Reviews

Cindee Haider

This state park offers trails for every level of hiker. The Meadow, The Valley and The Trout Run Creek trails are great for those who want little to no elevation on their hike. The other trails have various levels of elevations and stairs, but all lead to spectacular views. Each hiker should determine what they can handle. What was listed as difficult seemed moderate to some. Research your trails and talk with the rangers at the office/vistor/gift shop. They are wonderful to talk to. Download your maps, as there is little to no cell service due to the gorgeous bluffs that surround you. But, if you don't, the trails are some of the best marked trails in the State Park System. Watching a family fishing for trout was a smile maker. Our Campground site was clean and spacious. Kuddos to all who make this park so spectacular.

Dan Sheppard

Whitewater a damn fine park. Beautiful in that old, honest way nature has when it doesn’t care if you’re looking or not. I’d give it high 9s, if scores meant anything. Whitewater even had those visitor centers, little government boxes filled with maps and bathrooms that only half work, sewer only! But clean and stocked “not bad” Whitewater even had a nature store—sold those Carley State Park walking stick badges.(Carley doesn’t have a store) I bought one anyway. Felt like a sucker. Didn’t care. Whitewater campground was packed and Carley was closed for camping. Some nonsense about the season ending, even though it was burning hot—90s and climbing. Probably for the best. I wouldn’t have slept worth a damn in that heat. My bones already ache enough from climbing all those stairs to heaven at Whitewater, extra points added for the carpenters who built them. I’ll go back. Carley too. They pull at you, those places. I’ll update the scores if I make it out alive.

Roberta W.

Came expecting beautiful colors and scenery, but the park scenery was a disappointment…when I asked about Fall colors the rangers said they don’t get great colors because the dominant tree is the oak. Hiked 594 steps round trip to see the overview and it wasn’t worth it. I stayed in a cabin which was very nice, but did hear lots of noise from the nearby group camp. The showers and flush toilets are far away. The park had an unpleasant smell and the water at the “beach” was brown, brackish and looked unsafe. Other than the nice cabin this park was a disappointment.

Katelin Shaft

Whitewater State Park is a wonderful place to bring your family and friends! While I have been hiking and exploring Whitewater for many years, I had my first camping experience EVER this past weekend. The campsites were very well maintained and it was clear that both patrons and park rangers deeply respect the area and the wildlife within it. The bathroom and shower facilities exceeded my wildest dreams. They were clean (despite a few small bugs, but hey, that’s to be expected!) and they actually smelled…good and fresh? This is THE campsite to go to if you or a loved one are new to camping. It’s a great introductory site!

Tiffany Hinderscheit

My sisters and I only went on the Chimney Rock Trail but it was beautiful! The scenic view of the area was breathtaking! Yes the trail was more rugged and not for everyone, but if able to it's a must. My sisters and I would definitely come back and check out the other trails Whitewater State Park has to offer! 🥾

Brandon Huggins

My wife and I did the Dakota Trail hike yesterday (early spring). The main welcome center is currently under construction, but there was a ranger who pointed us in the right direction of the nature center where we could purchase an annual park pass as well as the trailhead. Overall, this is a beautiful park. It is currently my favorite park in Minnesota. The hike was moderate for my skill set. I am reasonably active and exercise regularly. There are points on the trail with stairs... lots of stairs, which makes it easier for sure. I can't wait to come back when the trees are shaking with green and the flowers are blooming.

Peter Vang

Fun easy easy/intermediate hiking trails. We went on a good weekend. Becareful of some areas if it is rainy/snowy could make some of trails a lot more slippery and dangerous. Beautiful views. We hiked the Dakota trail, and we took our time about 3-4 hours. Also, no service there, or very little service. So make sure you have a map with you to know where you are at. The maps on the trails don't tell you where you are sometimes. We rented a cabin, which was OK but every time we went to the front desk, it was locked and closed. Plus there was no indication or communication of where to return the cabin keys afterward, besides the front desk, which was locked. There was a dropbox supposedly, but I did not see.

andy gray

Whitewater is always one of my favorite parks to visit. The Bluffs are gorgeous no matter what time of year you visit. Good variety of hiking trails. Friendly people in the visitor center. We'll marked trails. Dog friendly as well. Nothing not to like.

Mary Gilson

Amazing state park! There are lots of fun trails and available restrooms nearby. Our group campsite was absolutely perfect, minus several (marked) dead trees that made us a little nervous, but not enough that we decided to leave. I was skeptical when the website said that there is a noticeable lack of mosquitoes here, but it's true! We set up a screen house but never even used it. Can't wait to come back

Carmi Anderson

The park is fantastic. Beautiful hiking. The campground clean and nice bathroom and shower facilities. Private shower rooms which was really nice. Good tree cover in campground. I gave only for stars because of noisy camp neighbors well into early morning hours and park staff didn't come by to enforce quiet hours. Sleeping difficult with that but other than that, the park itself was beautiful.