Driving through the densely wooded Minnesota River Valley as it deepens north of Mankato, I've always kept a keen eye on scenery zipping past — especially pretty ravines sliced into limestone hills and bluffs.
In July, slowed down to the speed of a kayak, I found out what I had been missing on a paddle down the Blue Earth River, which converges with the Minnesota near downtown Mankato. Our guide, Dain Fisher with Bent River Outfitter, pointed out bald eagles, their massive nests and gentle waterfalls wedged into the shady woods.
The fresh-from-the-earth springs that flow into the river felt shockingly cold on our feet as we stepped ashore to see Triple Falls tucked into a towering bowl of limestone. The silty Blue Earth River, by comparison, felt as comfortable as bathwater. That's a good thing since most of us were soaked from rolling through 11 rapids on a 9-mile stretch from Rapidan Dam to Mankato. We laughed and shot past rocks with a mumbled, tight-lipped thanks for remaining upright.
Shoreline waterfalls and streams usually dribble or dry up by midsummer, but we didn't mind a bit as we detoured downriver to Devil's Gulch. In this lush grotto, thick with lichen and moss, we picked our way single-file through the chiseled, enchanting passages.
It was our highlight of the evening and a good example of how Mankato is luring adventure lovers to the area, especially serious bicyclists who whir along the rivers and across 50 miles of paved trails intersecting scenic parks.
My advice? Head for the burgers and pie at the sweetly nostalgic Dam Cafe on Mankato's outskirts. It's a great destination for a weekend of camping, an ideal stopping point for a day of biking and a handy spot to kick off a kayak trip.
WHAT TO DO
See the Vikings in action: Close to 40,000 people visit Mankato to see the football team at its 48th annual training camp late July through mid-August. The public is welcome to watch most practices at Minnesota State University-Mankato, which includes a tailgate zone with vendors, some free football training or cheerleading sessions for kids 17 and under, and an area to seek autographs. Remaining camp dates are Sunday through Wednesday; Aug. 13-14 are fan appreciation days (952-828-6500; www.vikings.com).
Bike the valley: Take a leisurely loop from downtown's Riverfront Park to Sibley Park or Minneopa State Park or try the 13-mile Red Jacket Trail that traverses railroad trestles (including one that's 80 feet high) to the Rapidan Dam. Go for a bigger challenge with the 39-mile Sakatah Singing Hills Trail that stretches to Faribault and cuts through Sakatah Lake State Park (www.startribune.com/a2416).
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