MINNESOTA, or St. Peter's, a river of

Minnesota, having its source in a series of lakes on

the Dakota border, between lat. 45° and 46°

N., and pursuing a S. E. course for about 320

m. to its confluence with the Blue Earth; then

turning N. E. it flows in that direction for

about 120 m., falling into the Mississippi at

Mendota. Its course is principally in the valley

lying between the Coteau du Grand Bois

and the Coteau des Prairies. For its whole

distance from Big Stone lake it has a fall of

only 220 ft. It is navigable for steamers about

40 m. to a point where at low water a ledge

of rocks obstructs further progress; but

ordinarily small boats can ascend to Patterson's

rapids, 295 m. from its mouth.