ヘネピン郡の天然記念物・トップ15

At ground level where Minnehaha Creek meets the Mississippi River, the layer of rock you see is known as the St. Peter Sandstone. This rock formation is renowned for its "dazzling white" appearance—often likened to sugar because it is nearly 99% pure quartz—yet in the Mississippi River gorge, it often appears in vivid shades of yellow, orange, and rusty red. The vivid coloration you observe is not the inherent color of the sand but rather the effect of iron oxide (limonite) staining, which occurs through two distinct steps: Leaching: Water filters down through the overlying Platteville Limestone and Glenwood Shale, both of which contain iron-rich minerals. Oxidation: This mineral-laden water permeates the porous St. Peter Sandstone. As the dissolved iron is exposed at the cliff face or ground surface, it oxidizes (effectively "rusts"), coating the originally white quartz grains and producing the yellow and orange hues.

Nice place tucked away off a church parking lot.

When waters run high, this 53-foot-tall waterfall turns into a thundering cataract. There are picnic tables up top, and a trail that takes you down to nice views of the falls from below. It's well worth parking your bike to spend some time here.

This is the second-oldest public rose garden in the United States, showcasing a hundred different types of roses and some 3,000 plants in all.

Wolsfeld Woods was one of Minnesota's earliest Scientific and Natural Areas, established in 1978. It boasts some of the state's largest sugar maple trees, with Wolsfeld Lake enhancing the northwest corner. Be sure to keep an eye out for the diverse wildlife that frequents this area.

This artesian well is bubbling to the surface under the pressure of the underlying aquifer. This artesian well is listed in the 2006 Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area Management Plan as a cultural resource in and near the Minnesota River valley that needs protection.

North Mississippi Regional Park is a long-reaching park along the Mississippi River. There are bike paths that travel the length of the park and offer great views of the river, bridges, islands, and dense woods. If you hop off your bike and sit by the riverside, you may just encounter some of the park's beaver population or spot some unique birds.

This small wooden bridge crosses the Minnehaha Creek, offering a unique viewing opportunity as it marks the point where the Minnehaha Creek meets the Mississippi River.