Historic Bluff Country Scenic Byway

Follow the lush Root River Valley and wind your way through what feels like a landscape painting of woodsy hills and dramatic dolomite bluffs, marked with the tranquil silhouette of a lone Amish buggy. Explore the Root River Trail by bike, stopping for pie or lunch in a trail town along the way. Or, enjoy the same route on the river; the main towns and campgrounds have outfitters for kayak, canoe and tube rentals, as well as bike rentals. Bluff country is also a great place for fishing, with many trout streams winding through the area. Lodging runs the gamut, from cozy B&Bs to rustic hideaway cabins to elegant retreats with specialty cuisine and rooms with expansive valley views.

Day 1

Area Offerings: The town of La Crescent meets up with both the Apple Blossom byway and the Historic Bluff Country byway, giving visitors their choice of blooming or rolling drives. Much of the Historic Bluff route is located within the Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood Forest, popular for its bike trails, bird watching and beautiful fall colors. From Houston, to Lanesboro, to Preston and Spring Valley, visitors could make a full day of exploring the charming towns along the 88-mile route, for their pleasant galleries and specialty stores.

Day 2

More Draws: Lovely Lanesboro, an artists’ community, is a fun place to tour galleries and shop for antiques. Enjoy a deck lunch overlooking the Root River and bike trail. Make a reservation for the Commonweal Theatre. This professional, year-round theater has a state-of-the-art new home and attracts actors from across the country for its high-quality productions. For some outdoor fun, nearby Preston boasts a high concentration of trout streams, and is home to the Pine Tree Apple Orchard and Preston Apple and Berry Farm.

Day 3

History, Mystery, Heritage: In Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park, watch costumed guides go about their daily 19th-century business at Historic Forestville, a pioneer village. And, take a naturalist-led tour of the Mystery Cave, which features mazes of corridors with stalactites, stalagmites, and underground pools. The town of Harmony, an 8-mile side trip off the byway, has the fascinating Niagara Cave, and offers little museums and great shopping. Harmony is a friendly neighbor to the largest Amish community in the state. Tours from both Lanesboro and Harmony offer the chance to purchase Amish goods and learn more about this private and heritage-rich Old Order culture.

More info:
800-428-2030 www.bluffcountry.com