Bison Viewing at Minneopa State Park Bison Drive Hours and Information The Bison Drive Road is open Thursday-Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. In North America, both words are used by different people to talk about the same animal. All three attractions are part of Minneopa State Park, but the falls is located off of Blue Earth County Road 69, while the bison herd and mill are located off of State … The park also has the remnants of a wind-powered flour mill constructed in the 1860s and a preserve you can drive through to see a herd of bison … The Bison Drive Road is open Thursday-Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Seppman Mill is a great lookout point, the Bison enclosure is in direct view of the Mill lookout area. “By 1889 there were 440 wild bison left, in private herds and parks like Yellowstone.” “Our herd at Minneopa tested out to 99.8 percent wild bison,” said Kudelka. Here is what else I found out on my visit! For a close-up view, tour Bison Drive. I wanted to go back and visit the bison at Minneopa, located near Mankato. The park is split between two entrances; one to access the falls, and the second to access the campground/bison drive which is located just a short distance further up Highway 68. After doing a little more research about the park, I quickly realized that there is so much to do there, including visiting Minneopa Falls. Peter Herald) The steady flow of vehicles through Minneopa State Park’s bison drive June 10 might have been prompted by the free admission day, but the Mankato area treasure is one of southern Minnesota’s growing recreational attractions. We opted to drive, and we did it twice—hoping the bison might be closer to the road the second time. Enjoy a fun day of exploring Minneopa State Parkfilled with natural and historical features, including Southern Minnesota's largest waterfall. Check out our recommendations for what to carry in your hiking day pack when you check out the extensive Minnesota State Park system. TRAVEL SAFELY. Click again to hide. Please be sure to exit the bison range before the posted closing times. Bison Ambassadors are volunteers who play an important role in helping the public better understand the purpose behind the Minnesota Bison Conservation Herd and how to view these animals in a safe manner. The so-called Bison Drive through the enclosure is open select days of the week spring through summer and allows you to get a glimpse of the bison herd from your vehicle. Minneopa State Park August 24, 2018 With Minneopa State Park a relatively short 85 mile/1.5 mile drive from Minneapolis I’d been making this trip often over the summer. The trail is 5 miles roundtrip. We estimate that 30-40 bison can live in the bison range. However, there are still a few places in the United States where you can see wild bison roam. Minneopa State Park, located in southern Minnesota, is Minnesota’s third-oldest state park. More information…. In Mankato, we know that recreation is a big part of any vacation. Bison Enclosure. For more information on The Minnesota Bison Conversation Herd Go>, For more information on the bison at Minneopa Go>, Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date with what’s going on in Mankato. People purposely killed millions of American plains bison during the late 1800s -- a near extinction. Remain inside your vehicle at all times while within the bison range. “That told us we wanted to be a part of that wild bison heritage.” Kudelka said that Minneopa State Park could grow its herd to 30 or 40 animals comfortably. Whether you want to stay indoors or conquer the great outdoors, Mankato is your getaway destination in southern Minnesota! This park actually has 2 different spots to go that are across the road from each other. The steady flow of vehicles through Minneopa State Park’s bison drive June 10 might have been prompted by the free admission day, but the Mankato area treasure is one of If the light was less than ideal at the falls I’d would cross the hill to the bison enclosure. The road is closed every Wednesday for maintenance. Eventually the herd will grow to a 500-animal population occupying several locations. This is a bison herd with high quality genetics managed for the public good through a 2012 formal agreement between the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Minnesota Zoo. Winter hours are … Reintroducing bison to Minneopa State Park will restore a missing piece of the by Kristin Nicole Minneopa State Park is in the south-central region of Minnesota and approximately 85 miles southwest of Minneapolis. Five calves were born spring 2018. In several years, we will bring in a new bull from a different herd. Pets must be kept on a leash at all times. 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