Jeffers Petroglyphs — Attraction in Windom

As we parked our car, we observed a large American flag flying near the Petroglyphs on private property and a business mining quartz. Reflect on that for awhile. We were informed there was a program that evening where we could take our shoes off and freely walk on the Petroglyphs with guides along the way. Sadly, we observed a rather rambunctious family who were running and goofing around right on the Petroglyphs. The guides did not use it as an opportunity to redirect their behavior and educate them of this sacred place. We observed prayer bundles and no explanation of them. We felt the guides had canned comments and didn't know alot about the site. At one location, the guide pointed out the earliest graffiti on the site. Why was that important at this sacred location? We decided to take a break and walk the loop and return. We were startled to see a grave marker on the trail. The gentleman was a conservationist and was he buried there? No trail maps showed this. We also learned that the boardwalk was built in the 70's over the rocks that they have now discovered have more Petrogylphs. It didn't appear there was a strategic plan to reroute the boardwalk and uncover more Petrogylphs. The guides used bottles of distilled water to enhance the Petroglyphs, and we couldn't help but wonder why the public couldn't buy a bottle and do this themselves for ultimate discovery...

What an incredible experience! My husband and I went, and it was so much fun to see this awesome historical site. Our guide Mary was extremely friendly and helpful, as well as the rest of the staff. Tips for your visit: -Bring a bottle of water. It is not a hard walk, but pull definitely want to bring water, since you’ll be standing in the sun in the middle of rocks! -The best time to go is near to closing, after 5pm would be ideal, but the site closes at that time. Even though the petroglyphs can be difficult to see at midday, the guides are very helpful, and use water and mirrors to show you the petroglyphs. -Wear good walking shoes. I brought sandals, which was fine, but most of the paths are gravel, and they’re much easier to traverse with tennis shoes. -Have fun! At the end, you may get a chance to chuck a spear at a buffauxlo (wordplay intended) I did not hit the buffalo, but my husband came pretty darn close! Enjoy...

What an opportunity! Definitely go if you can! This place is truly unique. It's a great chance to learn about the history of this land, and to be EXACTLY where ancestors were. You get an up close look at some artistry left behind by the Native Americans, left to document, teach, and remember. It's otherworldly to be in such a place. To imagine them there, chiseling. Such effort. Not much lasts these days, to see something so old is refreshing and profound. History is SO important. Do yourself, the past, the ancients, and the future a favor and go check it out!

Also-- clarification: photography of the Petroglyphs themselves is forbidden by the elders, but photography otherwise is just fine. Of course, always double check. It's absolutely a sign of respect to ask, and you're not going to bother them by asking. If anything, they'll thank you. Such a good...