Whitewater State Park
Notice: Modern Group Center Closure — details
- Status
- Open (per official listing)Daily 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- Entrance fee
- Statewide rule — see below
- Day-use reservations
- None mentioned
- Dogs
- No dogs
- Camping
- YesAlso cabins, glamping or camper cabins
- Official site
- dnr.state.mn.us(507) 312-2300
Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. Details last changed Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current
Current alerts 4
Water quality Low Water at Swimming BeachWater levels at the beach have dropped unexpectedly. Swimming is not advised at this time. Conditions may continue to change.
Posted by the park 2026-10-29. Official alert
Partial closure Road ClosuresBecause current wayfinding apps are directing visitors onto incorrect routes and dead‑end roads, please use the official MNDOT project website linked… (more)
Because current wayfinding apps are directing visitors onto incorrect routes and dead‑end roads, please use the official MNDOT project website linked below to plan your trip to the park during construction. Construction is scheduled from August 3rd through November of 2026 along Highway 74 in Whitewater State Park to replace a culvert several hundred feet north of the visitor center road. Traffic detours are required for the work to be safely completed. For more information, visit the MNDOT project website at Highway 74 Culvert Replacement
Posted by the park 2026-10-29. Official alert
Construction Google Maps UsersCURRENT CONSTRUCTION MAY AFFECT THIS ROUTE - Google maps is currently taking visitors from the Twin Cities and Rochester down some gravel township… (more)
CURRENT CONSTRUCTION MAY AFFECT THIS ROUTE - Google maps is currently taking visitors from the Twin Cities and Rochester down some gravel township roads in Olmstead County. Suggested alternate route: On Hwy 52 S, take exit 68 (Plainview exit in Oronoco). Stay on this road for 20 miles. In Plainview, take a right on County Rd 4 and go for 11 miles. Turn left on County Rd 9 and go for 3.5 miles. Turn left onto Hwy 74. The Visitor Center will be less than 4 miles on your left.
Posted by the park 2026-10-29. Official alert
Closure Modern Group Center ClosureWe are currently in the early phases of planning some major rehabilitation and construction work at the Modern Group Center. The Modern Group Center… (more)
We are currently in the early phases of planning some major rehabilitation and construction work at the Modern Group Center. The Modern Group Center will be closed from June 1, 2027 through November 30, 2027 to allow this work to take place. Any updates will be posted here. Please contact Melissa at (507) 312-2302 with any questions.
Posted by the park 2026-10-29. Official alert
Overview
In Winona County, about 7 miles north of St. Charles, Whitewater State Park covers about 2,044 acres.
The park supports golf, historic sites, swimming, fishing, and ranger programs. The official site lists about 10 miles of trails. On the water side, there is a swimming beach and a fishing pier. For overnight stays there are 6 camping areas (RV sites with electric hookups, group camping, and showers). Roofed lodging includes cabins and camper cabins or similar shelters.
Hours
Park, gate, office and facility hours are listed separately because they often differ. Alerts above override normal hours.
| Facility | Days | Hours | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park | Daily | 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. | — |
| Visitor center | Daily | 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. | — |
| Store | Nature Store: Closed for the season | ||
| Other | Water: Water is OFF for the season: Drinking water is available year-round at the water spigot near the flagpole by the Visitor Center Parking Lot. Trails: The park has 10 miles of hiking trails. During the winter, you may snowshoe or cross country ski anywhere in the park, however we will not be grooming ski trails at this park. Snowshoe rental is available at the Visitor Center when there are 6 or more inches of snow. Other: Sites that can accommodate hammocks are: 3e, 4e, 6e, 8e, 11e, 14e, 19e, 20e, 21e, 22e, 25e, 26e, 32e, 37e, 38e, 39e, 41e, 47, 48, 50, 51, 52, 54, 56, 59, 61, 63, 69, 231e, and 241. Bathrooms: Bathroom buildings are closed for the season Vault toilets are open year-round. Programs: Programs are available year-round. Drinking water: Drinking water spigots in the campgrounds and the day use areas are OFF for the season. Drinking water is available year-round outside the Visitor Center near the flag pole and inside the Visitor Center during regular hours. The spigot does sometimes freeze in the winter, so plan accordingly. Campgrounds: Camping is available year-round, and you can make a same-day reservation at many locations, and reserve every campsite at every state park and recreation area up to 120 days in advance. The modern group center is available year-round, and can be reserved one year in advance. Winter camping sites are in the Minneiska Campground and are electric. Rentals: No summer rentals available. In winter, snowshoes are available to rent. Ask at park office. Electric sites: The park has 85 electric sites. All electric sites have 20, 30, and 50 amp hookups. There are no water or sewer hookups at Whitewater State Park. Dump station: Dump Station is located on the south end of the Visitor Center Parking Lot. The Dump Station is ON for the 2026 season, and will be turned off on Friday, October 30th, 2026. Showers: Shower buildings are closed for the season | ||
Official wording
Daily from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m.
Visitor Center: Monday through Sunday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Nature Store: Closed for the season
Nature store and visitor center hours: Visitor Center Monday through Sunday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Nature Store: Closed for the season. Will reopen in April 2027
Camping is available year-round, and you can make a same-day reservation at many locations, and reserve every campsite at every state park and recreation area up to 120 days in advance. The modern group center is available year-round, and can be reserved one year in advance. Winter camping sites are in the Minneiska Campground and are electric.
Water: Water is OFF for the season: Drinking water is available year-round at the water spigot near the flagpole by the Visitor Center Parking Lot. Trails: The park has 10 miles of hiking trails. During the winter, you may snowshoe or cross country ski anywhere in the park, however we will not be grooming ski trails at this park. Snowshoe rental is available at the Visitor Center when there are 6 or more inches of snow. Other: Sites that can accommodate hammocks are: 3e, 4e, 6e, 8e, 11e, 14e, 19e, 20e, 21e, 22e, 25e, 26e, 32e, 37e, 38e, 39e, 41e, 47, 48, 50, 51, 52, 54, 56, 59, 61, 63, 69, 231e, and 241. Bathrooms: Bathroom buildings are closed for the season Vault toilets are open year-round. Programs: Programs are available year-round. Drinking water: Drinking water spigots in the campgrounds and the day use areas are OFF for the season. Drinking water is available year-round outside the Visitor Center near the flag pole and inside the Visitor Center during regular hours. The spigot does sometimes freeze in the winter, so plan accordingly. Campgrounds: Camping is available year-round, and you can make a same-day reservation at many locations, and reserve every campsite at every state park and recreation area up to 120 days in advance. The modern group center is available year-round, and can be reserved one year in advance. Winter camping sites are in the Minneiska Campground and are electric. Rentals: No summer rentals available. In winter, snowshoes are available to rent. Ask at park office. Electric sites: The park has 85 electric sites. All electric sites have 20, 30, and 50 amp hookups. There are no water or sewer hookups at Whitewater State Park. Dump station: Dump Station is located on the south end of the Visitor Center Parking Lot. The Dump Station is ON for the 2026 season, and will be turned off on Friday, October 30th, 2026. Showers: Shower buildings are closed for the season
Cedar Hill Bathroom Building - Off: RVs: Electric sites have 20, 30 and 50 amp hookup options. There are no water or sewer hookups at Whitewater State Park.
Source: official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Times are local to the park (America/Chicago).
Fees and passes
Per vehicle: a state park vehicle permit (one-day $7 or year-round $35) is required for every vehicle; same price for residents and nonresidents. Four free park days per year. Iron Range OHV SRA states 'There is no entrance fee'.
Statewide fee rule from Minnesota's park system; this park’s page doesn’t list its own fees.
Minnesota park passes
- Year-round vehicle permit — $35. Unlimited visits to every Minnesota state park and recreation area for 12 months from the month of purchase Details
- One-day vehicle permit — $7. One day, one vehicle Details
- Additional year-round vehicle permit — $26. Additional vehicles owned by a year-round permit holder Details
- Year-round motorcycle permit — $30. Motorcycle, 12 months Details
- One-day group permit — $5. Group vehicles, one day Details
From the Minnesota state guide. Confirm which passes this park accepts.
Reservations
- Day use
- No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
- Camping
- Required
- Booking system
- Reserve MN (US eDirect)
- Phone
- 866-857-2757
Reservations are required for all campsites.
We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.
Pets
No dogs
No pets allowed.
Service animals are generally permitted where pets are not. Check with the park for specific areas.
Camping
| Campground or site type | Sites | Hookups / features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drive-in Sites The noticeable lack of mosquitoes makes this a great park for camping. The park has 110 drive-in sites located in a variety of landscape areas from open and grassy to wooded and secluded. | — | ShowersRVs up to The maximum RV length is 50 feet. Length is measured from the front of the tow vehicle to the rear of the vehicle being towed. | — |
| Pull-Through Sites Sites 46, 64, 200e, 203e, 205e, 206e, 208e, 212e, 216e, 220e, 227e, 236e, and 238e are pull-through. | — | Showers | — |
| Electric Sites All 85 electric sites have 20-30-50-amp hookups. | — | ElectricShowersRVs up to The maximum RV length is 50 feet. Length is measured from the front of the tow vehicle to the rear of the vehicle being towed. | — |
| Cart-in Sites The park's eight sites are located 300 to 650 yards from the parking area. | — | Showers | — |
| Group Camp The park's three group camps have their own picnic shelters and share a modern restroom building, with showers and toilets.
GROUP 1: RVs & Tents (up to 40 people) 4 electric spurs with a picnic table and fire ring at each spur, and an additional picnic shelter with electricity and 4 picnic tables, fire ring. GROUP 2: Tents only (up to 50 people) Picnic shelter with electricity and 4 picnic tables, fire ring. GROUP 3: Tents only (up to 25 people) Picnic shelter with electricity and 4 picnic tables, fire ring. | — | Showers | — |
| Group Center The group center is available year-round. It includes 8 cabins and can accommodate up to 132 people. Facilities include centrally-located bathrooms with showers, a modern kitchen, and dining hall. Cabins are heated. Call the park up to one year in advance to reserve: 507-312-2302. | — | Showers | — |
Camping details from the park
Drive-in Sites: The noticeable lack of mosquitoes makes this a great park for camping. The park has 110 drive-in sites located in a variety of landscape areas from open and grassy to wooded and secluded.
Pull-Through Sites: Sites 46, 64, 200e, 203e, 205e, 206e, 208e, 212e, 216e, 220e, 227e, 236e, and 238e are pull-through.
Electric Sites: All 85 electric sites have 20-30-50-amp hookups.
RV Length Limit: The maximum RV length is 50 feet. Length is measured from the front of the tow vehicle to the rear of the vehicle being towed.
Accessible Sites: Minneiska Campground has seven accessible sites, five that are drive-in wtih electric hookup, two that are walk-in access only.
Cedar Hill Campground has 6 accessible sites. Three are drive-in sites with electric hookup. Two are drive-in non-electric sites, and one is cart-in access only.
Cart-in Sites: The park's eight sites are located 300 to 650 yards from the parking area.
Group Camp: The park's three group camps have their own picnic shelters and share a modern restroom building, with showers and toilets.
GROUP 1: RVs & Tents (up to 40 people) 4 electric spurs with a picnic table and fire ring at each spur, and an additional picnic shelter with electricity and 4 picnic tables, fire ring. GROUP 2: Tents only (up to 50 people) Picnic shelter with electricity and 4 picnic tables, fire ring. GROUP 3: Tents only (up to 25 people) Picnic shelter with electricity and 4 picnic tables, fire ring.
Group Center: The group center is available year-round. It includes 8 cabins and can accommodate up to 132 people. Facilities include centrally-located bathrooms with showers, a modern kitchen, and dining hall. Cabins are heated. Call the park up to one year in advance to reserve: 507-312-2302.
From the official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.
Cabins and lodging
- Camper Cabins
Accessible Lodging: Tiger Trout and Rainbow Trout camper cabins are accessible.
At the group center, the lodge building has an accessible entrance and accessible bathroom. Three of the cabins are accessible. The bathroom and shower building has an accessible entrance.
Camper Cabins: Tiger Trout and Rainbow Trout sleep five and are accessible. The other two cabins sleep six and are not accessible. All cabins are available year-round with heat and electricity. No pets allowed. More information on camper cabins.
Things to do
HikingFishingRanger and interpretive programsWildlife viewing and birdingHistoric sites and toursPicnickingGolfSwimmingCamping
Trails
| Trail | Length | Difficulty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snowshoe (winter) | — | — | You may snowshoe anywhere in the park. Snowshoe rental is available at the visitor center when there is 6 inches or more of snow on the ground.Snowshoe |
| Other (winter) | — | — | You may cross country ski anywhere in the park, but we do not groom ski trails.Other |
| Accessible (summer) | 2 mi | — | 2 milesAccessibleAccessible |
| Self-Guided (summer) | — | — | Trout Run Creek trail is a 2-mile-long self-guided trail (1 mile out and 1 mile back) that provides an easy walk through a wooded valley. Meadow Trail is an easy 1-mile hike along the middle branch of the Whitewater River.Self-Guided |
| Hiking (summer) | — | — | The park has 10 miles of easy, moderate and challenging trails that take you from bottom land along the river, to the bluffs and valley overlooks. A majority of the trails have stairs.Hiking |
Trail descriptions from the park
Winter — Snowshoe: You may snowshoe anywhere in the park. Snowshoe rental is available at the visitor center when there is 6 inches or more of snow on the ground.
Winter — Other: You may cross country ski anywhere in the park, but we do not groom ski trails.
Summer — Accessible — 2 miles
Summer — Self-Guided: Trout Run Creek trail is a 2-mile-long self-guided trail (1 mile out and 1 mile back) that provides an easy walk through a wooded valley. Meadow Trail is an easy 1-mile hike along the middle branch of the Whitewater River.
Summer — Hiking: The park has 10 miles of easy, moderate and challenging trails that take you from bottom land along the river, to the bluffs and valley overlooks. A majority of the trails have stairs.
Trail conditions: The park has 10 miles of hiking trails. During the winter, you may snowshoe or cross country ski anywhere in the park, however we will not be grooming ski trails at this park. Snowshoe rental is available at the Visitor Center when there are 6 or more inches of snow.
Swimming
Swimming Beach: The park has a swimming beach.
Fishing
Fishing Pier: Both fishing piers are accessible and in the south picnic area.
A state fishing license is usually required.
Amenities
Facilities
- Restrooms
- Flush toilets
- Vault or pit toilets
- Showers
- Picnic areas
- Picnic shelters
- Visitor center
- Nature center or museum
- Park or camp store
- Group facilities
- Drinking water: not available (stated by the park)
Water
- Swimming beach
- Fishing pier
Camping
- RV dump station
- RV camping
- Electric hookups
- Group camping
Lodging
- Cabins
- Glamping or camper cabins
Recreation
- Golf course
Accessibility
- Accessible cabins or lodging
✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.
Accessibility
- Accessible cabins or lodging
Accessible Sites: Minneiska Campground has seven accessible sites, five that are drive-in wtih electric hookup, two that are walk-in access only.
Cedar Hill Campground has 6 accessible sites. Three are drive-in sites with electric hookup. Two are drive-in non-electric sites, and one is cart-in access only.
Accessible Lodging: Tiger Trout and Rainbow Trout camper cabins are accessible.
At the group center, the lodge building has an accessible entrance and accessible bathroom. Three of the cabins are accessible. The bathroom and shower building has an accessible entrance.
Camper Cabins: Tiger Trout and Rainbow Trout sleep five and are accessible. The other two cabins sleep six and are not accessible. All cabins are available year-round with heat and electricity. No pets allowed. More information on camper cabins.
Read more from the park
Showers: There are three restroom buildings in the campgrounds. Showers are available mid-April through mid-October. All shower buildings are accessible.
Flush Toilets: The campgrounds have three sanitation buildings. Flush toilets are available mid-April through mid-October. All toilet buildings are accessible.
Picnic Shelter: The picnic shelter is accessible and located in main picnic area. The shelter is open on all sides and includes electricity and lights. The shelter is available for use year-round on a first-come first-served basis, or it may be reserved up to one year in advance by calling the park at 507-312-2302.
Fishing Pier: Both fishing piers are accessible and in the south picnic area.
Accessible — 2 miles
Official accessibility information
Conditions change. Contact the park to confirm specific accessible features before your visit.
Getting there
- Address
- 19041 Highway 74
Altura, MN 55910 - Nearest town
- St. Charles — about 7 mi north (straight line)
- Coordinates
- 44.0629, -92.0432
- Phone
- (507) 312-2300
- whitewater.statepark@state.mn.us
Google Maps directionsApple MapsOfficial park map (PDF)
Directions from the park
Located 3 miles south of Elba on State Highway 74.
Nearby state parks
Sources and freshness
- Minnesota State Parks and Trails — park page — last checked Oct 29, 2026; page says updated Oct 29, 2026
- MN DNR A-Z list of state parks and recreation areas (park IDs in server-rendered <noscript> links) + state waysides page; details from the compass feature_detail JSON API used by park.html
- Wikidata
- USGS PAD-US 4.1 (boundary and acreage)
“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. “Last changed” (Oct 29, 2026) is when the information shown here last differed from the previous check. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology