Whitewater State Park is located in the Bluff Country region of southeastern Minnesota near Elba and about twenty-five miles east of Rochester.  

How to Get to Whitewater State Park: Drive 3 miles south of Elba on Highway 74 to the park entrance.

Park Highlights:

• This 2,700-acre park is adjacent to the 28,000-acre Whitewater Wildlife Management Area that covers nearly half of the Whitewater River Valley. Sometimes called a “natural paradise,” the beauty of this area is actually due to many years of effort by the DNR to restore lands that had been badly eroded by poor farming practices.
• Inspiration Point is a bluff that rises more than 200 feet above the valley. Several hundred steps will take you to the top, where you will have an unforgettable view of the area.

Whitewater State Park’s Natural Attractions:  This is one of the best places in the state to enjoy spring wildflowers. It is also a favorite destination for birdwatchers; more than 240 species of birds have been spotted here, including the rare Louisiana water thrush. Many mammals native to Minnesota also make this area home. A bonus is that this state park is known for having fewer mosquitoes than most of the state!

Things to Do in Whitewater State Park: A swimming beach and a wheelchair accessible fishing pier are located within the park. Fishing for trout is a popular pastime, with plenty of brown, brook, and rainbow trout in Trout Creek and spring-fed Whitewater River. Two picnic areas are available; the main picnic area has a large shelter with electricity and lights. There is a volleyball court nearby.

Hike 10 miles of trails, including 3 miles of self-guided trails. In winter, 6 miles of trails are available for cross-country skiing. Snowshoeing is permitted throughout the park. A warming house is available.

Three miles north of the park, you can climb the Elba Fire Tower. This challenging climb requires first climbing a steep bluff, then the 600 steps to the top of the tower.  

Camping in Whitewater State Park: There are 104 drive-in campsites for tents and RVs; 47 sites have electrical hookups. The six walk-in sites are located just 300 – 600 yards from the parking area. Three primitive group camps each accommodate from 20 – 50 people. A large group center has eight cabins and can accommodate up to 132 people. In addition, the park has one camper cabin that sleeps up to five. Reserve cabins or group camps by calling the park. Picnic tables, fire rings, showers, flush and vault toilets, and a dump station are available.

Read More: Minnesota Camping

More Attractions in This Region: Visit Wabasha and the National Eagle Center.  Visit Rochester. Tour the Mayo Clinic, Mayowood Mansion, Heritage House, and Plummer House of The Arts. 

Other State Parks in This Region of Minnesota:  Carley State Park > John A. Latsch State Park > Great River Bluffs State Park > Beaver Creek Valley State Park > Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park

Contact

19041 Highway 74
Altura, MN 55910

Phone: 507-932-3007

Email: whitewater.statepark@state.mn.us

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