Southern Minnesota Travel Information

Explore southern Minnesota this winter - "You'll be surprised ...at what you'll find"
There are many winter activities for the whole family including festivals and events, antique shops and malls, cross country and down hill skiing, local theater productions, ice fishing, and just relaxing by a cozy fire.

Shopping opportunities in southern Minnesota include Cabelas in Owatonna, the Medford Outlet Mall, Red Wing Stoneware, and many antique shops and malls. Check out the Maritime Art Museum in Winona, for a chance to view world class art.

Take a trip on one of southern Minnesota's five scenic byways for great winter time sights, but watch out for the Deer and Wild Turkeys. Along the byways you'll find interesting historic sites and museums that tell the stories of the early settlers and Native Americans in Minnesota.

Come and visit southern Minnesota this winter, we're close by and you'll be surprised at what you'll find.

Sub-regions

Minnesota River Valley

The Minnesota River flows gently between ribbons of oak, elm, maple and cottonwood trees. It wanders past rich farmland and through towns steeped in Minnesota history. Several sites tell the story of the Dakota Indians who lived here, the pioneers who settled here, and the tragic conflict between the two communities.
Mississippi Bluff Country

The largest valley of them all is that of the grand Mississippi River, which reaches its widest spot here at Lake Pepin. Charming river towns--Winona, Wabasha, Lake City and Red Wing--are noteworthy for their 19th-century architecture, antique shops, and numerous bed and breakfast and historic inns.
Prairie Land

As part of the western plains, southwestern Minnesota was once a sea of prairie grasses that stretched beyond the horizon. Great herds of buffalo roamed here. The Dakota Indians made their home on these plains. Later, westward expansion brought settlers from the east and from Europe, who came to farm the land. Today, the spirit and traditions of the Dakota and the early pioneers are honored at numerous museums and historic sites.
Southern Lakes

The rolling, rural landscape just to the west and north of the Twin Cities area holds dozens of lakes, trimmed by wooded shores. Several resorts and campgrounds serve this popular fishing and family vacation area. west and north of the Twin Cities area holds dozens of lakes, trimmed by wooded shores. Several resorts and campgrounds serve this popular fishing and family vacation area. The cities a