The Historic Bluff Country Scenic Byway of southeastern Minnesota is full of captivating treasures and adventures during the winter--especially for snowmobile enthusiasts. This byway is surrounded by dozens of snowmobile trails (known as the Fillmore and Houston County Grants-in-Aid (GIA) Trail System) that include some of the finest snowmobiling routes in southeast Minnesota. These trails are known for their extraordinary landscapes of limestone bluffs, river valleys, forests, and sparkling streams. With the fantastic variety of trails to choose from, every rider can find what they’re looking for near the Historic Bluff Country Byway.
The Fillmore and Houston County Grants-in-Aid Trail System is a vast network of snowmobile trails that extends throughout Minnesota's southeastern bluff region and provides the majority of groomed snowmobile routes in the Blufflands area. Local snowmobile clubs maintain the routes, many of which parallel paved state recreation trails along the byway such as the Root River State Trail and the Harmony-Preston Valley Trail. State law bans snowmobiles from driving on the paved trails themselves, so where possible, snowmobiling trails have been developed along their wide shoulders.
The Historic Bluff Country Scenic Byway crosses the GIA Trail System in the towns of Preston, Peterson, and Rushford. This trail system consists of many circular routes throughout the counties of Olmsted, Winona, Fillmore, and Houston. Numerous spurs along most routes take snowmobilers to charming communities full of lodging, restaurants, and entertainment. Villages like Whalan offer world-famous pies as well as world-class lodging at various establishments while towns like Lanesboro feature a historic downtown with a local live theater, plenty of gift shops and art galleries, and restaurants with good home cookin'. Harmony, locally known as the "Biggest Little Town in Southern Minnesota," has the largest Amish community in the state.
Take a moment to slow your machine down to the pace of the Old Order, and perhaps you may spot Whitetail Deer, Red-tailed Hawks, mink, raccoons, Gray Foxes, or Wild Turkeys along your journey. Look up at the limestone bluffs and breathe-in the sweet aroma of white pine and furs surrounding the trail, or listen to the howl of wild coyotes as dusk sweeps over the horizon. Race up and down the hilly terrain of the trail as you blaze through the dazzling snow. Idle your engine near a river's edge, and you might see Blue Herons, egrets, and Wood Ducks scamper along its frozen banks.
Plan to hit the trails from December 1 to March 31. Some state trails may open as early as November as weather conditions and landowners permit. Visit Minnesota's Dept. of Natural Resources website or call 1-888-MINNDNR (1-888-646-6367) for more information about trail availability before departing.
Whether you're in search of hills and bluffs glittering with new-fallen snow or rural communities full of welcoming smiles, the Historic Bluffs Country Scenic Byway is the snowmobiling destination for you.
