The  geology of the area brings you to the very edge of the giant glacier that once covered almost all of Minnesota from 12,000 to 25,000 years ago. The  southeast portion of the state remained untouched by glacial activity and is known as the "driftless area," meaning it is free of the glacial "drift" or deposits that glaciers leave behind. Watch for the sharp differences between the glacial area and the driftless area as you drive the byway. To the west are the glacially smoothed flat prairies, full of fertile lands and to the east are older natural landforms with unique biological systems and majestic bluffs created by thousands of years of outwash from the melting glacier.

The landscape is characterized by craggy limestone and sandstone valleys, steep hillsides and abundant coldwater springs. More than 600 spring creeks interlace the 24,000 square-mile landscape and drain into the Mississippi River. The streams support populations of native brook trout and wild brown trout.

More information on the

driftless area:

www.driftlessareainitiative.org DNR

State Parks: Visit Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park to see natural wonders above and below ground. Nestled in the blufflands of southeastern Minnesota, Beaver Creek Valley State Park is known for its clear streams fed by the "Big Spring." Lake Louise State Park lures hikers, horseback riders, skiers, and snowmobilers to its trails, which wind through open landscaapes and lush hardwoods. This is beautiful bluff country! Great River Bluffs State Park contains two Scientific and Natural Areas (SNAs), King's and Queen's Bluff. Dorer Memorial Hardwood Forest includes bluffs of the Great River Road of the Mississippi River and a number of state water trails.

Highway 16  was once part of a nationwide network of highways from New York to California. Located conveniently close to Interstate 90, the byway is secluded from  fast paced living. Constructed in the 1020's, the road served as a vital link for large and small cities in the northern tier of the country. Today, although convenient to modern transportation routes, the Historic Bluff Country Scenic Byway is a long way from the hustle and bustle of modern life. With small communities located along the 88 mile stretch, a traveler can enjoy a slice of homemade pie and a cup of hot coffee at a local cafe, canoe the winding root rive, relax while listening to the gurgling streams or singing birds, bike or hike the  Root River Trail State, attend professional theatre productions, browse the unique gift and antique shops and much more.

Go to www.bluffcountry.com for information on communities, lodging, camping, shopping, and attraction

 

Learn About Byways Explore Byways

State Scenic Byways in Historic Bluff Country

Click to download  map

The Root River State Trail is 42 miles long going through the communities of Fountain, Lanesboro, Whalan, Peterson, Rushford and Houston. It is asphalt and accommodates biking, in-line skating, hiking, and skiing (a Minnesota Ski Pass is required).

All seasons of the year, the unique beauty of this area   attracts visitors wanting to view spring blossoms, summer lushness, fall foliage, and winter starkness along with the wide variety of animal and bird life.

Click detailed DNR information on the trail.

The Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail is a beautiful 18 mile long multiple use trail that connects the communities of Harmony and Preston with the existing Root River State Trail. Main summer uses are hiking, biking and in-line skating. The trail is groomed for cross country skiing in the winter.

Click for detailed DNR information on the trail