Mankato (pop. 32,000) is named for a Dakota word that means "blue earth". It is located on the Minnesota River in the southern part of the state. The town name refers to the clay that lines the riverbanks.
The Blue Earth County Heritage Center Museum features period furniture, antiques, photographs and other items from early Blue Earth County settlements.
Hubbard House is an 18-room mansion built in 1871 in Mankato. Exhibits include an 1873 pioneer home, an early 20th-century schoolroom, barber and cobbler shops and pioneer displays. Next door to the mansion is carriage house, containing horse-drawn and other early vehicles.
The name for Minneopa State Park comes from the Dakota language and is interpreted to mean "water falling twice," which refers to the waterfalls of the Minneopa Creek. A limestone stairway leads to the valley below. Seppmann Mill, a wind driven grist mill, designed in German style from native stone and lumber is located within the park.
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Mankato
