MANKATO, Minn. — If you've seen one of my photo stop stories, you've heard my endless pitch, asking you to tell me where to go on an adventure. Well, for the past year, I've received so many suggestions to visit Minneopa State Park in Mankato. I don't know why it took me so long to get there, but finally, I did it, and it surprised me in a couple of ways.
Most people told me to go to the waterfalls at the park, so I began my hike there and wow, was that water rushing! You can walk across a bridge to see it up close, but I also suggest you walk farther away from it and view it from the path above. That was my favorite view of the falls. It reminded me of Ramsey Park in Redwood Falls, a spot that I featured last year.
From the falls, there are steps down to Minneopa Creek. I suggest you walk down there because it's a nice, quiet spot.
That's So Minnesota: Minneopa State Park
Next, I drove through the Bison Drive Road. Fair warning, and there are signs noting this, you must stay in your vehicle during this part of the park. Bison are fast and can be dangerous. They can roam across 331 acres at Minneopa State Park, and during my trip, they decided to roam in the far corner, away from our van. So, I didn't get any photos of them because they were too far away. I guess that gives me something to try for during my next visit!
The biggest surprise came along Bison Drive Road. At one point, you'll reach Seppmann Mill, a windmill that was built in the 1860s. Just past that, you'll reach an overlook that is such a delight to the eyes. This part, by far, was my favorite part of the park because of the great view. You can sit there for hours, watch the bison and take in the beauty of Minneopa State Park.
Do you have a place in Minnesota or western Wisconsin that you'd like me to visit? Here's how to reach me:
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