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Flandrau State Park

Flandrau State Park is a Minnesota state park near New Ulm, covering 982 acres. Hours: Daily from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. It offers camping or lodging. Entry needs a state park vehicle permit, $7 for a day, as the DNR fees page said on October 19, 2026.

Plan It in Three Lines

About The Park

The DNR describes it: The Cottonwood River State Water Trail meanders gently through this southern park. The sand-bottom swimming pond, picnic area, campgrounds and group center attract many visitors every summer to this very popular state park. The terrain is diverse, offering views of wooded river bottoms, oxbow marshes and open grasslands.

Wildlife. White-tailed deer, raccoons and many types of birds common to wooded river bottom areas can be found in in the park.

History. Originally named Cottonwood River State Park, Flandrau State Park was the site of a WPA camp during the late 1930s and early 1940s. Several park buildings are beautiful examples of the architectural work done by the WPA.

Geology. Melturate (from melting glaciers) cut through 150 feet of rock, sand, clay and gravel deposited by glaciers during the Ice Age and formed the valley which is the Big Cottonwood River and Flandrau State Park.

Visit Facts

Trails

SeasonTrail typeLengthNotes
SummerHiking—The park has eight miles of hiking trails. Bicycles are not allowed on any of the park's hiking trails. We do not have bike trails here.
WinterGroomed Cross-Country Skiing Classic6 milesThe park grooms six miles of classic cross-country ski trails when there is enough snow. Cross-country skis are available for rental from the ranger station. A Great Minnesota Ski Pass is required on groomed ski trails for skiers age 16 and up.
WinterSnowshoe2 milesThe park maintains approximately two miles of packed trails for snowshoeing and winter hiking. Snowshoes are available to rent from the ranger station.

Camping and Lodging

TypeDetailNotes
Drive-in Sites—The park has 72 total campsites in two campgrounds. These are non-secluded sites on mowed grass in semi-wooded areas. The semi-modern campground has 34 electric sites and 15 non-electric sites. There are also 23 sites in a rustic campground, best suited for tent campers.
Pull-Through Sites—The park has two pull-through sites, both located in the semi-modern campground. One is electric and the other is non-electric.
Electric Sites—34 electric sites offering 50 and 30 amp service. Water is available at the dump station.
RV Length Limit—Maximum 66 feet. Length is measured from the front of your tow vehicle to the rear of the vehicle being towed.
Accessible Sites1Electric site number 24 in the semi-modern campground is an accessible drive-in site.
Walk-in Sites—There are three walk-in sites located 100-300 yards from parking.
Group Center—The Cottonwood Group Center has eight bunkhouses and sleeps up to 96 people. Two of the bunkhouses are accessible. It also has a modern kitchen/dining area complete with walk-in cooler, a large six burner stove, and modern shower facilities. Available seasonally, from the Friday after Memorial Day until the weekend following Labor Day.
Accessible Lodging—Two of the eight bunkhouses in the Cottonwood Group Center are accessible. The Hackberry Haven camper cabin is accessible, and the Stone CCC Cabin is accessible.
Cabins—The stone Civilian Conservation Corps cabin is available seasonally and accessible.
Camper Cabins2 camper cabinsThe park has two year-round camper cabins with electric heat and screened porches. Coffee Tree Retreat is 400 feet from restrooms and sleeps six. Hackberry Haven is acccessible, sleeps five, 345 feet from restrooms. Pets are not allowed inside state buildings. More details about camper cabins.

Reservations go through the DNR system; start from the park page.

On The Water

TypeDetailNotes
Water Source—The Cottonwood River runs through the park.
Fishing—Fish in the Cottonwood River.
Swimming Beach—The park features a chlorinated sand-bottom swim pond, open seasonally, with lifeguards on duty when the swim pond is open. It is accessible, with a sidewalk leading into the swim pond. Check the park's seasonal update for the dates and times when the swim pond is open.
Canoe AccessCottonwood River—

Other Recreation

TypeDetailNotes
Picnic Area—The accessible picnic area is adjacent to the river, near the swimming pond and beach house.
Accessible Picnic Shelter—One accessible enclosed shelter accommodates 65 people, available year-round. It has a meeting room with electricity, six picnic tables, a woodstove and a small kitchen to warm food and serve from the counter. Call the park to reserve.
Nature Play Space——
Volleyball—Nets are located in the picnic area. Stop at the ranger station to borrow equipment.
Cornhole—Cornhole boards are located in the picnic area near the volleyball court. Bags are available seasonally at the ranger station.
Other—Beach house The beach house features a great room, a kitchen and a back patio with grill. It may be reserved up to one year in advance. Call the ranger station to reserve.

Amenities

TypeDetailNotes
Ranger Station—Located at the stop sign at the bottom of the hill.
Interpretive Exhibit—Interpretive signs and kiosks can be found throughout the park.
Historic Site—There are several Works Progress Administration (WPA) buildings in the park and numerous historic sites in the city of New Ulm.
Rentals—When the swimming pond is open, the park rents life jackets. Volleyballs and cornhole bags are available when snow is not present and conditions allow. p>Birding kits and kids discovery kits (activities and stories for ages 5-12) are available to check out for free from the ranger station.
Firewood—Purchase firewood year-round from the ranger station when it is open, or use Yodel to pay. Gathering firewood can spread tree-killing insects and is against state park rules. Protect our trees – please burn only approved firewood!

Pets and Permits

Statewide, the DNR rules page says pets are welcome in state parks on a leash six feet or shorter, attended at all times; only service animals are allowed in buildings, lodging, tours and beach areas. A vehicle permit costs $7 a day or $35 a year (DNR fees page, read October 19, 2026). See the parks passport page for the full price list.

Park-specific: Pets are not allowed inside state buildings.

Directions

In New Ulm, follow Broadway (State Highway 15) to 10th Street South. Proceed west on 10th Street South up the hill to Summit Avenue. Then turn left heading south and proceed three blocks to the park entrance which will be on the right (west) side of Summit Avenue. Park entrance is right next to the New Ulm Country Club.

Map © OpenStreetMap contributors. Directions.

Nearby Places

What We Could Not Verify

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Flandrau State Park?

It is near New Ulm, Minnesota. The DNR address is 1300 Summit Avenue New Ulm, MN 56073.

How much does it cost to visit Flandrau State Park?

A one-day vehicle permit is $7 and a year-round permit is $35 on the DNR fees page we read on October 19, 2026. Check the fees page before you go.

Are dogs allowed at Flandrau State Park?

Pets are welcome on a leash six feet or shorter outside buildings, lodging, tours and beach areas, per the DNR rules page. This park’s page adds limits listed in Pets And Permits above.

Sources

  1. Flandrau State Park (DNR Recreation Compass data) (read November 1, 2026).
  2. Minnesota state park fees (DNR) (read November 1, 2026).
  3. Minnesota state park rules (DNR) (read November 1, 2026).
  4. Minnesota State Parks Passport, all places, park fees and rules.
Cite this page: It’s Minnesota. “Flandrau State Park.” itsminnesota.com/places/flandrau/. Facts read from the sources above on November 1, 2026.

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