Mina was one of the first man-made lakes in northeast South Dakota. Its beginning dates back to the 1930s, when area residents sought relief from years of drought. In 1934, the Mina Dam was completed and the lake was named Shake Maza, a Lakota word for "shaped like a horseshoe." The name never quite caught-on, however, and it was later renamed in honor of a railroad president's daughter. Nestled along the wooded shores of Mina Lake, Mina Recreation Area has 37 shaded campsites. Each site has a picnic table, grill and paved camping pad. A modern comfort station provides showers and indoor bathrooms. An accessible camping cabin offers comfortable accommodations for people without a camper. It is a water-lover's haven with plenty of room for boating, fishing and swimming. When you leave the water, a spacious campground, hiking trail, and several picnic areas will provide hours of family fun. Open year-round, park entrance license required $5/day/vehicle.