Minneopa Campground

The Great Outdoors

A few miles of hiking trails weave through tall, stately hardwood trees that knit overhead to form a dense canopy of green leaves. These leaves transform into gold, amber, and burnt red in autumn before fading to bronze as the temperature drops. As the thick, soft snow blanket the region, the last of the leaves, too, tumble to the ground below. Minneopa State Park is a scenic, picturesque park even in deep winter. This park is popular with local and out-of-town adventurers alike. Many visitors explore the woods on snowshoes, which may be borrowed from the park office.At the northwestern end of Minneopa State Park is bare hills, upon which a small herd of bison roams. These bison, in contrast with their cousins which have been interbred with ordinary cattle, are nearly genetically identical to that which once roamed the Midwest in millions just a century and a half ago. Access to this portion of the park is permitted only by vehicle to protect the bison from diseases.Birdwatchers, nature lovers, and photographers will enjoy exploring Minneopa State Park. Several species of hawks, songbirds, wild turkeys, pheasants, and bald eagles are frequently sighted both in air and on land. White-tailed deer and small-game creatures like beavers, porcupines, foxes, and rabbits are common visitors, as well.Several neighboring state and county parks, such as Williams Nature Center, offers additional hiking trails. Some are close to the Minnesota River, while others veer uphill, toward the highlands. Mount Kato Skill Hill is a small regional ski resort that boasts 20 different runs ranging from easy to difficult, a terrain park for snowboarders, and a slope for tubing and sledding.

Exploring the Area

In the far-flung corner of Minnesota, it’s easy to think there isn’t much to do other than camping at Minneopa Campground. On the contrary. The region is full of history, local charm, and novel attractions, and exploring them all is a simple affair in a campervan rental. Downtown Mankato has several historic homes that date back to the mid-19th century. Both Cray Mansion and Hubbard House are outfitted with period-appropriate furniture and decor, and they are open to tours.Chankaska Creek Ranch and Winery near St. Peter is an award-winning winery that produces a range of unusual varietals in addition to reds and whites, including two different types of Krem. Hundred-year-old beams line the vaulted ceilings of the tasting room. Taste a range of Chankaska wine while looking out the window, which reveals acres upon acres of grapevines, or curling up by a roaring fire on a cozy leather couch.Should you want to learn how to drive a genuine army tank, you are in the right place. On the outskirts of Kasota, “Drive a Tank” allows adventurers an opportunity to climb inside a Sherman Tank or an Abbot SPG. For an additional fee, drivers climb into a Chieftain Main Battle tank or an FV432 APC and plow over cars or even demolish a mobile home.Hop into a rental motorhome and hit the road. Many small towns around Minneopa Campground have boutique shops and gift stores at which you can find the perfect memorabilia to remember the perfect RV camping trip.