Historic Bluff Country

National Scenic Byway

Minnesota Higway16

 


 

The Byway Experience

SPLENDOR - GRANDEUR - MAJESTY

THE LAY OF THE LAND

A giant glacier once covered almost all of Minnesota. The southeast corner of the state remained untouched and is known as the "driftless area" meaning it is free of the glacial "drift" or deposits.  West of Spring Valley are the glacially smoothed flat prairies, full of fertile lands. To the east are older natural landforms containing unique biological systems and the majestic limestone bluffs created by outwash from the melting glacier.

The Root River

Root River Near Peterson

Root River

The Root River provides a backbone for scenic features in Bluff Country. Much of the river valley is within the Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood Forest. Nearly all of the land within the state forest is privately owned but small pieces of state owned land are scattered throughout. These offer recreational opportunities such as horseback riding, mountain biking, bird watching, and spectacular viewing of fall colors.

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