Planning a Family Day at Minneopa State Park? Start Here!
Address: 54497 Gadwall Rd, Mankato, MN 56001
About Minneopa State Park with Kids
Minneopa State Park in Mankato, Minnesota, is one of those magical places in the state. With two distinct sides of the park (one showcasing waterfalls, the other bison viewing), you can easily fill a full day with adventure. Minneopa State Park is a true Minnesota gem!
Bison Herd
For most families, the bison herd is the star of the show. On the Highway 68 side of the park, you’ll find the 325-acre Bison Drive. Roll down your windows. Slowly drive along the gravel road. And, watch North America’s largest mammal! They roam freely here.
Kids will be glued to the windows as these massive animals graze, lumber, or block the road entirely. It’s always a surprise! No two visits are the same.
The Bison Drive is open Thursday through Tuesday (closed Wednesdays for maintenance), with hours that shift seasonally. Check the park website before you go for up-to-date hours. From May through September, friendly Bison Ambassador volunteers set up at the Seppmann Mill overlook. They’re wonderful with kids, offering bison facts, conservation stories, and hands-on artifacts that make the experience even more memorable.
If you prefer to stretch your legs, you can hike the trail that circles the bison range for sweeping prairie views and (with some luck!) more bison sightings from afar.
Hiking & Waterfalls
Head over to the original section of the park off County Highway 69 for even more hiking and the iconic waterfalls that inspired the park’s Dakota name: Minneopa. Minneopa means “water falling twice.”
The walk to the falls is short, paved, and perfect for little legs. Don’t miss walking across the arched footbridge. From here, you’ll be treated to a postcard-worthy view of the park’s famous waterfall. The double waterfalls plunge nearly 40 feet into a dramatic gorge.
For families who love a little extra adventure, keep hiking! You can follow the trail down into the gorge. The steps are steep, but the payoff is HUGE. Expect towering cliffs, lush greenery, and the kind of cool, shady hideaways kids adore.
This side of the park is also ideal for picnics. Spread out under the mature shade trees, listen for songbirds, and watch for wildflowers along the creek. The WPA-built stone structures from the 1930s add a fun historic touch.
Park Highlights
- A Minnesota State Park vehicle permit is required
- 4.5 miles of hiking trails (snowshoeing in the winter)
- Birding
- Picnicking
- Wildflowers
- Naturalist programs
- American Plains Bison herd
- Waterfalls
- Seppmann Mill
- National Register of Historic Places Destinations
- Camping and Camper Cabins
Know Before You Go
- Website
- Hours: Park hours are daily from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. Ranger Station hours vary by date and season.
- Park Map
- Parking is available on-site with a Minnesota State Park vehicle permit (day pass or annual pass).
- Upcoming Events
- Accessibility Resources
- I Can! – outdoor skills programs for beginners
Antonia Grant is a Minnesota mom + freelance writer who loves encouraging parents to find ways to connect and make memories with their kids. She’s a firm believer in providing children with experiences over things. You can find more from Antonia and her family adventures on Instagram @knead.to.roam. She shares all things family travel, outdoor adventures, and their favorite foodie finds.
