One of the most fascinating parts of Mankato cannot be seen by the casual
observer. It can only be seen when you strap on an oxygen tank and dive beneath
the crystal clear waters of the Minnesota River. It is the Underwater City of Mankato.
This is one of Mankato's prime tourist attractions. Imagine diving into the warm
sparkling-clear waters of the Minnesota River in December when the rest of
Minnesota is well below freezing!
No one knows exactly how it got there but it was known in Indian legends for
centuries. Was it the mythical Atlantis? Many renowned scientists say "Yes, it is!"
The Underwater City A diver's paradise!
"Recent discoveries have pointed to the building of this city about
4000 B.C.," says Dr. Seymour Bottoms, world famous astrogeologist at Mankato
State University. "At this time early Indians settled in the Emerald Green Valley
and built the city next to the Minnesota River. The city was covered with water in
about 1256 B.C. when the first of a series of major earth tremors shook the region."
"A very interesting Indian legend tells the story of the city founders," says
Dr. Bottoms. "According to this legend, the city was founded and built by Gods who
arrived in the area in great silver glowing disks. They befriended the Indians, taught
them strange building techniques and left after two generations! Several legends even
mention a pyramid that was built as a homing beacon that was
later swallowed up by an earth tremor in about 1300 B.C.!"
