Kasota, MN Is a Nature Lovers City
Among the many towns in Minnesota, Kasota is one of the few with its unique attributes. This historical town set between Mankato and St. Peters boasts natural attractions you will never find anywhere else. From parks, lakes, nature centers to hiking trails, the list is endless. So, when you love nature, below are some of the top spots to have quality time.
Lake Washington Regional Park & Campground
Lake Washington Regional Park & Campground is a 166-acre park and campground located along nearly one mile of shoreline on Lake Washington near Kasota, or about 10 miles northeast of Mankato. The park currently provides its campers and day users with the opportunity to enjoy various outdoor recreation activities. There are two playgrounds located within the campground, 3.5 miles of walking or hiking trails, a fishing dock on Lake Washington. Multiple fire pits and picnic tables can be enjoyed by campers or day users, 35 campsites, large open fields for recreation, basketball hoop, scenery and peacefulness of Lake Washington, Shanaska Creek, and multiple tree groves a canoe/kayak launch into Bakers Bay, amongst others.
Kasota Prairie
Located on a rock terrace 70 feet above the Minnesota River Valley, the Kasota Prairie, meaning “cleared-off place,” is named for its view. This area near the bluffs of the Minnesota River Valley was set aside in 1984 as a preserved prairie ecosystem. It had only small remnants of the original prairie, and thorough restoration, this area now has the most extensive remaining mesic/tallgrass prairies of the region. Among the few remaining areas of tall prairie grasses, the Kasota Prairie features native wildflowers, abundant wildlife, and running water during wet periods. In addition to the prairie flora, the reserve offers mature wooded areas and a large pond – the remains of a former twist in the Minnesota River. Wildlife enthusiasts and birders will be rewarded for their visit.
Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery, & Distillery
Chankaska Creek Ranch and Winery is a Minnesota vineyard and winery located in the heart of the Minnesota River. The winery is home to a seven-acre vineyard and a 12,000 square foot facility complete with state-of-the-art equipment, which allows us to perfect our artisan winemaking techniques with the cold-climate grapes we grow from our vineyard. The Tasting Room features wood-fired pizzas and antipasto, dry-cured meat platters, artisan cheese platters, and a beautiful view from the Tasting Deck and toasty evening fires on the Patio. The winery’s grounds play host to six unique event venues that accommodate groups of all types and sizes. Last summer, the winery hosted weddings, cocktail receptions, business parties, birthday parties, and more.
Seven Mile Creek Park
This 628 acres of county park transitions from the Minnesota River to grasslands in the valley to deciduous forests on either side and up the bluffs of Seven Mile Creek; it contains 8 miles of multi-use trails. The woods are home to white-tail deer, wild turkeys, and nesting and migratory bird species. There are three shelters, numerous picnic areas, playground equipment, volleyball courts, a ball diamond, and a boat landing on the Minnesota River.
