Have you ever heard of Carley State Park? If you’re like most Minnesotans, you probably haven’t. This little-known state park is tucked away in the state’s southeastern corner, about halfway between Rochester and Winona. But what the park lacks in fame, it makes up for in beauty. It has some of the best trails in Minnesota. In fact, there’s a gorgeous trail there where you’ll find a combination of river crossings and wildflowers that is, simply put, magical. Read on below to learn more about this unique trail:

Carley State Park is a little-known state park in Plainview, Minnesota, in the state’s southeastern corner. It’s about 100 miles southeast of Minneapolis or 25 miles outside of both Rochester and Winona.
Tom Young/Google
The park’s small size - it covers around 200 acres - contributes to its status as a less-visited Minnesota State Park. But there is a lot to see here, including some spectacular hiking trails. Some offer steep climbs to views high above the ground…
Jada Hougen/AllTrails
…but the one we want to introduce today is a bit flatter. The wildflower trail in Minnesota; is a 1.9-mile loop trail that follows along the Whitewater River.
Joseph Johns/Google
This river is a tributary of the Mississippi and is a popular place for trout fishing. It’s also a beautiful place to hike.
Anu Drolia/AllTrails

Related Stories

The Out-of-This World Hike In Minnesota That Leads To A Fairytale Foot Bridge

The Out-of-This World Hike In Minnesota That Leads To A Fairytale Foot Bridge

 Quaking Bog Is A Magical Place In Minnesota That You Thought Only Existed In Your Dreams

Quaking Bog Is A Magical Place In Minnesota That You Thought Only Existed In Your Dreams

 Walk Where Prehistoric Creatures Roamed On This Hiking Trail In Minnesota

Walk Where Prehistoric Creatures Roamed On This Hiking Trail In Minnesota
As you walk along the trail, you’ll pass beneath the branches of white pines and other trees, which play host to a wide variety of songbirds.
Jaime Rivera/Google
Some areas have concrete stepping stones that cross the river. These lovely river crossings add a magical element to the hike, like something from a storybook. Look closely at the water as you cross, and you might spot a trout swimming by!
Vivek Shrivastava/Google
Being the Wildflower Trail, this hike is also famous for its namesake. Bluebells bloom along the path each spring. They are exceptionally prominent in May when the flowers often carpet the ground.
Lorie Shaull/Flickr
This beautiful hike is a lovely way to spend some time in a lesser-known Minnesota park. Enjoy the quiet river and take in the beauty of Minnesota wildflowers along this unexpectedly magical hike!
Mai Thao/Google

Have you hiked in Carley State Park along the wildflowers in Minnesota? Let us know in the comments below! Also, check out our past list of 11 lesser-known state parks in Minnesota that you’ll love.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

best trails in Minnesota

Luke | May 01, 2023

What are the best hikes in Minnesota?

Minnesota offers a variety of lesser-known, yet picturesque hiking trails. Hidden Falls Trail features a secluded waterfall just a 1/3-mile hike away. Caribou Falls Trail, a 3/4-mile trek, leads to the 35-foot Caribou Falls. Cannon Valley Trail, a 19-mile multi-use route, boasts cliffs, wetlands, and forests. The colossal North Country Trail covers parts of northern Minnesota, providing stunning Lake Superior views. Other beautiful trails include Border Route Trail, Snowbank Trail, Hyland Lake Trail, Kekekabic Trail, Mazomani Trail, Goldenrod Trail at Tamarack Nature Center, and Angleworm Lake Trail. These scenic hikes promise solitude and natural beauty.

What are some fun outdoor adventures in Minnesota?

Minnesota is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of adventures to suit various interests:

  1. Hiking: Explore the numerous state parks and scenic trails such as the Superior Hiking Trail or the Hidden Falls Trail.
  2. Biking: Pedal along the many bike trails like the Cannon Valley Trail, Paul Bunyan State Trail, or the Root River State Trail.
  3. Canoeing and Kayaking: Paddle through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, one of the best canoeing destinations in the world.
  4. Fishing: Cast a line in one of the 10,000+ lakes including Lake Mille Lacs, Lake of the Woods, and Lake Superior.
  5. Wildlife Watching: Observe Minnesota's rich wildlife such as moose, deer, and various bird species, at parks like the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge or Sax-Zim Bog.
  6. Camping: Spend a night under the stars at picturesque campgrounds in state parks like Itasca, Jay Cooke, or Tettegouche.
  7. Skiing and Snowboarding: Hit the slopes at popular ski resorts like Lutsen Mountains, Spirit Mountain, or Giants Ridge during the winter months.
  8. Snowmobiling: Traverse the snowy landscape on miles of groomed snowmobile trails across the state.
  9. Ice Fishing: Enjoy the tranquility of ice fishing on frozen lakes during the winter season.
  10. Ziplining: Experience the adrenaline rush of ziplining through forests and over rivers at locations like Kerfoot Canopy Tour or Sand Creek Adventures.

 

With its diverse landscapes and abundant natural beauty, Minnesota offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure and exploration.

Related Articles

Explore Minnesota

Featured Addresses
Carley State Park, 50366 Wabasha County Rd 4, Plainview, MN 55964, USA