While you may not think Minnesota is on the forefront of archaeological discoveries, there are actually several amazing, significant finds in our state that you can see for yourself! Here are some of the awesome archeology sites you can visit to peer into the history of this gorgeous land.
1. Pipestone National Monument is a magnificent site where archaeologists found evidence showing that quarrying of pipestone has occurred for over 3,000 years! It is a sacred American Indian site and pipemaking still continues here today.
3. Mille Lacs Kathio State Park - Petaga Point is the place where possible prehistoric home sites were discovered along with a plethora of stone spear points, stone tools and copper tools.
4. Grand Portage National Monument allows you to learn about this history of the Ojibwe people through the over 120,000 artifacts that were discovered here!
5. Hegman Lake Pictographs are incredibly well-preserved Native American pictographs, on North Hegman Lake in the BWCA. Frequently visited, these pictographs are the most photographed in the Upper Midwest. This spot didn't require digging, but is still worth a look!
These pictures are magnificent, but seeing these monuments in person is so much better! You will feel the history come alive! Not to mention kids love seeing discoveries like these!
From past to present, Minnesota has always had a lot going for it: a fantastic music scene, amazing food, beautiful nature, and authentic people. But there was something particularly special about growing up in Minnesota in the 1980s. Some of these things can never return, but that doesn't mean they don't live on in the memories of those who lived them. Here are 11 things you'll remember about life in Minnesota in the 1980s.
Minnesotans who were around in 1980 will definitely remember the underdog team that went on to win the gold at the Winter Olympics under the legendary Minnesota coach Herb Brooks.
Whether or not they were old enough to vote, Minnesotans remember this election because one of our own was running. Walter Mondale may not have become president, but Minnesota did him proud by being the only state that voted for him.
Mall of America opened in 1992. That means any Minnesotan who grew up in the 80s remembers a time before this behemoth dominated the shopping scene. No Nickelodeon Universe, no aquarium - just normal shopping at normal-sized malls.
This classic movie was a box office smash when it came out in 1984, but Minnesotans who were around then recognized locations in the movie as scenes from their own backyard. For such a quiet state known mostly for its polite people, that was exciting stuff.
Macy's has long since taken the place of Dayton's at the original Minneapolis location, but any Minnesotan who grew up in the 80s remembers shopping at that classic Minnesota department store.
The giant Paul Bunyan statue at Paul Bunyan Land in Brainerd seemed to have omnipotent powers. How else would it know every visitor's name? This theme park is still around, but it's in a different location than it was in the 80s and attendance has gone down. But Minnesotans who grew up in the 80s will always remember it for the busy, quirky park it was back then.
Minnesotans who grew up in the 1980s will remember home-cooked meals, like a plate full of classic tater tot hotdish. This staple has been around forever, and it will never get old.
Some of Valleyfair's oldest rides, like Enterprise and Antique Cars, are gone today. But people who grew up in Minnesota in the 80s - when today's top rides like Wild Thing and Power Tower weren't around - remember them fondly.
The Twins have had their ups and downs over the years, but the 1987 World Series was one of their high points. We'll bet some Minnesotans who were around back then even remember eating from the special edition Wheaties cereal box that featured our hometown team.
Really makes you appreciate your Minnesota roots, doesn't it? Tell us about your memories of life in the 1980s in Minnesota in the comments... did you rock a mohawk at the Uptown McDonald's? Did you see Kirby's homer in game six? Let us know!
The Fascinating Archaeological Discovery That Put This Minnesota Park On The Map
Old Wadena Park in Minnesota is a unique riverfront park with rich cultural and archaeological history, including the site of the 1783 Battle of Partridge River.
A Wadena County park is home to one of the more fascinating archaeological discoveries in Minnesota. The fact that it may be one of the most significant historic places in Minnesota, sets this county park apart from your run-of-the-mill riverfront parks in Minnesota. Come see what makes Old Wadena Park so special.
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At first glance, Old Wadena Park looks a lot like any other riverfront county park in Minnesota, with a picnic shelter, a campground, and hiking trails.
The shelter is new - it was rebuilt, and the park underwent considerable restoration, after an EF-2 tornado tore through it over Memorial Day weekend 2022.
What you don’t see at first is the rich cultural and archaeological history of this land.
Its also situated along the former “Woods” route of the Red River Oxcart Trails, which Voyageurs used to carry furs overland to Lake Winnipeg and on to Hudson Bay.
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This was also where the “Battle of Partridge River” took place in 1783.
There’s even some more modern history to discover in Old Wadena - the Crow Wing River Canoe Trail was the first Resource Conservation and Development project in the United States. So, bring your canoe or kayak when you visit the park to enjoy this historic water trail!
Follow along with YouTuber Where the Cat Goes as she explores more of Old Wadena:
Be sure to pay a visit to the Wadena County Historical Society and Museum - in present-day Wadena - to learn more about Old Wadena, as well as the greater region, its history, and the people who have lived here.
You’ll find more information, including museum hours, on the historical society’s website.
While you're in the area, make sure to visit the 1,400 foot pier at nearby Dower Lake Recreation Area - it's the longest pier in the state of Minnesota. And, as always, before you head out on the trail, make sure you're prepared with everything you need for a day hike. For more information about Old Wadena Park, visit the park’s page on the Wadena County website, and check out its listing on AllTrails Plus.
Have you visited Old Wadena Park? Had you even heard of Old Wadena before? Do you agree it's one of the most fascinating historic discoveries in Minnesota? Let us know in the comments!
