Lac qui Parle State Park:
Hiking, biking, fishing, canoeing, camping, swimming, horseback riding trails, cross-country ski trails, picnic area with shelter.

8 miles SW of Appleton on MN State Hwy. 7/59, 4 miles south on Chippewa Co. 32, 2 miles west on Lac qui Parle Co. 22. State Park Office: 320-752-7736. Map it!

Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge:
Over 10,000 acres of wildlife habitat along the shores of the Minnesota River. A 4-mile auto tour provides opportunities to see native cactus, bison, deer, and a large variety of birds. Hiking trails, fishing, hunting, biking, canoe access, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

15 miles NW of Appleton on Hwy. 7. Refuge Headquarters 320-273-2191.Map it!

Chippewa Prairie:
1,143 acres of remnant tall grass prairie. The site offers numerous prairie plants, waterfowl, songbirds, and other abundant wildlife. The greater prairie chicken was reintroduced here in 1999.

2 miles SW of Appleton on Hwy 7/59, 2 miles south on Swift C0. 52, 2 miles west on County Line gravel road.