Blue Mounds State Park
June 17, 2026The nonprofit Friends of the Blue Mounds State Park served 300 free bison burgers to park visitors Saturday s part of an effort to raise awareness of the park and of their volunteer organization. “The Blue Mounds State Park is a hidden tsmore visibility for the park and for our group.” The group paid for the meal that included a burger and condiments plus a bag of chips and a beverage. Park fees…- April 22, 2026Do you hear that? Spring is in the air with the sounds of migrating birds. Join the naturalist for Blue Mounds Birding for up to a one-mile walk around the picnic area as we practice our birding skills from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday, April 25. We will go over some tips and tricks to identify some of the common bird species in the park. Dress for the weather including good walking shoes. Bring your…
- By Tiffany Muellner, Blue Mounds State Park NaturalistApril 08, 2026Do you hear that? Spring is in the air with the sounds of migrating birds. Join the naturalist for Blue Mounds Birding for up to a one-mile walk around the picnic area as we practice our birding skills from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday, April 11, 18 and 25. We will go over some tips and tricks to identify some of the common bird species in the park. Dress for the weather including good walking…
By Nicole RonchettiMarch 25, 2026In a celebration of the 70-degree weather and the official start of spring, over 50 people took to the trails for the Blue Mounds State Park’s Equinox Hike on Friday, March 20. Led by state park naturalist Tiffany Muellner, the highlight of the hike was the park’s rock alignment, a quarter-mile string of rocks that lines up perfectly with the sunset on the spring and fall equinoxes. Hikers…
March 04, 2026The spring equinox marks the day the sun passes directly over the equator, giving equal hours of day and night. Celebrate the beginning of spring with a one-mile hike on top of the Blue Mounds State Park from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m. Friday, March 20, at the state park. Use the Eagle Rock Vista entrance off County Road 8 to meet at the trailhead. The hike will end watching the sun set over the…
January 07, 2026More than 50 people showed up at the Blue Mounds State Park Thursday afternoon for the annual First Day Hike hosted by interpretive naturalist Tiffany Muellner. The 1.75-mile hike took participants along the Upper Cliff Line and Mound Trails where Muellner pointed out tracks left behind by the park’s winter wildlife. Specifically, she offered lessons in rabbits, pheasants, bobcats and deer. This…- November 25, 2025The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is waiving vehicle fees to all 73 state parks and recreation areas on Friday, Nov. 28. The DNR offers four “Free Park Days” each year to encourage Minnesotans to explore a new park or visit an old favorite and reap the benefits of spending time outdoors. “After Thanksgiving celebrations, we encourage friends and family to get outside and enjoy the…
By Lori SorensonNovember 12, 2025Tipis will no longer be a camping option at the Blue Mounds State Park after officials opted not to improve or replace the current ones that need maintenance. According to park manager Chris Ingebretsen, the tipis are in poor condition, needing significant repairs and canvas replacements. “It was a good time to discontinue their use,” he said. “There’s no plan to re-use them at this time. In…
By Greg HoogeveenOctober 15, 2025Thirty-five athletes competed in the 2025 Duff Dog Backyard Ultra challenge Saturday, Oct. 11, through Sunday, Oct. 12, in the Blue Mounds State Park. Local runner Amy Feit, 45, won the competition, completing 120.843 miles in 29 hours. Jerry Kyte, 43, of Sioux Falls got the assist (second place), going 116.88 miles in 28 hours. Wikipedia defines the event as “a form of ultramarathon race…
By Lori SorensonJanuary 29, 2025Minnesota state parks and trails hosted candlelight events across the state this winter, including one at Blue Mounds State Park on Saturday, Jan. 25. “Winter candlelight events are a magical way to experience Minnesota’s state parks and trails,” said Ann Pierce, director of Parks and Trails at the Minnesota DNR. “There’s something truly special about walking a snowy trail under the glow of…
By Lori SorensonJanuary 08, 2025More than 50 people spent the first day of their new year outdoors Wednesday, Jan. 1, at the Blue Mounds State Park for the Minnesota DNR’s “First Day Hike,” which occurred at state parks across Minnesota. “It was great seeing participants on the trails ringing in the new year at Blue Mounds State Park with a hike,” said Blue Mounds State Park naturalist Tiffany Muellner. The group completed a…- January 08, 2025Minnesota state parks and trails will host candlelight events across the state this winter, including one at Blue Mounds State Park on Saturday, Jan. 25. Drop by any time between 5:30 and 8 p.m. to hike as stars twinkle overhead and candles flicker in the snow. “Winter candlelight events are a magical way to experience Minnesota’s state parks and trails,” said Ann Pierce, director of Parks and…
- January 10, 2024Minnesota state parks will host candlelight events across the state this winter, including one at Blue Mounds State Park on Saturday, Jan. 27. Drop by any time between 5:30 and 8 p.m. for hiking among candles in the snow as stars twinkle overhead. “Candlelight events are a magical way to experience parks and trails,” said Ann Pierce, director of Minnesota state parks and trails. “On a cold…
January 03, 2024Nearly 60 people hiked along with Blue Mounds State Park naturalist Tiffany Mueller for the First Day Hike hosted in part by Friends of the Blue Mounds State Park Monday afternoon, Jan. 1. Mueller pointed out unique park features such as the Sioux quartzite boulders and the fact that the ancient red rocks somehow give the park a bluish hue from a distance. She also said science has proven that…
By Greg HoogeveenNovember 21, 2023Ten youth hunters and their mentors participated in the Minnesota DNR’s special youth deer hunt Nov. 18 and 19 in the Blue Mounds State Park. According to park manager Chris Ingebretsen, three does were harvested over the two-day period. “The warm weather slowed things down, unfortunately,” he said. “Youth and mentors reported seeing a lot of deer, but opportunities to shoot were fairly…
You must log in to continue reading. Log in or subscribe today.
