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Minnesota Highway 16 - Historic Bluff Country National Scenic Byway
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Aerial over farm near Lanesboro
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Winter sunrise near Lanesboro on hwy. 16
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Beaver Creek Valley state park
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.
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
- Can accommodate groups of 45 or more
More Information
What's Nearby
Mentioned In
![Red wing smiling couple driving motorcycle](/sites/default/files/styles/square_carousel/public/2019-10/red-wing-driving-motorcycle-couple-smiling.jpg?h=a51a5cf9&itok=pdVe49w1)
A couple explores the hills and river bluffs around Red Wing by motorcycle / Roy Son
![Niagara Cave in Harmony, Minnesota](/sites/default/files/styles/square_carousel/public/2022-05/harmony-niagara-cave-5_Ryan%20Taylor-3000x1996-725805f.jpeg?h=b2d9f031&itok=VBIAsP6w)
Niagara Cave / Ryan Taylor