Basics
- Length:
- 287 miles (461 km)
- Time:
- Seven days to view the entire Byway
- Fees:
- There are no toll fees.
Description
During the last Ice Age, glaciers carved the Minnesota River Valley, exposing ancient rock and setting the path for the Minnesota River. Today, the Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway follows this river through the fertile region of western Minnesota. Today's byway traveler will learn of the abundance of nature and the cultural struggles of this area's past.
Several state parks along the Byway connect visitors to the natural wonder of the Minnesota River Valley. Lac qui Parle State Park stocks its waters with several million walleye fry per year for aspiring anglers, and the Minnesota River Trail offers a fine paved trail through the woods along the river for hikers and cyclists.
The Byway passes through expansive acres of farmland and rolling hills green or gold with several different crops that help feed our nation today. The Green Giant food company originated here in the Minnesota Valley, and interestingly enough, the owners lived in the home of W.W. Mayo, the famous doctor who founded the Mayo Clinic. Historical markers in Le Sueur tell the story, and a sixty-foot Green Giant statue towers over the town of Blue Earth, Illinois.
The history of this area of Minnesota tells us just how important food can be. During the Civil War, the Dakota Indians sold millions of acres to the Federal Government in exchange for annuity food payments and a small section of land. The Dakota's first crops failed and their families began to starve, yet the local Indian Agent refused to distribute the food in the storehouse. This prompted an attack on the storehouse and began the US-Sioux Conflict of 1862.
Sites along the Byway preserve this section of history. The Lower Sioux Agency History Center provides a detailed history of the events of 1862, and the Chippewa Village allows modern visitors to glimpse period buildings and artifacts in a settler's village setting.
The Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway offers a glimpse into the heart of western Minnesota and all of its inhabitants.
Tourism Resources
Helpful Links
Tourism Resources
Points of Interest
Points of Interest Along The Way
Akota Wokiksuye Makoce City Park (MN)
Known as the Land of Memories, this park offers camping, hiking, river access, fishing and an annual Pow Wow in September.
Directions
Located in Mankato, about half a mile off the byway.
Alexander Ramsey Park (MN)
Minnesota's largest municipal park features Ramsey Falls, 217 acres of wooded Redwood River Valley, a zoo withbison, playgrounds, campgrounds, shelters, golf club, hiking and skiing trail system and fishing.
Andrew J. Volstead House (MN)
US Congressman Andrew J. Volstead, co-author of the Capp-Volstead Act which established farmer cooperatives and of prohibition, lived in this home which is on the National Register of Historic Places. The front parlor is a museum of Volstead memorabilia.
Directions
Located on the byway in Granite Falls.
Arv Hus Museum (MN)
This museum contains exhibits from privately-owned sources and items donated to the Milan Arv Hus organization. This museum contains a unique collection of vintage age photos and other pioneer items from the culturally rich Milan area.
Directions
On Lac qui Parle County Road 33, in Milan, about 4 miles off the byway.
August Schell Brewery (MN)
New Ulm's oldest industry, the August Schell Brewing Company, was founded in 1860 and is still a family business. Schell's brews have won several honors in national brewingcompetitions. The brewery also offers an exceptional garden and deer park for tours.
Directions
Located in New Ulm just 2/10th of a mile off the byway
Avenue of Trees to Blakeley Bridge (MN)
A stately row of cottonwoods guards the frequently floodedSibley County #5 leading to the Blakeley Bridge. Built in 1925,replacing the ferry, the bridge was dedicated as a memorial toSibley and Scott County Veterans of World War I.
Directions
Sibley County Roads 5 and 6
Beaver Falls County Park (MN)
Between 1860 and 1990, the present location of the county park was the county seat of Renville County. Beaver Falls once had a hotel, flour mill, blacksmith shop, merchandise store, bank, school, saloon, implement and hardware store, umber sawmill and brewery. The park has horse trails, picnic areas, and camping.
Directions
Located 2 miles east of Renville Co. Hwy 15 on Renville County Hwy 2.
Belview (MN)
Located in this small charming town are the new Rainbow Square, restored and registered Odeon Hall, Gimmestad Land Office, Depot Museum and School House.
Directions
Redwood Country Road 7
Betsy and Tacy Houses (MN)
Born in Mankato in 1892, Maud Hart Lovelace is best known for her beloved historical fiction series of Betsy-Tacy books, which are based on the author's childhood memories of growing up in Mankato. This house is owned by the Betsy-Tacy Society and is undergoing renovations to restore to it to period. Maud Hart lived in this house from 1892-1906.
The home of Maud Hart Lovelace's lifelong best friend, Frances Kenney Kirch, is also owned by the Betsy-Tacy Society. Frances lived in this house from 1897-1911. The house is headquarters for the Betsy-Tacy Society, and features Maud Hart Lovelace memorabilia and a gift shop.
Big Stone County Museum (MN)
The museum was built on the site of the familiar PaulBunyan anchor. The Big Stone County Museum features the North American Waterfowl Collection and a turn of the century excursion boat, plus interpretation about the granite mining industry, Big Stone Lake, and pioneer life, and an overlook to view Big Stone Lake.
Directions
Located in Ortonville, on US 12
