We wheeled into Minneopa State Park, scrambled for a map and skidded in to the only pit-toilet open and shuttled A in there just in time. It happened to be located right next to the sole cabin in Red Fox campground. They must have had new guests arriving there either that day or had recently left, because it was all heated and lovely, nestled in an adorable little grove of trees. I peeked my head in and wished we could stay a piece. Minneopa is the home to a portion of the Minnesota Bison Conservation Project‘s bison herd (also found at Blue Mounds State Park and the Minnesota Zoo). There’s a sizeable area of the park that is a bison-roam-zone with a drive right through to let you see how those bison do their roaming. We’re fairly seasoned Custer State Park goers, so while we really do love bison, this herd wasn’t anything we haven’t seen before.

Highlights

• The prairie grassland area of the park is really lovely, and the campground looks like someplace we would love to try out.
• The double falls are just gorgeous, an easy little stroll that even J could do.
• It’s not that far from home, and certainly a spot we’re likely to return to!
• Located just outside of Mankato means that we got to head into town after our visit to Minneopa to grab a pizza and a beer at the Mankato Brewery. #winning

A note: we visited both Flandrau and Minneopa in the same morning, and had designs to head to Fort Ridgely as well, but naptime calls. We’ll head there soon!

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Alison Bents is a Minnesota photographer specializing in Family and Senior portraits and Wedding Photography. She lives in Rosemount with her husband, two children and dog who have all put up with her lens pointing their way for a long, long time. Alison is now booking 2019 and 2020 weddings and portrait sessions on an ongoing basis. Serving Minneapolis, St. Paul and the greater metro area, she is also available for travel nationwide.