Escape To Winnewissa Falls For A Beautiful Minnesota Nature Scene
By Betsy Rathburn|Published February 24, 2021
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Betsy Rathburn
Author
Betsy is a Minneapolis-based writer who's lived in Minnesota for 20 years. If you know of any amazing Minnesota restaurants, nature areas, or other attractions, feel free to let her know about them at brathburn@onlyinyourstate.com or on Twitter @betsyrathburn.
Here in Minnesota, beautiful landscapes are easy to find. You don’t have to search hard to see a gorgeous forest, lake, river, or prairie. Of course, you can’t forget the attractions that are arguably Minnesota’s most popular nature destinations: its waterfalls. They’re scattered all across the state, with many of the most famous along the North Shore. These are all well worth visiting, but the waterfall we’d like to focus on today is in the opposite corner of the state. Head on down to southwestern Minnesota to feast your eyes on a beautiful Minnesota nature scene at Winnewissa Falls.
Winnewissa Falls is at Pipestone National Monument, a 282-acre park in the southwestern Minnesota town of Pipestone. It's about 200 miles southwest of Minneapolis. The park preserves pipestone quarries sacred to many Native American tribes.
In addition to the quarries, there are many interesting things to see at the park. For example, three enormous boulders left by glaciers - called the Three Maidens - stand near the entrance.
Beyond the entrance, the 3/4-mile Circle Trail gives visitors a glimpse of the incredible pink quartzite that rises from the prairie in this park. There are many interesting formations along the way.
As you walk, you'll soon hear the rushing waters of Pipestone Creek as it tumbles over the rock. Though Winnewissa Falls is small - about 20 feet tall - it is a remarkable sight.
As you leave the waterfall, you'll walk along the gorgeous, rock-strewn Pipestone Creek. There is a lot to see at Pipestone National Monument. Everywhere you look, you'll find another wonderful nature scene!