ライス郡の天然記念物・トップ5

The Cannon River Trout Lily Scientific and Natural Area shelters one of the largest populations of the endangered Minnesota dwarf trout lily, a delicate flower that blooms in early spring. This species is Minnesota’s only endemic flowering plant, found naturally nowhere else but in three southeastern Minnesota counties—Rice, Goodhue, and Steele—within the Straight and Cannon River watersheds. The dwarf trout lily, first discovered in 1870 by botany instructor Mary B. Hedges near Faribault, has a notably brief life cycle. Classified as a spring ephemeral, it sprouts, flowers, and produces food in early spring before its leaves fade by early summer as the forest canopy fills in. The plant primarily spreads asexually through offshoots, which is reflected in its scientific name, Erythronium propullans. Only rarely does it produce fertile seeds, relying on cross-pollination with the common white trout lily when it does, making its continued survival uncertain.

One of those rocks that got hauled around by a glacier and dropped off here, with enough authority to crack it I guess.

The falls is often dry during the summer, but it was fun to see it frozen in the winter on a cold day after some warm days.

I am fascinated by the geology and the poetic and metaphorical possibilities suggested by the merging waters of two watersheds. It was worth highlighting. Now, it’s up to me to generate the metaphors and poetic thoughts inspired by this highlight. The majestic Bald Eagle presiding over the confluence of the two rivers strikes me as poetic.

A long-time volunteer at the River Bend Nature Center informed me that during the summer months, this stream is barely a trickle, if it flows at all. It’s an amazing trick of nature how this small trickle can appear to be a massive waterfall. I thought it was well worth a highlight.

Great to see all year round. It is definitely the most busy place in the park, but well worth stopping down to see it. I especially enjoy going there a few times in the winter to see the falls frozen up. I see some nice pictures of it frozen in this collection.

I love this big rock. People like to spray paint on it unfortunately, but this rock kind of reminds me of the one in the Minnesota River Valley area, just walking along and all of a sudden a rock the side of a small school bus is sitting in front of you. This one is even cracked down the middle and you can walk through it.

At this point you have options to go east to take a break in Nerstrand or west to take a hike in Big Woods State Park. There is a nice little cafe in Nerstrand with great cookies.