Contact Information
Historic Bluff Country National Scenic Byway
PO Box 489Rushford, MN 55971
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.
Hours & 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!More Information
Length
- 88 miles
Route
- Hwy. 16 between LaCrescent and Dexter, small loop on US-52 and MN-80 also connects Wykoff and Fountain; a scenic alternative to I-90.
Scenery
- Wooded bluffs, Root River, charming villages, pastures and fields.
Green Practices
- Air quality improvements
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Recycled plastic, glass, metal and paper throughout the region
- Eco-friendly landscape/facility design
- Energy efficiency/conservation
- Organic or local food & beverage choices
- Waste reduction/reuse/recycling
- Water conservation/wastewater management plan
Attraction Attributes
- Accessible to people with disabilities
- Can accommodate groups of 45 or more
More Information
Reviews
Based on 2 reviews
Took this byway on our way back to St. Louis from the Twin Cities. It was slightly out of our way, but worth it. We missed a good chunk of it due to construction, but what we saw was scenic. Plan...
—
dorsalmo,
September 19, 2013
This is a pretty drive but if we would have waited a couple of weeks it would have been beautiful. The trees were just barely starting to turn. However, the apple orchards were all open. We drove...
—
JoAnn1956,
September 18, 2013
What's Nearby
Mentioned In
A couple explores the hills and river bluffs around Red Wing by motorcycle / Roy Son
Niagara Cave / Ryan Taylor