Another geologic wonder of MN, found in the amazingly beautiful Whitewater State Park, is Chimney Rock. Whitewater sits in the absolute heart of bluff country, northeast of Rochester about 30 miles, and the hikes and scenic overlooks are amazing. One of the hikes takes you up to an overlook on the east side of the park. On the way up, you will pass Chimney Rock. A 40-foot tall limestone rock column that has been worn away so you can actually climb around in it.
Five-hundred-million years ago, a shallow sea covered much of North America, specifically this portion of southeastern Minnesota. Sediment accumulated which later turned into this rock hundreds of feet thick. The sea eventually retreated and later on, an ice age came through, causing glaciers to sculpt the area’s bluffs and rock outcrops. Chimney rock is a great example of the ancient history of this area.
While in the area: Coyote Point and Eagle Point are both pretty good hikes in this park too, or try some fishing in the trout-stocked Whitewater River. Or, swing up to Elba, MN and climb to the top of the Elba Fire Tower for spectacular panaromic views of the area.
Otto the Otter, who stands at the shores of a small lake in Grotto Park, is the official mascot of Fergus Falls, MN. Made of concrete and metal, it is roughly 40 feet long and about 15 feet tall. The otter was a project that a shop teacher and his students from Fergus Falls High School completed in 1972, and was given to the city as a gift for the centennial celebration. A local metal artist had to step in and save the project after the students’ rendering was not up to par.
Split Rock Lighthouse operates within the confines of a State Park, and tours are offered by the Minnesota Historical Society. There is a separate entry fee, but if you visit in warmer months, you can climb up inside the tower and marvel at the gigantic lens that was once used (below), as well as hear the fog signal sounded (loud) and tour the watchman’s quarters.
There are many vantage points of the lighthouse and the surrounding Sawtooth Mountains and Lake Superior in this state park as well as hiking trails and camping. Below are a few photos from park in different seasons.
Split Rock will continue to be a mainstay of Minnesota’s highly touted attractions, as well as an icon of Lake Superior and the wild and scenic North Shore. Go see it.
4. Queens Bluff viewed from Highway 61 near Winona. It’s pretty tough to make the call on the best view of the bluffs in southeastern Minnesota’s bluff country. But this one, Queen’s Bluff, really jumped out at me when I first saw it. This unique, beautiful bluff is underrated when in the company of the popular Barn Bluff and Sugar Loaf Bluff.
3. St. Croix River seen from Highway 8 near Taylor’s Falls. Only about 45 minutes from the Twin Cities is one of the most gorgeous areas of the whole state, Taylor’s Falls. The rocky “Dalles of the St. Croix” showcase the dramatic cliff faces that edge out the river valley and are viewed right off the highway. Check into the state park, (I prefer the Wisconsin side) for more incredible sights.
Blue Earth, MN sits in the middle of Minnesota right along the southern edge. It is the mid-point of Interstate 90, which runs from Seattle to Boston. Here they decided to put up a 50-foot tall Jolly Green Giant statue, which reportedly draws in 10,000 tourists a year. There is also a small statue of “Sprout,” the Giant’s sidekick, and a Green Giant Museum.
North of Blue Earth on HWY 169 in the Minnesota River Valley is another Jolly Green Giant. This one is part of a sign and has been there as long as I can remember. The Minnesota Valley Canning Company was started in 1903 here in Le Sueur, MN and was later bought by Minnesota-based General Mills.This one is tough to get a picture of, as it is only visible from the Highway and there really isn’t anywhere to pull over here. Good luck!
