Tours

Take a tour of Jeffers Petroglyphs to see and learn about the ancient carvings and the surrounding prairie.

Guided tours

Take a guided tour of the petroglyphs/rock carvings. Staff will lead a 45 minute tour of the rock face pointing out carvings and share historical and archaeological information along the way with insight from Native American Elders. 

  • No advance tickets
  • Must sign up in person for tour
  • 15 people tour max

Tour times:

  • 10:30 am–11:15 am
  • 11:30 am–12:15 pm
  • 12:30 pm–1:15 pm
  • 1:30 pm–2:15 pm
  • 2:30 pm–3:15 pm
  • 3:30 pm–4:15 pm

Self-guided tours

Explore the rock face at your own pace as you make your way along a designated path. Check out a self guided tour booklet at the visitor center counter. Reservations are not necessary and visitors can arrive any time during open hours. Visitor guide (PDF)

Sunrise tours

Take an expert-lead guided tour of the petroglyphs/rock carvings that are thought to be some of the oldest in the Midwest. 

You will get the rare chance to go beyond the ropes and view carvings under their most favorable viewing conditions–up close and in the morning sun. 

The tour will be accompanied by a discussion of the archaeology of the earliest people of the Midwest and the climatic and environmental conditions they would have faced. Plan to arrive at least 10 minutes earlier than the event start time.

  • June 17, 2023: 9:15 am–10:15 am
  • July 22, 2023: 9:15 am–10:15 am
  • August 19, 2023: 9:15 am–10:15 am

Limited to 10 tickets per tour. $25/MNHS members save 20%. Advance tickets only. 

An evening look at the carvings

Take off your shoes and explore the rock face in the evening when the lighting is best to view the carvings. During this time, visitors will be able to do a self-guided exploration of the petroglyphs and see carvings not visible from the regular path. An extensive conservation project identified an additional 3,000 petroglyphs, which until recently were covered in lichen.

Visitors can explore the rock face during the following times, and should be prepared to walk barefoot or in socks on uneven surfaces.

  • June 1 – July 31, 2023: Anytime between 5:00 pm–8:00 pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings.
  • August 1 – September 2, 2023: Anytime between 5:00 pm–7:00 pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings.
  • Saturdays, September 9, 16, 23: Anytime between 5:00 pm–7:00 pm.