When most people think of Minnesota, they imagine thousands of sparkling lakes or thick forests full of trees. While these landscapes are certainly common throughout the state, the Land of 10,000 Lakes has plenty of other scenery as well. Southwestern Minnesota is a lesser-explored part of the state that happens to be home to some of Minnesota’s most unique scenery. You can easily take it all in on one hike through Blue Mounds State Park. The Cliffline Trail offers spectacular views of the wide-open prairie from atop pink quartzite cliffs. Your hike along this easy trail will make you forget you’re in Minnesota.

Blue Mounds State Park is a small but beautiful stretch of 60 acres in southwestern Minnesota. It's just outside the tiny town of Luverne, about 200 miles southwest of the Twin Cities.
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The park has plenty to see, including an interpretive center, a dam, and a herd of buffalo. But perhaps the most popular activity is to hike along its trails. The Upper and Lower Cliffline Trails make a lovely loop about 3 miles in length.
Michel Curi/Flickr
On the Upper Cliffline Trail, you'll be greeted by tall grass covering the top of a tall cliff. In the warmer months, many wildflowers bloom here.
Josh/Flickr
If you're lucky, you may even spot some native cactus! Unlike other parts of Minnesota, prickly pear cactus grow here.
Al/Flickr

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Of course, the upper cliffs also come with an amazing view. The Quarry is particularly notable. This place has been used by native people for centuries.
Josh/Golon
The pink quartzite is unlike anything else you'll see in Minnesota. Even up north, where rugged cliffs make up the Lake Superior shoreline, the rock is not quite this color.
Danielle Golon/Flickr
Connecting trails lead hikers up the Upper Cliffline Trail down to the Lower Cliffline Trail. Here, you'll finish out your hike with views of the cliffs from below. In some areas, you may even see rock climbers scaling the cliffside.
Josh/Flickr
All in all, the Cliffline Trail at Blue Mounds State Park is unlike anywhere else in Minnesota. The upper view looks out over the wide-open prairie. And from below, you'll get a close-up look at the unusual pink quartzite rock!
jeremiah gustafson/Google

Have you ever visited Blue Mounds State Park? It’s one of the most unique places in Minnesota! While you’re in the area, also be sure to check out the nearby Pipestone National Monument, home to ancient history, beautiful trails, and a gorgeous waterfall.

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Blue Mounds State Park, 1410 161st St, Luverne, MN 56156, USA