Demo

Prairie · state park

Blue Mounds State Park

Bison prairie and Sioux quartzite cliffs

Status

Open now

Hours today

8:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Drive time

240 min

Parking

22% full

Add to trip Directions Reserve

Weather & safety

NWS10 min ago

74°F

Clear
Air quality: Good

Prototype safety guidance only. Always tell someone your plan.

Congestion right now

Park counters5 min ago

Parking22%

Visitor center queue34%

Boat launch58%

Beach crowding71%

Try mornings before 10 AM for a quieter visit.

What you can do here

hiking

biking

camping

climbing

wildlife

picnic

overlook

Unavailable activities are hidden to keep the view clean.

Know before you go

Tallgrass prairie, a resident bison herd and 1.5 miles of quartzite cliff line in southwest Minnesota.

Vehicle permit required — day or annual
Pets on 6-foot leash on designated trails
Pack water. Cell service is limited
Bear-safe food storage recommended

History, ecology & Indigenous cultural context

Cultural context

Dakota homelands. The cliffs are sacred; treat with respect.

Content produced in partnership; final wording requires community review before public release.

Programs & events

Bison at Dusk Program
Fri Aug 22 · 7:30 PM · 12/30 registered

Current alerts

Bison herd near Upper Cliff Trail
Stay 100 yards away. Rangers on site.
advisory · 2 hours ago

Amenities

Hiking

Biking

Camping

Climbing

Wildlife / birding

Picnic

Overlook

Nearby

Lodging

12 within 15 mi

Restaurants

24 within 15 mi

Outfitters

6 within 15 mi

Urgent care

2 within 15 mi

EV charging

5 within 15 mi

Visitor centers

3 within 15 mi

Prototype disclaimer

All conditions, hours, and counts on this page are simulated for the prototype. For real-time information, refer to the operating agency. See Data Sources.