Chimney Rock, The Cannon, and Zumbro River

Chimney Rock, a sandstone rock column located just south of Hastings MN, is the last remaining rock column in Dakota County now since Lone Rock and Castle Rock have eroded away.  In the 1800’s, it was considered a landmark for new settlers in the area.  In 1905, it was described as “the most picturesque and perfect example of columnar rock weathering in Minnesota”.  It wasn’t until 2002 that Dakota county issued a bond to preserve natural areas such as Chimney Rock.  In 2011, the MN DNR purchased 76 acres surrounding Chimney Rock, and now there are signs prohibiting people from bringing their dogs to Chimney Rock for fear of the damage they can cause.  

Chimney Rock is about 30 feet tall, and it’s pretty cool.  It’s also very heavily covered in carvings and spray paint.  I can only assume that this is the reason people are prohibited from bringing dogs here, because there are no signs prohibiting the creativity of “expressionists” (using the word “vandals” is now considered offensive) expressing themselves.  Those darned dogs.

A bit farther down the road, at Cannon Falls cemetery, where a fair number of paternal relatives are buried.  This is a field of artificial poppies on a hill leading to a Civil War memorial. Each of the poppies has a name tag attached to it, however I don’t know the significance of those names.  Perhaps they are veterans who lost their lives during wartime.  I assume this is the case.

This is the memorial to Colonel William Colvill.  He led the First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry in the Civil War, including two very well know battles, Gettysburg and Antietum.  Colvill was there, as were many men from this area.  Colvill and his wife, Jane, are buried here in Cannon Falls.

An actual Civil War cannon, believed to have seen action in the war.  It has been here since 1910.

I don’t know who this guy is/was, but he’s got an 8 foot mural of his image alongside an obviously old building in Mazeppa, so he made an impression on someone.  

Exploring along the Zumbro River

There is beauty, even in the less interesting stretches of SE Minnesota, if you stop to notice.

On a lesser-used trail along the Zumbro River.

The river crossing was closed today.

View of the rolling hills surrounding Dumfries.

Thanks for looking!