Blue Mounds State Park is a stunning park located in Luverne, Minnesota. This park boasts tons of beautiful surprises that are bound to make you feel truly away. From the Sioux quartzite cliff that rises 100 feet above the plains to the gorgeous cacti (yes, in Minnesota), everything about this park makes your time spent here absolutely delightful.
Wildlife Viewing
One of the most enjoyable things to do at Blue Mounds is wildlife viewing. Bison, elk, wolves, and even prairie chickens used to roam 150-200 years ago. Now, a heard of bison can be found in the park, as well as coyotes and deer. Birdwatchers will enjoy seeing western species as well as birds of the prairie.
Geology
If you’re into geology then you will love the history behind this park. With Sioux quartzite rock formed on the bottom of an ancient sea, you can see simple marks from the water origin along the park’s rock outcrops. From the park’s website, “Glaciers have been the most recent geological event to shape the landscape in the last two million years. Glacial striations and scratches gouged into rock when loose rocks were dragged across the bedrock can be seen along the rock outcrops near the cliff line. Retreating glaciers buried the surrounding bedrock with a “glacial drift” of rock, sand, and gravel 200-300 feet deep. The last glacial advance, known as the Wisconsin Ice Stage, did not cover the southwest corner of Minnesota.”
Landscape
Blue Mounds State Park boasts a gorgeous landscape with tons of picturesque scenery that’s perfect to enjoy while on a nature walk or hiking with the family. The park is home to many native grasses and wildflowers that are specially managed through a special program through the state. Depending on the time of year you visit, you’ll find a different grass. In the summer you’ll find colorful prairies. Big bluestem grasses grow almost an inch a day and can reach heights of 7 feet tall.
Interestingly, you’ll also find cacti at Blue Mound. It’s one of the few places in Minnesota where cacti grow. Patches of prickly pear cactus can be found growing in shallow soils atop the quartzite outcrops. In late June and early July, the yellow flower of the cactus blooms.
Interested in exploring more of the beautiful state of Minnesota? Contact us to start shopping for a new RV or stop by to walk the lot. Our team can help you find the best RV for your needs, answer any questions you have, and make sure you’ve got the information needed to make the best decision for your family. We can also assist with RV financing.
