Mendota is a city in Dakota County, Minnesota, United States. The name is a mispronunciation of the Dakota word for the location, bdóte, which in Dakota tradition is the center of the world. The word in this use means "the confluence of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers," and generally "mouth or junction of one river with another." The population was 198 at the 2010 census.
Highway 13 in Mendota
City historical marker
Saint Peter's Church
Saint Peter's Church plaque
Dakota County is the third-most populous county in the U.S. state of Minnesota, located in the east central portion of the state. As of the 2020 census, the population was 439,882. The population of Dakota County was estimated to be 447,440 in 2023. The county seat is Hastings. Dakota County is named for the Dakota Sioux tribal bands who inhabited the area.
Dakota County Courthouse
Taoyateduta led the Mendota Mdewakanton in northern Dakota County. He and 121 Sioux leaders ceded much of the present Twin Cities region.
Saint Peter's Church in Mendota is the state's oldest church
Vermillion Falls in Hastings