Flandrau State Park

You won’t find Brad Pitt at Flandrau State Park, but a river does run through it—the Cottonwood River, to be exact. Hike up the tall bluffs for a view of the Cottonwood, and maybe you’ll see the nearby Minnesota River or Swan Lake, too. A sand-bottomed chlorinated pool/beach hybrid in the park will cool you off on hot days, or plan an autumnal visit for brews at neighboring August Schell Brewery! The second oldest family-run brewery in the U.S., these guys throw a mean Oktoberfest and Bockfest in the fall, but are open year-round should you need a cooler re-fill. Named for the guy who helped draft the Minnesota Constitution, the floodplain forests here offer a little history, some beauty, and a lot of relaxation.