Located along the meandering Minnesota River, the Minnesota River Valley National Scenic Byway is a destination in itself.

• Breathe as you paddle through the quiet Minnesota River
• Touch 3.8 billion year old granite outcrops
• Walk through lush prairie grasses
• Picnic at state and local parks along the valley
• Hear vivid stories of prairie life

Close your eyes and imagine becoming an explorer for a day. Relax in the tranquility of Big Bluestem prairie grasses. Watch for Dakota skipper butterflies among purple cornflowers. Scan the expansive blue sky for bald eagles or wait quietly at the river’s edge to catch a glimpse of a deer at sunset.

Take home one of our stories (We’ve got plenty to share! or share your story with us.

Browns Valley to Ortonville Ortonville to Montevideo Montevideo to Granite Falls Granite Falls to Redwood Falls Redwood Falls to New Ulm New Ulm to Mankato Mankato to Belle Plaine

NEW-- Interpretive panels are being placed along the byway at sixteen Discovery Sites! Check back soon for images of the panels...

Byway Pins are available at the state parks in the Minnesota River Valley and at the byway's tourism information office in the New Ulm Chamber!

Byway DVD  for sale filled with fablous photos of the byway and lovely music by nature photographer Ron Bolduan! Take a preview of some of the great places along the byway that are featured on the DVD: Explore The Valley with Ron Bolduan

If you would like to purchase a DVD email the byway and we can take your order!

MN River Birding Days September 12-13

Minnesota Sesquicentennial Events along the Byway

• Upper Minnesota Valley Art History Display
• Fort Ridgely State Park Open House
• Sacred Heart Area Historical Society Local History Book
• River History Weekend at Upper Sioux Agency State Park
• Yellow Medicine Agency History Day
• Donacaster Cemetery Walk
• Westernfest History Exhibit
• MN State Park Geocaching Kick-off

Geo-caching in the Byway

With ample diversity in the landscapes and cityscapes along the Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway, there are plenty of locations to pursue this up-and-coming outdoor hobby!

Byway Alliance members have discovered caches hidden in city parks, on public property, near historic attractions and many other appropriate places.

Imagine geo-caching along the 287-mile length of this nationally designated Byway as you progress up (or down) the valley while you enjoy all of the natural beauty associated with the Minnesota River. Use the Byway as a destination for your hobby and see what you discover!

Check out our new page with links to byway caches!

(Interested “Cache Masters” are encouraged to discuss operating a Byway-wide program by contacting “Dawn” at 320-289-1981 or by e-mail at dawn.hegland@umvrdc.org .)