The Three Maidens

The Three Maidens are treated with reverence by many people. Please do not climb on them!

N. Barber

Quick Facts

Location:

Along the entrance road to the Monument near a pond and picnic area.

Significance:

Understood by many people to be guardians of the quarries. Offerings have been (and still are) left here by quarriers prior to entering the site to work. Please be respectful and do not climb on the boulders.

Amenities

11 listed

Audio Description, Benches/Seating, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Parking - Auto, Picnic Shelter/Pavilion, Picnic Table, Restroom, Restroom - Seasonal, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Toilet - Flush, Trash/Litter Receptacles

Along the entrance road to the park, you’ll see huge boulders near a pond. These rocks are made of granite, for which there is no nearby source. They were carried here (likely as one large boulder) from further north by a glacier and left behind when the ice melted. Rocks like this are called ‘erratics.’  

There are several different Indigenous traditions regarding the Three Maidens. Whether the Maidens hid in the rocks from violence, natural disaster, or were granted permission from the Great Spirit to stay at the quarries, the result is a sacred space where the Maidens act as caretakers or guardians of the quarries. Many American Indians leave offerings at the Three Maidens when they visit the quarries. Please be respectful of the reverence surrounding the Three Maidens by maintaining your distance and not disturbing any offerings left for them.

Please DO NOT CLIMB on the Three Maidens