The 80 foot high tower was built as a monument to French explorer and cartographer Joseph N. Nicollet. He conducted expeditions across the plains and prairies of South Dakota in 1838 and again in 1839. Nicollet had arrived in the United States in 1832, some 30 years after Lewis and Clark had reached the Pacific ocean. Howerver the territory across the mighty Mississippi had yet to be mapped. There was plenty of work to be done. Importantly, and unusually for his time, Nicollet shared an excellent report with the Native American community. Today his maps, ahead of their time scientificaly and methodically, are also cherished as one of the only sources for many of the original Native American place names. Thus, this tower was also built with the cooperation of the Dakota people.
The eagle's eye view is positively breathtaking.
Nicollet Tower is located at 45356 SD-10, Sisseton. It's near the border of South Dakota, North Dakota and Minnesota, just west of I-29.
The tower was completed in 1992.
Climb the 80 steps to the top, where you'll be treated to an incredible view.
From the top of Nicollet Tower, you can see three states - North Dakota, Minnesota and South Dakota. This tower truly pays homage to Joseph Nicollet's work and vision.
To get credit for this Virtual Cache you do not have to climb the tower as too many have sore joints for such an adventure.
1. Up load a picture of yourself (the finder's face is not necessary) in front of or next to the tower or something to do with the tower.
2. Email me through geocaching.com the answer to this question. On the historical map next to the tower, what does the Indian teepee icon represent?
Thanks for visiting.
Virtual Rewards 3.0 - 2022-2023
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between March 1, 2022 and March 1, 2023. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 3.0 on the Geocaching Blog.
Note: This Virtual is available in winter, they just don't move any snow in the winter. It may be a challenge in winter if has snowed alot.
