Minneopa State Park

Bobby Duehring / P&TC photo contest

Visit the Bison on the prairie and walk the bridge over the waterfall

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Exploring the Park

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Visitors can drive through the bison enclosure.
Bobby Duehring / P&TC photo contest Fun Quiz - Minnesota Wildlife
Dramatic winter waterfalls
Tomas Alvarez / P&TC photo contest
Visit the old mill to explore some of the park's history.
Courtesy of Randy Wood
Bring your bikes and peddle the connected trail system into Mankato along the Red Jacket Trail.
Terri Michels / P&TC photo contest
A yellow warbler sings from the sumac bush
Jon Wood / P&TC photo contest
Minneopa falls
Jeff Moravec / P&TC photo contest

Park Location

Park Highlights

Trails

  • Hiking ~ 4.5 miles
  • Paved Bicycle ~ .2 miles + connection extensive city trail system
  • Snowshoe (rental available) ~ Anywhere in park

Camping

  • Drive-in sites ~ 61 Sites
  • Electric ~ 6 sites
  • Camper Cabin ~ sleeps 5
  • Group Camp~ 4 sites

Activities

  • Picnic area and shelter
  • Volleyball
  • Interpretive Exhibit
  • Historic Site~ Historic windmill
MNDNR Official Page - Minneopa State Park

Events

at Minneopa State Park
Ice luminary in the snow

Candlelight Hike

Saturday, January 25, 2025 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm – Experience the beauty of Minneopa State Park at night with a candlelight hike through the scenic Minneopa Creek River Valley. Hike along a 1-mile loop illuminated by hundreds of candles, creating a magical winter wonderland. The self-guided hike is available anytime between 5 to 8 p.m., with potential additional trails depending on the weather and […]

Graphic shows a drawing of a map with the words, "Free Park Day"

Free Park Day

Saturday, April 26, 2025 @ All Day –

Enjoy the state parks on this Free Park Day – no parking permit required.

Winter Solstice Walk

Sunday, December 21, 2025 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm – Welcome the turning of the season with a naturalist-led walk through the winter woods at Minneopa. Explore the beauty of the longest night of the year. Meet at the Minneopa group camp parking lot. Bring a flashlight or headlamp and warm clothes. ALL UPCOMING EVENTS >>

A small bird with a black cap, white face and underparts, and gray wings is perched on a tree branch covered with lichen. The background is blurred with neutral tones, suggesting a close-up shot of the bird in its natural habitat.

Winter Birds Scavenger Hunt

Thursday, January 1, 2026 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm – Winter may be quiet, but there a still birds to discover! Drop by to chat with the naturalist to learn about birds that stay at the park in winter. Then, set out on a scavenger hunt for hidden birds! Stop by anytime between 1pm through 2:30pm at the Group Campground Parking lot. The program is […]

Our Friends Group Partner

Friends of Minneopa State Park

Work with Minneopa State Park to preserve, manage, and promote the resources of the park.

Friends Since: 1998