Flandrau State Park
A peaceful Minnesota state park featuring a unique sand-bottom swimming pond, scenic river trails, and frequent wildlife sightings.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat in the pond
Flandrau State Park
Best Time
Beat the heat in the pond
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A peaceful Minnesota state park featuring a unique sand-bottom swimming pond, scenic river trails, and frequent wildlife sightings.
"A quiet spot that feels far from town, perfect for unwinding without going far."
🏊 Check Pond Status
Confirm the swimming pond is filled before your visit, especially during hot weather.
🦌 Drive Slowly
Watch for deer and other wildlife; they are often seen throughout the park.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.5 · 790 reviews
Type
State Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sand-Bottom Swimming Pond
Main swimming area
A unique sand-bottom pool perfect for cooling off, with depths suitable for both kids and adults.
Cottonwood River Views
Hiking trails
Scenic trails offer elevation changes and picturesque overlooks of the tranquil Cottonwood River.
Abundant Wildlife
Throughout the park
Keep an eye out for deer and turkeys; they are frequently spotted, adding to the natural charm.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Swimming Pond Status
Wildlife Spotting
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🏊 Check Pond Status
Confirm the swimming pond is filled before your visit, especially during hot weather.
🦌 Drive Slowly
Watch for deer and other wildlife; they are often seen throughout the park.
minnesota state park suggestions
hello! my friends and i are heading to minnesota for the first time for the minnesota state fair. we will be driving from the chicago area. after we go to the fair we are looking to camp for a few days at a state park. (we have a hotel for the actual days we will be at the fair)…
🏕️ Peaceful Camping
Campsites are quiet and well-kept, even when full. Great for campervans.
🥾 Scenic Trails
Enjoy short but scenic hiking trails with nice river views and elevation changes.
Favorite brewery / camping combo?
I'm anticipating having a number of days this summer where I'll be able to drive to a regional brewery, but with the goal of staying nearby at a campground so as to limit expense/DUI risk. So, a bit of a weird request, but are there any MN (or regional) breweries that you've…
Tips
from all over the internet
🏊 Check Pond Status
Confirm the swimming pond is filled before your visit, especially during hot weather.
🦌 Drive Slowly
Watch for deer and other wildlife; they are often seen throughout the park.
🏕️ Peaceful Camping
Campsites are quiet and well-kept, even when full. Great for campervans.
🥾 Scenic Trails
Enjoy short but scenic hiking trails with nice river views and elevation changes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Flandrau State Park is a well-regarded Minnesota state park offering a peaceful retreat with a unique sand-bottom swimming pond and scenic river views. Visitors appreciate the abundant wildlife and well-kept campground, though some have noted inconsistencies in bathroom cleanliness. It's a convenient escape close to New Ulm.
"Flandrau is a good overall Minnesota state park. Located on the Cottonwood River, it is a quick drive from downtown New Ulm. They have a man made swimming pond here, but every time I've been this year it has not been filled. I'm sure why they have not opened it this year. The park has some nice elevation change on their hiking trails and nice views of the river. I almost always see deer here."
B A
"We did some hiking, swimming and sitting around at camp. We used a site with electricity, and enjoyed the fact that it was peaceful even though the campsites were full. The bathrooms were clean and worked as intended. We also enjoyed that the staff were extremely helpful."
James Kiefert II
"Flandrau State Park is a quiet spot right in New Ulm that feels like you're far from town. The hiking trails are short but scenic, with wooded paths and some nice overlooks. The sand-bottom swimming pond is clean and great for cooling off in summer. The campground is well-kept and works great for campervans—quiet, simple, and easy to access. A solid place to unwind without going far from Mankato, the Twin Cities etc"
DLM-Distribution Campervans
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Flandrau State Park is conveniently located just a short drive from downtown New Ulm, making it easily accessible for a quick getaway.
Yes, Flandrau State Park is considered a solid place to unwind without going too far from Mankato and the Twin Cities, offering a peaceful escape.
While not explicitly mentioned for direct access, the park has biking trails, suggesting it could be a destination for cyclists.
The park is easy to access, with clear entry points leading to the campground and various activity areas.
One traveler mentioned a desire for brewery/camping combos in the region, but specific recommendations for Flandrau State Park are not detailed.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
As a Minnesota State Park, you will likely need a Minnesota State Parks vehicle permit for entry. Check the official MN DNR website for current fees and options.
State parks are generally open year-round from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., but specific facilities like the swimming pond may have seasonal hours.
Swimming in the pond is typically included with park entry, but it's best to confirm if there are any separate fees, especially if the pond is a primary attraction for your visit.
Yes, advance reservations are highly recommended, especially for electric sites and cabins, through the MN DNR reservation system.
Annual permits offer cost savings for frequent visitors. Check the MN DNR website for details on permit types and pricing.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Activities include hiking on scenic trails, swimming in the sand-bottom pond, camping, picnicking, and wildlife viewing.
The hiking trails are described as short but scenic, with some elevation changes, making them generally accessible for most visitors.
The campground offers electric sites and is known for being peaceful and well-kept, suitable for campervans. Some sites have water hookups.
Yes, Flandrau State Park offers cabins, such as the Stone and Coffee Tree cabins, which provide a more comfortable lodging option.
While some reviews mention clean and functional bathrooms, others note issues with cleanliness, particularly during busy weekends.
📸 📸 Photography
Look for scenic overlooks along the hiking trails offering views of the Cottonwood River, and keep an eye out for wildlife like deer and turkeys.
Yes, visitors have reported getting good pictures of turkeys and their babies, indicating potential for bird photography.
Early mornings and late evenings often provide softer light and are prime times for spotting and photographing wildlife.
The sand-bottom swimming pond and the Cottonwood River are key visual elements. The natural wooded areas also offer picturesque scenes.
Yes, the unique Stone and Coffee Tree cabins can make for interesting photographic subjects, showcasing the park's amenities.
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