Jeffers Petroglyphs/Red Rock Falls County Park

For far too long, we didn’t go to Jeffers Petroglyphs because we weren’t sure our kids would enjoy it. What a mistake! We had to insist on leaving the night we visited because our kids wanted to stay so much longer. In April, I saw an event that Jeffers Petroglyphs was putting on in collaboration with the Bell Museum. The event was free and included admission into the site. They did a fabulous job drawing kids in and truly teaching everyone.

Not only was the Bell Museum having a presentation, but they also had hands-on activities for the kids and adults. Our kids were able to paint on a galaxy, make their own constellations, and design a diorama of animals in different environments. They also, had free snacks, including cookies, which may or may not have been a major hit with our kids. Within the visitor center, there was a wide variety of materials Native Americans used. Anyone could touch them and look at them up close. Several exhibits kept our kid’s attention and made them start to ask questions about history and culture.

Finally, we ventured outside to the beautiful Petroglyphs. We hit the jackpot on the most beautiful April night that was perfect in the prairie. Just enough breeze and sun that it was exactly what we needed! Our kids loved walking along the stunning prairie, but were most excited for the Petroglyphs. Surprisingly, they could not get enough of them. We easily spent an hour talking to different guides, trying to find petroglyphs on our own, and admiring the beauty of nature all around us. Stories behind the Petroglyphs were really interesting to all of us, including my kids. Before we knew it, we realized how quickly time had escaped us and we begrudgingly started the walk back to the visitor center to do a few other things before heading out. Sadly, this meant we weren’t able to complete the full walk around the outside area at this time.

Before we stopped back in the visitor’s center, we stopped at the atlatl range to practice spear throwing at a bison. This was a major hit with my husband and son! A guide taught them how to throw the spear and they spent a chunk of time trying to hit the bison. When they hit the bison, they got to go into the visitor center and tell them. Then, they were presented with a certificate saying they were a bison hunter! Isn’t that fun?

As the sun was starting to set and we wanted to stop at our next stop, we hurried out after this. Yet, we couldn’t resist pausing to see a large sandbox and an explanation of the three sisters for planting. The three sisters include: corn, beans, and squash. My kids were excited to hear about this as our oldest had recently learned about the three sisters in school and had been eager to share with the family all that he had learned. Again, we could have spent so much more time here than we did. That being said, we were there for at least two hours and it was definitely worth every second.

Here are some more details about Jeffers Petroglyphs:

Address: 27160 County Road 2 Comfrey, MN 56019

Admission: Adults: $10

Seniors (ages 65+), Active military, veterans, college students, and kids (ages 5-17): $8

Ages 4 and under: FREE

Native Americans, MNHS members: FREE

Teachers (with ID): FREE

As the sun set, we drove quickly to see Red Rock Falls County Park. I had heard it was beautiful, but that truly doesn’t give it justice. Just a short distance from Jeffers Petroglyphs, in the middle of a cornfield, there is a gravel road that leads up to a small parking lot. Walking up a tiny grass hill, we were blown away by the view at the top. Beware for those with small or impulsive kids, it is a pretty straight drop off right from the hill. Yet, the stunning red rocks, waterfalls, and peaceful streams before the waterfalls made quite an impression on everyone. There is a very short hike through the prairie. Around every curve, we were eagerly greeted with a small overlook of red rocks onto a stream with waterfall after waterfall. It truly was breath-taking!

Since we were right there at dusk, we got the beauty of the water and the sunset together. These locations always boggle my mind as I’m amazed at the hidden gems that are literally tucked right inside acres upon acres of cornfields. There were picnic tables here and this would make for a stunning picnic spot if you can trust your kids to keep their distance from the cliffs. Also, people who had recommended this location had said in the past, people swam in the bottom of the waterfall. I’m not sure if I would feel comfortable doing that, but if that’s your cup of tea, then you might love it too.

Overall, these two locations are definitely worth a visit! Not only will you leave with a lot of education and a beautiful experience, but both spots do leave big impressions on your memory. We will for sure be back at some point to see the area in a different season and enjoy the gorgeous nature surrounding these locations.

Address for Red Rock Falls County Park: 48771 250th St, Sanborn, MN 56083

Until my next adventure,

Allie