State park bridge work restricts falls views

MANKATO, Minn. (AP) — Visitors to Minneopa State Park will have reduced views of the park’s twin waterfalls while a 90-year-old bridge between them is rebuilt.

According to the Department of Natural Resources, the work will begin in mid-August and is expected to last into October.

DNR spokesman Scott Roemhildt said the best view of the lower falls won’t be available from the easiest route during construction, although a roughly half-mile hike to the other side will get a visitor there. That route won’t be handicap-accessible.

Views of the two falls from the bridge won’t be available during construction either.

The rest of the park won’t be affected.

According to the DNR, Minneopa means “water falling twice” in Dakota. The agency said the twin waterfalls’ 45-foot total drop makes them the largest in southern Minnesota.