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Minnesota’s Minneopa State Park features bison, waterfalls and hiking
Top things to do at Minneopa State Park in Mankato, Minn.
Minneopa State Park in Mankato, Minnesota is beautiful in every season – especially when chasing frozen waterfalls in the winter. Pictured: Lower Minneopa Falls.
Minneopa State Park in Mankato, Minn. was a surprising hidden gem – and now one of my top state parks in Minnesota. The beautiful double waterfalls of Minneopa Falls and hiking trails to the confluence of the Minnesota River and Minneopa Creek are what initially led me to explore this park as part of my Minnesota State Park Challenge. And I’ve returned to this beautiful state park several times.
That and Minneopa State Park is located less than 90 minutes away from the Twin Cities. And then I saw the blurb and photo about the bison herd. There’s bison in Minnesota? While I thought that was cool, I had no idea how cool until we actually saw the American bison herd up close.
Bison grazing on the range at Minneopa State Park in Mankato, Minn.
So what is a safe distance from bison? I’ve read up to 100 yards (which is a length of a football field) and at Minneopa State Park you must stay in your vehicle.
Established in 1905, you’ll find the third-oldest state park in Minnesota (with ~2,700 acres) near Mankato, Minnesota divided into two sections. The Minneopa waterfalls area and the state park office are off Highway 69. The Minneopa Falls, camping, historic windmill and bison range are off Highway 68.
Here’s what I learned during and after our visit to Minneopa State Park in Mankato, Minn.
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Top things to do at Minneopa State Park: Minneopa Falls
So the original draw to Minneopa State Park in Mankato, Minn. was to check out Minneopa Falls – a double waterfall. The upper falls feature a drop of 7 to 10 feet while the second falls drop another 40.
We were not disappointed. I’m not sure if the falls flow that fast all the time, but Minneopa Falls was pretty magical.
Beautiful frozen waterfalls at Minneopa State Park in Mankato, MN: Lower Minneopa Falls
Best frozen waterfalls in Minnesota: Upper Minneopa Falls at Minneopa State Park in Mankato, MN.Best Minnesota waterfalls: Upper Minneopa Falls at Minneopa State Park in the summer
After entering Minneopa State Park, you can continue driving until you reach the parking lot. Then it’s a very short walk on a paved path to Minneopa Falls (less than two-tenths of a mile), the observation deck/bridge as well as around to the sides for more viewing angles of the falls.
Best frozen waterfalls in Minnesota: Minneopa Falls at Minneopa State Park in Mankato, MN
At the end of the paved path you’ll find a steep staircase that goes down to the creek. You can hike alongside the creek to get even closer to the base of Minneopa Falls. It was pretty overgrown the summer when we first visited Minneopa State Park. However, I did get the opportunity to hike along the Minneopa Creek in the winter also.
Use extra caution using the staircase leading down to and up from the Minneopa Falls creek.
At the bottom of the staircase, you’ll find a pedestrian bridge over the Minneopa Creek, which leads to another staircase.
Fun fact: Minneopa is derived from the Dakota language meaning water falling twice.
Use caution when hiking along the creek to Lower Minneopa Falls, especially in the winter. The frozen creek may seem easier and a more direct path to the waterfalls than hiking along the uneven bluff trail. However, two people fell into the ice when I was visiting in early January. They only went up to the knee, but one of the guys said it was a little scary (as he was wringing out his sock).
Ice is never 100% safe. Even though several people were walking on the frozen creek without incident while I was visiting Minneopa Falls, two people fell through (fortunately not life-threatening).Use caution when hiking to see the frozen Lower Minneopa Falls at Minneopa State Park. The hiking trail along the bluff is snow-covered with uneven terrain. I recommend wearing good winter hiking boots and walking poles.
Top things to do at Minneopa State Park: American bison viewing
You’ll feel like singing Home on the Range or watching Dances with Wolves when you view the American bison herd at Minneopa State Park on the Bison Drive Road. The bison range is located off Highway 68 and open every day 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. except for Wednesdays. Our expectations were pretty low as I had read that there were only about 20 bison in the park. And the bison are free to roam the 331 acres set aside for their range at Minneopa State Park.
So we were pleasantly surprised when we saw so many bison near the road at Minneopa State Park. We counted 23. So we stopped and took a few photos. Of course, from inside the vehicle as it’s illegal and dangerous to get up close to the bison. I mean they’re huge and strong, so why would you take that risk? The bison herd at Minneopa State Park is a remarkable sight even when you keep your safe distance.
After snapping quite a few photos, we drove down Bison Drive a bit. We then decided to make a U-turn so I could get a better angle to take photos and videos of the bison from the passenger seat. So happy we did because on our return trip the bison were even closer to the road.
Note: The bison range at Minneopa State Park closes at 3:30 p.m. in the winter. Make sure you are out of the bison range by that time.
I rolled down my window to take the video of the bison as we drove by slowly. The speed limit along Bison Road at Minneopa State Park is 15 mph. But I recommend going even slower. I’ve been watching the clip on a rotating loop ever since. I find the bison at Minneopa State Park so fascinating.
American bison fun facts
And here are some pretty fascinating fun facts about the American bison.
Bison are the largest mammals in North America.
Male bison (bulls) can weigh as much as 2,000 pounds. That’s one ton. And they can grow as tall as 6 feet.
Female bison (cows) can weigh up to 1,200 pounds and are typically 4 to 5 feet tall.
Baby bison (calves) weigh 30 to 70 pounds at birth and are also known as red dogs for their orangish-red coat. They don’t develop the hump of muscle until later.
Bison are considered dangerous especially during calving season (mid-April to mid-July) as the mothers are very protective. So you are required (by law) to stay in your vehicle when you drive through the Minneopa State Park Bison Drive. I know I’m repeating myself, but don’t think that can be overcommunicated.
While most Americans know the bald eagle is the U.S. national bird (since 1772), many do not know the American bison is our national mammal (only since 2016).
Less than 1% of the remaining bison are pure. Early recovery efforts kept bison near cattle where they interbred.
Bison and buffalo are used interchangeably; however, the buffalo is not native to North American – only bison. Animals formally known as the cape buffalo and water buffalo are native to Africa and Asia.
American bison at Minneopa State Park and Blue Mounds State Park help manage the native prairie ecosystem (they are herbivores).
Millions of bison once roamed freely throughout the U.S. plains until the 1800s when they were nearly slaughtered into extinction. Conservationist and former President Theodore Roosevelt is credited with saving American bison. While numbers for pure bison have increased as the result of intentional conservation and protected herding efforts, the mammal is still considered a threatened species.
Sources: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; U.S. National Park Service
Tip: When visiting, tune your radio into 1610 AM to learn more about Minneopa State Park and its bison herd.
How did American bison wind up in Minnesota?
American bison are native to the midwestern plains (which includes Minnesota). The Minnesota Bison Conservation Herd was established in 2012 – a program cooperative with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Minnesota Zoo. They conduct genetic testing to identify and conserve pure bison. You’ll find bison connected with this program at the Zoo, Minneopa State Park as well as Blue Mounds State Park in southwestern Minnesota (where there’s about 80 bison). The program’s goal is to increase the number of bison in Minnesota to about 500.
Things to do at Minneopa State Park: Hike to the Minnesota River and Minneopa Creek confluence
Minneopa State Parks offer five miles of hiking and snowshoeing trails. The Minneopa Creek Confluence Trail is a very short hike (less than a half-mile one-way) to the Minnesota River and Minneopa Creek confluence. That’s where two bodies of water meet.
The hiking trail to the confluence at Minneopa State Park is a dirt, rock and gravel path. Watch your steps. I stumbled while walking and taking a photo at the same time. Not a great idea with steep ravines.
And once you reach the train trestle, walk under it to reach the confluence after a short distance. This area of the Minneopa State Park is where you can admire the towering cottonwood trees.
Things to do at Minneopa State Park: Hike the Minnesota River Bluff Trail (Hiking Club)
The Minnesota River Bluff Trail is another relatively short hiking trail of 1.6 miles one way – a path of grass, dirt and rocks with an easy difficult rating. We did not venture down this path as it was a steamy day reaching 104*F heat index. Will return as this path is known as the best place to look for bald eagles among the cottonwood trees especially. Cool having two national symbols in one Minnesota state park: the bald eagle and American bison.
What to bring on your Minneopa State Park day hike
You can travel light when exploring Minneopa State Park since the trails are relatively short. I always bring along my lightweight Arkadia backpack. It features deep outside pockets, roomy on the inside and can literally fold up to fit into your pocket.
Here are some tips courtesy of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and me.
A friend of mine turned me onto Aunt Fannie’s DEET-free mosquito wipes. I’m not a fan of bug spray, but my dislike of mosquito bites is far greater. So when she offered me one of the biodegradable Aunt Fannie’s wipes, I did not get a single mosquito bite. And we are at the height of mosquito season in Minnesota. Each of the mosquito wipes lasts for hours, smells like citronella and applies easily to the face. No more having to breath in those toxic fumes.
Other top things to do at Minneopa State Park
Here are a few more top things to do when you visit Minneopa State Park. For the latest updates on hours and services, check their website for details.
Did I mention that it was a hot and humid summer day with a heat index of 104*F when we visited Minneopa State Park? So we didn’t do as much hiking as we would have liked. We called it a day before we had the opportunity to check out the historic Seppman windmill, which features a scenic view of the Minnesota River Valley.
Check out the hiking club trail and get your passport code. After 25 stamps you can earn a free night of camping and once you visit all 66 state parks, you’ll get another free night. See below for more details and links.
The Minneopa State Park campground features 61 drive-in sites, 6 electric sites and 4 walk-in/carry-in tent camp sites. I’m not much of a camper or glamper, so I may check out staying in one of their camper cabins next time. See my related post: SUV Camping 101.
Bring a picnic lunch. You’ll find a huge picnic shelter (first-come, first-served) as well as several picnic tables near the waterfalls.
The Mankato area offers 50 miles of paved trails. Take the South Route Trail to reach Minneopa State Park. Once inside the park, the path from the parking lot to the waterfalls is paved across the observation bridge and off to the side for more more spectacular views.
And since you’re in the neighborhood, I recommend checking out the 42-foot Minnemishinona Falls. They are located just 15 minutes away from Minneopa Falls at 40923 Judson Bottom Road in Mankato, MN.
Minnesota state park planning tips
Here are some helpful tips when exploring Minnesota’s 66 state parks.*
Minnesota State Parks and Trails Hiking Club – check out this website page to learn more about the hiking club trails you’ll find at Minnesota state parks and recreational areas
Minnesota ParkFinder – easily locate any of the Minnesota state parks by map or alphabetically, take virtual tours and purchase your daily or annual vehicle permits online
Minnesota LakeFinder – online resource that provides information for more than 4,500 of Minnesota’s lakes and rivers
Minnesota River Levels – check Minnesota river levels and conditions and locate a Minnesota water trail via a pdf or interactive map or alphabetically
Minnesota boating – a helpful resource identifying thousands of trailer and carry-in water accesses for Minnesota boaters – canoes, kayaks, pontoons, speed boats, etc.
Minnesota GeoPDF maps – a perfect resource for those of us who are directionally challenged. You’ll find a variety of maps to download before your visit (which are accessible later without internet or cell service).
Note: Vault toilets are available in the falls area as well as near the hiking trail leading to the Minnesota River and Minneopa Creek confluence. Restrooms are open in the Minneopa State Park campground area.
Want to join me on my Minnesota State Parks staycation challenge?
Upper Sioux Agency State Park | Granite Falls, MN (122 miles) – Note: Minnesota returned this park’s land to the Native Americans in February 2024. It is no longer open to the public.
Twin Cities-based blogger sharing memorable emptynester, solo, family and girlfriend-getaway adventures, as well as my day hiking adventures (including all 66 Minnesota state parks), latest book reviews, and updates on my quest for the best adult mac and cheese.
Also two WIPs: historical fiction and psychological thriller
64 comments
What a lovely place to staycation! I’ve never seen bison up close, but I’d absolutely adhere to the rules and stay in the car at a safe distance. Minneopa Park is stunning; you’re lucky to live in such beautiful surroundings.
This is the perfect way to spend 2020, stay local and travel lots there. I have a lot of Irish trips planned for the next month. The bison are amazing, but I wouldn’t be tempted to get out of my car. I’ve seen the calmest animals like cows and ponies attack. Wouldn’t give a bison a chance. I’ll be here keeping up with your parks challenge.
Awesome…appreciate it! I always look forward to your Irish posts as my great, great grandparents immigrated from Ireland and hope to visit eventually. Until then, it’s all about Minnesota.
I was born and raised in Mankato MN and moved West when I was 21… it’s a wonderful place to visit and be FROM!!! Bwahahahahahahaha. The mosquitos are the size of dive bombers.. Don’t miss them at ALL…The humidity from all the lakes is unbearable in the summer..Been to Ireland…You can’t go there just once! Plan on many visits after the first one…💓👍👍👏👏👏
What fabulous state parks you have in Minnesota! Like you, I find bison fascinating and love it when we come across them, although I remember being quite nervous when we saw some when we were on the motorbike! You were certainly lucky to encounter so many here. I’ve never quite understood why they are sometimes called bison and sometimes buffalo; like you say, the labels seem to be interchangeable.
Love this challenge you are on and a great way to get in some local traveling! Minneopa looks like the perfect place to explore as it has two of my favorites, beautiful forest and waterfalls. I had no idea that there were buffalo in Minnesota but it’s so great you can see many from the road. I’ve seen a lot in Wyoming and South Dakota and witnessed them trying to charge a car before. They are definitely animals not to mess with. Lol. Can’t wait to see your next adventure in the challenge! 😁
How cool! I had no idea bison were in Minnesota either and I bet it was awesome to see them so close. I also didn’t realize that Bison and Buffalo are not the same and only Bison are native to the U.S.
Minnesota sure has some beautiful parks! I love the waterfalls and trails but the bison were mind-blowing! How lucky that you were able to see them so close to the road! I didn’t know that male bison could get that big! Thanks for all the great tips! Can’t wait to visit here someday.
I had no idea that less than 1% of bison were still pure bison! And what a beautiful place. It would be amazing to hike here and see all the beauty as well as the bison and bald eagles. This is a great post with lots of good, interesting information and resources! Thank you!
So many amazing things to see in this state park! I would love to see the bison and waterfall; the hiking looks beautiful, as well! We definitely need to make it to Minnesota!
What a great state park to visit. Having the bison there is super special. I love that the zoo and state are working together to preserve and grow the population within the state, that’s really great.
Thanks…will definitely return. Went hiking at a different state park today and saw several birds with huge wing spans flying around but couldn’t make out what they were…either falcons or hawks maybe.
Did the idea of the woman being gored by a buffalo dissuade you from going at all? I tried to figure out if it’d stop me but I think the hikes would be too appealing.
We actually didn’t hear about that woman or see the video until a friend told us about it after our visit. Fortunately, we were safely inside our vehicle at all times.
Thanks. I’m glad I was able to zoom in. On the way back I took a video as we drove by and then was able to take screen captures. They turned out great.
When I saw your comment about bison I knew I had to read more about Minneopa State Park. When we headed towards Yellowstone, we went for days without seeing bison. So it would be good to get a chance to see a herd of bison – just not too close! And we would definitely stay in our vehicle.
I always think bison are everywhere in Yellowstone! We really lucked out one of the days we visited Minneopa State Park. Bison are so fascinating and majestic.
What a lovely place to staycation! I’ve never seen bison up close, but I’d absolutely adhere to the rules and stay in the car at a safe distance. Minneopa Park is stunning; you’re lucky to live in such beautiful surroundings.
Thank you! I’ve developed a greater appreciation for the beauty around my own backyard.
This is the perfect way to spend 2020, stay local and travel lots there. I have a lot of Irish trips planned for the next month. The bison are amazing, but I wouldn’t be tempted to get out of my car. I’ve seen the calmest animals like cows and ponies attack. Wouldn’t give a bison a chance. I’ll be here keeping up with your parks challenge.
Awesome…appreciate it! I always look forward to your Irish posts as my great, great grandparents immigrated from Ireland and hope to visit eventually. Until then, it’s all about Minnesota.
I was born and raised in Mankato MN and moved West when I was 21… it’s a wonderful place to visit and be FROM!!! Bwahahahahahahaha. The mosquitos are the size of dive bombers.. Don’t miss them at ALL…The humidity from all the lakes is unbearable in the summer..Been to Ireland…You can’t go there just once! Plan on many visits after the first one…💓👍👍👏👏👏
Ha! Minnesota definitely has some fierce mosquitoes. I’m really looking forward to visiting Ireland one day.
What fabulous state parks you have in Minnesota! Like you, I find bison fascinating and love it when we come across them, although I remember being quite nervous when we saw some when we were on the motorbike! You were certainly lucky to encounter so many here. I’ve never quite understood why they are sometimes called bison and sometimes buffalo; like you say, the labels seem to be interchangeable.
Ohhhh…that would have been a little scary. I’m grateful for this experience as I learned so much.
Love this challenge you are on and a great way to get in some local traveling! Minneopa looks like the perfect place to explore as it has two of my favorites, beautiful forest and waterfalls. I had no idea that there were buffalo in Minnesota but it’s so great you can see many from the road. I’ve seen a lot in Wyoming and South Dakota and witnessed them trying to charge a car before. They are definitely animals not to mess with. Lol. Can’t wait to see your next adventure in the challenge! 😁
Such a beautiful place to hike! I’ve never been to that part of the US before, but I’ll have to add it to my list! The Bison are also so cute!
Great Post! These days I am always looking for outdoor activities: ) I saved this post for when I can visit!
I love all the state parks that are located in Minnesota. Makes me want to visit even more!
I hope you get the opportunity!
Wow! I loved your pictures and this post is chock full of information! Great checklist for hiking.
How cool! I had no idea bison were in Minnesota either and I bet it was awesome to see them so close. I also didn’t realize that Bison and Buffalo are not the same and only Bison are native to the U.S.
Minnesota sure has some beautiful parks! I love the waterfalls and trails but the bison were mind-blowing! How lucky that you were able to see them so close to the road! I didn’t know that male bison could get that big! Thanks for all the great tips! Can’t wait to visit here someday.
I hope you get the opportunity…and appreciating this awesome experience.
I’m always surprised to read how many national parks the US has! My list of national parcs to visit keeps growing.
This looks like a great state park! I love it when there is more to do than just hiking (although I do love to hike!).
We love hiking also and was a cool experience to see the bison herd.
We love waterfalls. There is something so beautiful about them.
Waterfalls are so mesmerizing.
I had no idea that less than 1% of bison were still pure bison! And what a beautiful place. It would be amazing to hike here and see all the beauty as well as the bison and bald eagles. This is a great post with lots of good, interesting information and resources! Thank you!
I didn’t know that either…it was a beautiful and educational day trip.
I love this! You really captured the state park and its attributes well. Thanks for the info!
Thank you so much…we loved Minneopa State Park!
Wow bison are so impressive. This looks like a beautiful day trip!
It was a perfect day trip!
Beautiful scenery! If I ever go to Minnesota I will definitely add this to my must do list!
It’s one of my favorite state parks now.
So many amazing things to see in this state park! I would love to see the bison and waterfall; the hiking looks beautiful, as well! We definitely need to make it to Minnesota!
I hope you get the opportunity to visit Minnesota – so many beautiful places!
So many wonderful suggestions, adventures, and things to see. I can’t wait to visit and hopefully capture a picture of bison.
I hope you do also!
I love a good hiking trail, and if it includes waterfalls then it’s definitely worth visiting!! Thanks for sharing!
My pleasure…and I agree!
I think getting to see bison up close would be the highlight of this park for me.
Seeing the bison was my favorite highlight.
Looks like a great adventure! I’m glad you shared this content!
My pleasure…such a fun adventure!
Wow, I didn’t know anything about these animals. Such a great post
Thank you…I didn’t know much either.
What a great state park to visit. Having the bison there is super special. I love that the zoo and state are working together to preserve and grow the population within the state, that’s really great.
It was such a fascinating experience…loving that partnership also.
Wow. That’s incredible that there are bison there!
Also I love your state park challenge. Way to go on traveling local!
It was pretty incredible…and thank you! I’m loving my state park staycation series.
I am enjoying seeing your state parks. I am thinking I need to do your parks next summer!
This looks like a great place to visit! It’s nice to get outdoors and get some fresh air and exercise.
It’s such a cool place…I’m loving my hiking adventures.
What a pretty place to spend the day. I loved the photos of the bison herd. They are so fascinating to watch up close.
Minneopa State Park is a lovely park and I find the bison fascinating also.
Great facts on the bison. What an amazing thing to see. I hope you go back and hike the trail to see the bald eagles. They are such amazing birds.
Thanks…will definitely return. Went hiking at a different state park today and saw several birds with huge wing spans flying around but couldn’t make out what they were…either falcons or hawks maybe.
Did the idea of the woman being gored by a buffalo dissuade you from going at all? I tried to figure out if it’d stop me but I think the hikes would be too appealing.
We actually didn’t hear about that woman or see the video until a friend told us about it after our visit. Fortunately, we were safely inside our vehicle at all times.
The telephoto lens is an excellent suggestion! I wouldn’t have thought of it but I’d be so sad to miss out on the great shots.
Thanks. I’m glad I was able to zoom in. On the way back I took a video as we drove by and then was able to take screen captures. They turned out great.
I am loving your state park series. I am fascinated with the bison. I always think of them as being out west, not in Minnesota. Interesting….
I never really thought about it either even though bison are native to Minnesota.
This looks like an incredible place to hike, and with wildlife too!
Thank you! It’s a pretty diverse state park.
When I saw your comment about bison I knew I had to read more about Minneopa State Park. When we headed towards Yellowstone, we went for days without seeing bison. So it would be good to get a chance to see a herd of bison – just not too close! And we would definitely stay in our vehicle.
I always think bison are everywhere in Yellowstone! We really lucked out one of the days we visited Minneopa State Park. Bison are so fascinating and majestic.