The Small-Town State Park in Minnesota Locals Want To Keep to Themselves

If you've been looking for a place where you can get out and enjoy all that the Land of 10,000 Lakes has to offer but want to avoid all the crowds that come with a visit to the more popular state parks, I have good news. In the northwest part of the state, along the Red River Valley, you'll discover a quiet small-town state park in Minnesota that locals might prefer to keep to themselves (but it is a state park, so you're clearly invited). If you enjoy wide-open spaces, winding river views, and no crowds, you should definitely check out Buffalo River State Park near Glyndon.

Why Buffalo River State Park Stands Out in Minnesota

While many of the best state parks in Minnesota are known for their dense forests, lakes, and rocky bluffs, this park has a very different feel. It's located just 4.5 miles east of Glyndon and about 14 miles from Moorhead, and it's a true prairie oasis. Buffalo River State Park protects a vast 4,658-acre tallgrass prairie complex, making it one of the largest and best-preserved prairie remnants in the state. The park's remote location helps keep it off the radar, so you won't likely have to share the trails with too many other hikers. It’s the perfect hidden state park in Minnesota for a little solitude and nothing but the sound of the birds and the breeze.

What You’ll Experience at Buffalo River State Park

There's a lot going on with the landscape at this park. Hiking the River View Trail, you’ll cross a scenic wooden bridge over the Buffalo River. It will take you through a cool, shaded river bottom forest filled with elm, ash, and giant cottonwood trees before opening up. The transition from the dark woods into the bright, sunlit prairie is startling, but lovely.

If you love wildflowers, you'll want to check out the nearby Bluestem Prairie Scientific and Natural Area. With more than 250 species of wildflowers and native grasses, you'll almost always find something blooming here. The park attracts plenty of wildlife, such as birds like marbled godwits and prairie chickens, and it’s not unusual to spot white-tailed deer or even a beaver swimming in the river. It’s one of my favorite hidden gems in Minnesota for birdwatching and nature photography.

Tips for Visiting This Small Town State Park

Like most state parks, you’ll need a vehicle permit to enter. It costs $7 for a daily pass (I always go for the $35 annual permit, myself). The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., unless you're camping at one of the 44 sites, of course. If you only have a short amount of time to visit, take the Picnic Area Trail down to the water and let the sound of the river wash away your stress.

Late spring through early fall is the best time to visit if you want to see wildflowers at their peak. However, I really love how the tall prairie grasses turn a tawny gold in the autumn. As you're heading away from the park, stop for lunch or a snack in Glyndon, or fill up your cooler on the way in, and have a picnic in the park. You'll find more information, including trail maps, updates, and camping reservations, over on the Buffalo River State Park webpage.

Like so many other Minnesotans, visiting state parks is one of my favorite ways to take in the beauty of the Bold North. (Of course, there are plenty of other incredible things to do in Minnesota when you aren’t visiting a park.) Next time you're in this part of the state and looking for a spot away from the crowds, be sure to keep Buffalo River State Park in mind.