Gneiss Outcrops SNA
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Gneiss Outcrops SNA
County Road 40Granite Falls, MN 56241
From Granite Falls, 1.5 miles E on MN Hwy 212, then 2.75 miles S on Co Rd 40, then about 0.1 mile W on 170th St SE. Park on N road shoulder.
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The Gneiss Outcrops, formed approximately 3.6 billion years ago, are among the oldest known rock on the earth's surface. This SNA's significance steadily increases as other outcrops along the Minnesota River are exploited for granite mining, housing, and recreational use. These pyramidal outcrops along the Glacial River Warren Valley rise to about 50 feet above the general level of the land, revealing parallel bands of gneiss.
Explore the outcroppings in early July to see the yellow blossoms of the plains prickly pear cacti and smaller brittle cacti anchored in the crevices between lichen-covered rocks. Take in the splendid views across the river valley, or find a ledge to rest above the lake, and consider the workings of time.
This site has no maintained trails or other recreational facilities. The Minnesota River Water Trail is adjacent to this site.
Rates
Free