Minnesota
How to Spend the Evening at Blue Mounds State Park

How to Spend the Evening at Blue Mounds State Park

Arriving late in the afternoon to Blue Mounds State Park, I was able to have a wonderful walk around the park and get back to the van just as the sun went down. It being late, I got a camp site for the evening in the park when I arrived.

Arriving at Blue Mounds State Park, my eyes had so much to delight in. On the left, a dam with a bit of a lake.

On the left, a sea of grass with buffalo, if you can find them!

A hike up the hill can get you closer to them, as they hide up in the fields.

The hike is about a mile up and a mile down and in a loop which show off the grass littered with Bison to the East.

Eagle Rock is at the top of the hill which is 1730 feet above sea level. From this spot you can see Iowa and South Dakota.

The valley below is just breath taking as you pass Eagle Rock. Note: there is another parking area up here if you don’t like to hike but only wish to see Eagle Rock.

As you walk, you will find lots of Sioux Quartzite in lovely shade of pink.

On the mountain, a rock alignment extends 1250 feet east to west. The collected Sioux Quartzite was built by humans but Archeological and Astronomical studies have yet to find who created it. Pioneers or prehistoric Native American.

Circling back to the van, I just found so much to see.

But note that the wind will whip your hair out of place.

Standing above the Sioux Quartzite wall…

Or if your brave enough, it is available to climb.

But watching the sunset is beautiful to see.

The colors that come out are just incredible.

The colors that come out would be a beautiful mural on the wall.

Each moment comes with a wonderful new color pattern.

But I had to get back to the van before it got to dark as I forgot to take a flashlight but it was great to see the little rabbits all crossing the trails.

After a peaceful nights sleep, a nice walk on by the lake to the dam was wonderful.

Over looking the lake is a wonderful little place to enjoy a moment.

The dam is a wonderful Sioux Quartzite which is partly natural and partly built.

The Wayside Chapel is open 24 hours a day and is just outside of the park.

It only holds about eight to ten people but it is a great little place to take a moment to reflect on life, love, and happiness. Or to just check in.

A perfect place with history, hiking, rock climbing, and so much more!!!