Guide to scenic Beaver Creek Valley State Park in MN

One of the best Minnesota state parks – and a hidden gem – is located in the most southeastern part of the state: Beaver Creek Valley State Park in Caledonia, Minn.

I hiked all 66 Minnesota state parks in a year and while I can’t pick a favorite, Beaver Creek Valley State Park is one of the best for rugged hiking trails and scenic bench views. You can see more of my favorites (they’re all my favorites) and brief reviews for each Minnesota state park in this overview post.

Top things to do at Beaver Creek Valley State Park in Caledonia, MN

Located in one of the most intriguing geological areas of Minnesota, this area is known as the driftless area as well as the Blufflands Landscape Region. The beautiful gorges and stunning bluffs were formed by glacial meltwater back in the day. We’re talking like 450 to 500 million years ago. Although a smaller park, you’ll find lots of things to do.

List of things to do at Beaver Creek Valley State Park

Here are the top things to do at Beaver Creek Valley State Park.

1. If you like a challenging hike, take the Switch Back Trail. Use caution as this steep and narrow trail can be a little slippery when leaves are wet. And there are steep drop-offs. Recommend hiking poles (I left mine in my vehicle). This trail is one mile out and one mile back – or rather up and down. I would not recommend this trail for families with small children.
2. And if you’re up for another rugged hike, check out the two-mile (roundtrip) Plateau Rock Trail.
3. Another two-mile trail at Beaver Creek Valley State Park is the Hole in the Rock Trail. It’s an easier trail with rolling hills, packed dirt, and mowed grass. But you’ll still hike up and down bluffs and through the woods.
4. For a slightly longer hike, the 3.5-mile Beaver Creek Valley Trail loop takes you along Beaver Creek in the valley surrounded by the stunning bluffs.
5. Take in the views! I hiked here right after peak leaf-peeping season. As you can tell by the photos, the overlooks were still full of fall colors. Beaver Creek Valley State Park is one of the best state parks for scenic views.
6. If you come earlier in the year, look for pretty spring wildflowers on the hillsides and valleys.
7. Camp at one of the electric/non-electric sites, seasonal cabin, or walk-in campsites.
8. Fishing is popular at Beaver Creek Valley State Park where the 2.3 miles of fishable streams are home to brown and native brook trout.
9. Watch for wildlife such as deer, muskrats, minks, badgers, red and gray fox, and wild turkey. They do caution against the timber rattlesnake, but sightings are rare. Birdwatchers can search for Acadian flycatchers, the Louisiana water thrush, and Cerulean warblers.
10. Be sure to walk over the pedestrian bridge over Beaver Creek – very pretty views here.

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Frequently asked questions about Beaver Creek Valley State Park in Caledonia, Minnesota

Where is Beaver Creek Valley State Park located? What is the address for Beaver Creek Valley State Park?

Beaver Creek Valley State Park is located at 15954 County 1, Caledonia, Minnesota. It’s located in the southeast corner of the state.

When is Beaver Creek Valley State Park open? What are the hours for Beaver Creek Valley State Park?

Beaver Creek Valley State Park is open year-round, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. The campground season runs April through October.

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How big is Beaver Creek Valley State Park?

Beaver Creek Valley State Park covers approximately 1,200 acres.

Does Beaver Creek Valley State Park have a lake, river, or waterfall?

Yes, Beaver Creek Valley State Park features Beaver Creek, which is fed by Big Spring.

Does Beaver Creek Valley State Park have a beach?

No, you won’t find a beach at Beaver Creek Valley State Park. Although some people cool off in the clear streams.

Is Beaver Creek Valley State Park buggy? Mosquitos? Ticks?

I hiked at Beaver Creek Valley State Park in October so I was past the mosquito season. So not sure how to rate it on the buggy scale during the summer. And ticks are shady little creatures – learn more and take the tick quiz.

Can you fish at Beaver Creek Valley State Park? What kind of fish are in Beaver Creek Valley?

Yes! You can fish at Beaver Creek Valley State Park, which is known for its trout fishing – brown and native brook trout.

Can you boat at Beaver Creek Valley State Park? Does Beaver Creek Valley State Park offer a boat ramp with trailer access?

No, Beaver Creek Valley State Park is not suitable for boating; therefore, no boat ramp. However, you can find places to boat and paddle along the Root River, located nearby. And the Mississippi River is not too far away.

How long and how difficult are the hiking trails at Beaver Creek Valley State Park?

You’ll find a few hiking trails at Beaver Creek Valley State Park ranging from two-mile steep switchback trails to a one-mile one-way meandering hike on rolling hills to a mostly flat 3.5-mile loop trail.

Are hiking poles needed on the trails at Beaver Creek Valley State Park?

I did not use my hiking poles at Beaver Creek Valley State Park. However, I would recommend using them especially on the Switch Back Trail as it is very steep with narrow ledges.  

What are the best views at Beaver Creek Valley State Park?

You will find several scenic views at Beaver Creek Valley State Park. One of my favorite views was near a park bench at the top of the Switch Back Trail. When you get to the top of the trail take a left for this park bench view.

Does Beaver Creek Valley State Park have a visitor center? Modern restrooms?

Beaver Creek Valley State Park does offer a visitor center with art and wildlife displays. You will find modern restrooms with flush toilets as well as more primitive toilets.

Can you camp at Beaver Creek Valley State Park?

Yes, Beaver Creek Valley State Park offers a campground with RV sites, tents, van/car camping (some with electricity), as well as backpack campsites, and a seasonal cabin. In fact, the entire campground is season, open April through October.

Do bears live in Beaver Creek Valley State Park? Are there rattlesnakes at Beaver Creek Valley State Park?

I’ve never heard of any bear sightings at Beaver Creek Valley State Park. However, this state park is home to the rattlesnakes (although they are rarely seen).

Is Beaver Creek Valley State Park dog-friendly?

Yes, leashed dogs and pets are welcome at Bear Head State Park (and all Minnesota state parks) except inside buildings (with the exception of service dogs). Leashes must be six feet or less.

What’s the best Minnesota state park for fall colors? Best state park in Minnesota to hike in the fall?

I think all Minnesota state parks are beautiful to visit during foliage or leaf-peeping season; however, I must say Beaver Creek Valley State Park in Caledonia, MN is one of the best to hike for fall colors.

What’s the nearest lodging near Beaver Creek Valley State Park?

Not a camper or glamper? Lanesboro, MN (aka Bed and Breakfast Capital of Minnesota) is only 30 miles away.

How far is Beaver Creek Valley State Park from the Twin Cities – Minneapolis and St. Paul (MSP) airport?

Beaver Creek Valley State Park is about 148 miles southeast of the Minneapolis – St. Paul (MSP) International Airport.

What’s nearby Beaver Creek Valley State Park? Things to do near Beaver Creek Valley State Park?

You’ll find additional things to do near Beaver Creek Valley State Park.

• Go biking on the Root River State Trail (biking is not allowed at Beaver Creek Valley State Park).
• The nearby town of Caledonia, MN is small, but is known as the Wild Turkey Capital of Minnesota.
• Caledonia is also considered The Heart of Quilt County.
• The quaint and charming community of Lanesboro, MN is known as the Bed and Breakfast Capital of Minnesota.
• Nearby Root River offers canoe, kayak, and tube rentals.
• The Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center is located near Beaver Creek Valley State Park and offers a rope course, geocaching course, and opportunities to hike, mountain bike, and cross-country ski.
• For some history and mystery, check out Forestville / Mystery Cave State Park – less than an hour away from Beaver Creek Valley State Park.

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When was Beaver Creek Valley State Park established?

Beaver Creek Valley State Park was established in 1937 and named after the creek that runs through it.

Does Beaver Creek Valley State Park host deer hunts? Is Beaver Creek Valley State Park closed during deer season?

Yes, Beaver Creek Valley State Park hosts deer hunts. For a complete list of when and which Minnesota state parks are closed or limited to the public during deer season, see my post: Hiker safety: MN state parks that host deer hunts.

Fall foliage finder / fall colors report

Pin it for later: A local’s guide to Beaver Creek Valley State Park near Caledonia, Minnesota

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