Explore Touch the Sky Prairie

Luverne, Minnesota

5.0/5

based on 1 reviews

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Details

Distance

3.7 miles

Elevation Gain

110 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Joe Whitson

Part of the Northern Tallgrass Prairie National Wildlife Refuge, the six foot tall grasses of Touch the Sky Prairie provide the perfect place for a tranquil getaway. Hedged in by farms, the remnant prairie provides critical habitat for a number of declining bird and plant species including the iconic prairie chicken and the endangered prairie fringed orchid.

Touch the Sky Prairie is the only one of the Northern Tallgrass National Wildlife Refuge's eight units to have hiking and interpretive facilities, making it a great adventure for anyone interested in experiencing a native prairie ecosystem.

Begin your hike at the parking area located on the south side of 181st Street. The trail will lead you south about a mile and half through the main section of restored prairie. This section of the hike is extremely flat, but tall grasses in the fall create a natural buffer between the trail and the surrounding farmland. When you hit 171st Street, follow the road west a short way. The trail will pick up again running another half-mile to a small waterfall cascading over a shelf of exposed Sioux quartzite. Keep a close eye on the ground for rare orchids and other wildflowers and listen carefully for the distinctive call of the prairie chickens.

This small adventure won't take a whole day, so pair it with a trip to the nearby Blue Mounds State Park or Pipestone National Monument.

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Hiking

Dog Friendly

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Scenic

Wildflowers

Wildlife

Explore Touch the Sky Prairie Reviews

Rex McD

Explore Touch the Sky Prairie

12/23/15

I had never heard of this place but I will for sure check it out on our next trip to Pipestone National Monument! I appreciate the information regarding the local flora and fauna. Thanks for the inspiration!

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Explore Touch the Sky Prairie

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Explore Touch the Sky Prairie Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Hike "The Mound" at Blue Mounds State Park

Explore Devils Gulch Park

Camp at Palisade State Park

Hike the King and Queen Trail at Palisades State Park

Pipestone National Monument Loop

Hike Great Bear Valley Trail

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