Minneopa State Park

Waterfall overlook

The word Minneopa comes from the Dakota language and is interpreted to mean "water falling twice," referring to the two beautiful waterfalls of the Minneopa Creek.

Upper waterfall

The upper falls drops ten feet. Enjoy its sounds and sights from nearby picnic tables and benches.

Lower waterfall

The lower falls drops 39 feet and is visible from the sidewalk. The trail to Minneopa Creek is closed.

Stone bridge view

The historic cement bridge from 1921 crosses the creek just downstream from the upper falls.

Picnic area #1

Minneopa State Park has two picnic areas with ample space for large groups and an open-walled, accessible shelter.

Picnic area #2 

Tall trees shade parts of the picnic area, and there are large open areas where visitors can play volleyball, horseshoes and other games.

Camper cabin 

A rustic, 12-foot by 16-foot log camper cabin is available year-round for visitors who want a "camping out" experience but may not have the necessary equipment for typical camping.

Camper cabin interior

Inside, the camper cabin has a table, benches, electricity and a propane "fireplace." It can sleep up to five people on wooden bunkbeds.

Campsite

Minneopa State Park has more than 60 campsites available for tent or RV camping. Each site has a fire pit and a picnic table, and may be reserved up to a year in advance. Site B20 is shown.

Seppmann Mill

Realizing the need for a local source of flour, Louis Seppmann, a stone mason by trade, began construction of this wind mill in 1862. The 32-foot-high stone flour mill was completed in 1864, and on days with a favorable wind, Louis Seppmann could transform about 150 bushels of wheat a day into fairly good flour. In 1873, lightning struck the mill, knocking off two of the arms and sails. These were replaced and operation continued until 1880, when a tornado again tore off two arms. These were not replaced, but operation continued until 1890, when another storm finally damaged the structure beyond repair. By the time Minneopa State Park was established in 1905, only the foundation of the granary remained. In 1970, the granary was completely rebuilt to its original dimensions with new materials. A decade later, the door and windows were replaced and the cap-like roof was reshingled.

Valley overlook

If you stood at the valley overlook 11,000 years ago, you would have been on the banks of the massive Glacial River Warren. The erosive force from the glacial meltwater excavated a valley 320 miles long, up to five miles wide, and 250 feet deep. Today, only a relatively small and placid Minnesota River meanders along the valley floor.