Everything you will enjoy at this Minnesota State Park. Camping , Swimming, Hiking, with the great town of New Ulm right outside the gates. New Ulm's rich German Heritage and attractions keep this a great get away. Very clean, family friendly and great staff at this Park.
It was nice to be at a state park right near town. The park was nearly empty on a Monday morning so we enjoyed a quiet stroll. The pond was drained but looked like an interesting place to swim! Would have liked some more gravel trails as it was wet after a morning rain.
came here for a day of winter hiking. we hiked the trails that go out from the swimming area along the river, then connected to some trails that went into a lowlands area near some houses. there is a nice bluff area that overlooks the whole park looking over the camping area and to the river. trails could use a little better signage, and nothing was difficult. there looks to be a nice swimming beach area, that I'm sure is busy in the summer. they also have some cross-country ski trails that they maintain.
We really enjoy hiking, so tried out the Hiking Club trail on our recent visit to New Ulm. It was great! If you like a scenic walk, I highly recommend.
My extended family goes camping each year. We chose Flandrau mainly because my son (a WWII history buff) found out that WWII German prisoners of war were housed here during the 1940s. This historical information is now in the park's modern group center, with a sign that explains their past history. When we visited, there was a group camping for the weekend, and asked us what we were doing while we read the sign. They were obviously uncomfortable with us "invading" their campground but we explained we were only there to read the sign and look around to envision the history that took place here long ago. That seemed to satisfy them. It is a small piece of history, but a very interesting one considering Minnesota's connection with the past. I heartily recommend it to all.I also really enjoy New Ulm's German history and architecture, and we used our camping weekend to explore a bit of the town. So unique and beautiful!
We visited family there who were camping. Very nice park. Clean and well maintained. Campgrounds were full. Would go back here.
Lots to do! Camping, lots of hiking trails, swim in the sand bottom pool, park facilities, volleyball, shelter (great for family reunions). Quiet escape in the middle of town.
This park is actually on the city limits of New Ulm. The Park is small and has limited activities. There are a few campsites. The hiking trails have very limited beauty and variability. We hiked around the more interesting trails on the upstream portion of the park. Nearly all the trails are flat. There is a small section of one trail on the far back of the park that continues up a slope to an open grassy area that provides a view toward the River. Many of the trails are on the floodplain with primarily cottonwood, green ash, canarygrass some walnuts on drier areas, etc. There are a couple of points where the trials come out to the River Bank. If you are there to get in some relaxing walking and do not care about the scenery, you will be satisfied. Otherwise, you should go elsewhere.There appeared to be an artificial beach area in a circular bowl at the primary parking lots. Apparently the circular bowl which is 7 feet deep maximum is pumped full of water during the warm summer months. The sandy, gradual slope appears to be very nice for families. There also appeared to be lifeguards on site. This activity is probably the primarily reason to visit or camp here.
We stayed in the semi-modern area (electrical outlets and walking distance to real bathrooms/showers). Bathrooms were very clean and relatively new. Campsites are pretty close quarters, considering nearly everyone has a large camper/trailer. Swimming pool is fantastic. Chlorinated water, sandy bottom, lifeguards on duty and surrounded on all sides by sandy beach. There's a very shallow side and one small spot that's about 7 feet, but most of the center of the pool is around 4-5 feet (well-marked). Great for all ages.Only downside is that the trains run all night and the horns are loud, even though the tracks are fairly far away from the park. No big deal if you're in a camper, but in a tent, expect to hear train horns at all hours of the night (enough to wake you from a sound sleep).
We just enjoyed walking about in certain areas along the river. There is man-made, sand-bottom lake there of varying depths complete with sand all around its perimeter. If I were a camper, I'd camp here.