A Buffalo State Park quick, relaxing getaway!
by Flash
A great park for Fargo-Moorhead area residents to get out and enjoy nature. A very nice change of scenery compared to the farmland and city landscapes of the surrounding area, and each season brings something new to the table. From the awakening of praire plants and wildlife in the spring, the waving grasses and vibrant wildflowers of the summer months, comfortable hikes in crisp fall air, to the serenity of a cross country ski outting in the winter. The park has more than 10 miles of mowed hiking trails, which wind their way through open tallgrass praires, stands of quaking aspen, oak savanna, and riverine hardwood forests. The campground has an electric and non-electric loop. The electric loop has sites overlooking the prairie on the north side, and sites against riverine hardwoods on the south side. The non-electric loop is surrounded by riverine hardwood forest. There is also a group camp available that is tucked right up against the Buffalo River. One of the biggest draws to the park is the man-made swimming pond. The pond has a sand beach and sand bottom throughout, and is located in the park's picnic grounds and close to the campground. The pond water is pumped from the river, filtered, and chlorinated, which makes it much cleaner than other lakes and rivers, but has much more of a "lake feel" than a public pool. It's a great place for kids and parents to enjoy a day outside. For those who are looking to camp, in the electric loop I would recommend the even numbered sites of 0-18 for their beautiful prairie views, and even numbered sites of 22-34 since they are so close to the woods. Sites 1, 15, 17, and 33 are also very nice and spacious. And the other sites in the loop also aren't bad by any means, and offer a lot of room and nice shade. For the non-electric loop, my favorites are 37, 40, and 41, with the latter two offering a little more privacy and a view of the river through the trees. But like the electric loop, there really isn't a bad site in this loop either. **(Sites 33 and 35 are handicap accessible, so the fire rings are a little higher, making it tough to roast marshmallows or view the campfire---so that's something to keep in mind)** If you have a bigger group or don't mind spending the extra money for the privacy, the $50/night group camp is one of the most beautiful areas in the park---worth checking out for sure!! Minnesota Travel Guidebooks 
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