Blue Mounds State Park is located in southwestern Minnesota north of the city of Luverne. The park gets its name from the mile-long Sioux quartzite cliffs that appeared blue to early settlers. The Sioux quartzite cliffs in the park are as high as 100 feet tall. The color quartzite has various hues from pink to red to purple. The color of the quartzite is due to the presence of iron oxide.
Blue Mounds State Park preserves a tallgrass prairie habitat which once covered much of the Great Plains region. Because of the shallow soil and rock outcrops, most of the land within the park was never plowed, however grazing did occur. Programs are underway to restore the prairie with native grasses and wildflowers. It may be surprising, but prickly pear cacti can be found in the park. Look for yellow cactus blooms in late June and early July. The park is also home to a herd of bison that roam in a 500+ acre enclosure.
Rock climbing on the Sioux quartzite cliffs is a popular activity at the park. Other activities enjoyed by visitors include hiking, biking, and camping. There are 13 miles of hiking trails and a 2.2-mile-long paved biking trail in the park. The bike trail connects to a three-mile-long paved path that leads to the city of Luverne.
There is a campground in the park with a total of 73 drive-in sites, 40 of the sites have electric hook ups. In addition to the main campground, there are 14 cart-in sites and one group site. The park also offers two teepees for rent. The canvas teepees are 18 feet in diameter and can sleep up to six people.
A fee is required for the park. A Minnesota state park day use or annual permit can be purchased at the Park Office. Dogs are allowed in all areas of the park, except for in buildings. Dogs must when kept on a leash 6 feet long or shorter. A link to the Minnesota DNR website for Blue Mounds State Park can be found here.
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