Minnesota officially joined the United States in 1858, making our state more than 160 years old. But of course, Minnesota’s history stretches far past the 19th century. People have lived on this land for millennia, and if you look closely, you’ll find signs of the presence everywhere.
One place, in particular, a huge section of rock in southern Minnesota, is a fantastic place to visit and learn about Minnesota’s long history. Though this spot has been studied for decades, it is still a mystery to archaeologists. Read on below to learn more about Jeffers Petroglyphs, the 23-mile rock outcrop that baffles archaeologists to this day:
Jeffers Petroglyphs is a fascinating destination in Comfrey, Minnesota. It’s about 140 miles southwest of Minneapolis or 35 miles south of Redwood Falls.
Steven Joswiak/Google
When you arrive, you won’t see much at first. This part of Minnesota is mostly flat and covered with farmland and vast, grassy fields. The visitor’s center is the only nearby structure that stands out over the prairie.
Adam Niosi/Google
From the visitor’s center, a trail leads to the main attraction of this quietly beautiful place: a 23-mile outcrop of pink quartzite that stretches into two Minnesota counties. The exposed section is smaller, covering several thousand square feet.
minnemom/Flickr
The rock in and of itself is interesting. It’s unlike anything else in the area, a strange interruption in the otherwise vast, empty prairie.
Steven Joswiak/Google
Besides being geologically interesting, the outcrop also has immense historic value. It’s covered in more than 4,000 petroglyphs, or rock carvings, created by native peoples.
bhs128/Flickr
Some were made by the Dakota people, with many of the petroglyphs depicting motifs that appear in other Dakota art. Carvings of animals, people, and other symbols cover the rock.
Mark Kaletka/Google
Other petroglyphs are thought to be much older, with some that may be up to 7,000 years old. In other words, they may have been carved around 5000 BCE.
Scott Fillman/Google
Evidence of more recent visitors also covers the petroglyphs. There are deep marks from wagon wheels that once traveled over the area!
Trina Koning/Google
Though we may not know who exactly carved the earliest petroglyphs, we can still make guesses about them. Archaeological studies of the petroglyphs showed that those who carved them had a deep understanding of math, astronomy, and medicine.
minnemom/Flickr
All in all, this unusual site is an amazing place to learn about the history of Minnesota’s first people. We highly recommend a visit to anyone with an interest in history or archaeology! For more information about Jeffers Petroglyphs, including history, hours, and admission prices, visit the Minnesota Historical Society website.
Steven Joswiak/Google
Adam Niosi/Google
minnemom/Flickr
bhs128/Flickr
Mark Kaletka/Google
Scott Fillman/Google
Trina Koning/Google
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Address: Jeffers Petroglyphs, 27160 Co Rd 2, Comfrey, MN 56019, USA
