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Minnesota
52

Minnesota State Parks

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USA Parks
Minnesota
Heartland Region
Buffalo River State Park
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Buffalo River State Park A Early Morning Walk © Suzanne Mullaney
I was hiking on one of the many paths.
Buffalo River State Park Early Morning Hike © Suzanne Mullaney
This happened to be a perfect morning at the park. It was on a path very close to the river.
Buffalo River State Park goldfinch © Nancy Bauer
Buffalo River State Park Monarch chrysalis © Nancy Bauer
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BUFFALO RIVER STATE PARK
BUFFALO RIVER STATE PARK
565 155th Street South
Glyndon, Minnesota   56547

Phone: 218-498-2124
Toll Free: 888-646-6367
Reservations: 866-857-2757
Email: park email button icon
Prairie lovers, this park is for you. Trails wind through one of Minnesota's finest and largest remnant prairies. Listen for bobolinks, prairie chickens, marbled godwits and upland sandpipers. A picnic area, swimming area and campground are located in the hardwood forest along the Buffalo River. The park is only 14 miles from the large metropolitan area of Fargo, North Dakota - Moorhead, Minnesota.
Nature of the Area
The prairie within the park, and the adjoining Bluestem Prairie Scientific and Natural Area (SNA), is judged to be one of the largest and best of the state's prairie preserves. The landscape contains more than 250 species of wildflowers and grasses including some plants now rare in Minnesota. The Buffalo River that runs through the park is bordered by a riverbottom forest of elm, ash, cottonwood, oak, and basswood.

Eight to ten thousand years ago, glacial Lake Agassiz once covered over 200,000 square miles, including 17,000 square miles in Minnesota. The rise and fall of this ancient lake formed the dominant landscape features within the park. As Lake Agassiz began draining, it left behind a fertile, level "lake bottom" landscape interrupted by prominent gravel ridges or beach lines. One of the lake's beach lines runs along the eastern edge of the park.

The prairie areas within the park, and scientific and natural area (SNA), are not just for the wildflower enthusiast. In spring, the song of the bobolink brings the prairie alive. Prairie chickens, upland sandpipers, and marbled godwits (uncommon prairie birds) can also be seen and heard. Red foxes, badgers, coyotes, prairie toads, white-tailed deer and jackrabbits are also a part of the grassland community. Keen observers might also spot rare regal fritillary butterflies, plains pocket mice and northern grasshopper mice. Hikers will encounter deer frequently. Beavers can be seen along the river and moose have been observed moving through the area. The hardwood forest area of the park is home to four species of woodpeckers, great crested flycatchers, phoebes, numerous warblers, vireos and orioles. In all, more than 200 species of birds and 40 species of mammals use the park during the year.
History of the Area
After the waters of glacial Lake Agassiz receded, they were replaced with waves of grassland as far as the eye could see. This living sea of summer flowers and green grass became home to nomadic hunters and herds of bison. Later, a portion of the Red River Oxcart Trail brought traders through the area. The trail paralleled the Buffalo River in the vicinity of the park and was used to transport furs, hides, tallow and other goods between St. Paul and Pembina, North Dakota. But it was the fertile flatland of the area that caught the eye of European settlers who farmed the land and turned prairie into cropland. In 1937, the area became a state park thanks to the efforts of the Moorhead Rod and Gun Club who lobbied strongly for the need to preserve the area as a recreation spot for use by the community. The intent was to provide swimming and other recreational opportunities. It wasn't until 1979 that efforts began to restore the prairie ecosystem.
Swimming
1. Buffalo River State Park offers a man-made swimming pond, with filtered and chlorinated water.
2. The park's beach is well-maintained for sunbathing or picnicking near the swim area.
3. Lifeguards are not provided at this state park; visitors should exercise caution when swimming.
4. Swimming in the actual Buffalo River within the park boundaries isn't recommended due to strong currents.
5. Restrooms and changing facilities are located nearby for convenience after your swim session.

Fishing
Anglers can enjoy fishing in a prairie river setting, with species like Northern Pike and Walleye available. Other fish include Smallmouth Bass, Channel Catfish and Suckers. The park also offers accessible piers for easy casting. Ice fishing is popular during winter months.



Picnicking
Buffalo River State Park offers picnic tables, grills and a large shelter for picnicking. Restrooms are also available nearby.
Birding
The park offers birding opportunities with over 200 species recorded, including rare ones like the Marbled Godwit. Birdwatchers can explore prairie and woodland habitats through various trails. The spring migration period is particularly popular for spotting diverse birds.

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Directions
From Moorhead, go 14 miles east on U. S. Highway 10 and follow the signs to the park.

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Minnesota
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Minnesota State Parks

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