Opinion: Blood Run landmark a place of reverence for area tribes

One of the most significant places of beauty and history in our state is located along the Big Sioux River in the northwest corner of Iowa. The nearly 3,000 acre site straddles the river in both Iowa and South Dakota. Its significance comes, not simply from its pastoral beauty, but because it is the ancestral home of the Ioway, Omaha, Oto and the Ponca Indian tribes.

Specifically the area is located about five miles east of the intersection of the three States of South Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa near the newly constructed Grand Falls Casino and Resort. It is about half way between Sioux Falls, South Dakota and Larchwood just to the south of Iowa Highway 9. In fact, it is adjacent to the little community of Granite.

Although a majority of the site remains privately owned it is recognized not only by its national landmark designation but has been evaluated by the National Park Service as an area qualified for inclusion in the National Park System.

For the descendants of the Ioway, Omaha, Oto and Ponca tribes, this is a place of reverence, spiritual value, memories to celebrate the heritage of these great nations and a place where their ancestors have been laid to rest.