Whether you live in the Bloomington, Minnesota, area or are planning a visit, there are some great things to see in and around the area. Here’s a look at three natural wonders you absolutely must visit.
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Minnehaha Falls
Located within Hidden Falls Regional Park just 12 minutes northeast of Bloomington, you’ll find these historic falls cascading 53 feet through the forest before eventually flowing into the Mississippi River.
In addition to the falls, you can hike one of the many trails through the wilderness. Along the way you can stop and enjoy the sculpture of Hiawatha and Minnehaha. This life-size bronze masterpiece by Jakob Fjelde was inspired by the characters in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s legendary poem “Song of Hiawatha.”
The sculpture is located on a small island in the creek just above the falls. The park draws over a quarter-million people annually, in large part to see this famous work of art.
Your trek will take you by the Chief LIttle Crow mask created by Ed Archie Noisecat. This unique sculpture lets visitors enter the sacred Native American area to gaze at the sky through the eyes of the famous Chief Taoyeteduta or Little Crow.
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Niagra Cave
With all the prairies, rivers, waterfalls, and Lake Superior nearby, it can be forgiven if one forgets about looking underground for a natural wonder. Yet Niagra Cave offers some of the most breathtaking views of caverns carved from the earth by rivers long ago.
Niagra Cave is only 2 hours south of Bloomington and is worth the trip. Bring a light jacket as the temperature in the cave is a consistent 48 degrees. Visitors will enjoy a mile-long hike through caverns 200 feet beneath the surface.
The cave is ranked in the top 10 in the world and for good reason. You’ll see fossils that date back over 450 million years and rock formations that range from delicate to monstrous. All of these treasures are fantastic to gaze upon.
The fun isn’t all below the surface at Niagra Cave. The whole family can come and enjoy the large picnic area and playground, play 18 holes of miniature golf, and even pan for gemstones in their mining exhibit.
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The St. Croix Dalles Interstate Park
This natural wonderland is located in both Minnesota and Wisconsin, just over an hour north of Bloomington. Interstate Park provides a marvelous look at the geological history of the area. Basalt layers formed by lava flows from millions of years ago run nearly 4 miles deep.
Here you can explore the historical geology that points to the sea that once existed here. Fossils of any number of small sea creatures can be found that date back over 500 million years.
Taylors Falls can also be viewed at Interstate Park. This natural waterfall was formed by the melting of the Glacial Lake Duluth when millions of gallons of water cut a ravine from the earth as it flowed into the Glacial St. Croix River.
The rich history of Minnesota has left its beautiful imprint on the land. The next time you feel like getting out and seeing how amazing the world can be, you should visit one of these three natural wonders.
Image courtesy of Minneapolisparks.org
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