The Vast Prairie That May Just Be The Most Peaceful Place In Minnesota
By Betsy Rathburn|Published July 29, 2017
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Betsy Rathburn
Author
Betsy is a Minneapolis-based writer who's lived in Minnesota for 20 years. If you know of any amazing Minnesota restaurants, nature areas, or other attractions, feel free to let her know about them at brathburn@onlyinyourstate.com or on Twitter @betsyrathburn.
In a state like Minnesota, we have hundreds – if not thousands – of beautiful scenic wonders. The lesser known of these wonders make incredible spots for getting away from it all. In southwestern Minnesota, a vast prairie may be the most peaceful place in the entire state.
Touch the Sky Prairie is located just northwest of the small town of Luverne.
The prairie is easily accessed by heading north from Luverne on Highway 75. Then, follow signs for Touch the Sky Prairie. They will take you along a remote, farm-lined country road to a parking lot and walking trail.
In 1999, Jim and Judy Brandenberg opened a gallery whose profits would go towards the preservation of prairies in the southwestern corner of the state.
Just a few years later, a Fish and Wildlife Service employee visited the gallery. That employee inspired to help facilitate the purchase of more than 350 acres of land for preservation. By the following year, there were over 1,000. Today, the prairie still stands as a reminder of when southwestern Minnesota was completely covered in tallgrass.
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Southwestern Minnesota was once completely covered in native tallgrass.
The grasses stretched across the land as far as they eye could see. Touch the Sky is a small monument to that history. Walking along its paths is like taking a step back in time.
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Because fences, non-native trees, and other structures have been removed, the prairie is largely untouched.
Every year, a path is mowed through the grass for guests to walk along. Besides he grass, it winds through the grasses and past some of the Sioux quartzite that is common in this part of Minnesota.
Despite its history, Touch the Sky offers a more modern view as well.
Betsy Rathburn/Only In Your State
In the distance, you can see dozens of wind turbines spinning in the wind. It's a view unique to southern Minnesota, and it offers a quiet beauty all its own.
But don't think that all you will see is grass.
Betsy Rathburn/Only In Your State
During rainy times, vernal pools crop up along the trail. These offer temporary homes to insects and small animals. When they are present, there are often informative tours to educate visitors about the phenomenon.
The flat landscape makes it possible to see for 20 miles in every direction. But grass isn't all you'll see.
Among the grasses, you might be lucky enough to see colorful wildflowers that grow here every spring and summer. In 2009, the endangered western prairie fringed orchid was found in the prairie.
In Minnesota it should come as no surprise that even the prairie has a small waterfall. At the end of a 1.3-mile trail, a small creek trickles over the quartzite rocks. This is a truly peaceful place that anyone looking for solitude will enjoy.
Touch the Sky Prairie is a vast swath of beauty in southwestern Minnesota. Between the tallgrass, wildflowers, wind turbines, and waterfall, it is definitely worth the drive. Have you ever been there? Let us know what you thought in the comments below!
