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Nature|Parks & Gardens

The Breathtaking Park In Minnesota Where You Can Watch Bison Roam

Blue Mounds State Park in Minnesota offers unique prairie landscapes, pink quartzite cliffs, and a bison herd.

Published Feb 10, 2022

Written by 

Betsy Rathburn

Did you know that Minnesota has its own bison herd? The Minnesota Conservation Herd is a herd of around 130 bison that live in three different spots around the state: Minneopa State Park, the Minnesota Zoo, and the breathtaking state park we’d like to introduce today. Read on below to learn about Blue Mounds State Park, the park on the prairie where you can watch bison roam.

Blue Mounds State Park is a beautiful park in southwestern Minnesota. It’s just outside of the small town of Luverne, near the South Dakota border. From the Twin Cities, it’s about a 3.5-hour drive or around 215 miles.

Sign for Blue Mounds State Park, surrounded by green grass and trees, along a winding road on a cloudy day.
Stephen Blum/Google

The park covers about 1,500 acres. It’s well known for the line of tall, pink quartzite cliffs that run through the park. Visitors may hike on top of or at the base of the cliffs, allowing for amazing views of the surrounding landscape. There’s truly nowhere else like this in Minnesota.

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A rocky cliff with greenery below, under a cloudy sky, showcasing a natural landscape.
Davis Harder/Google

The cliffs rise out of a flat prairie landscape. During Minnesota’s warmest months, visitors can sneak peaks of tall prairie grasses, colorful wildflowers, and even prickly pear cacti.

A vibrant field of yellow wildflowers under a clear blue sky, with green trees in the background.
Ben Thomas/Google

Visitors can also see part of the Minnesota Conservation Herd - a small but growing bison herd - as it roams through the park’s prairies.

A herd of bison grazing in a grassy field with wildflowers under a clear blue sky.
Raaman Nair/Google

The park is able to sustain around 100 bison, though about 80 live there today. A few dozen are born each year, and some are sold at auction to ensure that the numbers stay sustainable.

A herd of bison grazing in a grassy field under a clear sky.
Virginia Marshall/Google

The herd’s bull is replaced every few years to increase the genetic diversity of the herd. Currently, the bull is a male from the Yellowstone National Park herd. This is one of the most genetically pure herds in the nation.

A herd of bison grazing on dry grassland under a clear blue sky.
Joy Wolf/Google

At Blue Mounds, a wooden platform over the prairie makes it easy to spot the bison as they graze over the prairie grasses. Bring your binoculars for closer views!

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A dog plays on a wooden structure in a grassy field under a clear blue sky.
John H- S/Google

If the bison aren’t visible from the deck, guests can also hike along the fenced perimeter of the bison range. This is a fantastic way to see bison roam the Minnesota prairie!

A herd of bison grazing in a grassy field dotted with yellow wildflowers.
Blue Mounds State Park/Google

Have you ever seen the bison roam at Blue Mounds State Park? With pink cliffs, a bison herd, and prairie views, this breathtaking park is one of the most unique in Minnesota! While you’re in the area, be sure to also make stops at Touch the Sky Prairie (there’s a prairie waterfall there!) and Pipestone National Monument.

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Nature|Hiking

The Natural Wonder in Minnesota That Is the Definition of a Hidden Gem

Inspiration Point, in the west-central part of the state, is a lesser known natural wonder in Minnesota - a true hidden gem.

Published Oct 25, 2024

Written by 

Trent Jonas

Following the sun's arc across the Land of 10,000 Lakes, most folks will notice pretty quickly that the soaring river bluffs and deep, wooded valleys in the east gradually give way to gently rolling prairies and shimmering glacial lakes in the west. This means that any place with a little elevation above the landscape in this part of Minnesota will have quite a bit of prominence. One such spot is Inspiration Peak, which you can access from its namesake wayside. It's not nearly as well known as other viewpoints in the state, and in my opinion, that's what makes it such a hidden gem natural wonder in Minnesota.

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A scenic view of rolling green hills under a cloudy sky, with a winding path leading through the grass.
Karin R/AllTrails

You'll find Inspiration Peak just west of Urbank, in Otter Tail County. It's part of a unique area called the Leaf Hills that was formed by a glacial moraine. Though it hasn't been accorded full park status, it is a designated state wayside - so that's something, anyway. Nobel Prize-winning author and Minnesota native Sinclair Lewis famously waxed lyrical about the hill, which was called Leaf Mountain by early pioneers. After folks got word of Lewis' love for the spot, it was renamed Inspiration Peak and more folks started visiting.

The peak rises about 200 feet above the surrounding terrain affording views of dozens of lakes over miles of plains and forest. The hike to the top is a moderate, half-mile loop. You'll feel it a bit on the way up, but the view is definitely worth the effort.

A panoramic view of vibrant autumn foliage with a clear blue sky and distant hills under soft clouds.
Aubrey Couture/AllTrails

Inspiration Peak is a natural wonder that just doesn't get the same love as so many of the other incredible natural places in Minnesota, which is why I think it's a hidden gem that's worthy of being singled out. What's more, with its location in Otter Tail County, it's a natural wonder within a natural wonder - Otter Tail County is home to more lakes than any other county in the entire country - 1,048 - and that's pretty wondrous! Inspiration Peak is the best place to go to see a few of those lakes from a single viewpoint.

So, you may go to visit Inspiration Peak State Wayside, but you'll want to take some time to explore the whole county, which is home to two state parks - Maplewood and Glendalough - and adjacent to two more: Buffalo River and Lake Carlos. The charming community of Battle Lake and this enchanting lakefront cabin would make a perfect base camp for your adventures.

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Nature|Hiking

The Breathtaking Small Town State Park in Minnesota That We Can’t Stop Thinking About

Dunton Locks County Park, in Detroit Lakes, is one of our favorite small-town parks in Minnesota

Published Oct 10, 2024

Written by 

Trent Jonas

In the Land of 10,000 Lakes, we are lucky to have many, many, charming small towns. And these towns often have at least one park. And because we Minnesotans love our green spaces, many communities can boast two or more. Parks range from grassy squares with a tree or two, a picnic table, and perhaps some playground equipment to recreation-oriented parks full of fields and facilities to elaborate, forested preserves with rushing creeks and hiking trails - and everything in between.

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Some small towns, like Isle and Luverne, even have state parks right at their doorsteps. Others are home to wonderful city or county parks. Detroit Lakes falls into the latter category, boasting a huge, lakefront city park with a beach and plenty of amenities, as well as the incredible Dunton Locks County Park, which is one of my favorite small-town parks in Minnesota.

A serene view of a river flowing into a lake, surrounded by trees and a wooden dock in the distance.
Trent Jonas/Only In Your State

You'll find Dunton Locks County Park on the western edge of Detroit Lakes, spanning 53 acres along the shores of Muskrat and Sallie Lakes.

A wooden bridge leads into a lush green path, with a person walking in the distance.
Trent Jonas/Only In Your State

With several miles of trails, ranging from easy to moderately challenging, the park is ideal for hiking, cycling, and snowshoeing (in winter, of course). There's even a section of the Pine to Prairie International Birding Trail in the park. It's also rumored to be home to one of Thomas Dambo's famous trolls.

A large wooden figure with a friendly expression stands among trees, waving in a lush green forest.
Trent Jonas/Only In Your State

In warmer months, fishing, paddling, and camping are popular activities at Dunton Lakes. There are also picnic shelters and other amenities for the family to enjoy. The park is open year-round, and it's lovely landscape is stunning in all seasons - yes, even during winter. I promise.

A snowy forest path surrounded by trees blanketed in fresh snow, creating a serene winter landscape.
Tim Stellmach/Only In Your State

Next time you're in the Detroit Lakes area - whether chasing trolls or just visiting Lake Country - be sure to save some time to explore Dunton Locks County Park... you'll be glad you did. Check out AllTrails Plus for some additional hiking suggestions at the park. And if you'll need a place to stay, you won't find a better location than Best Western Premiere: The Lodge on Lake Detroit. As its name implies, it's right on the lake, and it's one of our favorite resorts in the area.

Have you visited Dunton Locks County park in Detroit Lakes? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to tell us about your favorite small-town parks in Minnesota.

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