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Blue Mounds State Park, just north of Luverne in western Minnesota, is so named because of the blue color of the cliffs when viewed from the East in the late afternoon. Sioux hunting parties used to herd buffalo over these cliffs.
Blue Mounds State Park features a 100-foot Sioux quartzite cliff which stands out against the surrounding plains. Sioux quartzite is a red, pink and violet colored stone. The color comes from iron compounds coating the sand grains that make up the Sioux quartzite. Varying amounts of iron cause the variety of colors seen.
At Blue Mounds State Park I saw my first bison herd grazing on the prairie. Along with the prairie grasses and wildflowers there were prickly pear cacti blooming and many birds and butterflies. The tall prairie grass makes moving waves as the wind blows and the fragrance of wildflowers fills the air.
Blue Mounds State Park has two small lakes, Upper Mound Lake and Lower Mound Lake. I kayaked on Lower Mound Lake which has a small sandy beach for launching. Lower Mound Lake is completely surrounded by prairie grass. When I visited a strong wind was blowing and a very hot sun was shining down on the prairie. There were extremely friendly staff at the visitor center who pointed out the Bison herd viewing area, and advised taking lots of water with me on the Bison herd trail.
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