The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1905-10-20

tHNii w MS NohNRo III
achievement would certainly awaken tn
praises of the most discriminating ar
lcritic. AIinneopa park must be seen il
order to be thoroughly appreciated. Ma
| ture has performed her work well. Ii
some places the timber is quite thicl
and devoid of underbrush. Here AM
there is an open space, tn
ground softly carpeted with grass
affording most excellent spots TO
picnic parties. There is variet,
of scenery, choice features whicl
90 so far to make the Minneopa propert,
most valuable for state park. Among
other things that favor the grounds fo
public resort are the deep and wild
looking canyons and gorees, the jagged
rocks protruding from and -overhangins
the rugged hills, all of which make the
surroundings picturesque. These made
an impression upon the gentlemen from
st. Paul After the crowd had ascend
ed one of the hills, Governor johnson
mounted convenient rock and looking
over the cleared space before him, re-
marked what a fine spot that would be
to address multitude. Inspiration
must open the floodgates of eloquence
you're right, governor" spoke up At
torney General Young. even a demo
crat ought to be able to create a good
impression under such favorable circum
stances The governor joined heartily
in the laughter.
A visit was made to the canyon below
the falls. and again the visitors express
ed surprise and admiration for the fas.
chatting scene. Great volumes of water
poured over the rocks, splashing and
foaming at the feet of those who stood
on the rivers banks below. Another
climb brought the party to the path
way which leads across the river above
the falls and stop was made to loo
at the smaller falls a few feet away.
The governor and his party viewed the
bio falls from the bank and the tour oil
was completed. At this June
ture Eddie Williams, the young son OF
w. r. Williams, took a group picture
of the crowd, as did also Agent Hodge
Governor Johnson stated that Mime
opa falls and its surroundings were IN
deed beautiful and by all means the
state should acquire the property. Flu
ture generations will appreciate the spot
much more than those who are now OF
earth. He believed that the state shoul
purchase available park sites, for il
years to come they will afford breathing
places for those who live in the longest
ed cities. The governors sentiments
were endorsed by Messrs. Iverson an'
Young. The governor favored the appro.
priation annually of sum OF money t.
make needed Improvements, such a.
clearing the grounds, building bridge
and stairways and to do those things
which Nature is unable to perform
The visiting officials lost no time il
informing the Board of Trade committee
that the transfer of the property to the
state should be made as soon as the nee
essary papers can be prepared and sign
ed Attorney General Young with thu
assistance of Attorney Hughes and An
drews, will at once prepare the deeds
and it is expected that within weel
or two the deal will be closed. The de
scription of the lands making up tn
park will be forwarded to the attorney
general in a day or two.
Minneopa park will consist of about
seventy-two acres. 1t will take in al
the land east of the public highway 60
ING south from the station, including
the land on the top of the bluff south
east and north, extending as far as The
fence which separates the Little farm
from the timber land. This includes
the river and the falls. Also thirty
three acres owned by the town of South
Bend. the town to receive in exchange
ten acres of the Little property on the
south side of the railroad track, on the
hill adjoining Minneopa cemetery. This
is long strip of land not suitable fol-
park purposes. The town of South Benz
has acted very fairly in this matter anc
has done all possible to assist i'll making
the Minneopa state park a reality. The
state will also purchase fourteen acres
from Mr.. Little which adjoins the town
property on the south. The railroad Will
run through the thirty-three acres which
the town disposes of.
Following the inspection of the park.
the party looked over the work that is
being done for the Omaha road near
Minneopa station. East of the station a
large arch is being built over NIinneo-
pa creek. This arch will be $50 feet III
length and forty feet high. The CON