Echoes of the Past and Waterfall Wanderings: A Summer Visit to Fort Ridgely and Minneopa State Parks
Echoes of the Past and Waterfall Wanderings: A Summer Visit to Fort Ridgely and Minneopa State Parks
Last summer, we spent two days steeped in history and natural beauty as we explored Fort Ridgely State Park and Minneopa State Park—two Minnesota gems that offer more than just scenery. These parks brought us face-to-face with the echoes of the past and gave us a deep appreciation for the land's resilience and story.
Walking Through History at Fort Ridgely State Park
Fort Ridgely isn’t your typical state park. Instead of just towering trees or sparkling lakes, we were greeted by the haunting ruins of a military outpost—silent stone foundations that once stood as a frontier fort in the mid-1800s. The fort played a significant role during the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862, and walking through its remnants felt like stepping directly into the pages of Minnesota history. Interpretive signs around the site helped bring context and clarity to what we were seeing—what once stood where, who was stationed here, and what events unfolded in these now-quiet fields.
Ruins - Fort Ridgely
After exploring the ruins, we hiked the River View Trail, which winds along the bluffs above the Minnesota River. This trail was a perfect blend of history and nature. Every so often, the trees would part to reveal stunning overlooks of the river valley below—green and gold ribbons of land and water stretching to the horizon. The trail was peaceful and quiet, with only birdsong and the rustle of the wind in the grass accompanying us. It was one of those hikes that remind you how closely history and the natural world intertwine.
Overlook - Fort Ridgely
A Restful Night at Laven House B&B in Mankato
We spent just one night in Mankato, but our stay at the Laven House Bed & Breakfast made it feel like a true getaway. Nestled in a quiet residential neighborhood, this warm and welcoming B&B is full of charm and thoughtful touches. After a day of hiking and exploring, it was the perfect place to relax and recharge.
That evening, we enjoyed our dinner out on the screened-in back porch, listening to the breeze in the trees and the occasional bird call as we wound down from the day. It felt peaceful and private—like we had the whole place to ourselves. Later, we made our way down to the cozy basement movie theater, where we had our own little movie night. It was a fun and unexpected way to end the day, curled up in comfortable chairs with popcorn and a film.
Though our visit was brief, the Laven House gave us a warm, restful stop between adventures. It’s the kind of place you remember not just for the comfort, but for the calm it brings after a full day outdoors.
Laven House - Mankato
Minneopa State Park: Waterfalls, Wildlife, and a Trail Left Waiting
In the morning, we made our way to Minneopa State Park, a favorite of mine for its dramatic waterfall and beautiful prairie loop. I’d been especially looking forward to hiking the Minneopa Creek Confluence Trail, which follows the creek through wooded terrain to where it meets the Minnesota River. It's usually a serene and shaded walk with rich birdlife and lovely views.
But like so many natural places, it had its own plans: the trail was closed due to flooding from recent summer rains. While disappointing, it was a good reminder of how these landscapes are constantly shifting with the seasons and weather—something we hikers learn to respect, even if it alters our plans.
Instead, we spent extra time at Minneopa Falls, a double waterfall that never fails to impress. The water thundered over the rock ledge into the gorge below, mist rising in the warm air. It's always a joy to photograph this spot—the contrast between the rugged stone, rushing water, and soft mossy banks is a dream for any nature lover.
What I’ll remember most from our visit to the falls wasn’t the view or the sound — it was sitting on a park bench at 7:30 a.m. with my daughter, just the two of us, sharing Crumbl cookies in the stillness of the morning. No one else was around. The only sounds were our quiet conversation and the water rushing over the rocks. It was peaceful, simple, and one of those rare moments you know you’ll carry with you forever. And honestly, if you know us, it’s no surprise we were eating treats at that hour.
We also drove the Bison Drive, a scenic loop through the park’s restored prairie. Sure enough, we were lucky enough to spot several buffalo (American bison) grazing calmly in the distance, their massive frames blending surprisingly well with the tall grasses. We finished our visit with a stop at the historic Seppman Mill, a unique 19th-century stone windmill that stands like a sentinel on the prairie. Though no longer in use, its silhouette against the sky hints at the resilience of early settlers and the hard work that shaped this land.
Minneopa Falls
Final Thoughts
This trip wasn’t about long mileage or difficult terrain—it was about connection: to place, to history, to the land’s enduring stories. Whether it was standing amid the ruins at Fort Ridgely or watching the water roar over Minneopa Falls, I felt a kind of quiet reverence that I carry with me still.
The Minneopa Creek Confluence Trail will be there next time—and I’m already looking forward to walking it. In the meantime, the views, the history, and the wild rhythm of these places gave us more than enough to savor.
If you haven’t yet walked the River View Trail or gazed up at Minneopa’s thundering falls, put these parks on your list. They’re not just scenic—they’re soulful.
Let's keep rambling.
—Kelly