Carley State Park

Location

Wabasha County Rd 4
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Policies

Max stay

14 nights

About

Beauty and quiet, that is the essence of Carley State Park. In the spring, delicate bluebells (Mertensia virginica), and other wildflowers carpet the valley with a profusion of color. Hike along the trail that follows the Whitewater River and take in the grand old white pines. Listen for the sweet song of orioles, song sparrows, house wrens, and indigo buntings. Enjoy the picnic area, play on the swings or practice softball. Try your hand at horseshoes or sit back and see a red-tailed hawk ride thermals in the sky. The north branch of the Whitewater River is a designated trout stream and provides habitat for brown trout. Rustic campsites are located near the picnic area. History The park was established in 1949 with land donated by James A. Carley and the Ernestina Bolt family. The park is named after State Senator James A. Carley, who represented Minnesota's Third District for 36 years. Senator Carley lived in the neighboring community of Plainview, and was also a teacher, lawyer, farmer, businessman and mayor. Wildlife The park's hardwood forest and adjacent farmland is home to white-tailed deer, beaver, coyotes, red and gray fox, pileated woodpeckers, great horned owls, and many migratory songbirds. Landscape Carley State Park is located in the Bluffland Landscape Region. Towering white pines stand amid an oak forest at this beautiful park. Delicate wildflowers bloom in April and May and the trail winds around the north branch of the Whitewater River. Naturalist The best way to learn more about Carley State Park is to stop at the park kiosk for a map and information about the park. There is a self-guided interpretive trail that follows the river and highlights several of the parks significant sites. Although the park does not have a naturalist on staff, activities are offered occasionally. Geology Beginning 450 million years ago, a shallow sea covered much of North America, including what is now southeastern Minnesota. Layers of sediment, hundreds of feet thick, were deposited on the sea bed and became cemented together to form the limestone bedrock. Although this area was not covered by the last glaciers, the effect of that period on the landscape is striking. Glacial action caused the formation of huge amounts of powdered rock and fine particles from its constant grinding. These fine particles, blown by the wind after the retreat of the glacier, were deposited over southeastern Minnesota in a thick blanket of soil known as loess. The surrounding rich farmland is a testament to the benefits of this soil type.