Blue Mounds State Park has so much to offer, from experiences to see where the buffalo roam, to native prairies and grasslands, to a line of rocks that marks the sun’s rise and fall on the equinox (!!).
Blue Mounds State Park
Watch this beautiful video of the bison being rounded up at Blue Mounds State Park
https://youtu.be/_V8ms8zty0Q
Bison Herd
The number one reason to visit Blue Mounds State Park is for the bison. These bison are very special because they are in the 1% of all buffalo within the USA that have ZERO cattle-influence in them- Absolutely incredible to behold. There are currently 73 bison living at Blue Mounds, with a goal to always stay under 100. Plenty to see but not too many that they would run out of food supply.
You can take a guided tour out into the bison’s 530 acre domain on Fridays and Saturdays (from Memorial Day to Labor Day) to get somewhat closer to them and learn so much more about the herd!
For a 1.5 hour tour the cost is: $10 for adults and $6 for youth 4 to 12 (no one under the age of 4 is allowed on this tour). Make sure to reserve your trip ahead of time if you want to take the tour- they fill up quickly! Sign up here.
Hiking
Over 13 miles of walking trails throughout the park allowing for choices for various age hikers. While it’s mostly flat at Blue Mounds the trails can still be quite rugged and rough, so make sure to wear your hiking boots and grab a map before you head out.
Fun Fact about Blue Mounds State Park- You can find cactus growing here! Cactus in Minnesota is NOT normal so it is very cool to see. Keep your eyes out for prickly pear cactus (and your shoes on!)
Camping
Ample camping is available at Blue Mounds so make it a weekend trip! There are 73 drive-in camping sites and 14 walk-in sites. You can even rent tipis during the summer months. Always make sure to plan ahead with your bookings!
Details
Located at 1410 161st Street, Luverne, MN 56156
Open daily from 8 am until 10 pm.