Most people don’t realize that the Land of 10,000 Lakes is home to many other natural features. There are forests, prairies, and tall cliffs, which just about everyone can appreciate for the beauty they bring to our state. But did you know Minnesota is also home to a much less common landform? Just outside of the Twin Cities, there’s a 237-acre devoted to preserving a region of sand dunes. You can visit at Grey Cloud Dunes Scientific and Natural Area. There, you’ll be able to hike to the top of a sand dune to see gorgeous views of the fields and forests below. Here’s what you need to know:

Grey Cloud Dunes Scientific and Nature Area is a 237-acre area in Cottage Grove, Minnesota. It's just 25 miles southwest of Minneapolis, so it's within easy access of the Twin Cities metro area.
Sophie Morris/Google
The area is made up of windswept dunes that formed thousands of years ago. The sandy dunes are covered in prairie, though you can still easily see the sand as you walk the trails.
Brett Whaley/Flickr
As you walk, you'll be struck by how open this area is compared to other places nearby. It is the largest prairie system within the Twin Cities metro. The wide-open prairie is unlike anything else in the area.
Brett Whaley/Flickr

Related Stories

Hiking The Cannon Valley Trail In Minnesota Is Like Entering A Fairytale

Hiking The Cannon Valley Trail In Minnesota Is Like Entering A Fairytale

 Hike Through Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge For The Chance To See Minnesota Animals Up Close

Hike Through Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge For The Chance To See Minnesota Animals Up Close

 Hike The Pike Island Loop In St. Paul, Minnesota, To Get Out In Nature Without Leaving The City

Hike The Pike Island Loop In St. Paul, Minnesota, To Get Out In Nature Without Leaving The City
Many native plants grow on the dunes. The prairie grasses and wildflowers attract birds, snakes, insects, and many other species.
Nathaniel Chew/Google
On a summer day, you could spend hours on the dunes taking in the quiet beauty of this Minnesota prairie.
Brett Whaley/Flickr
When you reach the top of the dunes - which rise about 100 feet over the ground - you'll have a beautiful view of the fields and forests spread out below. You'll even catch a glimpse of the Mississippi River in the distance.
David Minor/Google
All in all, this little-known scientific and natural area is a great place to see a landform rare in Minnesota. It's also a beautiful spot to take a walk and get some peace and quiet.
Christa Byler/Google

Have you ever visited Grey Cloud Dunes? What are your other favorite places to go for a quiet walk in Minnesota? Let us know in the comments!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Minnesota

Featured Addresses
113th St S, Cottage Grove, MN 55016, USA