse trails. Two picnic areas are included in the park along with a Chalet which includes shower facilities. The Chalet can be rented for family reunions, graduation parties, and other functions. The cost is $75.00 per day.

When you visit Hole in the Mountain Park, you will find the Snyder family cabin remaining from the first settlement in Lake Benton in 1860. Driving east of this location, you pass Snyder's Flats. In 1888, it was the site of the GAR Civil War Encampment, at which time over 5,000 visitors came by special trains from all over the Midwest. Today we hold our "Benton-Freemont Days, Te Tonka Ha Rendezvous and Hehdoka Knap-In" at this location. 

Hole in the Mountain is a large 1300+  prairie remnant situated on a steep valley along the outer edge of the glacial escarpment known as the Prairie Coteau. The preserve provides excellent habitat for rare prairie-dependent insects, including 25 species of butterflies, and nesting waterfowl, passerines, and other grassland birds.

From the City of Lake Benton, go south on U.S.  75 for 1.5 miles and park at the turn-out along the west side of the highway. The best time of year to visit is spring through fall, during the wildflower blooming season. 

Norwegian Creek park is located one mile north and one mile east of the City of Lake Benton. The park consumes 128 acres and is located on the western shores of Lake Benton lake. There are 91 campsites with electricity and water. Facilities include two picnic shelters, a bathhouse with showers, a fish-cleaning shed, RV dump station, a swimming beach, and two boat launches. 

High in the hills -- about 2,000 feet above sea level -- you can see the entire valley, the lake, parks, prairies and wind towers. In this high park area is found the remains of an early dugout cabin which was the home for the William Taylor family in the 1860s. Also found here is the site of Major Brown's Trading Post, which dates from the 1860s. If you are looking for history and beauty, Lake Benton is a great location for a summer family vacation!