There's One Region Of Minnesota Known For Its Rolling Hills And It's Simply Breathtaking
By Betsy Rathburn|Published August 17, 2019
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Betsy Rathburn
Author
Betsy is a Minneapolis-based writer who's lived in Minnesota for 20 years. If you know of any amazing Minnesota restaurants, nature areas, or other attractions, feel free to let her know about them at brathburn@onlyinyourstate.com or on Twitter @betsyrathburn.
Being in the Upper Midwest, many out-of-towners assume Minnesota is a flat expanse of prairie and farmland. Many don’t even realize that our state has acre upon acre of thick forests, let alone the rocky cliffs of the North Shore. But there’s a section of Minnesota that even natives aren’t always aware of. Southeastern Minnesota is a region of rolling hills that rivals any other nature area in the country. Read on to learn about all there is to do and see in this area below.
The Driftless Area is a large geological region in the Midwest of the United States. It covers parts of Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.
But in the Driftless Area, the land was not covered in glaciers. Any rolling hills present during the period remained into the present day. The area makes up one of the most beautiful areas in Minnesota.
Many of Minnesota's prettiest towns are found in the Driftless Area. For example, the bluffs along the river towns of Red Wing and Winona are thanks to the geological activities of this region.
Further from the river, the driftless area continues. Charming hill towns like Lanesboro and Preston make for scenic day trips. Not only are they beautiful, but they have plenty of restaurants, shops, art galleries, and more.
Small towns aren't the only things to explore in the Driftless Area. Beautiful state parks offer views of the rolling hills and bluffs for miles around. For example, Great River Bluffs State Park is an absolutely beautiful expanse along the Mississippi River.
All in all, southeastern Minnesota owes much of its breathtaking scenery to the ancient geological processes of the area. Next time you're in the region, take a moment to remember that its beauty was millions of years in the making.
