Kilen Woods State Park

Welcome to Kilen Woods State Park located along the banks of the Des Moines River!

Park History: As far back as 6,000 years Native Americans roamed the lands. They even left cave drawings which can be seen etched into the rocks at Jeffers Petroglyphs 30 miles north of the park. The last known Native Americans to inhabit the land were the Dakotas who hunted buffalo and bison here. In 1851 the "Treaty of Traverse de Sioux" opened the land to settlers and pioneers and following the US-Dakota Conflict of 1862 the landscape was transformed into farms and villages.

Flora and Fauna: Kilen Woods State Park helps protect the home of numerous plant and animals species. Some of the plants that grow inside the park boundaries include bur oaks, wild plums, Indian grass, and coneflowers. Some of the wild animals who call this place home include muskrats, beavers, deer, squirrels, woodpeckers, and herons. Please treat their home with respect.

For the lover of the outdoors Kilen Woods State Park boasts over five miles of trails, 33 campsites (a third of them electrical), a volleyball court, and so much more. Come on out and explore!

To contact the park office call 507-831-2900. Extension 221.