Flandrau State Park

Introduction of Flandrau State Park

Flandrau State Park is a popular state park in southern Minnesota with over 1,000 scenic acres. The park, which is surrounded by the Big Cottonwood River, floodplain forests, oxbow marsh, and wide-open grassland, is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing in the summer and cross-country skiing in the winter. Flandrau, formerly known as Cottonwood River State Park after the river that runs through it, was used as a German POW camp during WWII and still has plenty of history and culture for campers to discover today. In 1945, the park was renamed after Charles E. Flandrau, who helped draught the first Minnesota Constitution.The former POW camp is now used as a modern group centre, complete with eight cabins, a dining hall, and restrooms. There are also three campgrounds that cater to RV campers. Whether you’re driving a motorhome or renting a campervan nearby, the park campground can accommodate large rigs up to 66 feet in length and provides first-rate amenities. There’s a beautiful sandy beach and pool area, a children’s playground, and a variety of sports facilities ranging from volleyball nets to horseshoe pits. Flandrau State Park accommodates families, large groups, and solo campers of all interests, with eight miles of hiking trails to explore, educational naturalist programs, and over 60 species of birdlife to spot, ranging from warblers to flycatchers.

Flandrau State Park Camping

Near the Oxbow Trail, Flandrau State Park has a rustic camping area. There are 36 campsites available at this campground. From May to October, this campground is only open. Within the campground, there are only a primitive toilet and a central fire pit. Showers are available until sunset at the pool beach house. During the winter, three walk-in sites are available.

Flandrau State Park has 90 campsites spread across three campgrounds. The main campground is semi-modern, with 34 electric campsites that can accommodate RVs up to 66 feet long. There is also one site that is wheelchair accessible. While the majority of the campsites in this main campground are rustic and only have electrical hookups, campers do have access to restrooms with hot showers and flush toilets, as well as a dump station. These amenities are only available during peak season, whereas vault toilets are available all year. Pets are permitted at Frandrau State Park but must be kept on a leash at all times. Please keep in mind that campers must observe quiet hours between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m.

Flandrau State Park Activities

Birding

The park’s eight miles of nature trails are ideal for birding. Whether you’re an experienced birder or just starting out, you won’t want to leave your binoculars at home when exploring the park. Flandrau State Park is home to more than 60 bird species, the majority of which are songbirds that migrate rather than nest. Look for warblers, vireos, flycatchers, and thrushes. On the slopes, you may also see wild turkeys and red-shouldered hawks. Birders who are interested can pick up a birding kit from the park office.

Fishing

Minnesota is famous for its fishing, and if you’re in this part of the country, you’ll almost certainly catch a keeper. Anglers can catch a variety of exciting game fish in the Big Cottonwood River, including northern pike, smallmouth bass, and rough fish. If you want to try your luck while on your RV vacation, you’ll need to bring your own rods, reels, and bait because the park doesn’t provide any rentals.

Boating

Flandrau State Park’s activities revolve around water recreation due to its location right on the Big Cottonwood River. Canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and tubes are popular ways for visitors to float down the river. Those looking to have some fun on the river will need to bring their own flotation devices, as the park does not provide any rentals.

Hiking

If you want to stretch your legs after a long ride in the RV, you’ll have plenty of options once you’ve parked it and set up camp. Flandrau State Park is a popular hiking destination, with a variety of fascinating terrain to explore along the Hiking Club Trail, including wooded valleys, oxbow marshes, and hill prairies. Hiking trails totaling eight miles can be found here. The 0.6-mile (one way) Grassland Trail, 0.7-mile Cottonwood Trail, 0.2-mile (one way) River Trail, and 0.5-mile loop Pool and Woodlands Trails are all available. Some of the paths are steep, so choose the terrain that is appropriate for your fitness level.

Swimming

Swimming in the park’s man-made swimming pond is available to both day visitors and campers staying at Flandrau State Park. The Day-Use Area’s sandy-bottomed fishing pond has a safe swimming area where guests can cool off in the summer. The pond is open daily, weather permitting, from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Despite the presence of lifeguards, adults should always accompany children.

Flandrau State Park Location

Flandrau State Park is in southern Minnesota, on the outskirts of New Ulm and 100 miles southwest of Minneapolis. The park’s entrance is well marked and located along Summit Avenue. It is located right next to the New Ulm Country Club. When the main gate is closed, access is available through the gate at the park’s eastern end, off Center Street. The park has no driving restrictions, but those with large RVs or trailers should be cautious of low-hanging branches.

Parking

For day visitors, there are various parking spots available throughout the park, but if you’re staying overnight, you can also park your RV or big rig in the campground. Hiking and biking trails are excellent ways to explore the park without having to dismantle your camp.

Public Transport

Public Transport is not available