Upper Sioux Agency State Park is located in the Prairies region of southwestern Minnesota near Granite Falls.

How to Get to Upper Sioux Agency State Park: Drive 8 miles southeast of Granite Falls on Highway 67 to the park entrance.

Park Highlights:

• The 1,280-acre park is located on bluffs above the Minnesota and Yellow Medicine Rivers.  The Upper Sioux, or Yellow Medicine, Agency was originally established to assist the Dakota Indians who were opposed to the conflict with white settlers and who attempted to help them. “Yellow medicine” refers to a native medicinal plant which still grows along the shores of the river.
•  If you visit the park during the first weekend of August, you can see the Upper Sioux Wacipi or Powwow. 

Upper Souix Agency is one of several state parks that offer opportunities to learn about Minnesota Native Americans. Several offer learning opportunities about the Ojibwe tribes in Minnesota while this park's focus in on the smaller, Souix, population in the state.

Upper Sioux Agency State Park’s Natural Attractions: Bluffs, restored prairies, wetlands, and forests are all part of the landscape here. You may see wildlife of many kinds, including deer and shore birds like pelicans and blue herons. Hawks and turkey vultures are often spotted here, and bald eagles winter in the area.  

Things to Do in Upper Sioux Agency State Park: Enjoy one of the two picnic areas. A large shelter in the main picnic area can accommodate up to 100 people. Call the park to reserve the shelter. A swing set, volleyball court, and horseshoe pit are available.

There are 18 miles of hiking trails and 16 miles of horse trails in the park. The park is a popular winter playground, with 14 miles of snowmobile trails and 2 miles of cross-country ski trails. Snowshoeing is permitted throughout the park. Many people come in winter just to enjoy the challenging sledding hill. A warming house is available.

Camping in Upper Sioux Agency State Park: Camp in a real tipi! Two tipis, which each sleep six people, can be rented for $30 per night. Call the park for details. Traditional camping includes 34 drive-in sites for tents and RVs; 14 of these sites have electrical hookups. In addition, there are three walk-in sites, and a horse camp with 45 sites. Picnic tables, fire rings, showers, and flush and vault toilets are available. There is a dump station in Granite Falls.  

Other State Parks in This Region of Minnesota: Lac Qui Parle State Park > Fort Ridgely State Park > Flandrau State Park > Camden State Park > Lake Shetek State Park

Contact

5908 Highway 67
Granite Falls, MN 56241

Phone: 320-564-4777

Email: uppersiouxagency.statepark@state.mn.us

Vacation Rentals Worldwide

Plan Your Minnesota Vacation

Minnesota Maps

Lake Superior Maps

Boundary Waters Maps

Made in Minnesota

Other Pages You May Like:

Voyageurs National Park

Boundary Waters Minnesota Vacation

Minnesota National Parks and Forests


Minnesota State Parks