This Scenic 119-Mile Drive Just May Be The Most Underrated Adventure In Minnesota
By Trent Jonas|Published April 27, 2023
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Trent Jonas
Author
Trent Jonas came to Minnesota to attend college - and never left. He's a Twin Cities-based writer with a BA in English and a MFA in creative writing, a Minnesota Master Naturalist, and the proud father of two adult children. With more than a decade of freelance writing experience under his belt, Trent is often out exploring his favorite topics: Minnesota's woods, lakes, and trails. Rhubarb pie is his weakness, so discovering new diners is also a passion.
Most folks are aware that our state’s driftless area is rugged and beautiful, but not many people explore its southeastern-most corner, where it’s, arguably, at its most wild. This Minnesota Bluff Country scenic drive will show you just how gorgeous this part of the North Star State can be.
You’ll start off in LaCrescent, just across the river from LaCrosse, Wisconsin. From the west, you can get there via I-90, or from the north, take a scenic drive down US-61.
As you head south from LaCrescent, you’ll follow the Great River Road south along the Mississippi, tracing the bases of the mountainous bluffs along the sprawling river valley.
From Reno, you’ll head south on the Great River Road, then turn west (right) onto County 14 just before the Iowa border. Drive along the valleys and bluffs and farmland to the charming town of Caledonia. From Caledonia, you'll drive the short distance to Beaver Creek Valley State Park.
There, you'll explore a pristine valley left untouched by the last glaciation. It's a prime example of the steep ravines of Minnesota's driftless area.
Once you've stretched your legs at Beaver Creek Valley, continue on to
the lovely town of Houston. Take time to experience some of what Houston has to offer before you follow the road westward along the Root River valley.
By the time you reach the
valley town of Rushford, you'll be following the
Historic Bluff Country National Scenic Byway. Look around the delightful towns of Rushford, Lanesboro, and Fountain. You'll find many Amish goods, as well as several local breweries and wineries along the way. Be sure to stop as you like.
The park is another prime example of Bluff Country topography, where you can hike steep bluffs and deep valleys, explore a once-prosperous ghost town, or even cast a line for trout.
Forestville State Park Office, 21071 County Rd 118, Preston, MN 55965, USA
The park is also home to an incredible cave that is open to the public. Check the park's web page for information about cave tours.
Hopefully, after this trip, you will have explored some parts of Minnesota that may have been less familiar to you. And even if Bluff Country is old hat for you, we think this itinerary is a little different from the usual.
How much of Bluff Country have you explored? What are some of your favorite spots in Minnesota’s driftless area? Let us know in the comments.
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