Minneopa State Park Spotlight

 

Minneopa State Park is the third oldest state park in Minnesota. Located near Mankato in southern Minnesota, it is home to Minneopa Falls, a two-tiered waterfall that plummets approximately 40 feet into the Minneopa Creek. The name Minneopa derives from mni hinhe nunpa, Dakota language commonly translated into English as “water falling twice.” Minneopa Falls inspired land preservation efforts and in 1905 the state park was established. To view the waterfall, walk along the Minneopa Falls Trail that begins on a paved path near a picnic area. The trail extends over a bridge that crosses the upper falls and leads to limestone stairs that descend into the gorge. A dirt trail may be hiked along the Minneopa Creek to gain a better vantage point of the lower falls. Minneopa State Park extends to the Minnesota River and Seppman Mill, a state-owned historical site. The Minnesota River Bluff Trail and the Bison Drive will provide an opportunity to view the Seppman Mill, the Minnesota River, and the herd of American prairie bison reintroduced into the park in 2015. Whether you want to camp, hike, picnic, and/or view wildlife, wildflowers, and a waterfall, Minneopa State Park is the place to go.