St. Charles is a small town in Minnesota that calls itself the “Gateway to Whitewater,” a moniker that refers to its proximity to the Whitewater River Valley. However, with the amount of natural beauty that surrounds the town, it may as well be “Minnesota’s Gateway to Nature.”

St. Charles is tucked into the bucolic farmlands and rolling valleys of southeastern Minnesota.
City of St. Charles, MN
The land not given over to agricultural use is primarily woodlands that comprise the Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest.
Luke Marks/Google
The town teeters on the edge of the state’s “driftless” area, with its characteristic limestone bluffs and deeply-creased ravines and valleys - which you’ll encounter just outside of St. Charles.
Jan Bruhnke/Google
Its prime location puts St. Charles within half an hour of four state parks. You can reach a fifth in just over 50 minutes.
Given the town’s nickname, you’re probably not surprised to learn that Whitewater State Park, named for the river that flows through it, is the closest to St. Charles.
Whitewater State Park/Google
In fact, you can get to ​​Whitewater State Park from St. Charles in a titch over 10 minutes. Whitewater is a fantastic destination for hiking, camping, and angling for trout.

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In less than 20 minutes, you could drive from St. Charles to delightful Carley State Park on the North Fork of the Whitewater River.
Nancy Rieke/Google
One of the least-visited parks in the system, Carley State Park is the perfect place for a hike away from the crowds - except during wildflower season. The park gets a spike in visitors during late spring, when it’s blanketed with bluebells and other wildflowers.
Great River Bluffs State Park, with its soaring heights over the Mississippi River, is just half an hour east of St. Charles.
Brian Liesinger/Google
Great River Bluffs is arguably the best park for experiencing the majesty of the Upper Mississippi River valley and hiking the bluffs that form its Minnesota side.
Like Great River Bluffs, John A. Latsch State Park is less than half an hour from St. Charles and showcases the beauty of the Mississippi River valley.
Jordan Petersen/Google
It’s one of the smallest parks in the system and only has one trail: a stunning hike to the top of Mt. Charity. It’s a lot of work, but the views from the top are more than enough reward.
If you’ve got a fifth park in you, we’ve got one for you.
Chang Vue/Google
Beaver Creek Valley State Park is less than an hour south of St. Charles. It’s an awesome spot to explore the deep ravines that exemplify this part of the state - and maybe get in a little trout fishing while you’re at it.
Clearly, St. Charles is a true gateway town to Minnesota’s bluff country and makes a perfect place to set up your base camp to explore the driftless area.
amantastic/Google
If you need to fuel up before or after your adventuring, be sure to check out Genesis Restaurant in St. Charles, and load up on eggs Benedict or one of its massive burritos.

The White Valley Motel is your best option for lodging in the area. It’s ideally located right in town and well reviewed, to boot.

Have you visited St. Charles and explored the surrounding area? What other small Minnesota towns make perfect gateways to nature?

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Saint Charles, St Charles, MN 55972, USA