Whitewater State Park
Overview
Established in 1919, the park protects one of the most scenic sections of the historic Whitewater Valley. Rare geology in this unglaciated Driftless Area supports diverse ecosystems, dramatic landscapes and unique recreational opportunities. Much of the park was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps and the Works Progress Administration as a result of the Great Depression. Today, the park welcomes over 250,000 visitors each year and serves as a gateway and information center for the nearby 27,000-acre Whitewater Wildlife Management Area. An active Friends Group helps support many park projects and activities.
- Trails
- 6
- Viewpoints
- 8
- Activities
- 0
- POIs
- 31
Opening Hours
08:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Emergency SOS
Amenities Available
- Paved Parking Lots
Designated vehicle parking areas with clearly marked spaces and ADA-accessible spots mandated by federal law. Most parks offer free or low-cost daily parking passes.
- Restrooms / Flush Toilets
Modern restroom facilities with running water and proper sanitation. Subject to seasonal closures in northern states during winter months.
- Drinking Water Fountains
Potable water stations distributed throughout the park, tested regularly for safety to ensure clean water access for all visitors.
- Picnic Areas & Shelters
Covered pavilions equipped with tables and built-in grills. Shelters are often reservable for group events and birthday parties.
- Visitor / Ranger Station
Information hub staffed by rangers or volunteers offering maps, wildlife briefings, and educational programs for school groups and families.
- Hiking & Nature Trails
Marked paths ranging from easy, paved walks to rugged backcountry routes, blazed with color-coded markers and difficulty ratings.
- Campgrounds
Tent and RV sites featuring fire rings and picnic tables. Some include full electric hookups, reservable through Recreation.gov.
- Swimming Areas / Beaches
Designated swim zones with seasonal lifeguard coverage. Daily water quality reports are posted at the entrance and online.
- Amphitheatre
Required Permits
VEHICLE PERMITSRequired
Permits required; purchase at park office, entrance kiosk, or at mndnr.gov/permits
Alerts & Advisories
Stay informed before heading out
Safety Tips
Safety Advisory
- Safety Alert: Whitewater State Park has virtually no cellular service inside its deep limestone valley.
- You must download all trail maps, driving directions, and camping reservations before arriving at the park.
Popular/Nearby Trails
Hiking (Dakota Trail)
Hiking (Meadow Trail)
Hiking (Trout Run Creek Self-Guided Trail)
Hiking (Coyote Point Trail)
Hiking (Valley Trail)
Hiking (Chimney Rock Trail)
Nearby Viewpoints
Overlook (Coyote Point)
Viewing Area
0.1 mi
Overlook (Eagle Point)
Viewing Area
0.2 mi
Gift Shop
Gift Shop / Souvenirs
0.2 mi
Swimming Beach
Swimming
0.3 mi
Overlook (Chimney Rock)
Viewing Area
0.5 mi
Overlook (Inspiration Point)
Viewing Area
0.5 mi
Overlook (Signal Point)
Viewing Area
0.6 mi
Amphitheater
0.7 mi
Nearby Points of Interest
Reviews & Ratings
Community Photos
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours of Whitewater State Park?
Whitewater State Park is open every day from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
What is Whitewater State Park?
Established in 1919, the park protects one of the most scenic sections of the historic Whitewater Valley. Rare geology in this unglaciated Driftless Area supports diverse ecosystems, dramatic landscapes and unique recreational opportunities.
Where is Whitewater State Park located?
Whitewater State Park is located in Altura, Minnesota, United States.
How many trails are there at Whitewater State Park?
Whitewater State Park has 6 mapped trails covering 8.8 miles in total. The longest is Hiking (Dakota Trail) at 3.2 miles.
What is there to see at Whitewater State Park?
Places to see at Whitewater State Park include Gift Shop, Overlook (Chimney Rock), Overlook (Coyote Point), Overlook (Eagle Point), Overlook (Inspiration Point), Overlook (Signal Point) and 2 more.
What facilities are available at Whitewater State Park?
Facilities at Whitewater State Park include Amphitheatre, Campgrounds, Drinking Water Fountains, Hiking & Nature Trails, Paved Parking Lots, Picnic Areas & Shelters, Restrooms / Flush Toilets, Swimming Areas / Beaches and 1 more.
Is there parking at Whitewater State Park?
Yes, Whitewater State Park has parking (Paved Parking Lots).
Can I camp at Whitewater State Park?
Yes, Whitewater State Park has 6 campsites marked on its map: Campground (Cedar Hill), Campground (Minneiska), Cart-in Campsite, Primitive Group Camp, RV Sanitation Station and Walk-in Campsite.
How can I contact Whitewater State Park?
You can contact Whitewater State Park by phone at 8886466367.
What safety tips should visitors to Whitewater State Park know?
Safety Alert: Whitewater State Park has virtually no cellular service inside its deep limestone valley. You must download all trail maps, driving directions, and camping reservations before arriving at the park. Additionally, hiking trails like Chimney Rock and Coyote Point feature extremely steep, narrow stone stairs and sheer cliff edges that become highly dangerous and slippery during or after rainfall. Stay strictly on marked paths
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