WATER RUSHES OVER the aged granite rock, roaring into the gorge below. It is a scene so beautiful, so unexpected, that this 256-acre city park has been dubbed the “Little Yellowstone of Minnesota.”
Recently I revisited Ramsey Park, also known as Cansa’yapi, translated to “where they paint the trees red” from the Dakota language. A Mdewakanton Band of the Dakota live near neighboring Morton and refer to their traditional Minnesota River Valley homeland as Cansa’yapi.
On this day, I come to see Ramsey Falls along Ramsey Creek, which feeds into the Redwood River inside the park. The Redwood then flows into the Minnesota River.
Ramsey Falls, with its 30-foot drop, is the star attraction in this park founded in 1911 as a state park with ownership transferred to the city of Redwood Falls in 1957. This is a gem in a county marked by farm fields, farm sites, small towns and mostly flat topography.
Here, within this park, narrow roads twist and turn through woods, descending to the river bottom. Creek and river waters flow. Three and a half miles of cemented hiking trails (new since I left the area 50 years ago), run throughout the park. A swayback bridge built in 1938 by workers with the Works Progress Administration Project along the Redwood River adds an historic architectural element to the park.
For anyone who loves the outdoors—fishing, hiking, camping, picnicking—this park offers it all. The park is also of interest to geologists and history buffs. A small zoo with its resident buffalo and other animals has always been an attraction, too.
But it is really the land and the water that brings visitors like me here. Hills and gorges. Waterways. Trees thickening into dense woods, vastly different than the shelterbelts protecting farm sites from prairie winds.
I remember coming here as a child and feeling like I’d entered a different world. Yet, I was still in Redwood County, only 20 miles from the flat farm fields of home to the west. I recall the terror I felt when Dad maneuvered the Chevy around a tight hairpin curve in the park, the steep hillside falling below us. I remember standing in awe of Ramsey Falls, and being more than a little afraid of stepping too close to the fence at the falls overlook. I remember the car dipping across the swayback bridge.
Teenage years took me along a steep, narrow dirt path down to the massive rocks beside the falls for a picnic lunch with friends.
On this afternoon, I lean into the sturdy overlook fence, focus my camera on the rushing waterfalls, notice the surrounding greenery, appreciate this Little Yellowstone of Minnesota. I’ve never been to the Wyoming national park, thus have no comparison to make. That really doesn’t matter; this place holds its own Yellowstone beauty.
At the Ramsey Park Zoo, I focus on the buffalo, who seem considerably more docile than I remember. Still, I respect them and understand their importance to the Dakota, original inhabitants of this land. Long gone are the caged monkeys that once entertained me with their antics.
Ramsey/Cansa’yapi Park lies 110 miles to the north and west of my current home in Faribault. Decades removed from Redwood County, I still feel connected to this oasis in the prairie where the water falls and they paint the trees red.
© Copyright 2026 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Having grown up “next” to the park, I have many fine memories: riding my bicycle down the winding road into the park (and the hairpin turn at the bottom), photographing the falls summer and winter, partying in the picnic grounds, and seeing my mother acting as a member of the first municipal park board when it became a city park…
Thank you for sharing your memories of Ramsey Park, Ken. How “lucky” you were to grow up next to this park. And thanks to your mom for serving on that first municipal park board.
I love Ramsey Park. Spent many summers there blazing trails and having fun.
It sounds like Ramsey Park was, indeed, a special childhood place for you.
it was. After we did our chores we would walk to the park, spend the day there with friends, and make sure we were home by supper. Great memories.
Those were the days, so carefree, when kids could roam in the outdoors without worry.
Looks like a fun park to visit and explore.
You would really enjoy Ramsey Park given your love of the outdoors and camping.
Wow, Audrey, I’ve never heard of this park. Your photos of it are so wonderful. Thank you so much for sharing this. How interesting that it once was a state park in 1911 but was transferred to the city in 1957. It’s definitely going on a park list to visit.
You would love this park, Rose. It’s so unexpected on the prairie.
A very beautiful park, indeed, Audrey! I believe my cousin’s grandchildren live in Redwood Falls. I hope to visit there someday!
Given your love of the outdoors, I know you would appreciate Ramsey Park, Lori. And since you have family in Redwood Falls, even more reason to head to sw Minnesota.
Absolutely a yes, Audrey!
An unusual waterfall for Minnesota in that it’s over gneiss and not the usual limestone.
That I did not know. Thanks for the info.
I have been there and was so impressed with this being a city park. But, it has been a few years. I remember the walk down to the see the falls is quite steep. Are there any steps now or railings? I am thinking of taking some visitors there but aren’t sure they can handle that part of it. I can’t remember if there is any other way to get the best view of the falls. Thank you for the reminder about this treasure on the prairie.
Colleen, you can park in a small parking lot next to the falls. There’s an overlook right there and even a bench to sit on. I didn’t check to see if there’s still a path down to the top of the falls, where I picnicked as a teen. But your guests could certainly access the falls from the parking lot. I don’t know if there’s a way to check how much water is gushing over the falls because creek levels assuredly affect the flow. You should plan a day trip to Redwood Falls. I need to explore more. But usually we are just passing through on a schedule to get somewhere.
Audrey, that’s very helpful to know. Thank you! A day trip would be a good idea.
Colleen, I’m glad I could help. And, yes, I got your first reply. Enjoy your day trip to Redwood Falls whenever that happens.