🌤 Weather at Beaver Creek Valley State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20–68 °F | 55–82 °F | 23–71 °F | 3–26 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at St Cloud Rgnl Airport, 8 mi away, elevation 1,018 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Beaver Creek Valley State Park is a public state park in Minnesota in Houston County. Spanning 715 acres and established in 1907, this park offers visitors the chance to pursue hunting opportunities.
Quick Facts
| State | Minnesota |
| County | Houston |
| Park Size | 715 acres |
| Established | 1907 |
Things to Do at Beaver Creek Valley State Park
Visitors to Beaver Creek Valley State Park can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities:
- Hunting – Pursue hunting opportunities
Things to Do
Minnesota’s state parks celebrate the Land of 10,000 Lakes — offering everything from boreal forests and Lake Superior’s dramatic North Shore to prairie grasslands, river bluffs, and glacial lakes. Activities include hiking through pine and birch forests, fishing for walleye, northern pike, and bass in park lakes, canoeing and kayaking pristine wilderness waterways, camping under northern skies, swimming at sandy lake beaches, cross-country skiing on groomed winter trails, snowshoeing through silent forests, mountain biking singletrack, and birdwatching along one of the nation’s most active migratory flyways. The North Shore parks along Lake Superior — Gooseberry Falls, Split Rock Lighthouse, Tettegouche — rank among the most scenic in the Midwest.
Best Time to Visit
Minnesota’s outdoor season varies dramatically. Summer (June–August) brings warm temperatures (70s–80s°F), excellent fishing, and long northern days — peak camping season. Fall (September–October) delivers extraordinary color, especially along the North Shore and in the Boundary Waters region, peaking late September to mid-October. Spring (April–May) is muddy but brings rushing waterfalls and migrating birds. Winter (December–March) is legendary in Minnesota — parks transform into cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter camping destinations. The North Shore of Lake Superior is stunning in every season but can see severe winter storms. Always carry warm layers near Lake Superior, as temperatures drop dramatically near the water.
Visitor Tips
Minnesota state parks require a vehicle permit ($7/day or $35/year). The annual permit covers all 75 state parks and recreation areas. Camping reservations are made through the Minnesota DNR reservation system up to 120 days in advance. North Shore parks (Gooseberry Falls, Split Rock, Tettegouche) book up fast for fall weekends — reserve by mid-summer. Most parks have excellent visitor centers with naturalist programs. Ticks are a significant concern May through October — perform tick checks after every hike and use repellent. Winter campers should note that many water systems are shut off November through April.
Explore More Minnesota State Parks
Beaver Creek Valley State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Minnesota. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Minnesota guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
Beaver Creek Valley SP — in the driftless area of southeastern Minnesota — preserves a spring-fed trout stream that never froze during the Ice Age. The park’s limestone bluffs, spring-fed creek, and hardwood forest support brown trout and brook trout. Wild turkeys and ruffed grouse inhabit the ridges. Timber rattlesnakes sun on the bluffs.
Nearby Attractions
Caledonia — adjacent. Houston — 10 miles north. Historic Bluff Country Scenic Byway — surrounding. Root River Trail — 10 miles north — has 60+ miles of bike trail.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Zippel Bay State Park (a short drive away) and Lake Bemidji State Park (a short drive away).
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Beaver Creek Valley State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome in Minnesota state parks and recreation areas as long as they are leashed and personally attended at all times.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash six feet or shorter (or portable enclosure) required at all times.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Only service animals are allowed in beach areas — pets are prohibited on swim beaches statewide.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Only service animals are allowed in state park lodging, camper cabins, yurts and tipis — no pet-friendly cabin program.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Emotional support/therapy animals do not qualify as service animals and are prohibited from park buildings.
Are dogs allowed at Beaver Creek Valley State Park?
Pets are welcome in Minnesota state parks and recreation areas as long as they are leashed and personally attended at all times. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via dnr.state.mn.us. More: Minnesota state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
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