Historic Bluff Country Scenic Byway
Traveling the Historic Bluff Country Scenic Byway

Departure: Grand Meadow, Minnesota
Destination: Mound Prairie Scientific and Natural Area, Minnesota
Time to allow: 2 days

This is a point by point itinerary for the points of interest along the Historic Bluff Country Scenic Byway.

Day 1

  • Start: Grand Meadow

    The city of Grand Meadow offers several different historic sites, including an old stone quarry.

  • Stop 1: Spring Valley Historic Sites

    From previous stop: 20 minutes / 12 mi (19.2 km)
    Directions:

    Continue eastward along the byway for 12 miles until you enter the community of Spring Valley
    Suggested time at this stop: 2 hours

    The community of Springville is the home of several historic sites, including a Methodist Church that Laura Ingalls Wilder attended and a Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum.

  • Stop 2: Forestville and Mystery Cave

    From previous stop: 20 minutes / 12 mi (19.2 km)
    Directions:

    Continue eastward on Highway 16 for 6.7 miles until you reach the junction of Highway Turn right onto Township Road 3491 and continue 1.5 miles Turn left onto Township RD 347 and continue for 2.3 miles. Turn right onto CR-12 / CR-118 and continue for 1.3 miles.
    Suggested time at this stop: 2 hours 30 minutes

    The historic community of Forestville died when the railroad bypassed the town, but it lives on today as a complete historic village. Beneath Forestville are the Mystery Caves, with one or two hour tours available.

  • End: Preston

    From previous stop: 20 minutes / 8.7 mi (13.9 km)
    Directions:

    Start out going east on CR-12 / CR-118 toward Township Road 347 and continue for 3.6 miles. Turn left onto CR-11 and continue for 1.2 miles. Turn right onto MN-16 and continue for 3.9 miles into Preston.

    The community of Preston has several bed and breakfast locations, as well as local dining clubs and restaurants.

Totals for Day 1

Total Distance Traveled: 32.7 miles / 52.3 km
Total Travel Time: 1 hour
Total Stopping Time: 4 hours 30 minutes

Day 2

  • Stop 1: Historic Lanesboro

    From previous stop: 10 minutes / 5.2 mi (8.3 km)
    Directions:

    Turn onto MN-16 (the Historic Bluff Country Scenic Byway) and continue for 5.2 miles.
    Suggested time at this stop: 1 hour 30 minutes

    The community of Lanesboro offers many shops, restaurants, a winery, a professional theatre and Victorian homes to view.

  • Stop 2: Rushford and Magelssen State Park

    From previous stop: 25 minutes / 17 mi (27.2 km)
    Directions:

    Head east on the byway from Lanesboro and continue for 17 miles.
    Suggested time at this stop: 1 hour 30 minutes

    Rushford welcomes visitors, spelling out the name of the town with white rocks on the side of a large bluff. The town itself offers many shops and eateries, along with an art gallery. Up on the bluff, Magelssen Park features the 5th oldest oak in Minnesota and other natural wonders.

    When your bus rolls into Rushford you will notice the large bluff with the name “Rushford” in white rocks on the side of the hill. It is on the top of this hill that Magellsson Park and the 5th oldest Oak tree in Minnesota reside. Once again, there is much to see with an art gallery, ice cream/pizza parlor, the Creamery and various shops.

  • Stop 3: Houston

    From previous stop: 15 minutes / 11 mi (17.6 km)
    Directions:

    Follow MN-16 east from Rushford for 11 miles.
    Suggested time at this stop: 1 hour 30 minutes

    Houston features the Houston Nature Center, featuring several programs detailing the secret lives of the wildlife of the area. Along with this, Houston is the home of Cody the Buffalo from the movie Dances With Wolves.

  • End: Mound Prairie Scientific and Natural Area

    From previous stop: 15 minutes / 11 mi (17.6 km)
    Directions:

    Continue along the byway (MN-16) from Houston to Hokah, the terminus of the byway.

    The Mound Prairie Scientific and Natural Area offers a nature trail that winds through the rare plant and animal species found on the Minnesota Prairie.

Totals for Day 2

Total Distance Traveled: 44.2 miles / 70.7 km
Total Travel Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Stopping Time: 4 hours 30 minutes