Minneopa report
Jessica Kraker
2024-08-24
DNR info
Minneopa State Park: “The word Minneopa is derived from the Dakota language and is interpreted to mean ‘water falling twice’, referring to the beautiful waterfalls of Minneopa Creek. Walk the trail which encircles the falls, leading down a limestone stairway to the valley below. Ascend the opposite side and enjoy a panoramic view of the valley which reveals the underlying geology of this area. Visit Seppmann Mill, a wind driven grist mill fashioned in German style from native stone and lumber, or hike through oak savanna and native prairie grasslands overlooking the scenic Minnesota River Valley.”
Visit August-24-2024
Experience
The primary purpose of the visit was a small family celebration for my parents’ 50th anniversary with me and my brother’s family. Lars was reasonably chill with meeting everyone, and we spent a couple hours visiting and walking to see the Minneopa Falls. We visited more over supper, then decided to drive out to the bison area to see if we could see any bison (no such luck). It was a lovely, calm day with beautiful weather, and I’m grateful for my parents and their lasting relationship with each other.
Hiking: In addition to our hike out to the waterfall, I walked with the niblings out past the old mill, into the trails beside the bison enclosure. They wanted to go further, but it was already dusk. They had fun nonetheless! In the morning, Lars and I hiked a few miles further to get woken up and enjoy the early morning.
Camping: The site was perfect, nicely treed and an extremely comfortable squared-off pad for the tent. The only downside was the pit (not flush) toilets in the camp shower-building.
Goals
- Hiking: about 7.5 miles across Saturday and Sunday
- Reading: Weighted Elo rating for tennis match predictions
- Pictures:
