Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway

Life still moves at an unhurried pace, neighbors wave at passing cars, and visitors are embraced with old-fashioned hospitality along this nationally designated route. The Minnesota River begins at Big Stone Lake and the byway follows it along a series of roads to Belle Plaine. Scenery includes rolling farmland, small towns (some with populations of less than 500 residents) and historic sites. Several spots focus on Dakota Indian heritage and tell the tragic story of the 1862 U.S.-Dakota War. Many of the downtown areas boast antique shops and mom-and-pop eateries. For bird lovers, whether you’re a fan of the majestic bald eagle or tiny yellow-throated warbler, the Minnesota River Valley offers numerous birding hotspots—particularly at wildlife refuges and state parks. Or, bring a canoe to experience the byway by water, as the Minnesota River is one of the few canoe rivers in southwestern Minnesota.

Day 1

Big Stone Lake State Park provides spectacular scenery, with sandy beaches and clear water ideal for fishing and swimming. The 18-hole Ortonville Golf Course is situated on the bluffs overlooking Big Stone Lake. History buffs will be interested in the Lac qui Parle Mission, a fur trading post that was established in 1826 near a wide portion of the river called Lac qui Parle. For more history, stroll the boardwalks of Historic Chippewa City in Montevideo, a unique 23-building turn-of-the-century village. Or, plan a late afternoon hike, as 18 miles of hiking trails await at Upper Sioux Agency State Park.

Day 2

In Redwood Falls, plan a stop at Alexander Ramsey Park to view the picture-worthy Ramsey Falls. For golfers, there’s an 18-hole championship golf course at the nearby Dacotah Ridge Golf Club, considered among the best courses in Minnesota. The Lower Sioux Agency explores the story of the Dakota people before and after they were moved to reservations in the 1860s, while the remains of an 1853 military outpost can be seen at Fort Ridgely State Park and Historic Site. For a true taste (and toast) of German heritage, New Ulm has a downtown glockenspiel, German restaurants and specialty shops—and plays host to a popular Oktoberfest celebration every fall.

Day 3

Mankato is a “university town” with a mix of casual college hangouts and a symphony orchestra, ballet company, and art galleries. Visit the Heritage Center for local history and tour the 1871 Hubbard House. Bikers will want to ride the 39-mile Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail that runs from Mankato east to Faribault. Visit the Hillstrom Museum of Art at Gustavus Adolphus College in St Peter. Or, stop in a local pharmacy to see its old drugstore exhibit and get a free soda fountain root beer. Be sure to pose in front of St. Peter’s Pearly Gates, or learn more about the area’s rich Dakota history at the Traverse des Sioux Treaty Site History Center. In Le Sueur, tour the first home built by Dr. W.W. Mayo, co-founder of Rochester’s famous Mayo Clinic. Stop for coffee and a little shopping in friendly Henderson on your way to Belle Plaine, home to Emma Krumbee’s Orchard and Farm. Depending on the season, you can pick your own strawberries, apples or pumpkins; shop at the farm market, or take the kids on wagon, pony and camel rides.

More info:
888-463-9856 www.mnrivervalley.com