The Dissected Till Plains of Minnesota

Landscape & Formation

This south-central Minnesota region (~15,000 sq mi) features gently rolling hills and valleys carved by glacial meltwater erosion. During the last Ice Age, glaciers deposited thick layers of unsorted sediment (till). Subsequent runoff dissected this plain into the current undulating topography.

Boundaries

• West: Red River Valley
• South: Minnesota River Valley
• East: Superior Upland

Climate

Continental: warm, humid summers (July avg ~75°F); cold, snowy winters (Jan avg <0°F).

Ecology

Predominantly deciduous forest (oak, maple, basswood) with prairie and wetland inclusions.

Population & Economy

Sparsely populated. Largest city: Mankato (~43,000). Economy based on agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism.