Sioux Quartzite Cliffs

The Sioux Quartzite cliffs are one of the more striking natural features of the site.

J. Borden

Quick Facts

Location:

Runs north-south between the two main sides of the trail.

Significance:

Beautiful example Sioux Quartzite outcroppings.

Amenities

1 listed

Wheelchair Accessible

The rock wall along the trail is Sioux Quartzite, which overlies the pipestone. Since the rock layers slope 8° downward from the Visitor Center to these cliffs, the pipestone layer would be ~100 feet underground at this point. Sioux Quartzite outcroppings are found throughout this region of Minnesota and South Dakota. It’s a strong material often used in construction, unlike pipestone, which is much too soft for infrastructure.