Big Stone Lake is a substantial 26-mile-long lake spanning the Minnesota-South Dakota border, covering 12,600 acres with a maximum depth of 16 feet and approximately one mile in width. The lake gets its name from the abundance of stone, rock, and boulders along its bottom throughout its 27-mile length.

Paddling access is available through Big Stone Lake State Park, which features a boat launch in the northern Bonanza Area section of the 986-acre park. The lake offers excellent paddling opportunities as part of its recreational activities, alongside swimming and boating.

The lake serves as the headwaters of the Minnesota River and connects to the Minnesota River State Water Trail, which flows 318 miles from Big Stone Lake in Ortonville to the Mississippi River near Fort Snelling in St. Paul. This connection provides paddlers with extended route options beyond the lake itself. The 4.5-mile wheelchair accessible Headwaters Recreational Trail connects Big Stone Lake with the Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge, offering additional exploration opportunities.

The area features significant wildlife viewing opportunities through the adjacent 11,586-acre Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge, where paddlers can observe diverse wildflowers, wildlife, and waterfowl. The refuge includes natural prairie, granite outcroppings, and vibrant marshes that enhance the paddling experience.

Big Stone Lake has historical significance as part of the former south end of Glacial Lake Agassiz. The northern section of Big Stone Lake State Park contains the 30-acre Bonanza Area, which includes rare glacial till hill prairie designated as a Scientific and Natural Area.

The shallow nature of the lake (maximum 16 feet deep) and its substantial size make it suitable for extended paddling excursions, though paddlers should be prepared for potential wind exposure given the lake's length and width.