- Estimated Cost: $35
- Deposit: $35
- Max Trip Size: 14 people
Join us for a visit to Minnesota’s Bluff Country and camp at Whitewater State Park in early June. Whitewater State Park is one of Minnesota’s most popular parks, east of Rochester, about a 2 hour scenic drive from the Twin Cities. It has a very low mosquito population (gnats are possible), great bluffs to hike and trout fishing. There is road biking from the park and trail biking close by.
I reserved group campsite #3 from Wednesday to Sunday, June 4-8 (five days/four nights). This group site has a picnic shelter with electricity and access to a modern restroom/shower building. Do your own/small group/large group thing during the day and gather back together in the evening for a group meal and to share stories of your adventures around the campfire.
Activities in the area:
- Camping/Hiking, trout fishing, star gazing, some park activities
- Hike the 20 miles of trails within the park. Some of the trails go up and down the bluffs and are steep and challenging with stairs, but there are flatter trails in the valley floor as well.
- Bike the Great River Ridge Trail
- Climb the fire tower in nearby Elba
- Swim in the river at the beach within the park
- Food : bring your own but, if there is enough interest, we will have a potluck dinner one night and a pancake breakfast one morning. There will be morning coffee to greet your day.
- Visit the Whitewater Wines winery
- Take a side trip to Carly State Park
- Socialize at local bars and restaurants in nearby Altura, Elba, and St. Charles
Anticipated cost of the trip is $35-$40 per person (depending on group size) for lodging and firewood. Transportation, food, and additional activities are on your own. Carpooling is strongly encouraged as parking is limited. I may be able to add a couple more if there is carpooling and tent sharing. Also, if anyone wants to reserve single campsites and join the group for activities, please let me know.
You must be a member of Minnesota Rovers to go on this trip (see https://mnrovers.org/sign-up/).