7 Must-Do Things on the Historic Bluff Country Scenic Byway

Sep 4, 2020Scenic Byways

A Scenic Alternative to I-90,

the 88-mile Historic Bluff Country Scenic Byway follows Highway 16 between LaCrescent and Dexter, MN. A small loop on US-52 and MN-80 also connects Wykoff and Fountain, MN.

 

Fly with a Guide

Preston, MN

It doesn’t matter if you’re a newbie or a fly fishing expert, the crew at Driftless Fly Fishing Company knows where they live. They provide the gear and expertise and all you have to do is bring a desire to land that big trout you’ve been after. Take a picture and tag #GetHookedOnPreston on social media.

The Parks and Trails Council's mission is to acquire, protect and enhance critical land for the public's use and benefit.

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Ride Easy

Preston, MN

After a day on the trails, there’s nothing better than a pint with friends. Trout City Brewing is the new kid on an old block in Preston and their Easy Rider Blonde drinks as easy as the Harmony-Preston Valley Trail rides.

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Two cyclists ride mountain bikes on a narrow dirt trail through lush green woods. The bottom of the image reads, Explore Alexandria Minnesota.

 

Wildlife viewing in the river valley on the Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail

Get to the Root

Preston, MN

The 18-mile Harmony-Preston Valley Trail in the heart of southeastern Minnesota’s Bluff Country connects its two namesake towns across a scenic valley that’s nothing short of beautiful. It joins the Root River Trail at Isinours Junction for a 60-mile cyclist’s paradise.

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Exterior of Ed's Museum in Wykoff MN

Get Messy

Wykoff, MN

Edwin Julius Krueger lived upstairs of the Jack Sprat grocery store for 50 years and never threw anything away. He left his collection to the city with the stipulation it be turned into a permanent exhibit. Step back in time at Ed’s Museum.

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Fall in Love

Hokah, MN

Named after Chief Wecheschatope Hokah, this village of 500 is not only home to famous Como Falls, but is also known for excellent hunting and fishing spots.

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A red brick church with a tall white steeple against a cloudy Minnesota sky features arched windows and an American flag on a pole beside the steps leading to the entrance. Trees with autumn leaves provide a picturesque backdrop, inviting thoughts of nearby mountain bike trails.

Get Wilder

Spring Valley, MN

Visit the 1876 Spring Valley Methodist Church, where Laura Ingalls Wilder once attended services.

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Give a Hoot

Houston,MN

Alice the Owl is just one of the permanent residents of the International Owl Center. Stop in and learn about owls in their natural habitat and what you can do to live an owl-friendly life.

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Find your Trail Partners with Minnesota Trails Magazine
Two cyclists ride mountain bikes on a narrow dirt trail through lush green woods. The bottom of the image reads, Explore Alexandria Minnesota.
The Parks and Trails Council's mission is to acquire, protect and enhance critical land for the public's use and benefit.
Person riding a bicycle on a paved path through a sunlit forest, with the text “Visit Brainerd Baxter, MN. Minnesota’s Playground” and a website link at the bottom.
Walker, MN is connected to more than 150 miles of paved trails!

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About me

A person wearing a yellow helmet, sunglasses, and warm winter clothing smiles while outside in a snowy Minnesota landscape. They are pointing at something, perhaps one of the scenic mountain bike trails nearby, as the sun shines brightly overhead.

I’m Jan, the publisher of Minnesota Trails Magazine. I’m looking for that one trail, the next ride, a new discovery and other reasons to never sit still in Minnesota.

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