At one time or another, most of us have dreamt of being whisked away into a fantasy world. And it’s no wonder, given the mystical landscapes and heroic acts that make up many fictional worlds. While we can’t help you completely escape reality, we can help you find the next best thing. Here in Minnesota, there’s a gorgeous park that looks like something out of Middle Earth. Plan a visit to Whitewater State Park for rolling hills reminiscent of the Misty Mountains, forests that resemble Mirkwood, and an outdoor adventure that would put a hobbit to shame. Read on below to learn about this gorgeous place:

Whitewater State Park is a lesser-known park in southern Minnesota. It's about 110 miles southeast of Minneapolis. Though it is a bit out of the way, its hidden location makes it a wonderful getaway.
Tony Webster/Flickr
The park covers 2,700 acres of beautiful southeastern Minnesota. Many visit to fish for trout on the Whitewater River. But there is plenty more to see and do.
Jennifer Zeman/Google
In the summertime, a swimming area, complete with a sandy beach, is the perfect place to cool down. The still waters, surrounded by the lush landscape, will become your own personal oasis.
Dawn Kiefer/Google
More than 10 miles of trails throughout the park will take you to even more magical sights. A walkway across the river looks like something out of a novel...
Virendra Soni/Google

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...and the steps leading up the park's bluff only add to the fantasy. One trail, the 0.7-mile Chimney Rock Trail, involves more than 100 steps up the hill.
Ryan Willette/Google
Along the way, you'll see awe-inspiring rock formations that don't look like anything else in Minnesota.
Gabrielle Marroquin/Google
At the top of the trail, you'll find a weathered formation called Chimney Rock. Beyond, the gorgeous view of distant hilltops, sometimes shrouded in mist, looks like something out of Middle Earth.
Jeff S/Google
Next time you'd like to step into a world that feels distant from reality, take a trip to the beautiful, tucked away Whitewater State Park. You'll find endless recreation, a fantastical landscape, and plenty to explore.
Nick Burkhard/Google

Have you ever been to Whitewater State Park? Let us know what you thought in the comments! And if you can’t get enough of storybook Minnesota, check out our past article about a Minnesota forest with trees more than 200 years old. The trees there aren’t quite Ents, but they’re as old as they come in these parts!

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Whitewater State Park, 19041 MN-74, Altura, MN 55910, USA