Major city · United States
Ortonville
Spend a half‑day to a full day in Ortonville: see the lake, museum and park, then overnight if you want a quiet stay.
Ortonville is a small town on Big Stone Lake in southern Minnesota. Its main attractions – Big Stone Lake State Park, the county museum and a few eateries – are within walking distance of the highway. One day covers the sights; add a night for a relaxed stay or to use it as a base for nearby lakeside routes.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- May–Sep
- avoid Jan–Feb (cold, limited services)
- Airport
- MSP
- Nights
- 1
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Ortonville911 ▾
- Police/Fire/Ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Ortonville, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyLow‑crime area; typical US rural safety advice applies.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police/fire/ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportMSP Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (about 2 h drive north via US‑12).
- Getting aroundThe town centre, museum and park are walkable.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee at Headwaters Grill$2–$4
- Budget bedRustling Elms cabin, a night, per roomUS$120
- Mid-range bedRustling Elms cabin, a night, per roomUS$180
- High-end bedRustling Elms cabin, a night, per roomUS$250
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$55 · Mid US$95 · High US$150
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- MSP Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (about 2 h drive north via US‑12)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
Feb
Avoid
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
Mar
not flagged
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
Apr
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
May
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Jun
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Jul
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Aug
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Sep
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Oct
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Nov
not flagged
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Dec
not flagged
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Jan–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)), coolest Jan (−13°C (9°F)9°F (−13°C) low), wettest May (9 rain days), driest Jan (6). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Ortonville: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
−13°C (9°F)9°F (−13°C)
6 rd
Feb
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
−12°C (10°F)10°F (−12°C)
6 rd
Mar
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
7 rd
Apr
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
8 rd
May
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
9 rd
Jun
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
9 rd
Jul
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
8 rd
Aug
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
8 rd
Sep
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
7 rd
Oct
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
7 rd
Nov
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
7 rd
Dec
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
−10°C (14°F)14°F (−10°C)
6 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The town centre, museum and park are walkable. US Highways 12 and 75 and MN 7 provide car access; no public transit.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Big Stone Lake State Park
goDoor to door: 10 min total
Drive north on MN 7, about 5 min from town centre
Lake beach, trails and picnicking; no entry fee.
Big Stone County Museum
goDoor to door: 5 min total
Walk east on US 12, about 2 min
Local history exhibits; open M‑Sa 10 AM‑5 PM.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Econo Lodge
Basic rooms, free parking; 2 PM check‑in, 11 AM check‑out.
Rustling Elms Resort
Campground, RV sites and cabins north of town on MN 7.
Vali Vu Motel
Simple motel on US 75.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $50–$80 excl. bed
- Mid
- $80–$120 excl. bed
Trip budget
| Econo Lodge room2 × 1 night × US$90 | US$180 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$95 | US$190 |
| Gas for car (100 km round trip)2 × US$15 · Based on $3.5/gal, 25 mpg. | US$30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$40 |
| Trip total≈ US$220 per person per day, bed included | US$440 |
Check for seasonal rates.
2026 estimate in USD; flights and car rental excluded.
Prices of common things
| Coffee at Headwaters Grill | $2–$4 |
| Burger at Headwaters Grill | $8–$12 |
| Gas (per gallon) | $3.5 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Winter snow can close park roads; check conditions before travel (check).
- Museum hours: M‑Sa 10 AM‑5 PM, Su 1 PM‑4 PM; confirm before visiting.
Emergency numbers
- Police/Fire/Ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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OrtonvilleOrtonville
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
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To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police/Fire/Ambulance911
Embassy
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- US 12/75 to Big Stone Lake State Park: about 5 min drive, free parking
- Econo Lodge night: about $80, check rates
Say or show
- Hello — Hello
- Thank you — Thank you
- How much is this? — How much is this?
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Ortonville. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep · avoid Jan–Feb (cold, limited services) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 2 bands
- 2 day-trips, door to door
- 2 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Add a night at Rustling Elms for camping or cabin stay.
- Combine with a visit to nearby Lake Oahe (South Dakota) via US 12.
Sources
Ask about Ortonville
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