Wander Minnesota: Minneopa State Park
Like waterfalls? Like Minnehaha Falls in Minneapolis, but sometimes would like to avoid the crowds? There's a good choice just an hour or so out of the metro: Minneopa State Park, just outside of Mankato.
"Minneopa" is a Dakota word meaning "water falling twice," which is appropriate here. The waterfalls have a gentle beginning, and then a more abrupt drop off into the falls.
The waterfalls are from Minneopa Creek, which comes in from the nearby Minnesota River. Decades ago, there was a town here, also called Minneopa. It served both as a gateway for tourists to the waterfalls (through a train depot) and as a center for agriculture.
The town itself died off in the late 1800s after catastrophic grasshopper plagues destroyed local crops. However, the train depot remained and the falls continued to be a visitor favorite.
The park was the third to be designated a state park in Minnesota. Trails were constructed, giving visitors the opportunity to walk around the falls and down near the base.
Today the creek is not clear the way it likely once was, with agricultural runoff and other pollutants as a factor. There are signs suggesting that visitors stay out of the water (and keep pets out too).
But you can still enjoy the views and the climbs up and down steep stairs built along cliffs of limestone.
There are two distinct sections to the park. The main area includes the waterfalls and adjacent trails and picnic areas. The second area includes the Seppmann Mill, which was a wind-powered grain mill that could grind up to 150 bushels of grain a day in its heyday.
It opened in 1864, but suffered through a number of natural catastrophes, including lightning strikes and tornadoes. It was the latter that struck a final blow in 1890 when a twister damaged the windmill's arms, and the owner determined that it was no longer financially feasible to operate a grain mill this way. He then donated the mill to the state, which later included it in the park.
Today you can see the mill and its adjacent granary (although they can't be entered), and another benefit of visiting this part of the park is the view across what was once extensive prairie lands.
It's a beautiful view, and would also make a great picnic spot on a sunny day.
What else is happening in our state? Be sure to check out the 10 p.m. Sunday night WCCO newscasts, where you can learn more in the weekly segment, Finding Minnesota.