Here the Mississippi River and many small, quiet streams wind their way through scenic valleys nestled among wooded bluffs; the Minnesota River reaches across the farmland. Patches of prairie and remnants of grasslands still cover this land.
List area communities
Willmar
5/17/2008
Norway's Constitution Day Celebration sponsored by the Sons of Norway Fedraheimen Lodge No. 59. trolls and music add to the fun of this event for kid
Houston
5/16/2008 - 5/18/2008
3 days with 6 bands, workshops, jamming and good family fun. Come & enjoy bluegrass at its best.
Cannon Falls
5/4/2008 - 5/11/2008
Come and join us as we kick off the Minnesota Statehood Sesquicentennial Celebration Week with a authentic wagon train! Follow the wagons on a 8 day
Rochester
5/10/2008 - 8/17/2008
1,500 dealers form across the United States will be displaying their wares. Antiques, furniture, primitives, glassware, clocks & watches, lamps, coin
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.
The rolling, wooded countryside and farmland of central Minnesota harbors dozens of lakes, left behind ages ago by retreating glaciers. Known as the Little Crow Lakes, these waters are popular for walleye, bass and northern fishing. Several resorts and campgrounds serve this family vacation area.
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.
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.
The farmland of south central Minnesota is dotted with lakes. These waters are popular for fishing, boating and swimming . Historic sites and museums in several towns tell interesting tales from the past.