Nestled in the blufflands of southeastern Minnesota,
Beaver Creek Valley State Park is known for its clear streams fed by the "Big
Spring." Its streams are home to brown and native brook trout. In spring,
wildflowers that blanket the woodland hills and valleys attract migratory
songbirds like the rare Acadian flycatcher, Cerulean warbler, and Louisiana
waterthrush. These birds nest in the park. A hiking trail meanders along the
stream and up into a maple-basswood and oak forest. Campers are lulled to sleep
by the murmuring stream.
Quick stats:
1,187 acres
45,474 annual visits
6,437 overnight visits
Naturalist:
The best way to learn more about Beaver Creek Valley State Park is to stop at
the park office for a map and information about the park. Although the park does
not have a naturalist on staff, activities are offered occassionally.
Wildlife
The great diversity of plant species contribute to a great diversity of
wildlife. Deer, raccoon, muskrat, mink, badger, red and gray fox, an occasional
beaver, and wild turkey may be spotted in the park. Another interesting animal
that resides in the park is the timber rattlesnake, which is seldom seen. If you
encounter one, please leave it alone; they present little threat to the visitor.
Birdwatchers flock to the park to see the treasured Acadian flycatcher and the
Louisiana waterthrush.
History
Historically, the area attracted European settlers because of rich
agricultural soils, hardwoods and the many streams that made milling possible.
Archaeological surveys indicate that the valley was once an Indian village site.
Geology
The park is situated in one of the most interesting geologic areas in
Minnesota, the "driftless area." The area covers 10,000 square miles in
adjoining parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois, which were
untouched by the most recent glacial advances. However, as the glaciers receded,
torrents of meltwater poured into streams and rivers, carving deep rugged
valleys. These rocky walls are made up of a layer of sandstone sandwiched
between two layers of dolomite, which were deposited by inland seas between 450
and 500 million years ago.
Landscape
Beaver Creek Valley State Park is in the Blufflands Landscape Region. It is a
nature lover's paradise because of the diversity of natural communities.
Bottomland hardwoods such as black ash, willow, box elder, cottonwood, and elm
grow in the valley while a mix of maple, walnut, basswood and oak thrive above
the valley. Small patches of native prairie and oak savanna occupy some of the
south and west-facing slopes in the park.
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