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Minneopa Falls (Minneopa State Park) Climbing

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Routes in Minneopa Falls (Minneopa State Park)

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Elevation:	844 ft	257 m
GPS:	44.1487, -94.09056 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	3,733 total · 19/month
Shared By:	Pete Hunt on Feb 21, 2009 · Updates
Admins:	K Ice, Kris Gorny Page Updates (admin only)

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Access Issue: Pass Required Details

Make sure you check with rangers before climbing the falls.

Two separate permits are required:

Minnesota State Park pass (Can be purchased at the park’s ranger station - $7 daily/ $35 annually).

Climbing permit (specific to Minneopa State Park, issued free of charge at the ranger station).

NO ROCK CLIMBING OF ANY KIND (bouldering, top roping, or leading) IS AUTHORIZED WITHIN THE PARK.

Description

While there is not much to climb in Mankato other than some boulders, these falls give the Mankato climber something to do during the winter months. Climbing them is a rare event and requires official park’s climbing permit before doing so (see notice in ‘Getting There’ section). Spectators are possible due to the clear view of the falls from the railing on the sidewalk above. That said there's a good chance you will have the place to yourself on a week day in winter. Although not appropriate as a road trip destination these falls can be a fun climb if the conditions are good and you are in the area.

Getting There

Take 169 South out of Mankato for about 2 or 3 miles and follow the signs to Minneopa Falls, where a ranger station is also located. Do not go to the bison as they are in a different area of the park. Once you turn right off of 169, keep going straight and eventually follow signage left into the park. The top of the falls are a very short walk (<5 minutes) from the parking lot.

Important notice:

Minnesota State Park pass is required to enter the park ($7 daily/$35 annually)
Additional climbing permit, specific to Minneopa State Park, is also required.

Note from the park officials: “The park is staffed 7 days per week, however office hours can be limited during the winter months. Prior to each visit, please contact the park office to inform staff of the date and approximate time you plan to climb.”