Flandrau State Park | New Ulm

Flandrau State Park – In Detail

Flandrau State Park, located on the southeastern edge of New Ulm, Minnesota, is a richly layered natural retreat that combines scenic beauty, historical significance, family-friendly recreation, and native prairie ecology. Encompassing over 1,000 acres, the park stretches along the meandering Cottonwood River, offering a landscape shaped by glacial movement and early 20th-century conservation efforts. It is named after Charles Eugene Flandrau, a prominent Minnesota judge and U.S. Indian agent.

Historical Background

Flandrau State Park was established during the 1930s Great Depression era as part of the New Deal’s Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and Works Progress Administration (WPA) efforts. Originally called Cottonwood River State Park, it was renamed in 1945. Many of the park's stone structures, such as the picnic shelter and beach house, were built by the CCC using local limestone, and their rustic craftsmanship is still visible today.

The park’s architecture, particularly the use of stone and timber, follows the National Park Service Rustic style, aiming to harmonize with the natural landscape. Several of these structures are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, making the park historically valuable beyond its recreational features.

Natural Environment and Landscape

Flandrau showcases a diversity of habitats due to its position in a glacial valley:

Cottonwood River: Meanders through the park, lined with cottonwood, maple, and elm trees.

Prairie Grasslands: Represent restored tallgrass prairie with big bluestem, Indian grass, and wildflowers.

Floodplain Forest: Includes dense groves of hardwoods and oxbow wetlands that attract a wide array of wildlife.

Ridges and Bluffs: Provide elevation changes of up to 150 feet and offer views over the wooded river valley.

Because of this mix of topography and habitats, the park is a living example of Minnesota’s southern ecological zones, particularly the transition between prairie and forest.

Trails and Outdoor Recreation

Flandrau is a year-round outdoor destination with over 8 miles of trails. These trails are well-marked and range from easy riverside walks to more moderate hill climbs.

Cottonwood Trail: Follows the river closely and is shaded by mature trees-ideal for spring birding and autumn foliage.

Hiking Club Trail: A 2.8-mile loop that traverses all major landscapes, including wetlands, prairie ridges, and wooded bluffs. It’s part of Minnesota’s Hiking Club program.

Oxbow Trail: Shorter loop trail featuring low-lying wetland terrain.

Winter Activities: In winter, several trails are groomed for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The snow-covered stone stairways and frosted trees make the park uniquely photogenic.

Swimming and Day-Use Area

A rare feature for a Minnesota state park, Flandrau offers a manmade, chlorinated sand-bottom swimming pond. Open from early June to mid-August, it includes:

Gradual entry, zero-depth shoreline for small children.

Lifeguard supervision during specific hours.

A nearby stone beach house, built by the WPA, with restrooms, changing areas, and shade.

This swimming pond, surrounded by picnic tables and grassy sunbathing areas, is a centerpiece for summer family activity.

Camping and Overnight Facilities

Flandrau is well-equipped for overnight stays:

Campgrounds:

Semi-modern sites: Include electric hookups for RVs.

Non-electric sites: For tents and small trailers.

Rustic walk-in sites: Secluded and close to nature, with short paths leading from the parking lot.

Camper Cabins:

Heated, wooden cabins with beds, electric lighting, and rustic charm.

Available year-round and especially popular in fall and winter.

Historic Stone Cabin:

A restored CCC structure that accommodates two people-unheated but deeply atmospheric.

Group Center:

Originally a CCC-built facility, now serves as a youth or organizational retreat space.

Includes eight bunkhouses, a dining hall, commercial kitchen, fire rings, and recreation fields.

Can host up to 96 guests.

Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekends and summer months.

Wildlife and Nature Observation

Flandrau’s varied ecosystems provide excellent opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing:

Birds: Over 60 species regularly seen, including bluebirds, orioles, vireos, woodpeckers, hawks, and owls.

Mammals: White-tailed deer, raccoons, opossums, and squirrels are common. River areas occasionally host beavers and muskrats.

Reptiles and Amphibians: Frogs, snapping turtles, and snakes thrive in the wetland areas.

Nature Programs: Park staff and volunteers sometimes host interpretive programs for schools and families during the summer months.

Binoculars and birding kits can sometimes be borrowed at the park office.

Architecture and Historic Structures

Several stone structures dating from the CCC/WPA era are still standing and in use:

Beach House: Rustic limestone building that blends into the surrounding trees.

Picnic Shelter: With timber-framed beams and a stone fireplace.

Stairways and Retaining Walls: Built into hillsides, still structurally sound and visually timeless.

These constructions are not only practical but are also admired for their aesthetic and historical qualities.

Visitor Tips

Best Seasons to Visit:

Spring: Wildflowers and bird migration.

Summer: Swimming pond and camping are fully active.

Fall: Autumn colors make the ridges especially beautiful.

Winter: Peaceful, less crowded, ideal for snowshoeing.

Accessibility: Main trails, restrooms, and swimming pond are ADA-accessible. Some rustic areas may be steep or uneven.

Pets: Allowed on leash throughout the park except in swimming areas.

Fees: $7 day-use fee per vehicle or annual pass for $35. No additional fee for swimming.

Nearby Attractions

Flandrau is close to several cultural and historical sites in New Ulm, including:

Hermann Monument

August Schell Brewery

German Park

Brown County Historical Society Museum

Downtown New Ulm’s shops and restaurants

Visitors often combine a nature-focused day in the park with a cultural evening in town.

Conclusion

Flandrau State Park is a gem of southern Minnesota-offering a rare blend of natural diversity, historical architecture, and modern amenities. Whether you’re camping, hiking through tallgrass prairie, lounging by the swimming pond, or admiring WPA stonework, Flandrau delivers a balanced experience of relaxation, exploration, and history. It’s particularly ideal for families, school groups, and anyone interested in Minnesota’s cultural and natural heritage.