#1 Brown's Lake/Bigelow Park
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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.

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.

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 park officer at 712-946-7114)
  • open picnic shelter
  • picnic sites
  • playground equipment
  • beach area (Memorial Day to Labor Day)
  • boat ramp
  • fishing dock
  • concession building
  • 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
Park facilities are open and pressurized water systems are available May 1 through October 31. The park office phone number is 712-946-7114.