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Mississippi National River and Recreation AreaKids looking into water for oganisms.
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Mississippi National River and Recreation Area
Grey Cloud Island

Grey Cloud Township

 
 
The Grey Cloud Island lime kiln.
Overview
Grey Cloud Island's Dakota name was Ma-Hpe-Ya Ho-Ta Win after Grey Cloud Woman, who lived in the area in the mid-1800's.

Grey Cloud Island is the site of an historic lime kiln, built around 1846. The kiln was used to burn limestone to make quicklime used in fertilizer, plaster, and mortar. The kiln is located on the east side of Grey Cloud Island and overlooks Grey Cloud Channel, which separates the island from the mainland.

Today, the Grey Cloud Island Kiln is one of few kilns that still remain in the Upper Mississippi region. In Minnesota there is only one other lime kiln that is in the same condition. It is located in Red Wing, MN The Grey Cloud Island Kiln is a stunning example of Minnesota's early industrial history.

The kiln (pictured above) is on private land and so is best seen from a boat or canoe.

Hours: None.

Location: Grey Cloud Island Township

Contact Information: None.

 

 

Related Activities:

 
 
The wide Mississippi River  

Did You Know?
At Lake Onalaska, near LaCrosse Wisconsin, the Mississippi River is about 4 miles wide. Mississippi River water held behind Lock and Dam #7 and water held by damming the Black River form this broad reach of the Mississippi River.

Last Updated: January 16, 2009 at 16:37 EST