Peterson

The Meandering Root River

www.bluffcountry.com/peterson.htm

www.petersonmn.org

For as long as humans have been in southeastern Minnesota, the Root River has provided transportation, food, recreation, and natural beauty. The main channel of the river runs through Peterson, and modern-day visitors continue to reap its benefits while enjoying the quiet charm of a small town founded as a railroad village in 1867. To gain a sense of timelessness of this relationship between people and at the river, journey back over 100 years by visiting the Peterson Station Museum, a restored railroad depot that contains historical collections from the area. (back)

Rushford

Small Town Commerce

www.bluffcountry.com/rushford.htm

www.rushfordchamber.com

Many towns along the Historic Bluff Country Scenic Byway were home to developed industries serving the surrounding agricultural community. The Rushford Wagon and Carriage Company was a going concern from 1872 to 1939. In the stone building at the corner of Elm and Park, the small company manufactured the Rushford Wagon, a sturdy and functional farm wagon used throughout Minnesota and the Upper Midwest. these types of wagons were necessary tools for the farmers, who continued to develop their tillable holdings. Gradually, the wagon became outmoded with the rise in popularity and increased efficiency of the automobile and tractor. Atop the bluffs overlooking Rushford is Magelssen Park, a historic city park with scenic views of Rushford and the Root River Valley. (back)

Houston

Back to Nature

http://bluffcountry.com/houston.htm

www.houstonmnchamber.com

www.houston.govoffice.com

The only city where the byway serves as the town's main street, the Houston stretch of the Historic Bluff Country Scenic Byway offers an easy glimpse of small town life. William McSpadden, who served in the military under the legendary Sam Houston of Texas, named the town and settled his family here. Houston provides an abundance of resources for experiencing natural wonders. The wooded bluffs of the Root River Valley hold opportunities for glorious hikes or bicycle rides, and fish abound in both the river and Beaver Creek. To become more familiar with the area's natural environment, visit the Houston Nature Center. Here, visitors can get information on local bird watching, the wildlife and geology of southeastern Minnesota. (back)

Hokah

Native Earth

http://bluffcountry.com/hokah.htm

www.cityofhokah.com

Euro-American settlers established the town of Hokah in the 1850's. But, the resources of the river valley, as evidenced by Como Falls. This charming waterfall is a remnant of Lake Como, which was created in 1852 when Thompson Creek was dammed to provide waterpower for a sawmill and a flour mill in town. The lake also attracted summer cottages and excursion trains, but by the 1930's it became clogged with silt. The dam was removed and the lake eventually became cropland. (back)

La Crescent

Birthplace of Minnesota Apples

http://bluffcountry.com/lacrescent.htm

www.lacrescentmn.com

In the mid 1800's, Minnesota was no place to grow an apple. It was just too cold. At least until John S. Harris of La Crescent developed a strain of apple trees that could sustain the harsh winters. His pioneering efforts brought native apples to Minnesota and helped to make La Crescent the "Apple Capital of Minnesota." The city celebrates its heritage during the annual Apple Festival held during the harvest on the third weekend in September. In addition to being the eastern jumping -off point for the Historic Bluff Country Scenic Byway, La Crescent is also the crossroads for two other byways: the Apple Blossom Scenic Drive and the Great River Road. (back)