The Glacial Ridge Trail lies within the Alexandrea Moraine Complex laid down by the Wadena Lobe of the last glacier, 30,000 years ago. The rough, hummocky surface gives the area its distinct hill and lake appearance and one of the finest examples of ‘kame’ (glacial hills) and ‘kettle’ (depressions) glacial topography in the Upper Midwest. The massive amount of ice, thousands of feet in thickness ceased its forward movement and melted. What remained was an extensive, wide, low ridge of boulders, stones, gravel and other debris contained in the ice sheet. Blocks of ice, buried in the debris melted to form many of the hundreds of small lakes dotting the countryside. Eskers (elongated glacial deposits) abound. As the United State expanded westward, the Ojibway Indians were pushed into the area, displacing the Dakota to the west. The first settlers moved into the area in the 1850’s. The Glacial Ridge Trail takes many different routes – check at the Sauk Centre Tourist Information Center for a booklet to create your own adventure. Approval by landowner Pam Borgmann.
The Tree Memorial is a two-decade strong tradition of allowing people to mourn loss and celebrate life. People from all over are welcome to plant a tree or shrub. Tree locations are mapped out and staked with markers indicating Deciduous, Evergreen, Flowering, or Perennial. After a tree is planted, the marker is
filled out with information including whom the tree was planted for, who planted the tree, year planted and type of tree. This information is kept in our permanent records. Those planting trees are encouraged to return often to visit and care for their trees. This space is a living memorial, a beautiful, and peaceful setting in which people are free to commemorate loved ones.