From Jeffers Petroglyphs to Indian Mounds Park, Minnesota is full of ancient attractions that have stood the test of time. While the people who originally created them are long gone, visiting is a fascinating look at Minnesota’s ancient history. The same goes for lesser-known attractions such as the Hegman Lake Pictographs. This prehistoric destination is a fascinating step back in time, and it’s perfect for your next outdoor outing.

Minnesota’s Boundary Waters may be pretty remote these days, but it has a very long human history. The entire state has been inhabited for thousands of years.

briandian607/Flickr

On North Hegman Lake — north of Ely via Ely-Buyck Road — you’ll find a fascinating ancient discovery.

Transguyjay/Flickr

The Hegman Lake Pictographs stand out against the stone surface upon which they were drawn.

Transguyjay/Flickr

No one knows quite how old they are, but estimates say that they’ve been here for at least 500 years.

Tony Ernst/Flickr

The image clearly shows a human alongside an expertly drawn moose and another four-legged animal. Three canoes stand in the background above the main figures.

Etphonehome/Wikimedia Commons

The Hegman Lake Pictographs are only accessible via travel across the lake. In the summer, it’s only accessible by boat. For that reason, many choose to hike the frozen lake in the winter.

Nils Dybvig/Flickr

The pictographs are a fascinating trip no matter which season you visit them in. This sign of humans is especially interesting given the remote nature of the Boundary Waters. It’s an incredible way to connect with Minnesota’s past.

Nils Dybvig/Flickr

This prehistoric destination is one of the most interesting in the state. If you’ve never been there, it’s well worth planning a trip to see it. Did you know about the Hegman Lake Pictographs?

briandian607/Flickr

Transguyjay/Flickr

Tony Ernst/Flickr

Etphonehome/Wikimedia Commons

Nils Dybvig/Flickr

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.