Update for Tatanka BluffsMarch, 2012

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Mission

The Minnesota Valley History Learning Center teaches the cultural and natural heritage of the Minnesota River Valley and inspires people of all generations to understand, preserve, and learn from our shared history.

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Part of a Larger Vision

Sustainable, regional destination to learn, research, recreate, and preserve:

• Tatanka Bluffs (tatankabluffs.com): – Provides overarching vision and structure to development initiatives.– Provide a more complete regional economy based upon the unique attributes of the area.

• Green Corridor:– Vehicle to connect area between Upper Sioux and Ft Ridgely with public land.– Develop the area between the two casinos in manner that promotes the area and respects our

past.

• Minnesota Valley Regional Rail Authority (MVRRA):– 5 Counties make up the MVRAA and own the 94 mile track between Norwood and Hanley Falls.

TC & W Railway operates the line and owns tracking rights to the Hopkins station to link to the light passenger rail in the Twin Cities.

– Upgrade the current rail line to support vintage passenger rail from the Twin Cities.– About 33% of the upgrade is already financed. Work completed to Winthrop.

• Minnesota Valley History Learning Center (MVHLC.org):– Place major cultural and natural events into context.– Immerse visitors into historical context to create an effective learning and entertainment

experience.– Mix education with recreation to enhance both experiences.

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Economic Engine

• Educate– Significant history

– Significant science

– Meet Minnesota Department of Education Standards and Requirements

• Entertain – Outdoor Recreation

– Indoor Recreation

– Tie to existing recreation opportunities

• Compliment and support existing economic engines– Agriculture

– Mining and Manufacturing

Board of Directors

President and Executive Director:

Carl Colwell

West Point, 1981

Lieutenant Colonel (Ret), US Army

Vice President:

Teresa Peterson

Executive Director,

Dakota Wicohan

Secretary:

Dan Reek

CEO,

Rural Energy Connections, LLC

Treasurer:

Ted Suss

Superintendent,

Wabasso Public Schools

Board Member:Dr Pauline NickelExecutive Director,U of M Southwest Research and

Outreach Center, Lamberton

Board Member:Ken SpeakeNewscaster Emeritus KARE 11 TV

Board Member:Dr Susan WellerExecutive Director,U of M, Bell Museum of Natural

History

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Form

NaturalHistory

EducationCulturalHistory

Minnesota Valley History Learning Center

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Revenue Streams

1. Learning CenterA. K-12 ProgramB. Other Education Programs

2. Tourist Destination A. Educational Exhibits

1) Bell Museum Outdoor Programs and Exhibits2) Cultural and Historical Programs and Exhibits

B. Recreation Programs1) Indoor and Outdoor Activities2) Training and Qualification Programs3) Rail/Trail Hubs

3. Research CenterA. Genealogical Resource CenterB. Natural and Cultural Historic Sites and Resource Material

4. Corporate University Host

5. OtherA. Summer CampsB. Elder HostelsC. Special Events (Farm Fest, alumni events, etc)D. Room Rental (weddings, training sessions, etc)

Concept to Cash Flow with Just these two Streams

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Major Themes(In order of historical occurrence)

• Gneiss (~3.6 billion years old)• Glacial River Warren• Biological Diversity/Natural History• Native American Culture

– Before Contact– After Contact

• US - Dakota War of 1862• Immigration and Settlement• Pioneer life• Production Agriculture• Railroads• Cultural Diversity

Some of Minnesota’smost significant natural

and cultural historic events

Initial Focus

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Morton, MinnesotaLot Size: 16(+) AcresSNA = 14.72 Acres

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Outdoor Educational Sites

• River Warren Sites– Cedar Mountain– Morton Monuments Overlook

• Dakota Sites– Dakota Wicohan– Interpretive Center– Lower Sioux Reservation– Upper Sioux Reservation– Others

• Gneiss Sites– MVHLC Scientific Natural Area

(SNA)– Cedar Mountain SNA– Montevideo

• Pioneer Sites– Walnut Grove– Sod House– Ox Cart trails– Gold mine– Museums

• Agriculture Sites– SWROC– Gilfillan– Olivia

• US-Dakota War Sites– Wood Lake– Birch Coulee– Redwood Ferry– Fort Ridgely– Camp Pope– Camp Release– Others

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Outdoor Recreation Sites

• Gneiss Quarry Swimming/Ropes Challenge Course

• ATV/ORV Courses

• Team Challenge Course

• Team and Individual Orienteering

• Geocaching

• Canoeing

• Hike and Bike Trails

• Horse Trails

• Indoor and Outdoor Archery

• Shooting

• Winter activities

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MVHLC

Birch Coulee Battlefield

Monuments

Scientific Natural Area

Battle of Redwood Ferry

Morton Gneiss Quarry

Trading Post

Lower Sioux Community

Interpretive Center

Banks of the Ancient River Warren

Potential MVHLC Outdoor Rec Areas

Potential Outdoor Educational &

Recreational Sites

ProductionAgriculture

Olivia

Ox CartTrails

Sacred Heart

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Walnut Grove (25

mi)

RamseyPark

Cedar Mountain

Vision Quest Site

SearsBirthplace

Gilfillan Farm

U of MResearch and

Outreach Center (20 mi)

DakotaSites

Sod House(20 mi)

Lower Sioux Community

Bishop Whipple Mission

MVHLC

Scientific Natural Area

Potential Outdoor Educational &

Recreational Sites

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Latest Developments

• Non-Profit Established

• Initial Campus Secured– Morton EDA Financing the Purchase of the Buildings and Initial Campus

– Morton Area Community Foundation Agrees to Open a Project Fund to Support Building Renovations

• Curriculum Being Developed– U of M (SWROC) Supervising and Writing

– Parker D. Sanders Foundation

– U of M contributions

• Professional Marketing Materials Created– Video and Printed Materials

– Website and Facebook

We Need Your Support

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Contact Us

Minnesota Valley History Learning Center

PO Box 266

280 North Centennial Drive

Morton, MN 56270

507-626-4279

MVHLC.org