The Jeffers Petroglyphs are located in Section 9 of Delton Township in the Cottonwood County portion of the Little Cottonwood River Watershed (map).

This very unique site, maintained by the Minnesota Historical Society, includes Native American rock carvings, stands of both virgin and restored prairie, and unusual geologic features. The ancient petroglyphs (“rock carvings”) were etched into outcrops of 1.75 billion-year-old Sioux Quartzite; the carvings date back 5,000 years. This is the largest group of rock carvings in Minnesota and includes images of bison, rabbit, wolf, turtle, elk, human stick figures, and various weapons (spear points, arrowheads, and lances).

These rock outcrops create mini-climates quite different from the surrounding countryside. Here, precipitation is drained quickly, creating dry conditions where prickly pear cacti and other atypical vegetation thrive. Next