Hiawatha in Minneapolis in Hennepin County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
1–Main Entrance Minnehaha Lower Glen
The lower glen offers interesting and simple lessons in geological, ecological and cultural histories of the area which are inscribed in plaques throughout the glen. Even from this point, the receding of the St. Anthony Falls, up the Mississippi can be read from geological formations.
After glaciation, the Mississippi River was formed with a fall (St. Anthony Falls) near Fort Snelling. During thousands of years this fall moved up the river towards its present location near the Third Avenue Bridge. Also after glaciation, the high land across from you was an island on the Mississippi with a channel on each side. As the St. Anthony Falls moved up the river it split to go around the island. Since the eastern channel was the shortest and had the softest underlying stone, the eastern fall passed the north end of the island before the western falls and robbed all of the water from the western channel. The abandoned western fall lies immediately to your left at the north end of the deer pen area.
Immediately to your right is the spot where Minnehaha Falls existed approximately five thousand years ago. It has receded 500 feet westward since its creation.
Since it is almost a mile to the confluence of the Minnehaha and the Mississippi with a total fall of 115 feet, we recommend a leisurely pace both going and returning.
A great deal of effort has been put forth to retain the natural beauty of the glen so please leave everything as you find it.
Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board – 1969
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Erected 1969 by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. (Marker Number 1.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Natural Features. A significant historical year for this entry is 1969.
Location. 44° 54.92′ N, 93° 12.543′ W. Marker is in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in Hennepin County. It is in Hiawatha. Marker can be reached from South Minnehaha Drive near Godfrey Road. Marker is in Minnehaha Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4801 South Minnehaha Park Drive, Minneapolis MN 55417, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Geology of Minnesota (within shouting distance of this marker); 3 – Master Map (within shouting distance of this marker); Gunnar Wennerberg (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); President Lyndon B. Johnson (about 500 feet away); John Harrington Stevens House (about 500 feet away); Col. John H. Stevens (about 600 feet away); Stevens House (about 600 feet away); Minnehaha Depot (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Minneapolis.
More about this marker. Svenskarnas Dag (Swedish Day), mentioned in the marker, is the Midwest's oldest Midsummer festival, dating back to 1911.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 10, 2011, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,157 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 10, 2011, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 3. submitted on May 21, 2011, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 4. submitted on March 10, 2011, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.