Jasper MinnesotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Jasper, Minnesota.
1. Split Rock Creek State Park
NATURE AND RECREATION HAVEN
Split Rock Creek State Park offers visitors a serene natural setting with nice hiking paths along the creek and dam area. The park features camping facilities, a swimming beach, and opportunities for fishing and water recreation. Families particularly enjoy the kid-friendly atmosphere and wildlife observation opportunities in this smaller but charming state park.
2. Jasper Historical Museum & Christiansen House
LOCAL HERITAGE PRESERVED
The Jasper Historical Museum & Christiansen House preserves the rich history of Jasper and surrounding areas through its thoughtfully curated exhibits. Visitors can explore artifacts and displays that tell the story of the region's development and cultural heritage. The museum provides an educational glimpse into the past of this small Minnesota community.
3. Terry Rodman Windmill Farm
UNIQUE WINDMILL COLLECTION
Terry Rodman Windmill Farm features an impressive collection of windmills that create a striking visual display against the Minnesota sky. Visitors can marvel at these mechanical wonders and learn about their historical significance and operation. This unique attraction offers excellent photography opportunities and a fascinating glimpse into wind-powered technology.
4. L.G. Everist Inc - Jasper Quarry
HISTORIC STONE INDUSTRY
The Jasper Quarry, operated by L.G. Everist Inc, represents a significant part of the region's industrial heritage known for its distinctive pink quartzite stone. Visitors can observe the quarrying operations and learn about the process of extracting this beautiful natural building material. The distinctive Jasper stone from this quarry has been used in buildings and monuments throughout the Midwest.
5. Jasper Memorabilia
LOCAL SOUVENIRS AND GIFTS
Jasper Memorabilia offers visitors a charming selection of local souvenirs, gifts, and mementos to commemorate their visit to the area. The shop features items that celebrate the town's heritage and natural attractions, including products made from the region's famous quartzite stone. Tourists appreciate the opportunity to take home a piece of Jasper's unique character and history.
6. Touch the Sky Prairie
PRISTINE TALLGRASS PRAIRIE
Touch the Sky Prairie presents visitors with the opportunity to experience one of the few remaining tallgrass prairie landscapes in Minnesota. This preserved natural area offers miles of hiking trails through native grasses and wildflowers, providing exceptional bird watching and wildlife viewing opportunities. The rolling hills and vast open spaces give visitors a sense of what the Minnesota landscape looked like before European settlement.
7. Devil's Gulch
DRAMATIC NATURAL FORMATION
Devil's Gulch is a dramatic natural gorge featuring steep rock walls and a narrow chasm famously known as the spot where outlaw Jesse James made a legendary horseback jump to escape pursuers. Visitors can explore hiking trails that offer spectacular views of the gorge and surrounding Split Rock Creek. The park area includes picnic facilities and interpretive signs explaining the geological and historical significance of this impressive natural formation.
8. Pipestone National Monument
SACRED NATIVE AMERICAN SITE
Pipestone National Monument protects the historic quarries where Native Americans have extracted red pipestone (catlinite) for ceremonial pipes for generations. Visitors can walk the Circle Trail through tallgrass prairie to view the quarries, Winnewissa Falls, and impressive rock formations. The site's visitor center features demonstrations by Native American craftspeople who continue the traditional art of pipe making.
9. Keepers of the Sacred Tradition of Pipemakers
LIVING CULTURAL HERITAGE
Keepers of the Sacred Tradition of Pipemakers showcases the world's largest ceremonial pipe and offers authentic Native American cultural presentations and workshops. Visitors can observe skilled artisans creating traditional pipestone carvings and learn about their spiritual and cultural significance. The center also sells authentic Native American crafts including pipestone pipes, leather bags, beads, and carving supplies.
10. Pipestone Farmers Market
LOCAL FLAVORS AND CRAFTS
The Pipestone Farmers Market brings together local farmers, bakers, and artisans offering fresh produce and homemade goods in a community-centered setting. Visitors can sample and purchase freshly harvested vegetables, fruits, baked goods, jams, and handcrafted items directly from the producers. The market provides a wonderful opportunity to experience the local food culture and support the regional agricultural economy.
11. Blue Mounds State Park
BISON AND QUARTZITE CLIFFS
Blue Mounds State Park features dramatic 100-foot pink quartzite cliffs and maintains a herd of American bison in a natural prairie setting. Visitors can hike along the cliff tops for spectacular views, explore over 13 miles of trails, and observe the bison herd from designated viewing areas. The park also protects rare prairie plants and animals, including prickly pear cactus and unique species of butterflies.
12. Palisades State Park
STRIKING ROCK FORMATIONS
Palisades State Park offers visitors stunning views of unique Sioux quartzite formations that rise dramatically from the banks of Split Rock Creek. Rock climbers and photographers are drawn to the park's vertical cliffs, balanced rocks, and scenic overlooks that provide spectacular vistas. Hiking trails wind through the park, allowing visitors to explore its natural beauty up close while picnic areas and camping facilities make it perfect for day trips or overnight stays.
13. Pipestone County Museum
REGIONAL HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Pipestone County Museum, housed in a historic 1896 building, presents comprehensive exhibits on the region's natural and cultural history. Visitors can explore displays featuring Native American artifacts, pioneer life, local industries, and the region's unique geological features. The museum's collection includes historical photographs, documents, and objects that tell the story of Pipestone County's development and the diverse communities that have called it home.
14. Pipestone Creek Golf Course
SCENIC PRAIRIE GOLFING
Pipestone Creek Golf Course offers golfers a pleasantly challenging 9-hole experience set among the rolling prairie landscape of southwestern Minnesota. The well-maintained course features tree-lined fairways, strategic water hazards, and scenic views that showcase the natural beauty of the region. Visitors appreciate the friendly atmosphere, reasonable rates, and the clubhouse facilities that provide refreshments after a round on the links.
15. Falls Park
STUNNING URBAN WATERFALL
Falls Park showcases the natural beauty of the Big Sioux River as it cascades over a series of pink quartzite formations in the heart of Sioux Falls. Visitors can explore over 123 acres of parkland featuring viewing platforms, walking trails, and a five-story observation tower that provides panoramic views of the falls and city skyline. The park's historic buildings include the remains of the Queen Bee Mill, which has been converted into an informative visitor center highlighting the area's natural and cultural history.