Southeastern Minnesota Scenic Byways

Follow the panoramic Root River Valley to the Mississippi River for two thirds of this route. The scenery in the western third of the route showcases Minnesota's rich and rolling farm land.

The east end connects with the Great River Road and the route closely parallels the Root River passing trout streams and spectacular tree-covered bluffs featuring limestone palisades and the rich hardwoods found in this area.

This valley was untouched by the last glacier and has weathered gradually over time to create a magnificent pastoral setting dotted with small towns, quaint and historic lodging places, and a paved recreational biking and hiking trails.

Day trips along and adjacent to Bluff Country Scenic Drive taks one back to days when horses and buggies dominated travel and nuggets of history can be found.

More information is available at
National Designation Press Release
National Scenic Byways Online

State Scenic Byways in Bluff Country

APPLE BLOSSOM

SCENIC BYWAY

1.5 miles South of I-90 to Main Street La Crescent, West to Elm Street and follow County Highway 29

One of the most beautiful scenic overlooks in Minnesota, this 17 mile driving route follows County Highway 29. Accessible from the towns of La Crescent, Dakota, and Nodine. This loop provides spectacular views from bluff tops along the Mississippi River Valley in southeast Minnesota. Apple orchards add a special character to the scenery and many varieties ofMinnesota apples are available.

SHOOTING STAR SCENIC BYWAY

32 mile drive along Highway 56

Between Highway 63 at Chester, Iowa, and I - 90

This byway was one of the state's first designated wildflower routes. The Minnesota Departments of Transportation and Natural Resources collaborate to manage the wildflowers and native grasses along the route.

The route passes through rich agricultural regions and small rural towns with historic buildings of national significance, bed and breakfasts, golf courses, swimming pools, and city parks. Lake Louise State Park is located on this route.

LAURA INGALLS WILDER

HISTORIC HIGHWAY

From Rochester south on US 63 to Spring Valley,
follow MN 16 & US 52 to the Iowa border to Burr Oak

You are invited to travel the scenic route that Laura wrote about in the "Little House" series. Almanzo and Laura Ingalls Wilder attended the 1876 church in Spring Valley in 1890 and 1891. See the Wilder photo display, old-time country store, and pioneeer artifacts. Visit the Masters Hotel in Burr Oak, Iowa, where Charles Ingalls and his family lived and worked in 1876. this is "the missing link" between the times they lived in Walnut Grove.

The highway links with the other Laura Ingalls Wilder sites in Pepin, wisconsin; Walnut Grove, Minnesota; and De Smet, South Dakota.

AMISH BUGGY BYWAY

Along Highway 52 between Highway 16, Preston and Highway 44 at Prosper

The Amish community, estimated at about 100 families, is concentrated in the area around Canton and Harmony, and they are frequent users of Highway 52 between Preston and prosper.

It is nostalgic to pass these quaint vehicles of bygone days and to imagine our ancestors moving through the countryside in the same manner. Most of the Amish farmsteads are located off the highway on country roads.

There are two important items to remember if you travel the Amish Buggy Byway. Drive carefully and take no photographs of the buggies that would include Amish faces. Having photographs taken of their faces violates Amish religious beliefs.

Home