Blue is King at Carley State Park

Apr 13, 2023Events, Guest Blog, State Parks

Visit our trail-friendly sponsor!
Recharge your spirit as you explore hundreds of acres of tranquil parkland and miles of peaceful trails in Janesville, WI

By Rudi Hargesheimer

Each spring, wildflowers display a kaleidoscope of colors at Carley State Park, but blue is king.
For just a few weeks, Mertensia Virginica, or Virginia Bluebells, bloom profusely on the flood plain of the North Branch of the Whitewater River. They crawl up the hillsides toward the tall white pines on the limestone bluffs, spill onto the forest floor in hues of pink and purple and provide a feast for butterflies. They also draw the attention of human visitors who gather to celebrate the delicate flower at the annual Carley Bluebell Festival, hosted by the Lions Club of nearby Plainview, MN and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR).

Closeup view of blue, pink and purple trumpet shaped Virginia Bluebell flowers

Activities include a family scavenger hunt, Mother’s Day card making for kids, archery for ages 8 and older, and wildflower walks. This time of year, many blooming wildflowers make appearances along the park’s five miles of hiking trails. A large bend in the Whitewater River curves below the bluffs and the Wildflower Trail follows the river on the flood plain. Concrete block stepping-stones across the water allow access to the bluffs, home to stands of White Pine, an unusual sight this far south in Minnesota.

The oval wooden entrance sign to Carley State Park is mounted on rough-hewn timbers

Carley State Park is named after State Senator James A. Carley. His family and the Ernestina Bolt families donated the land to the state of Minnesota in 1948. Today, 209-acre Carley State Park might be considered a sister to Whitewater State Park, its much larger neighbor to the east. Both are in the Whitewater River watershed, but Carley is located in the upper reaches of the North Branch. The bluffs at Carley are not as tall as those at Whitewater and the camping is more rustic, but crowds are rare and the trout fishing is just as good, if not better. In the fall, the maple forest glows with reds and yellows.

Carley Bluebell Festival
May 13, 2023
9am-3pm
Carley State Park
Plainview, MN
More info on the MNDNR website

About the Author

About the Author

Rudi Hargesheimer is a long-time North Shore enthusiast. He discovered the new Superior Hiking Trail in 1986 and was soon a Superior Hiking Trail Association volunteer board member, serving twelve years – six of those as President. Rudi was a 40-year employee and manager at Midwest Mountaineering in Minneapolis. He traveled extensively all over the world, coming to realize that the best adventures of all were on Minnesota’s North Shore and the Superior Hiking Trail as his photos will attest. He has written many articles about adventure in Minnesota as a contributor to Minnesota Trails Magazine, Lake Superior Magazine and other regional publications. His current business is North Shore Photo Art.

Visit our trail-friendly sponsor!
Minnesota's Paul Bunyan Trail is one of the state's best bike rides
Fergus Falls is the gateway to the scenic Central Lakes State Trail
The Mesabi Trail connects Minnesota's Iron Range with the Boundary Waters
Alexandria, MN is home to miles of bike trails, paved and dirt!
Mountain Bike and Fat Bike with a lift assist at Detroit Mountain!

Keep up with the latest MN Trails news and events in our newsletter

About me

I’m Jan, the publisher of Minnesota Trails Magazine. I’m looking for that one trail, the next ride, a new discovery and other reasons never to sit still in Minnesota.

Save

More stories:

Save the Date for These 2023 Bike Rides

Road, trail, gravel, you name it. Take a look at our list of 2023 bike rides and mark your calendars!

All You Have to Do is Walk

A multi-day trip on the Superior Hiking Trail brings things into focus for a Texas couple.

Bluenose Gopher 50 Gravel Race

We talked to the organizers if the inaugural Bluenose Gopher 50 Gravel Race to hear how it went.

Trail Pairings: Bad Habit Brewing Co

A ride on the Lake Wobegon Trail pairs very well with a visit to Bad Habit Brewing in Saint Joseph.

Trail Pairings: A Visit to Brainerd

Brainerd has been the launching point of some great day trips over the years, but this time we decided to stay the whole weekend and take a closer look.

Trail Pairings: Bank Brewing in Hendricks, MN

This is the first entry in my new series called Trail Pairings, where I visit a place, explore their roads and trails and visit the local taproom so I can recommend a beer to go with it. Someone’s gotta do it.

7 Must-Do Things on the Historic Bluff Country Scenic Byway

Take a fall drive and discover what’s waiting in the hills of southeastern Minnesota. 

2022 in the Rearview Mirror

I’ve grown more appreciative of the little moments that help explain the ‘why’ of life. I didn’t know it at the time, but in retrospect these 2022 moments stand out.

Trail Pairings: A Trip to Hastings, MN

In our first outing of the year we explore the trails of the river city at the confluence of the St.Croix and Mississippi.

Sibley State Park in the Fall

As the Glacial Lakes State Trail inches toward completion, a new section just opened at Sibley State Park.

23 Minnesota Hikes You Should Do This Fall

Kick off the fall season with these great hikes on Minnesota’s “Famous Four” offroad trails.

Visit our trail-friendly sponsor!
Alexandria, MN is home to miles of bike trails, paved and dirt!

Please join our newsletter mailing list!

It’s your source for sneak previews of the next print issue, new trails to explore, upcoming events and the latest blog posts. We promise to keep it brief, entertaining and relevant and you can unsubscribe anytime. We will not share your info with anyone.

* indicates required