Minneopa

Minneopa SP https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00235#homepage https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minneopa_State_Park Minneopa State Park is located almost entirely on the south side of the Minnesota River, 3 miles (4.8 km) west of Mankato, Minnesota. It preserves Minneopa Falls and includes the lower reaches of Minneopa Creek and a large tract of prairie. In 2015 the state reintroduced American bison to the park in a 330-acre (130 ha) fenced enclosure, through which visitors can drive in their vehicles.

© 2020, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources MINNEOPA STATE PARK 54497 GADWALL RD. MANKATO, MN 56001 BLUE EARTH COUNTY • 507-386-3910 MINNEOPA.STATEPARK@STATE.MN.US VISITOR TIPS • Respect trail closures. • Minneopa has two sections. The office and waterfall are off County Highway 69. Camping, stone windmill, and bison are off Highway 68. • Minneopa Creek is not recommended for swimming. • Bison are dangerous animals, stay in your vehicle. • In an emergency call 911. • Tune in to 1610 AM on your radio for information on the park and the bison. ONLY HAVE AN HOUR? • View Minneopa Falls, a stunning double waterfall. • Look for the bison herd off Highway 68. • Walk to the historic Seppmann Mill for a scenic overlook of the Minnesota River Valley. LOOKING FOR MORE TO EXPLORE DURING YOUR STAY? VISIT MNDNR.GOV/MINNEOPA ABOUT THE PARK Established in 1905, Minneopa State Park is the third oldest state park in Minnesota. It is best known for the double waterfall that thunders during high water. The upper falls drops 7 to 10 feet and the lower falls tumbles another 40. This feature is the result of water cutting into layers of sandstone over time. Take the Mill Road to look for the bison, reintroduced in 2015. These animals will naturally manage the prairie ecosystem, just as they did over a hundred fifty years ago. Near this area, you may view another reminder of the park’s rich history: Seppmann Mill. Enjoy a walk to the sandstone windmill that ground wheat and other grains from 1864 to 1890. A FULL SET OF STATE PARK RULES AND REGULATIONS IS AVAILABLE ONLINE. PARK OPEN 8 a.m.–10 p.m. daily. CAMPGROUND QUIET HOURS 10 p.m.–8 a.m. VEHICLE PERMITS Required; purchase at park office or self-pay station. PETS WELCOME Don’t miss the double waterfall Keep on 6-foot leash; leave no trace; only service animals allowed in park buildings. FIREWOOD Use only from approved vendors. TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS Waterfalls Area 0.18 MILES one-way (3 city blocks) Cement • Dirt • Steep stairs Enjoy Minneopa Creek’s spectacular double waterfall and historic features built by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) workers during the Great Depression. Minnesota River Bluff Trail (Hiking Club portion) 1.6 MILES one-way (26 city blocks) Grass • Dirt • Rocks • Fairly level with some hilly sections Follow a trail along the forested Minnesota River Valley and through a tallgrass prairie. Look for bald eagles nesting in cottonwood trees. Minneopa Creek Confluence Trail 0.4 MILES one-way (5 city blocks) Dirt • Gravel • Rocky • Steep hillside Walk to Minneopa Creek gorge to experience its confluence with the Minnesota River. Towering cottonwoods and other trees provide a nice shady atmosphere. Mankato Area Bike Trails (South Route Trail) 6.7 MILES one-way (107 city blocks) Asphalt • Cement • Steep sections Bike 50 miles of paved trails in the Mankato area, including the Red Jacket Trail, Minnesota River Trail and Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail. Take the South Route Trail from the park to access. MORE TO EXPLORE AT MINNEOPA • Find a free naturalist program. • Look for a geocache. SO EVERYONE CAN ENJOY THE PARK... • Borrow a Kid’s Discovery Kit from the park office. • Learn more about the formation of the waterfalls. NO ALCOHOL NO WEAPONS MORE INFORMATION LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BISON REINTRODUCTION BY VISITING MNDNR.GOV/MINNEOPA-BISON Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Information Center 500 Lafayette Rd., St. Paul, MN 55155-4040 888-646-6367 or mndnr.gov/parks The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is an Equal Opportunity Employer This information may be available in alternative format upon request