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Flandrau
Overview
Flandrau State Park offers a unique blend of historical charm and natural beauty right on the edge of New Ulm, Minnesota. This park is characterized by its rolling hills and the winding Cottonwood River. Travelers will immediately notice the historic stone buildings constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps, which give the grounds a timeless, rustic feel. It serves as a peaceful retreat for those looking to explore the Minnesota River Valley while remaining close to local conveniences.
Location & Surroundings
Situated in Brown County, the park sits within a lush river valley surrounded by high bluffs and dense forests. The landscape transitions beautifully from open prairies to shaded woodlands, providing a variety of scenery for visitors. Because it is located so close to the city, it offers a rare balance of wilderness and accessibility. The surrounding area is deeply rooted in German heritage, which is reflected in the architecture and local culture found just outside the park gates.
Amenities & Park Features
For RV travelers, the park provides 34 electric hookup sites spread across wooded and open areas. While there are no full hookups, a convenient dump station and fresh water are available. The park is most famous for its filtered sand-bottom swimming pond, which offers a beach-like experience in the heart of the Midwest. During the warmer months, visitors have access to modern restrooms and hot showers, making it a comfortable destination for extended stays.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Beyond the park’s eight miles of hiking trails, the city of New Ulm offers fascinating cultural sites. Visitors can climb the Hermann Heights Monument for a panoramic view of the valley or visit the historic August Schell Brewing Company. The downtown area features a beautiful glockenspiel and several authentic German restaurants. For those staying in the winter, the park’s trails are groomed for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, offering year-round outdoor recreation.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for families and history enthusiasts who appreciate a mix of outdoor activity and cultural exploration. It is a fantastic weekend destination for RVers who enjoy hiking and swimming without venturing too far from town. While it leans toward a rustic state park vibe, the availability of electricity and modern bathhouses makes it accessible for most modern rigs. It is perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in Minnesotas prairie heritage.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
B A
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.
James Kiefert II
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.
R S
Swimming pond kept the kids and adults alike busy for hours with the hot humid weather. It has a sand bottom which makes it easy to walk and play and goes to a 7 foorlt depth soceven adults can swim. We saw lots of deer so don't drive fast thru the park. Also got really good pictures of a couple turkeys and their babies. We stayed in the Stone and Coffeetree cabins. The Stone cabin is very small with 1 queen mattress and a twin trundle bed along with a coffee table and 3 chairs. The Coffee tree cabin is the traditional 2 sets of twin over queen bunk beds set up. The campground was quiet, and peaceful. The only negative is the cleanliness of the showers and bathrooms. The women's bathroom was not cleaned the entire weekend so we didn't take showers the 2nd night.
DLM-Distribution Campervans
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
Denise Rich
Clean park. Had electricity but no sewer hook up. We were able to fill our water tank but no water hook ups at site. Location was beautiful and great access to biking trails.