Cottonwood Lake (Marshall County, South Dakota)

Cottonwood Lake is a small, freshwater lake located in Marshall County, South Dakota. It is a natural lake, formed by glacial activity during the last ice age. The lake's primary inflow is from local runoff and groundwater. Its outflow is limited, often leading to fluctuating water levels.

The lake supports a variety of fish species, including panfish and occasionally larger species like Northern Pike, depending on water levels and stocking programs managed by the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks. Anglers frequently visit the lake for recreational fishing.

The surrounding area is primarily agricultural land, with some areas of native grassland and wetland vegetation. The lake provides habitat for various waterfowl and other wildlife. The region experiences typical South Dakota weather patterns, with cold winters and warm summers. There are no significant developed recreational facilities directly on the lake, and public access may be limited to established road rights-of-way and designated fishing access points.