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A park split in two A half Sota Water Fall A half western range AAA575. Thanks again, Yelp. You brought this place to my attention when I was out away from home and looking for stuff to do. It is a pretty short drive west from Mankato - population 40K. Used the GPS on my phone to get to the smaller, but maybe busier, part of the park. Think just about all there is there are the waterfall on waterfall. To get the true splendor, you need to hike somewhat difficult terrain downwards to get there. Ton of stairs and then rocky jagged terrain. Ton of kids seemed to do it fine. I gave myself a sprain in the foot. Cut me some slack, geez. After seeing the falls, wanted to see the buffalo I saw in the Yelp reviews. That takes another ten minute drive. Signage is pretty good. Just look for the brown signs with the arrows and the buffalo outline. Got there and felt like I was immediately transported to North Dakota Badlands. One way in and one way out. Smooth sailing on the way in. The buffalo caused quite a bit of a traffic jam on the way out. At least I got one good close up shot.
I have been wanting to go here for some time. Driving through a park and seeing Buffalo sounds so cool. When we got there and it was such a beautiful day, we decided to hike around the perimeter. It's fairly flat but still a bumpy walk. It's nearly 6 miles around. I'm glad we walked because the Buffalo were quite a distance from the road but maybe 200 yds from the fence. A bit hard to see but still cool for a park. We loved the double waterfall on the other side of the road. Very easy to get to and there is a small path that leads to the bottom of the falls. Our grandog loved jumping in the water. There were several maps to guide you. I bought my year pass at the park desk which had a human helping. Seems so rare in the days of drop boxes and online apps.
Came for a casual stroll and picnic - I was pleasantly surprised that it was less than a 5 min walk to see the falls! Loved that there were ample benches and picnic tables for us to be able to sit and enjoy the weather. You can get down to the base of the waterfalls if you go down the stairs and veer to the right after the bridge. There are great signs to direct you but be weary if it just rained as it'll be a bit mushy.
Minneopa State Park is three parks in one. There is a hiking and trails part of the park, a waterfall viewing area, and an in-the-car Bison Safari loop. Watching bison roam around in their natural habitat and viewing the falls are both lovely ways to spend 20 minutes. Hiking the trails, including hiking along the edge of the river and under the falls can definitely be a nice first date, excursion with kids, or just a place to relax in nature. The falls and the bison Safari are both stroller friendly. The three stars for the review are completely related to The elusive nature of the bison, the last two times I've gone to the park there have not been large mammals of any kind to be seen. Now there's lots of tall grass, but it is by no means the mythical tall grass of the prairie when bison and buffalo actually roamed the grasslands. Additionally, an extreme water shortage has reduced the falls, which are usually roaring and powerful to a trickle. If you don't have a Minnesota State Park sticker it will cost you $8 for a one day parking pass.
Minneopa is one of the smaller state parks in the system and divided in two parts from the highway. The Bison Range is accessible by vehicle only, believe me you do not want step out of your car to take a close picture or offer a treat to these huge beasts grazing ten feet away. The road winds around to the old Seppmann mill that's been closed since about 1890. Look around the grass and you'll find a remnants of another building. There are a few walking paths beyond the mill area. On the other side of the highway is the main parking lot, with plenty of shaded areas to picnic. The attraction here is the waterfall and there is an easy paved path for some good views. If you want to get dangerously close, as I did, you'll have carefully work your way around a difficult trail of roots and protruding bolders. This makes for a great day trip from the twin cities as it's only about 90 miles away.
This is a pretty nice state park. The waterfall can be easily spotted. The hike down to the waterfall isn't bad. You can go swimming if you dare, a lot of people were swimming in the river. We went during the evening hours, so there were less families and foot traffic. Our dogs enjoyed the park as well. Make sure to bring your bug spray and sunblock.
I loved this place. I plan to go back to go hiking and doing the full loop. I loved the buffalo and loved the falls. It was a lot of fun. You can buy a park pass either online or at the park a day pass. The have nice table area to have a picnic.
This is such a lovely local asset to Mankato. Just a short drive on the highway, Minneopa is definitely a recommendation if in the area. There's the option to come and see the double waterfalls, as well as the buffalo trail. Parking will cost you $7 for the day unless you have the state park pass which is also highly convenient. Depending on the day of the week you come, this can sometimes determine the amount of parking. Weekends can get a bit crowded and if it's a holiday weekend I recommend getting there early. The parks are well kept and enjoyable with family and friends on a warm sunny day. There are a few trails that will take you right underneath the falls, however, be careful with all the rain, some of it can be slippery and washed out. Definitely come and check this place out if in the area, a great time to be had.
"Oh give me a home where the buffalo roam." Was excited to come here before a baseball tournament. We entered the buffalo entrance first and were on our honor putting the $7 in an envelope and in secure box. We drove and saw some cars parked and buffalo were lying in the grass next to the road. My son took some pictures with window up that didn't turn out. We drove to old windmill and turned around, and a buffalo moved and was standing up. Cool photo op. Then we drove to waterfall area. I wanted to walk to base of falls, but ankle still hurt and didn't want to risk. The falls were nice but small. A nice state day park.
Awesome park! We loved it. My kids are 11 & 7 and they both found lots to do and see. Great place to go on a solo hike or with the family. The waterfalls are gorgeous and the Buffalo drive is neat to experience.
I love this park!! It never disappoints. Today my sister and I brought my nephews, niece, and granddaughter (ages 2weeks, 6, 6, 7 & 11) to visit the park. The bison were right by the front gate so we were able to gaze on those awesome beasts and even saw the babies! The waterfall was flowing nicely. The beautiful summer flowers are in full bloom. We chatted with some nice fellow outdoor enthusiasts. A perfect summer day adventure!
What a fun park! You must drive through and see the Bison. They were so cute and so close while we are there. Then we went over to look at the waterfalls and those are easy to navigate to for any level. There are more adventurous hikes for those who want to explore, so something for everyone. I'll definitely be back! read more
1 year ago
I like Minneopa for easy access to beautiful scenery, you can visit the buffalo on the other side of the highway and have a few cute nature filled trails. read more
A park split in two A half Sota Water Fall A half western range AAA575. Thanks again, Yelp. You brought this place to my attention when I was out away from home and looking for stuff to do. It is a pretty short drive west from Mankato - population 40K. Used the GPS on my phone to get to the smaller, but maybe busier, part of the park. Think just about all there is there are the waterfall on waterfall. To get the true splendor, you need to hike somewhat difficult terrain downwards to get there. Ton of stairs and then rocky jagged terrain. Ton of kids seemed to do it fine. I gave myself a sprain in the foot. Cut me some slack, geez. After seeing the falls, wanted to see the buffalo I saw in the Yelp reviews. That takes another ten minute drive. Signage is pretty good. Just look for the brown signs with the arrows and the buffalo outline. Got there and felt like I was immediately transported to North Dakota Badlands. One way in and one way out. Smooth sailing on the way in. The buffalo caused quite a bit of a traffic jam on the way out. At least I got one good close up shot. read more
I have been wanting to go here for some time. Driving through a park and seeing Buffalo sounds so cool. When we got there and it was such a beautiful day, we decided to hike around the perimeter. It's fairly flat but still a bumpy walk. It's nearly 6 miles around. I'm glad we walked because the Buffalo were quite a distance from the road but maybe 200 yds from the fence. A bit hard to see but still cool for a park. We loved the double waterfall on the other side of the road. Very easy to get to and there is a small path that leads to the bottom of the falls. Our grandog loved jumping in the water. There were several maps to guide you. I bought my year pass at the park desk which had a human helping. Seems so rare in the days of drop boxes and online apps. read more
Came for a casual stroll and picnic - I was pleasantly surprised that it was less than a 5 min walk to see the falls! Loved that there were ample benches and picnic tables for us to be able to sit and enjoy the weather. You can get down to the base of the waterfalls if you go down the stairs and veer to the right after the bridge. There are great signs to direct you but be weary if it just rained as it'll be a bit mushy. read more
Minneopa State Park is three parks in one. There is a hiking and trails part of the park, a waterfall viewing area, and an in-the-car Bison Safari loop. Watching bison roam around in their natural habitat and viewing the falls are both lovely ways to spend 20 minutes. Hiking the trails, including hiking along the edge of the river and under the falls can definitely be a nice first date, excursion with kids, or just a place to relax in nature. The falls and the bison Safari are both stroller friendly. The three stars for the review are completely related to The elusive nature of the bison, the last two times I've gone to the park there have not been large mammals of any kind to be seen. Now there's lots of tall grass, but it is by no means the mythical tall grass of the prairie when bison and buffalo actually roamed the grasslands. Additionally, an extreme water shortage has reduced the falls, which are usually roaring and powerful to a trickle. If you don't have a Minnesota State Park sticker it will cost you $8 for a one day parking pass. read more
Minneopa is one of the smaller state parks in the system and divided in two parts from the highway. The Bison Range is accessible by vehicle only, believe me you do not want step out of your car to take a close picture or offer a treat to these huge beasts grazing ten feet away. The road winds around to the old Seppmann mill that's been closed since about 1890. Look around the grass and you'll find a remnants of another building. There are a few walking paths beyond the mill area. On the other side of the highway is the main parking lot, with plenty of shaded areas to picnic. The attraction here is the waterfall and there is an easy paved path for some good views. If you want to get dangerously close, as I did, you'll have carefully work your way around a difficult trail of roots and protruding bolders. This makes for a great day trip from the twin cities as it's only about 90 miles away. read more
This is a pretty nice state park. The waterfall can be easily spotted. The hike down to the waterfall isn't bad. You can go swimming if you dare, a lot of people were swimming in the river. We went during the evening hours, so there were less families and foot traffic. Our dogs enjoyed the park as well. Make sure to bring your bug spray and sunblock. read more
6 years ago
I loved this place. I plan to go back to go hiking and doing the full loop. I loved the buffalo and loved the falls. It was a lot of fun. You can buy a park pass either online or at the park a day pass. The have nice table area to have a picnic. read more
This is such a lovely local asset to Mankato. Just a short drive on the highway, Minneopa is definitely a recommendation if in the area. There's the option to come and see the double waterfalls, as well as the buffalo trail. Parking will cost you $7 for the day unless you have the state park pass which is also highly convenient. Depending on the day of the week you come, this can sometimes determine the amount of parking. Weekends can get a bit crowded and if it's a holiday weekend I recommend getting there early. The parks are well kept and enjoyable with family and friends on a warm sunny day. There are a few trails that will take you right underneath the falls, however, be careful with all the rain, some of it can be slippery and washed out. Definitely come and check this place out if in the area, a great time to be had. read more
9 years ago
"Oh give me a home where the buffalo roam." Was excited to come here before a baseball tournament. We entered the buffalo entrance first and were on our honor putting the $7 in an envelope and in secure box. We drove and saw some cars parked and buffalo were lying in the grass next to the road. My son took some pictures with window up that didn't turn out. We drove to old windmill and turned around, and a buffalo moved and was standing up. Cool photo op. Then we drove to waterfall area. I wanted to walk to base of falls, but ankle still hurt and didn't want to risk. The falls were nice but small. A nice state day park. read more
6 years ago
Awesome park! We loved it. My kids are 11 & 7 and they both found lots to do and see. Great place to go on a solo hike or with the family. The waterfalls are gorgeous and the Buffalo drive is neat to experience. read more
7 years ago
I love this park!! It never disappoints. Today my sister and I brought my nephews, niece, and granddaughter (ages 2weeks, 6, 6, 7 & 11) to visit the park. The bison were right by the front gate so we were able to gaze on those awesome beasts and even saw the babies! The waterfall was flowing nicely. The beautiful summer flowers are in full bloom. We chatted with some nice fellow outdoor enthusiasts. A perfect summer day adventure! read more
8 years ago
Beautiful park and waterfall! For those people who can't do long hikes this is perfect ! 30 minutes to get there and back to the car or the small one is right at the entrance ! 7$ to get in per car read more
9 years ago
