Flandrau State Park, located in New Ulm, MN, sits in the Big Cottonwood River valley and was originally named Cottonwood River State Park. The area was formed by glaciers melting and the resulting runoff cutting through the rocks. In the case of this park, that run off cut through over 150 feet of rock! Thats a lot of water runoff! To try to fathom how much water and time this would take, let me suggest a little experiment- ask your parents if they have a circulating pump, like a submersible sump pump. Together with your parents, fill a 30 gallon garbage can with about 5 gallons of water. Put a large rock in there so that the rock is above the water line. Set the submersible pump at the bottom and run the hose up the side of the garbage can and direct the flow from the hose right over the rock. See how long it takes to disolve the rock. Hint- it takes a really, really, really, really, really long time! That should give you somewhat of an idea how long it took to wear down 150 feet of rock. I'd suggest that after a few hours of pumping water over the rock, which won't likely disolve any noticeable amount at all, should be enough to get an idea of how long it would take. Make sure to shut off your pump!
When I visited the park I learned that it was the site of a Work Projects Administration (WPA) work camp in the 1930s and 1940s. There are several park buildings remaining today that show the achitecture that they used. Simple but stunning. During the 40s and World War II, the same camp was used as a German POW camp. I also learned that the park was renamed Flandrau by the state of Minnesota on March 15, 1945, to honor Charles E. Flandrau. He helped to draft the Minnesota constitution and was a member of the first Minnesota Supreme Court. Lots of history and beauty in this park. Take the time to come check it out for yourself! Did I mention the man-made swimming beach and the scenic campground?
Flandrau State Park, located in New Ulm, MN, sits in the Big Cottonwood River valley and was originally named Cottonwood River State Park. The area was formed by glaciers melting and the resulting runoff cutting through the rocks. In the case of this park, that run off cut through over 150 feet of rock! Thats a lot of water runoff! To try to fathom how much water and time this would take, let me suggest a little experiment- ask your parents if they have a circulating pump, like a submersible sump pump. Together with your parents, fill a 30 gallon garbage can with about 5 gallons of water. Put a large rock in there so that the rock is above the water line. Set the submersible pump at the bottom and run the hose up the side of the garbage can and direct the flow from the hose right over the rock. See how long it takes to disolve the rock. Hint- it takes a really, really, really, really, really long time! That should give you somewhat of an idea how long it took to wear down 150 feet of rock. I'd suggest that after a few hours of pumping water over the rock, which won't likely disolve any noticeable amount at all, should be enough to get an idea of how long it would take. Make sure to shut off your pump! 
When I visited the park I learned that it was the site of a Work Projects Administration (WPA) work camp in the 1930s and 1940s. There are several park buildings remaining today that show the achitecture that they used. Simple but stunning. During the 40s and World War II, the same camp was used as a German POW camp. I also learned that the park was renamed Flandrau by the state of Minnesota on March 15, 1945, to honor Charles E. Flandrau. He helped to draft the Minnesota constitution and was a member of the first Minnesota Supreme Court. Lots of history and beauty in this park. Take the time to come check it out for yourself! Did I mention the man-made swimming beach and the scenic campground?
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