Buffalo River State Park
Prairie Hiking Loop
Trail Overview
Region
Northwest
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Distance
2.2 miles (loop)
Estimated Hike Duration
45 – 60 minutes
Elevation Gain
Around 30 feet
Best Season To Visit
Summer for wildflowers
The Prairie That Once Covered the Valley
Photo above of Buffalo River State Park is courtesy of McGhiever via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0).
The Prairie Hiking Loop immerses you in one of Minnesota’s largest and most beautiful tallgrass prairie restorations. The wide open landscape of Buffalo River State Park reveals what the Red River Valley looked like before farming reshaped it.
Expect big sky views, summer wildflowers, and the songs of meadowlarks and bobolinks echoing across the grasslands. This is one of the best birdwatching spots in northwest Minnesota.
A flat, easy trail loop perfect for hikers of all ages, offering a peaceful experience that feels endless under the horizon.
Badge for this hike:
Trailhead location
