Flandrau State Park

Group center cabin exterior

Nestled in the shaded bluffs of southern Minnesota, the historic Cottonwood River Group Center is the perfect place to escape the fast pace of city life. Built as a work camp during the depression, it housed German Prisoners of War during World War II. Renovations make this is an ideal getaway for overnight retreats, class or family reunions and church or youth groups.

Group center cabin interior

Eight rustic two room cabins accommodate up to 110 people. Bed frames, mattresses and chairs are provided. Bring your own linens and favorite pillow. Cabins have electricity and ceiling fans, but do not have heat or running water.

Group center

The group center consists of eight cabins, two shower buildings and a large dining hall with a modern cooking environment. There are numerous picnic tables, a large group fire ring, free standing charcoal grill, horseshoe pits and a volleyball area. The privacy here takes you away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Beach house shelter exterior

This unique historic stone building is located in the main day-use area, adjoining the swimming pond and playground. The concession area, bathrooms and showers are open seasonally. The great room, fireplace and kitchen area are available for use and rent by contacting the park office. During the winter months this building serves as the warming house for skiers and snowshoers.

Beach house shelter interior

Warm yourself by the fireplace after skiing or snowshoeing on the trail system. Ski and snowshoe rentals are available from the park office. The great room and adjacent kitchen serving area are available for rent by contacting the park office. The room has hosted graduations, family reunions, birthdays and weddings.

Beach house shelter patio

Pack a picnic lunch and stay awhile! A patio adjoins the great room and has a large charcoal grill and numerous tables for picnicking. Children will enjoy the playground and swimming pond adjacent to this building.

Pond

Cool yourself on a hot summer day in a unique, chlorinated sand-bottom pond. This popular spot offers sun on the sand or shade under trees or covered beach hut. Pond depth is from zero to seven feet, with an accessible ramp.

Carry-in boat access

The Cottonwood River carves its way through the park's floodplain forest. The carry-in access for canoes and kayaks is a great place to launch for an easy ride down the Cottonwood River. The water level can vary greatly on this river depending on recent weather conditions.

Cottonwood River overlook

The Cottonwood River overlook allows you to sit, relax and listen to the sounds of nature. The river runs through the park and can be seen from several of the trails that crisscross the park.

Picnic area

Recreational opportunities abound at this location. Enjoy a volleyball court, horseshoe pits and wide open space for Frisbee, bocce ball or just relaxing with a good book. Equipment for horseshoes and volleyball can be borrowed from the park office.

Park office

The park office is conveniently located on the main entrance road into the park. Stop in with questions, to purchase merchandise from our nature store or to rent cross country skis and snowshoes.

Semi-modern campground

The semi-modern campground has 18 non-electric campsites, 34 electric sites (30 and 50 amp service), the historic WPA stone CCC seasonal cabin, and two heated year-round camper cabins. This campground has access to the shower building and is within walking distance of the pond and playground.

Rustic campground

Those looking for a more rustic experience will enjoy this campground. Set away from the main campground and day-use area, it offers 33 campsites and three walk-in sites. Vault toilets and a hand pump for water are available. The pond is located just half a mile from this more secluded campground.

Shower building

The shower building is set amidst trees in the semi-modern campground. This accessible building has eight showers and flush toilets. The building is open seasonally and is for those staying in the semi-modern campground. Campers staying in the rustic campground have access to the showers in the beach house.