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Mississippi National River and Recreation AreaThe Mississippi River reflects its wooded shorelines through the metropolitan Twin Cities area.
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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:

 
 
Coon Rapids Dam  

Did You Know?
Over 600 men worked around the clock using hand tools, horses and coal powered shovels to build the original Coon Rapids Dam in 1913. The dam was rebuilt between 1995 and 1997.

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