With a national park, 66 state parks, and dozens of other natural areas scattered across the state, Minnesotans are no strangers to spending time in the great outdoors. But there is one corner of the state that gets much less attention than it deserves. Southwestern Minnesota is our window into the prairie, and it is absolutely gorgeous — and totally different from the rest of the state’s landscape. Read on to learn about a nature preserve in Minnesota that feels like traveling far away.

Hole-in-the-Mountain Prairie is a beautiful section of preserved tallgrass prairie in southwestern Minnesota.
ExitNo9/TripAdvisor
It is actually a valley in Buffalo Ridge, a large expanse of rolling hills. The prairie was given its name because it is a break in the hills surrounding it.
Nic McPhee/Flickr
About 60 species of grass grow in the area, as well as plenty of other prairie vegetation.
Justin Meissen/Flickr
Though there are trees, this place is much different from the thick woods of northern Minnesota. There are only about ten tree species in Hole-in-the-Mountain Prairie.
ExitNo9/TripAdvisor

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There are also hundreds of wildflower species here. About 200 different types carpet the hills each summer.
Justin Meissen/Flickr
The wildlife is unique, too. Aside from many types of birds, the prairie is known for its many butterfly inhabitants. For example, the rare Dakota skipper was recently reintroduced to the area.
USFWS Midwest Region/Flickr
From the rolling hills of grass to the endless blue sky, Hole-in-the-Mountain Prairie is absolutely beautiful. Its 1,364-acre expanse is well worth visiting.
ExitNo9/TripAdvisor
The best way to visit is to roll down the windows and enjoy the ride. You'll not regret your visit!
ExitNo9/TripAdvisor

Hole-in-the-Mountain Prairie is a breathtaking place in southwestern Minnesota. Next time you’re in the area, try to make a drive through. You will love the journey through the hilly terrain that is so different from northern Minnesota.

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