Tucked into the bluffs of Winona County, Whitewater State Park protects 1,672 acres of one of southeastern Minnesota’s most striking limestone valleys. The park sits where the north and south forks of the Whitewater River converge, carving through towering dolomite cliffs that rise hundreds of feet above the valley floor — a landscape that feels more like the Ozarks than the Upper Midwest.

The park is a favorite among anglers chasing brook and brown trout in the cold, spring-fed Whitewater River, one of Minnesota’s premier trout streams. Beyond fishing, over ten miles of hiking trails wind through hardwood forests and along ridgelines with sweeping views of the valley. The Chimney Rock Trail is a standout, climbing to a dramatic rock formation overlooking the river. In winter, the trails welcome cross-country skiers and snowshoers.

Whitewater offers a well-maintained campground with both drive-in and walk-in sites nestled among the trees near the river. The walk-in sites are worth the extra effort for their seclusion. A swimming beach along the Whitewater River provides a refreshing stop on hot summer days.

Spring brings wildflower displays across the valley floor and reliable trout fishing. Fall is arguably the park’s finest season, when the surrounding bluffs erupt in color and the crowds thin out. Summer weekends fill up fast, so reserve campsites early.

Whitewater is a genuine hidden gem — close enough to Rochester for a day trip, remote enough to feel like a real escape.

Explore Nearby

• Superior National Forest — National Forest in Minnesota
• Chippewa National Forest — National Forest in Minnesota
• Minnesota Scenic Byways — Scenic Byway in Minnesota
• Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in Minnesota
• The Arches Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Minnesota