Blue Mounds State Park
Mound Trail — Sioux Quartzite Bluff
Trail Overview
Region
Western and Southwestern Minnesota
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Distance
3 miles round trip
Estimated Hike Duration
About 1 hour
Elevation Gain
Approx. 180 feet
Best Season To Visit
Late spring through early fall
Vast Prairie Views and Ancient Stone
Photo of WPA Dam at Blue Mound State Park is courtesy of McGhiever via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA Share Alike 3.0 Unported).
The Mound Trail at Blue Mounds State Park leads to breathtaking prairie views atop ancient Sioux quartzite cliffs. The park’s unique pink rock formations stand as some of the oldest exposed bedrock in North America.
Along the way, you’ll pass through wide-open grasslands where the park’s famous bison herd roams. At the summit, the landscape stretches endlessly — offering a panoramic view of the prairie ecosystem below.
It’s a trail that captures both the geological and natural beauty of southwestern Minnesota — a must-hike for anyone exploring the region.
Badge for this hike:
Trailhead location
