Location: 1:20 minutes away from Brookings, SD just north of Luverne, MN. 
Distance: 13 miles of trail
Difficulty: Easy- day hiking for the whole family
Dogs allowed on leash
Mother’s Day (2015) hike with the entire family at the Blue Mounds State Park which is an easy drive from the house, perfect for a quick day hike. The climbers I know keep inviting me to head to Blue Mounds for the climbing, so I wanted to go do a bit of reconnaissance; and when I looked it up online and found it had 13 miles of trails and a buffalo herd, I was sold.
The hike itself is the perfect high interest trail for the kids to get involved in. There are many trail markers/sign posts for them to stop at and practice their navigating skills; as the entire trail is mowed it is impossible for them to get lost. We started heading out along the bison field; which kept the kids moving along as they were seeing who would be the first to spot the herd. The only downside being that you are hiking along a huge prison-style fence; which is a pretty good scene killer. There were several false spottings of boulders but once we did find the herd, it was the perfect opportunity to sit on a big rock and have our snack.
The trail is essentially an oblong loop along the ledge of the rock wall. For the three hours we were there we saw an impressive number of animals. Bison herd, white tailed deer, a snake, a whole host of insects, vultures and assorted birds. The terrain is slightly rolling but gentle on the knees. The kids had a blast hunting the cactus and watching for animals. The trail is a perfect family day out.
While we only had a short time to explore the entire family agreed it is a great spot to go back and check out again. The park has done a really good job of making itself interactive and enjoyable. The signs stated that we could rent canoes, check out fishing equipment (free), bird watching equipment (free) and there was a scavenger hunt/geocache along the trail. The trailhead sports a vault toilet, volleyball and a swing set. This is just a very enjoyable little place to bring the whole family and enjoy a picnic, view some wildlife and get a little (though mild) trail action.
Final thoughts- high interest level for the kids and nice and relaxing for the parents. Not a bad way to spend a day!
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/blue_mounds/index.html
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