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Historic Sites in Minnesota
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Split Rock Lighthouse
Shipwrecks from a mighty 1905 November gale prompted this rugged
landmark's construction. Completed by the U.S. Lighthouse
Service in 1910, Split Rock Light Station was soon one of
Minnesota's best known landmarks. Restored to its 1920
appearance, the lighthouse offers a glimpse of lighthouse life
in this remote and spectacular setting. Visitors can tour the
lighthouse, fog-signal building and the restored keeper's
dwelling. A history center features an award-winning film,
exhibits and a museum store. For information call: (800)657-3535
The Mille Lacs Indian Museum
The museum offers exhibits dedicated to telling the story of the
Band. Trace their journey to settle in Northern Minnesota, learn
about their fate during the period of treaties made and broken,
and follow their story up to the present. Videos, computer
activities, listening stations and objects reveal information
about the Band's life today, from how dance traditions are
carried on to members' interests in music to sovereignty issues.
For information call: (800)657-3535
Jeffers Petroglyphs
Amid the prairie grasses are islands of uncovered rock, where
American Indians left carving - petroglyphs - of shamans (holy
men), other humans, deer, elk, buffalo, turtles, thunderbirds,
and arrows. They tell a story that spans 5,000 years. The glyphs
serve many functions, including recording important events,
depicting sacred ceremonies, and emphasizing the importance of
animals and hunting. The most common technique of dating the
glyphs is identifying the items depicted, then relating them to
peoples of a particular time period. By this technique, they
appear to range from 3000 B.C. to A.D. 1750. For information
call: (800)657-3535
Historic Fort Snelling
Fort Snelling is Minnesota's oldest military fort. Built on the
bluffs of the Minnesota and Mississippi rivers, the fort offers
a look into life in 1827. The fort's costumed guides conduct
tours, demonstrate crafts, present historical skits and practice
military drill and weapons firings. There is also a visitors
center offering multimedia exhibits. For information call:
(800)657-3535
Pipestone National Monument
Pipestone National Monument occupies the site of the famed
pipestone quarries of Minnesota. American Indians often traveled
as much as a thousand miles by foot and horseback to obtain the
unique stone from which they made their pipes. A widespread
legend among the American Indians that the stone was made from
the flesh and blood of their ancestors accounts for the fact
that it was the object of reverence. The site of the quarry from
which the stone is obtained is considered sacred ground where
all American Indians meet in peace. For information call:
(800)657-3535
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