Brown's Lake is managed by the DNR. It is a natural oxbow of the Missouri River formed when the river was free to meander across the river valley. Brown's Lake offers excellent fishing opportunities for largemouth bass and northern pike. A fishing dock and boat ramp provides access to the lake, which is a popular area for recreational boaters and water skiers as well.
Location
Bigelow Park is located one mile west of Salix on a 600-acre lake known as Brown's Lake. Originally a state park, Park has been managed by the Woodbury County Conservation Board since 1970 and includes numerous amenities.
Features
Also located in the park is the Dale G. Bell Memorial Arboretum which features the park headquarters and a display of various species of trees and shrubs.
A public hunting and wildlife management area is located on the west side of Brown's Lake.
On site facilities:
- electric campsites (fee charged)
- tent or non-electrical campsites (fee charged)
- shower house with flush toilets and hot water
- enclosed shelter house (fee charged; reserve by contacting resource manager at 712-946-7114)
- open picnic shelter
- picnic sites
- playground equipment
- beach area (Memorial Day to Labor Day)
- boat ramp
- fishing dock
- open sports area
- trails
- winter activities: ice fishing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling (confined to ice only)
- Dale G. Bell Aboretum (#4) shows examples of tree and shrub plantings
- birdwatching
Operating Hours & Seasons
Park facilities are open and pressurized water systems are available May 1 through October 31. The park office phone number is 712-946-7114.