Those who like water sports, can also canoe or fish in The Des Moines River. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Or if you’re looking for an activity with some wildlife mixed in, try visiting Kilen Woods during migratory bird season or during deer hunting season when you might see some whitetail deer or turkeys!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Miles:<\/strong> 2 miles Hiking the MN State Parks Hiking Club Trail<\/a> was the main reason for visiting. We started off by the panic area and headed down. What I wasn’t expecting was descending into the Des Moines River Valley almost immediately. Along the hike, you’ll be going along the river bed, and up the Dinosaur Ridge Overlook. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While it isn’t anything like the north shore’s elevation gains, it is still a little more strenuous than the hike at Lake Shetek<\/a>. Even with the extra work, having the river beside you made for some stunning views. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Much of the hike was along the river, so you always had something to look at.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From an adventure standpoint, the bridges over the small creeks were where things got a little interesting. The first bridge we came to had a detour. That’s because the entire thing caved in. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The new bridge inland was just as nerve-wracking to cross. It was crooked and a little shaky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On the return of the loop, you’ll go through the campground and some meadows. The prairie grasses were alive when I walked through. With each step, the ground started to move in front of me. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Upon closer inspection, it was covered in hundreds of grasshoppers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n See Releated:<\/strong> 7 Best Things to do at Lake Shetek State Park in Southwestern MN<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Most of the hike we spend picking the burrs off our dog. The trail is well defined, but there is plenty of brush on either side, making it one of the lesser-visited state parks we’ve been to. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It also makes the perfect conditions to snowshoe the hiking trails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The campground at Kilen Woods State Park is smaller, with only 33 sites. Most are in the prairie, surrounded by trees on the outer sites. It had an open feel to it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If I was going camping here, I would take advantage of the walk-in tent sites, only because I like a little more privacy when I camp. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But with the limited number of sites, chances are you will have some privacy anyway. Depending on the time of year, being in the open prairie might be just what you are looking for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re looking for a place to paddle, this is the spot for you! Complete with a fire ring, picnic table, and pit toilet, this canoe rest area\/campsite is just downstream from the park’s Class I Rapids. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Tall trees shade the site, providing lovely views of the Des Moines River. Paddlers should reserve a spot before camping here. It’s the perfect place to enjoy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Des Moines River is a favorite amongst canoers and kayakers because of the rapids in this section of the park. Depending on water levels, you might end up with a fun ride down the river. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Just downstream of the rapids is a canoe rest area. They do have a campsite there as well. Paddlers should be watchful for hazardous large rocks and changing currents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Des Moines Overlook is a prominent feature in the park. Located along the tallest bluffs of the Des Moines River, this wooden overlook offers visitors excellent views of the southwestern Minnesota landscape. Remember a bottle of water for the hike; the terrain can be a challenge for some.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The park protects an oak forest, sunny river bottom meadows, a flood plain forest, oak savanna and prairie. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Wild plums and hawthorns occur among prairie grasses and wildflowers along the edge of the Des Moines River Valley. Big blue stream, Indianan grass, blazing-star and purple cornflowers along the grassy ravens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kilen Woods State Park is located in the southwest portion of Minnesota in Lakefield. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s about two and a half hours from Minneapolis, making it one you can day trip to, or spend some time near the neighboring parks like Blue Mounds State Park <\/a>or Lake Shetek State Park<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n During the non-peak season, the park office is closed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The park is home to deer, beaver and muskrat. wood ducks nest in the trees alogn the river and herons stay in the back waters. Anglers catch walleyes, northerns, catfish, and bullheads form the rivers pools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All Minnesota State Parks are free with an annual permit. You can buy them in person or online for $35. If you are planning to visit for the day, expect to pay around $7. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Throughout the year, there are a few free days and other discounts<\/a> you can check out too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Camping costs anywhere from $25-35 a night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pro Tip:<\/strong> Visit any State Park during one of their free days. Check out Minnesota State Park Pass Hacks, Tips, and Free Days<\/a> to find all the days<\/p>\n\n\n\n The park is smaller than most. Because of its size, most people can hike the whole park in a couple of hours. IF you really want to enjoy it all, I recommend spending the night or getting on the water. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I would visit the park again, and maybe even camp. With smaller parks like these, they tend to not get the crowds of their neighbors, which is just my cup of tea.<\/p>\n\n\n![\"Kilen](\"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/R5MV14J-1024x768.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe Kilen Woods Hiking Club Trail<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Difficulty:<\/strong> Moderate
Total Miles Hiked:<\/strong> 157.8 miles<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Kilen](\"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Kilen-Woods-Bridge-Fail-scaled-1-1024x768.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Kilen](\"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Kilen-Woods-Bridge-scaled-1-1024x768.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Grassy](\"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Kilen-Woods-Field-1024x768.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nCamping at Kilen Woods State Park<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Canoe Camping<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Class I Rapids in Southern MN<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Des](\"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/RJRZGJO-1024x768.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nDes Moines Overlook<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Wildflower Season<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Where is Kilen Woods located?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What Animails can you find in the park? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How much does it cost?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Would I Visit Kilen Woods State Park Again?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Family](\"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Kilen-WoodsHiking-Buddies-768x1024.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
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