Rapidan Dam Park

54116 Glory Lane

Mankato, MN 56001

Map of Park -PDF The Rapidan Dam Park is located off of County Road 9, next to the Rapidan Dam. The 32 acres of riverfront property provides public access to the Blue Earth River at the Dam. This stretch of river is one of the most natural and scenic areas in Southern Minnesota, including views of rock bluffs, wooded hills, rapids and waterfalls on side streams. It is a largely undisturbed remnant of the "Big Woods" of Southern Minnesota.

Part of the land is used as a canoe launch, while the rest remains undeveloped conservation land. The land is ideal for fishing, hiking and primitive camping with tents. The new park also provides a unique destination for the Red Jacket Trail.

• The park is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. April 1st to November 1st. Overnight primitive tent camping sites are available for $9 per night.
• Night fishing is allowed. Registration is required and is free of charge. Please stay on the main hiking trail to your fishing destination and respect the quiet environment and privacy of tent campers. The front gate is locked after 10 p.m.
• Firewood, ice, bait and food are available at the Rapidan Dam Cafe, which also serves as the caretaker office for the park.
• Red Jacket Trail users can easily travel to the Rapidan Dam Park by following the paved shoulders of County Road 9 and cross over the Rapidan Dam bridge deck to reach the park and store.

Park Rules

• Glass beverage containers and beer in containers larger than one quart are not allowed. It is against the law to be under the influence of intoxicating liquors.
• It is against the law to possess drugs or to be under the influence of drugs.
• No firearms or hunting is permitted within the park.
• Pets are allowed, provided they are on a leash no longer than six feet.
• Motorized vehicles are only allowed on the service road to the parking lots.
• Bicycles are allowed within the park, provided they stay on the service road.

For more information call the Rapidan Dam Park office at 507-546-9997.

Amenities:

20 Primitive camping sites Canoe launch Fire rings/grills Horseshoe pits Nature trails Picnic tables Picnic shelters Firebases Drinking water Playground Fishing Resident caretakers Restrooms

Park Size: 35.4 acres

Acquisition date: February 2004

Major Contributors
The Rapidan Dam Park was made possible through a $100,000 state DNR grant, $50,000 from the Blue Earth County park reserve fund and the following contributions:

$5,000 and up Kathlyn C. LaFavor Key Cities Conservation Club Midwest Wireless In memory of Roy & Jean Frentz $1,000 and up John Kanyusik Perry & Barbara Wood Save the Kasota Prairie, Inc Mankato Area Foundation HickoryTech Central Concrete Bolton & Menk Inc. Wells Fargo Foundation Mankato Area Foundation

Other Contributors
Lynn & Tom Ries
Glen Heath Jr.
Duayne & Dorothy Erdman
Romaine W. Touhey
Crop Insurance Services
June Cummiskey
Kato Moving & Storage
Matthew & Julie Carlson
Joseph & Elaine Eckert
Margaret O'Connor
Charles & Gladys Carter
William A and Barbara Maher
Jeraldene B. Mondloch
Virginia L. Carr
Dr. Craig A. Nelson
Thomas Daly
Mark Bosacker
Brand Frentz
Alan Forsberg
Thomas and Esther Marks
SRF Consulting Group
R. Scott Thiem
Mankato Paddling and Outing Club
Paul S. Vogel
Piper Jaffray
Katie Nerem Roth

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