Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park near Preston in Fillmore County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Zumbro Hill Cemetery
Photographed by McGhiever, October 4, 2025
1. Zumbro Hill Cemetery Marker
From 1855 to 1899, more than 30 burials were performed at Zumbro Hill Cemetery
The cemetery, accessible by a nearby wagon road, was built on land donated by Major Foster. Of the original headstones, 19 are still legible.
The cemetery reflects beliefs common to its era. Each headstone faces east, toward the rising sun. Because evergreens were considered a symbol of eternal life, white pines are planted near one headstone.
Major J. Foster, about 1858
Major Foster, a member of the first Minnesota State Legislature, is buried at Zumbro Hill Cemetery.
Erected by Minnesota Historical Society and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Cemeteries & Burial Sites. A significant historical year for this entry is 1855.
Location. 43° 39.268′ N, 92° 12.963′ W. Marker is near Preston, Minnesota, in Fillmore County. It is in Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park. It can be reached from the Cemetery Trail half a mile north of the Sugar Camp Hollow Trail. The marker is at the end of the Cemetery Trail. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Preston
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Minnesota and in Greater Rochester. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Corn Belt, and in the Driftless Area Bluff Country. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once Ruperts Land, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Graded School (approx. 0.4 miles away); Forestville Brickyard (approx. 0.4 miles away); Robert Foster House (approx. 0.6 miles away); Brick Schoolhouse (approx. 0.7 miles away); Meighen Store (approx. 0.8 miles away); Historic Forestville (approx. 0.8 miles away); Bridges at Forestville (approx. 0.8 miles away); Meighen Icehouse (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Preston.
Photographed by McGhiever, October 4, 2025
2. Zumbro Hill Cemetery and Marker in Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park
Photographed by McGhiever, October 4, 2025
3. Standing headstones in the Zumbro Hill Cemetery
Credits. This page was last revised on October 18, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 18, 2025, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota. This page has been viewed 68 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 18, 2025, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
