Rustling Elms Resort is located 3 miles north of Ortonville on Highway 7. We are a 5th generation family owned and operated business since 1924. Originally called Johnson's Beach when our Great Grandfather Emil Johnson first started the business with five cottages and 15 wooden row boats that he rented. Emil's son, Ernie, took over sometime around 1935, married Wilma Kiel from St. Paul who came out to stay in the cottages with her family, and renamed Johnson's Beach to Mile Park, because it was a mile long . Also sometime around 1935 he built the Wagon Wheel Clubhouse which was a bar and offered slots. In 1940 he built a concession stand and bath house near the beach that still stands today. However, times would change as the U.S. entered the war December, 1941 and the recession that followed. Parts of the park was sold and/or divided with Ernie's brother, Wally. The Wagon Wheel was torn down and Ernie looked for work wherever he could find it. Business picked up after the recession and folks started camping and traveling again. The boom in RV's started and Ernie started putting in seasonal and overnight camping lots to accomodate them. Realizing the park was no longer a mile long they thought a name change was in order, thus Rustling Elms Resort. May the peace of the lake be with you!
Big Stone Lake
Big Stone Lake is a long, narrow freshwater lake and reservoir forming the border between western Minnesota and northeastern South Dakota. The lake covers 12,610 acres of surface area, stretching 26 miles from end to end and averaging around 1 mile wide, and at an elevation of 965ft is the lowest point in South Dakota. Big Stone Lake is the source of the Minnesota River, which flows 332 miles to the Mississippi River. Flow from the lake to the Minnesota River is regulated by the Big Stone Dam, located at the south end of the lake. The lake is fed by the Little Minnesota River at its north end, which flows through the Traverse Gap. Big Stone was formed at the end of the last ice age when glacial Lake Agassiz drained through the gap into Glacial River Warren. The valley of that river now hold Big Stone Lake.
Visitors to the lake are attracted to the lake expecially for its fishing: walleye, northern pike, and bluegills are all popular game fish with anglers, and the lake contains over 30 other species. The lake is stocked once every two year with walleye fry. The communities of Ortonville, Minnesota and Big Stone City, South Dakota are located at the southern tip of the lake; Browns Valley, Minnesota is located at the northern tip.
Campgrounds A stay with us revitalizes the soul as we offer a quiet peaceful campground with welcoming personnel, clean facilities and well groomed grounds. Overnight full hookups and seasonal lots are available with 30 or 50 amp service. Double wide lots are also available.
Summer Cottage Rentals We have three cabins available for rent. These cabins are the best kept secret on the lake as they were once summer family homes. Two of the cabins were built in the 1920's and have beautiful woodwork throughout, spacious grounds, and private dock. If you want to be taken back in time, when things were simple, then these are the cabins for you. The third is a log cabin style, split level home with a walk out patio to the firepit and superb view of the lake. All three cabins are nestled on the shores of Big Stone Lake.
AmenitiesWith nearly 2000ft of lakeshore there is so much to explore! We offer 150ft of sandy swimming beach, boat launch, basketball court, two naturally flowing creeks through the park, and plenty of shade! Our resort is family oriented and one can enjoy the peace and quiet of a beautiful sunset.
Special Events In the 1950's a Treasure Hunt originated from our shores that took young boys in various boats over to Skeleton Island with their Captain to seek buried treasure. We have brought back the Treasure Hunt every July 4th and treasure seekers can find their loot buried in the sands of Rustling Elms Resort! We also hold a special Resident Appreciation in the fall to show our gratitude to our seasonal renters and their families. Lastly, don't forget to check out the Big Stone Lake Chamber of Commerce for great summer happenings!
