Fall’s fiery display at Hartford Beach State Park transforms ordinary pines into front-row spectators at nature’s most spectacular color show. Hartford Beach State Park occupies 337 acres at the southern portion of Big Stone Lake, a natural 26-mile reservoir that forms part of the border between South Dakota and Minnesota. What truly distinguishes Hartford Beach from many other state parks is the remarkable diversity of recreational opportunities concentrated within its boundaries. Photo credit: Dave SwainPerhaps what makes Hartford Beach State Park truly exceptional is how it manages to feel both accessible and remote simultaneously. Annual state park passes provide even greater value for families planning multiple visits throughout the year.