Virtually every Minnesotan knows about the state’s most treasured natural landmarks. From Minnehaha Falls in the Twin Cities to the Boundary Waters of the north, there is no shortage of natural wonders for us to enjoy. And that doesn’t even count our most popular state parks, like Gooseberry Falls and Tettegouche. But there are wonders all around us, even in the quietest corners of the state. That’s where you need to go to find the amazing natural wonder hidden in the Minnesota prairie. Take a look:
Most people, when they think of southwestern Minnesota, picture endless prairies and farmlands.
Michael Janke/Flickr
And for the tiny town of Luverne, Minnesota, where Blue Mounds State Park is located, that description is not far from the truth.
Michel Curi/Flickr
But beyond the waving grasses, something unusual rises from the prairie.
Joe Passe/Flickr
The pink quartzite cliffs of Blue Mounds State Park are unlike anything else in Minnesota.
Josh/Flickr
This rugged ridge is a strange pause in an otherwise flat terrain.
Danielle Golon/Flickr
Some areas rise 100 feet above the ground, making Blue Mounds a popular spot for rock climbing.
Josh/Flickr
A hike along the top of the ridge offers spectacular views from the top of the prairie. Standing atop the tallest feature around, you’ll feel like you can see everything.
ExitNo9/TripAdvisor
And hikes along the bottom of the cliffs offer spectacular views of the rugged rocks next to the waving prairie.
Mitch M/TripAdvisor
Hikes along the cliffs offer opportunities to see prairie plants up close, like Minnesota’s only native cactus species.
Al/Flickr
The other place to see the pink quartzite is at Pipestone National Monument, just a few miles north of Luverne.
Brian Jeffery Beggerly/Flickr
This historic monument is a sacred place for many Native Americans whose ancestors once quarried stone from the area. A self-guided tour points out the most famous rock formations.
Tony Webster/Flickr
You’ll even get to see a rushing waterfall as it flows over the beautiful pink quartzite.
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
Next time you’re in southwestern Minnesota, make sure to take a break as you drive through the endless prairie. What you find might just surprise you!
Tony Webster/Flickr
The prairie gets a bad wrap, but it really is beautiful! Have you ever been to Blue Mounds State Park or Pipestone National Monument? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below.
Michael Janke/Flickr
Michel Curi/Flickr
Joe Passe/Flickr
Josh/Flickr
Danielle Golon/Flickr
ExitNo9/TripAdvisor
Mitch M/TripAdvisor
Al/Flickr
Brian Jeffery Beggerly/Flickr
Tony Webster/Flickr
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
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