Venture down to the southeastern tip of Minnesota to Beaver Creek Valley State Park. This whimsical park features an amazing spring fed river with clear waters and trout galore. The trails wind around the valley offering stunning views of the lush hillside and streams.
I was amazed by Minnesota’s bluff country. The dramatic landscapes are amazing. It really proves that Minnesota is beautiful no matter which corner you venture to. It’s not just the North Shore that’s worth a visit.
Hiking Trails & Spring Views
This southern state park hosts only 8 miles of hiking trails. Most of which are contained in the 6+ mile Hiking Club trail. This trail encompasses Beaver Creek Trail, Hole in the Rock Trail, Big Spring Trail, and West Rim Trail. Beaver Creek Valley Trail is the top trail at the park.
Beaver Creek Valley Trail- 3.5 mile loop
Plateau Rock Trail-1 mile out & back
Hole in the Rock Trail- 1 mile one way
Big Spring Trail- .25 miles one way
West Rim Trail- 1 mile one way
All of these trails have some kind of river view or creek view. Some of the creeks dry up later in spring and into summer. The river flowing after the spring keeps flowing. Be sure to check out Big Spring Trail for the most tranquil spot in the park, the spring that feeds the river.
Fish for Trout
Fly fisherman enjoy this tranquil stream on a calm morning for fishing brown and brook trout. We are fisherman, but we don’t fly fish. That’s okay, you don’t have to be proficient in fly fishing in order to catch a trout at Beaver Creek. We used our regular fishing rods and some enticing lures. That did the trick!
Combine trout fishing with a hike along the Beaver Creek Valley Trail. There are numerous fishing holes along the way. The largest being at the end of the farthest loop.
Fishing License: All fisherman over the age of 16 must have a fishing license in the state of Minnesota. If you’re fishing in waters with trout, a trout stamp is required.
Camp
Tent, RV, or Hammock! This park has a few options for camping. From an RV area with closer campsites to cart in sites with more tree coverage between, you can choose your seclusion level at Beaver Creek. Sites 27, 34, 38,39, and 42 can accommodate a hammock given the tree size and distance apart. Many of the campsites are near the creek. The sounds of the babbling waters will lull you to sleep… or make you need to visit the restroom.
Birding & Wildlife
Rare migratory birds pass through and nest in the park during the summer months like the warbler and water thrush. Keep a watchful eye while hiking the trails. Wildlife is abundant in Beaver Creek Valley. We watched several deer just off of the trail, spotted several amphibians, numerous birds and an abundant level of trout.
Shrooms and Wildflowers
Don’t rush through these trails. Really slow down and take a look around. These woods are loaded with little treats throughout. There were so many mushrooms on fallen and standing trees. Many were larger than my hand. Wild flowers litter the park in every part, both high and low ground. It’s absolutely stunning to see. We visited in mid-spring, when the flowers are starting to bloom.
Visitor’s Center
At the entrance of the park, the park office includes a petite section of educational items. There are a number of mounted animals, including a timber rattler. It’s a great stop with the kids to check out the local wildlife situation and get a visual what kinds of animals they should be watching for. The rangers also have helpful tips for fishing this area.
Playground
The playground is just off of the main park road on the way to the camping area. Sitting beside the creek, the playground is the perfect spot to romp around and cool off in the cool spring fed waters. If your goal is to play on the park, be sure to hit it early before the sun heats up the metal elements of the equipment.
Just look at that slide, you know that’s burned some cheeks. I can feel the sizzle from my childhood just looking at it. Good times.
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