Basics
- Length:
- 414 miles (666 km)
- Time:
- This drive will take you about 5 hours, but in order to enjoy this byway, you will want to spend several days.
Description
Stretching from the Gulf of Mexico and north to Canada, Highway 75 was dubbed the King of Trails 90 years ago. The Minnesota portion, stretching 414 miles along the state's western border, isn't some people's idea of a scenic tourist destination, but take a closer look. One of the attractions of this byway is the lack of tourist spots. The byway travels through small farming communities, expansive grain fields, wide grasslands, and picturesque state parks.
The King of Trails is just as important for its history. Once a Native American trail used to gather food and seek shelter, the trail became even more well-used when settlers happened upon it. After vehicles needed it for trading, the trail was paved and made into a part of America's highway system. Today, locals and travelers alike find the unique beauty of the surrounding prairies as beautiful as the lakes and mountains in other parts of the state.
Points of Interest
Points of Interest Along The Way
Big Stone Lake State Park (MN)
Big Stone Lake is 30 miles long and is located on the South Dakota-Minnesota border. The lake is the source of the Minnesota River and attracts anglers who catch walleye, northerns and bluegills.
Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge (MN)
Blue Mounds State Park (MN)
Blue Mounds State Park is full of natural surprises. Start with the Sioux quartzite cliff, rising 100 feet from the plains. This park is a favorite for birdwatchers who want to see nesting blue grosbeaks and other birds.
Buffalo River State Park (MN)
Trails wind through one of Minnesota's finest and largest remnant prairies. A picnic area, swimming area and campground are located in the hardwood forest along the Buffalo River.
Directions
From Moorhead, go 14 miles east on U. S. Highway 10 and follow the signs to the park.
Camden State Park (MN)
Camden State Park offers much for visitors to enjoy. Fish, hike, camp, swim, or picnic at this park for a relaxing outing for the whole family.
Directions
Drive east on Route 19 from Ivanhoe about 15 miles.
Lac Qui Parle State Park (MN)
Lac qui Parle is a French translation of the name given to the lake by the Dakota Indians who called it the "lake that speaks." Explore trails, watch for water fowl, and fish for walleye in the Lac qui Parle.
Directions
From Madison, drive 5 miles east on Route 13.
Lake Bronson State Park (MN)
Famed for its camping and hiking opportunities, Lake Bronson State Park is also a prime wildlife-watching location in Minnesota, with deer, moose, and grouse the most prevalent species in the area.
Directions
Take highway 75 south to Route 175 in Hallock. Head east on Route 175 for about 8 miles until you reach highway 59. Take 59 south about one mile.
North/South Continental Divide (MN)
This continental divide separates Big Stone Lake on the Minnesota/ South Dakota border.
Directions
Travel west 25 miles from Johnson.
Old Mill State Park (MN)
An old log cabin and flour mill provide a glimpse of the past to visitors of Old Mill State Park, while picnic sites, camp grounds, and swimming areas provide great recreation to visitors.
Directions
From Stephen on Highway 75, take Route 6 east about 20 miles to the junction at Route 1. Turn south (right) on Route 1 and drive about 4 miles. Old Mill State Park is located on the east (left) side of the road.
Pipestone National Monument (MN)
The story of the Sioux people and their connection to white tradesmen, soldiers, and settlers is told here, where pipe carving is is as much an art and of cultural significance today as it was hundreds of years ago.