Images from Pipestone National Monument and Blue Mounds State Park, Minnesota

Anytime I am heading to the West on I-90, I always make time for Pipestone NM and Blue Mounds SP, both just a short drive north from the interstate. In a couple of hours, I can hike through tall grasses (and bison!) to an old quartzite quarry site at Blue Mounds, then visit an active Native American quarry site (for red pipestone rock used in the making of ceremonial pipes) and see a wonderful, historical waterfall. And, if you are a fan of the Ken Burns’ documentary The War (about WWII), you will recognize (and drive through) the town of Luverne, featured prominently because of hometown hero Quentin C. Aanenson, a much-decorated fighter pilot whose poignant letters and diary help bring history of the war to life.

Three bison were reintroduced at Blue Mounds in 1961; nearly a 100 are here now.
View into the Blue Mounds quarry site. And, no, we didn’t follow these instructions.
My niece enjoying Winnewissa Falls on the Circle Trail at Pipestone NM
In 1838, Joseph Nicollet surveyed the area and left this graffiti near the falls.
We found this pleasant snapping turtle hanging out on the trail.
Another nice view of the falls