Minnesota gained statehood and officially became part of the United States in 1858. But we all know that its history goes back much further. Before any European settlers ever arrived, this land was home to native people who left their mark in beautiful and fascinating ways. From the Indian burial mounds in St. Paul to Jeffers Petroglyphs in Comfrey, Minnesota is home to a host of interesting spots that tell the nearly forgotten history of the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Read on to learn about one of the most mysterious:

If you've ever heard of Hegman Lake, you probably know that it's actually two large lakes found in Minnesota's Boundary Waters. North and South Hegman Lake are popular canoeing destinations.
briandjan607/Flickr
Part of their popularity comes from a series of vibrant drawings found on one of the cliffs bordering the lake.
Etphonehome/Wikimedia Commons
These drawings — called the Hegman Lake Pictographs — are of unknown origin. No one knows when they were created, but some experts estimate their age to be upwards of 500 years old.
River Wanderer/Flickr

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It's also unclear who created these images. Any trace of the artist has vanished from history. But it was likely one of the Native American people who lived here many years ago.
Transguyjay/Flickr
The tribe from which this person came may have completely vanished. It is not known for sure.
Nils Dybvig/Flickr
Regardless, modern can easily visit the pictographs by canoe. Because the drawings are on a rock, this is perhaps the easiest way to see them.
Transguyjay/Flickr
If you're feeling adventurous, hiking across the frozen lake is another option. Either way, these fascinating reminders of an ancient time are not to be missed.
Nils Dybvig/Flickr

Have you visited the Hegman Lake Pictographs? Let us know in the comments below!

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