Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway
History Tour of the Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway (Eastern Half)

Departure: St. Thomas Church (in Jessenland Township), Minnesota
Destination: New Ulm, Minnesota
Time to allow: 1 day

Travel the Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway and visit many of southwestern Minnesota's historic sites along this scenic river.

This itinerary describes a route that follows the byway where possible, and encompasses the eastern half of the byway. For more itineraries, visit the byway's website.

Day 1

  • Start: St. Thomas Church (in Jessenland Township)

    Suggested time at this stop: 15 minutes

    Begin your journey at the St. Thomas Church, located at the intersection of the byway and County Highway 19, approximately 5 miles north of Henderson. The current church was built in 1870 to replace previous structures, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. St. Thomas Church was the first Irish agrarian settlement in Minnesota.

  • Stop 2: Joseph R. Brown Heritage Center & Minnesota River Center

    From previous stop: 11 minutes / 5.5 mi (8.8 km)
    Directions:
    • Head southwest on Scenic Byway Rd toward 238th St
    • Continue north on N 5th St
    • Turn right at Main St
    • Take the first left onto S 6th St
    Suggested time at this stop: 30 minutes

    The Joseph R. Brown Heritage Center & Minnesota River Center tells the story of the Minnesota River Valley and Joseph R. Brown. Brown founded Henderson, was a United States Indian Agent for the Dakota, helped put together the Minnesota state constitution, and more. Come learn about this extraordinary man!

  • Stop 3: W.W. Mayo House

    From previous stop: 11 minutes / 5.8 mi (9.3 km)
    Directions:
    • Head south on 6th St toward Mill St
    • Take first left onto Mill St
    • Turn right onto MN-93 S/5th St
    • Take the Co Hwy 8 exit toward Le Sueur
    • Turn left at 336th St., which turns into Bridge St. Turn left onto Highway 112 (Main Street) and follow 230 feet to destination.
    Suggested time at this stop: 30 minutes

    Come see the site of Dr. William W. Mayo’s first medical practice, made before he founded the Mayo Clinic. Dr. Mayo built this gothic-style home in 1859. In 1874 the founders of the Green Giant Company (the Cosgrove family) bought the home. Come take a self-guided, interpretive tour of the home, and learn about both of these prominent Minnesota families.

  • Stop 4: Le Sueur Museum and Green Giant Interpretive Center

    From previous stop: 3 minutes / 0.5 mi (0.8 km)
    Directions:
    • Head northwest on Highway 112 (Main Street).
    • Take a right onto Grove Street.
    • Take your next left onto N 2nd Street. The museum will be on your right.
    Suggested time at this stop: 45 minutes

    This former Le Sueur school building has been converted into a museum. Exhibits include a complete history of the Green Giant Company, an old-time drug store, displays about local military history and agriculture, and much more.

  • Stop 5: Traverse des Sioux Treaty Site History Center

    From previous stop: 38 minutes / 14.9 mi (23.8 km)
    Directions:
    • Head southwest on N 2nd St.
    • Turn right at Co Rd 36/Ferry St.
    • Take the first left onto Co Rd 36/S Main St.
    • Turn right at 390th St/Co Rd 23.
    • Take the first left onto Co Rd 23/Ottawa Rd.
    • Turn right at MN-99 W.
    • Turn right again at Minnesota Avenue.
    Suggested time at this stop: 1 hour

    The Traverse des Sioux Treaty Site History Center is split into a park and History Center. The park offers hiking and historical interpretation. Here, you can see the Treaty Rock, an old abandoned city, the 1850 steamboat landing, and more. In the History Center, explore three exhibit halls, an audiovisual room, and archives.

  • Stop 6: R.D. Hubbard House

    From previous stop: 30 minutes / 14.9 mi (23.8 km)
    Directions:
    • Head south on Minnesota Avenue/Old Minnesota Avenue.
    • Turn left at MN-99 E/Broadway Avenue.
    • Take the second right onto Co Rd 102/Rabbit Rd.
    • Take the first right to stay on this road. * Take the first left after that onto Co Rd 102.
    • Turn right at MN-22 S.
    • Turn right at Riverfront Dr.
    • Turn left at W Hickory St.
    • Turn right at S Broad St, and arrive at your destination.
    Suggested time at this stop: 1 hour

    Built in 1872, the Hubbard is the oldest remaining example of a 19th-century mansion in the area. The carriage house contains a collection of horse-drawn vehicles and antique autos. The house, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is open for walk-in visitors during the summer.

  • End: New Ulm

    From previous stop: 40 minutes / 28.4 mi (45.4 km)
    Directions:
    • Head southwest on Broad St.
    • Turn right at onto Liberty St.
    • Turn left at Riverfront Dr.
    • Merge onto MN-60/US-169.
    • Turn right at MN-68.
    • Turn right at MN-15 N/MN-68.
    • Turn left at Center St, and find yourself in New Ulm.

    Spend the night in New Ulm, a town founded by German immigrants in 1854. New Ulm reflects rich German heritage in its fun festivals and enjoyable events.

Totals for Day 1

Total Distance Traveled: 70 miles / 112.0 km
Total Travel Time: 2 hours 13 minutes
Total Stopping Time: 4 hours