Historic Bluff Country National Scenic Byway

About

Follow the lush Root River Valley and wind your way through what feels like a landscape painting of woodsy hills and dramatic dolomite bluffs, marked with the tranquil silhouette of a lone Amish buggy. Explore the Root River Trail by bike, stopping for pie or lunch in a trail town along the way. Or, enjoy the same route on the river; the main towns and campgrounds have outfitters for kayak, canoe and tube rentals, as well as bike rentals.

Bluff country is also a great place for fishing, with many trout streams winding through the area. At a state park, naturalists lead tours of Mystery Cave and costumed interpreters portray life in 1899 Historic Forestville. Amish buggies are a common sight on these country roads. Lodging runs the gamut, from cozy B&Bs to rustic hideaway cabins to elegant retreats with specialty cuisine and rooms with expansive valley views.

Dates

The Historic Scenic Byway Highway 16 is only one of 5 incredible scenic drives in Southeastern Minnesota. Take time to take them ALL in!

What's Nearby

Rivers Bend Golf Course

Voted 2021’s best golf course in Bluff Country. Rivers Bend, at Old Barn Resort, is an 18 hole, par…

Old Barn Resort

Historical farm converted to a Minnesota camping and golf resort. Featuring 276 campsites, 18 hole…

Art Loft in Lanesboro

Located in an 1870s brick commercial building above the Lanesboro Arts Gallery, the Art Loft rental…

Lanesboro Arts

Through a diverse spectrum of community arts programming, LANESBORO ARTS supports both emerging and…