Places To Go For Spring Wildflowers
Originally posted April 2010
Here are a few of my favorite places to photograph spring ephemeral wildflowers in Southern Minnesota:
Nerstrand Woods State Park-The classic location in Minnesota, it is situated in the heart of the “Big Woods” region of Southern Minnesota near Faribault.
Riverbend Nature Center-situated next to Faribault-several miles of trails with a great variety of spring wildflowers.
Rice County Caron Park–is a great place to explore-it is typically much less travelled than Nerstrand or Riverbend yet offers the same wildflower opportunities.
Carley State Park-Bluebells, bluebells, bluebells! One of my most favorite locations. Located just a couple miles outside of Plainview, where they host the Bluebell Festival, this year it is May 7th.
Whitewater State Park-In the heart of bluff country Whitewater State Park has great spring wildflowers and right behind the visitors center is a bird-feeding station which you will want to photograph. They attract hundreds of birds of amazing diversity.
Beaver Creek Valley State Park-In the very south east of the state. This park has the most spectacular displays of False Rue Anemone that I have ever seen anywhere.
Prairie locations:
Prairie Coteau SNA–Located in the SW corner of the state, this SNA is a great location for a diverse population of prairie wildflowers including; Prairie Smoke, Pasque Flowers, White Lady Slippers and much more.
Cottonwood Prairie SNA– Located not far from Red Rock Prairie Preserve and the Jeffers Petroglyphs this location is a three for one deal! I love the subtle landforms and diversity of plants found at all three locations.
Red Rock Prairie Preserve (TNC)
Mound Prairie SNA–located in the SE corner of Minnesota this SNA has a wonderful population of the Prairie Jeweled Shooting Star, one of my favorite wildflowers to photograph.