By the Shores of Gitche-Gumee

      Today was one of those days when Minnesotans nod their heads in agreement about days like this being why they live in Minnesota! It was a gorgeous day!  Temperatures about 77 degrees, gentle breezes, white, puffy clouds floating lazily by and simply a wonderful day to get outside and enjoy life..

     We took time today to visit what is perhaps the most famous landmark in the Twin Cities area; Minnehaha Falls. The falls is located in south Minneapolis, about one mile from the Mississippi River.  Minnehaha Falls is fed by Minnehaha Creek.  The creek begins its journey to the falls at Lake Minnetonka, about 30 miles west of Minneapolis.  Along the way, the creek flows through a continuous park in south Minneapolis.  Those of us who had the good fortune of growing up anywhere near the "crick" have fond memories of summer adventures, swimming and tire swings.  The "crick" was a magical place as young children, as young adults and remains thus today.

    As one nears the falls, the famous statue of Hiawatha and Minnehaha stands on a small island in the middle of the creek.

Statue of Hiawatha and Minnehaha

 in background

About a 100 yards later, the creek flows over the 53 foot drop to the valley below in a beautiful cascade.  I've seen times when the falls was only a trickle, but not today as the recent rains provide a powerful, rushing torrent of water.

Another view

 Minnehaha Falls














Below the falls, the creek continues its travel approximately one mile to the the point below the Ford Bridge and Dam on the Mississippi River.

Ford Bridge and Dam on the Mississippi

We explored a little further south and east on the Mississippi today in searching out the Grey Cloud Sand Dunes Science and Nature Area in Cottage Grove, MN.  The sand dunes are rolling hills of old time prairie, rare today in the onslaught of urban sprawl. 

Grey Cloud Sand Dune SNA

Today was a magical day and one we are all blessed to have enjoyed!