Ripley Esker shapes the landscape not only through its form: the approximately 11-kilometer-long esker rises 3 to 18 meters above the surrounding plain. Small lakes and depressions flank it on both sides. Its rock material also tells a story of its own. The sands and gravels come from the Lake Superior Basin and contain reddish volcanic and sedimentary rocks, as well as Lake Superior agate. Here, you can explore both the landform and its material—from the course of the esker to the different rocks it is made of.

Landscape and Trails

Lake Alexander Preserve offers a different natural highlight. It lies within a 180,000-acre mosaic of mixed oak forest, wetlands, ponds, and stands of red and white pine. In Little Falls, Charles A. Lindbergh State Park sits along the Mississippi River and has hiking and cross-country skiing trails. The combination of a riverside setting and two different types of trails makes the park appealing to visitors who want to experience nature at different times of year.

Trails and water access each offer their own highlights. The paved Soo Line Recreational Trail – West begins at U.S. Highway 10 and heads west to the boundary between Morrison County and Stearns County. Check trail conditions and possible closures before setting out. Blanchard Dam is on the Soo Line Bike & Snowmobile Trail, about five miles west of U.S. Highway 10. The hydroelectric plant opened in 1925. Check current information about the route and access before using this trail.

Green Prairie Fish Lake has a public swimming beach with picnic shelters, with a public water access point right next to it. The beach and water access are side by side, while Ripley Esker offers a very different view of the landscape. If you would rather focus on a short riverside walk during your visit, McGonagle Nature Park in Royalton has a 0.25-mile hiking trail along the Platte River.

Art, Local History, and Archaeological Traces

In Little Falls, two large, colorful public murals by Frank Gosiak depict the logging era and the city’s Main Street in the early 20th century. The public artwork “Beginnings” tells the story of Central Minnesota. Together, the subjects range from a specific era and street to a broader historical perspective on the region.

The Charles A. Weyerhaeuser Memorial Museum in Little Falls is operated by and belongs to the Morrison County Historical Society. Another historical institution in the city is the Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum. It presents the stories and contributions of Minnesota residents who served in all branches of the military in peace and war. The museum and its library are currently closed; the archives are open daily by appointment. Check reopening information before your trip.

The Little Elk Heritage Preserve offers a different kind of historical trace: the archaeological site is at the confluence of the Little Elk River and the Mississippi River in Morrison County, Minnesota, and includes the MO20 Fort. The Charles Lindbergh House and Museum in Little Falls, in turn, offers a glimpse of a childhood home: visitors can walk around the grounds and see the house from the outside.

Discoveries in Royalton

Royalton offers more ways to spend time outdoors. Pine Ridge Disc Golf Course is at the southern edge of the high school athletic fields, near a row of pine trees. The Splash Park has a water play area and play equipment. As a seasonal attraction, its operating period may change, so check the hours before your visit. In general, Royalton’s parks are open from sunrise to sunset and are accessible to the public.

Whether you’re interested in the geological formation of Ripley Esker, the Mississippi landscape, historical art, or trails and parks, these places offer a range of subjects rather than one fixed sightseeing itinerary. Choose the highlights that suit your stay, and observe the stated conditions for seasonal attractions, closed facilities, and trails.

Discover more destinations: Little Falls, Motley, Itasca County, Todd County, Rock, Winona County, Pine County, Brown County.

For the main travel overview: Minnesota.