Whitewater State Park

Whitewater State Park is a nature preserve featuring rivers, limestone bluffs, and forests surrounding the Whitewater River in southeastern Minnesota. The grounds include hiking trails, fishing areas fed by springs, camping locations, and structures built for learning and recreation.

The park was established in 1919 and later received 29 buildings built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s. These structures are now recognized as historic sites, marking an important period of conservation work in the region.

The structures here use rustic design with local stone and wood, showing how builders chose to work with the natural landscape rather than against it. You can see this philosophy in every building you encounter while walking through the grounds.

The park is accessible year-round with different activities depending on the season and weather conditions. Visitors should wear proper footwear for trails and be aware of stream conditions when fishing or exploring.

The ground beneath the park reveals a karst landscape with deep valleys carved over thousands of years by the Whitewater River. These geological formations expose ancient sedimentary rocks and limestone layers that tell the story of the region's past.

Location: Winona County

Inception: 1919

Architects: National Park Service

Architectural style: rustic architecture

Address: 19041 Highway 74, Altura, MN 55910

Phone: +15073122300

Email: whitewater.statepark@state.mn.us

Website: https://dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00280

GPS coordinates: 44.05830,-92.05880

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:54