Tours

Take a tour of the rock face at Jeffers Petroglyphs to see and learn about the ancient carvings and learn how this place is a part of a larger living sacred landscape.

Guided tours

Take a guided tour of the rock face. Staff will lead a 45 minute walking tour highlighting carvings and sharing knowledge shared by Native American Elders, along with historical and archaeological context.

  • No advance tickets
  • Must sign up in person for tour
  • 15 people tour max

Tour times:

  • 10:30 am–11:15 am
  • 11:30 am–12:15 pm
  • 12:30 pm–1:15 pm
  • 1:30 pm–2:15 pm
  • 2:30 pm–3:15 pm
  • 3:30 pm–4:15 pm

Self-guided tours

While taking a guided tour is always highly recommended, we also offer self-guided tours. Check out a self-guided tour booklet from the front desk and explore the rock face at your own pace. Follow the designated rope path on the rock face and learn from the booklet and signage along the way. Reservations are not necessary and visitors can arrive any time during open hours. Visitor guide (PDF)

Sunrise tours

Take an expert-led tour of the petroglyphs (rock carvings) that are thought to be some of the oldest in the Midwest.

You will get the rare chance to go beyond the ropes and view carvings under their most favorable viewing conditions: up close and in the morning sun.

Our 1,000 Years Ago tour focuses on the indigenous agriculture that fueled a building boom and cultural explosion that led to the founding of the largest early city in the US. The tour will be accompanied by a discussion of one of the most dynamic periods of North America’s past.

Sunrise Tour: 1,000 Years Ago Today in Minnesota

  • Saturday, Jun 14, 9:15:00-10:15 AM
  • Saturday, Jul 5, 9:15:00-10:15 AM
  • Saturday, Jul 19, 9:15:00-10:15 AM
  • Saturday, Aug 2, 9:15:00-10:15 AM
  • Saturday, Aug 16, 9:15:00-10:15 AM
  • Saturday, Aug 30, 9:15:00-10:15 AM

Our 10,000 years ago tour focuses on the region 10,000 years ago. The glaciers had retreated from Southwest Minnesota, opening up never-before seen landscape. This tour will be accompanied by a discussion of the archaeology of the earliest people of the Midwest and the climatic and environmental conditions they would have faced in this era.

Sunrise Tour: 10,000 Years Ago Today in Minnesota

  • Saturday, May 31, 9:15:00-10:15 AM
  • Saturday, Jun 28, 9:15:00-10:15 AM
  • Saturday, Jul 12, 9:15:00-10:15 AM
  • Saturday, Jul 26, 9:15:00-10:15 AM
  • Saturday, Aug 9, 9:15:00-10:15 AM
  • Saturday, Aug 23, 9:15:00-10:15 AM

Limited to 10 tickets per tour. $25/MNHS members save 20%. Advance tickets only. 

Barefoot Walking Tour

Take off your shoes and explore the rock face in the evening when the lighting is best to view the carvings. During this time, visitors will be able to do a self-guided exploration of the rock face and carvings. Visitors should be prepared to walk barefoot or in socks, this allows visitors to go beyond the roped path and explore areas of the rock face that are not viewed during the day. Please be aware that the rock face can be an uneven surface. Accommodations can be made for folks who need it.

Visitors can explore the rock face in the evening after guided tour operations have ended. Barefoot walking tours are facilitated during the following times:

  • May 29th, 30th & 31st/June/July: Thursday-Saturday 5PM-8PM
  • August: Thursday-Saturday 5PM-7PM
  • September: Saturday 5PM-7PM