{"id":7316,"date":"2019-10-23T09:00:40","date_gmt":"2019-10-23T14:00:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/?p=7316"},"modified":"2024-02-08T06:52:32","modified_gmt":"2024-02-08T12:52:32","slug":"9-things-you-didnt-know-about-the-upper-sioux-agency-state-park","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/9-things-you-didnt-know-about-the-upper-sioux-agency-state-park\/","title":{"rendered":"11 Things to do at Upper Sioux Agency State Park 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Upper Sioux Agency State Park is one of the least-visited state parks in the State. Located in southern Minnestoa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It could have something to do with a massive detour between the Visitors Center and Campground, the bugs, flooding or maybe it\u2019s because no one thing to visit Western MN.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is a strong desire to go north to getaway. But everyone should head west instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

11 Things to do at Upper Sioux Agency State Park<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Relax on the Prairie<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The biggest draw to the Upper Sioux Agency State Park campground is getting cut off and escaping everything. If you can get a spot on the outside edge of the campground, there is a good chance you may not see your neighbors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The site we were at, had no obstructions to worry about. The site we were at, 29E had undisturbed views of the open prairie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If that wasn\u2019t enough, there was limited cell service in the valley, so the temptation to jump on your phone and surf Facebook is gone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instead, I took the time to lay back and enjoy the sounds of the prairie, including the faint sounds of cows from a nearby property. The crickets were chirping in full harmony and the fireflies came out each night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Sleep in a Tipi<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Upper Sioux Agency has a long history with people camping in this area. One of the most recognizable features of the park is the Tipis. They are scattered throughout the campground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are set up to remind people of the indigenous Native American\u2019s who once camped the same way here 100s of years ago. Visitors can reserve one through the State Parks website, similarly, to how you reserve a camping spot.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Tipi<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n
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\"Inside<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Go on a Hiking Club Trail<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The State Park Hiking Club Trail<\/a> takes hikers the entire length of the park, into both prairie and wooded areas. The hike is hilly, buggy and beautiful all at the same time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We had a very easy time finding the password, but I\u2019ve heard from others that they walked right by it. To make sure you do not miss it, go counter-clockwise on the trail. You can start either at the Visitors Center or by the Yellow Medicine campground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make sure to download the Avaza Map before you go. Cell phone coverage at the park is spotty and the hiking club trail signs to do not align with the map.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019m guessing one was changed and not updated everywhere. The mileage is consistent, and you should still find the password with either map. It is a great hike to do!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In case your keeping track with us, here are the latest hiking club stats:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Miles:<\/strong> 3.5 miles
Difficulty:<\/strong> Easy
Total Miles Hiked:<\/strong> 29.5 miles<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Snapping
The easiest way to remember your password is to snap a picture of it. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"MN
When you are competing for Hiking Club Miles with someone, you need photographic proof and bragging rights when you find one!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Ride on a Horse Trails<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The entire region is home to a lot of equestrian trails all through the park. In addition, the Upper Sioux Agency State Parks has 45 campsites if you have a horse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you plan on doing some hiking, keep an eye out. Though most people are very good within the park at cleaning up, outside of the park is a different story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Camp Between Two Rivers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The park is part of the Minnesota River Valley with views of both the Minnesota and Yellow Medicine River. Both Rivers have flooded a record number of times in the area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This year, the campgrounds have both come close to being underwater. The week before I visited, the river had flooded again and come close taking over the Yellow Medicine campground. Within a week, the water receded and we could hardly tell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But the Riverside Campground has been underwater most of the season. If you are planning on camping there, consider making the decision last minute and watch out for postings on the park\u2019s website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Minnesota River is a popular spot to fish, as many were taking advantage. Fishing there does not require a license if you are an MN Resident and remain on the shoreline. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Depending on the time of day, you may need a can of bug spray.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"High<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"The<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Upper Sioux Agency State Park Visitor Center<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Inside the Visitors Center is an Interpretive Center. They have space, especially for kids to play and do some touch and feel options. On the other side of the centers are the fragile displays behind glass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They have a collection of maps and detail about the US-Dakota Conflict. It\u2019s a good way to spend some time. *Currently Closed<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let Fireflies Light Your Way<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The wet weather with the prairies of Upper Sioux Agency State Park makes it the perfect habitat for fireflies. Every night we were there, they came out in masses dancing along the sky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The only other Minnesota State Park I\u2019ve seen this at is Myre Big Island State Park.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I made the mistake of joining a friend at their fire one night and forgot a flashlight. Thankfully it hadn\u2019t gotten too dark, but the fireflies danced around me the whole way back to our campsite.<\/p>\n\n\n