Hwy 16 Self-Tour

Regional Visitor Center

303 S Elm St, PO Box 489, Rushford, MN 55971

Phone: (507) 864-2992

Email: hbc@bluffcountry.com

OUR MISSION: “To establish the Historic Bluff Country Region of Southeastern Minnesota as a desirable travel destination, as well as to strengthen and improve the economic base of the area.”

Like us on Facebook

Day 1 - Little Towns, Rural Attractions

The town of La Crescent meets up with both the Apple Blossom Byway and the Historic Bluff Country Scenic 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. Visit Alice the Owl at the Houston Nature Center, pull over for some Norwegian lefse at Norsland Lefse, and visit the oldest 2-story train depot still on its original site--all in Rushford. Visit the Peterson Station for more historic surprises and the State Fish Hatchery to learn about Minnesota’s conservation efforts. Then stop in Whalan for a slice of “out-of-this-world” pie. Visitors could make a full day of exploring the charming towns along the 88-mile route, for their pleasant galleries and specialty stores.

Historic Bluff Country Scenic Byway - Self-Tour

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.

Day 2 - Art, Antiques, Actors

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.