Traverse des Sioux lies along the lower Minnesota River. The Treaty of Traverse des Sioux was signed here in 1851 between the U.S. government and the Dakota. This site adds a historical note to a trip through Nicollet County. Further discoveries range from riverbanks and trails to a college arboretum and a historic general store.
Trails, Riverbanks and Scenic Views
7 Mile Creek Park has multi-use trails and a boat landing with access to the Minnesota River. Riverside Park focuses more on the riverbank: its shoreline stretches for nearly 2,000 feet along the Minnesota River and its associated backwaters. Several miles of trails there are used for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. This offers different points of reference for planning an outing: river access at 7 Mile Creek Park and a long shoreline with a variety of trail activities at Riverside Park.
Minnemishinona Falls is a scenic viewpoint on Judson Bottom Road. It is open from sunrise to sunset. Since access conditions can change, check them before your visit. The site provides clear guidance on timing an outing, while the viewpoint itself draws attention to the landscape.
Arboretum, Forest and Wetlands
The Gustavus Adolphus College Arboretum brings together conifer forest, tallgrass prairie, deciduous forest, formal gardens and hardy trees from around the world. More than 2.5 miles of trails are available for walking, biking and running. The arboretum is open year-round during daylight hours; admission to the outdoor grounds is free, and donations are welcome. The Melva Lind Interpretive Center houses several exhibits. A visit can therefore combine natural areas, trails and exhibits as different ways to experience the arboretum.
McGill Park Nature Area has walking trails through an urban forest. Swan Lake, by contrast, draws attention to birdlife: the lake is considered a hotspot, and shallow wetlands and marshes in the nearby Swan Lake State Wildlife Management Area are close by. Water levels and bird populations vary seasonally. If you are interested in this natural area, keep these seasonal changes in mind when planning your visit.
History in Buildings and Landscapes
The E. St. Julien Cox House was built in 1871 by Eugene St. Julien Cox and his wife, Mariah (Mayhew) Cox. It is considered an outstanding example of a Carpenter Gothic-Italianate cottage. In 1971, the house reopened to the public as a historic house museum. Its construction date, the names of its builders and its architectural classification offer several historical points of interest.
McGill Park also preserves a connection to the past: the park follows the former route of the Chicago and Northwestern Railway. A trail along Church Street lies on the original rail bed. In this way, the area's former use is evident not only in a building but also in the landscape.
Harkin Store is an authentic 1870s general store. Visitors can explore the buildings from the outside on a self-guided tour, including the attached residence. The store interior is currently closed, but the grounds remain open daily. Check current access conditions before you travel.
The Nicollet County Fair
The Nicollet County Fair dates back to 1871. Its offerings include agricultural, horticultural and historical competitive exhibits, as well as a variety of community entertainment. Food stands are also a specific part of the fair: there are many of them, including the popular 4-H food stand, which also serves breakfast. If you include the fair in your travel plans, check the dates in advance.
Discover More Destinations
St Peter, Blue Earth County, Todd County, Scott, Morrison, Chickasaw County, Kanabec County, Itasca County
For the broader travel overview: Minnesota.
