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! And don't forget to 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

U.S.-Dakota War of 1862

The year 2012 marks 150 since the U.S. - Dakota War of 1862.  The Byway has gathered links to help Byway travelers who want to learn more about this important event. Click here to learn more. 

Intepretive panels

Ten new panels are being placed along the Minnesota River Valley National Scenic Byway in the spring of 2012. Click here to view the panels and learn more. 

Byway panels are already located at sixteen Discovery sites.  These interpretive panels were featured in the Minnesota River Valley National Scenic Byway 2010 Calendar. Click here to view the calendar, and make a plan now to travel the Byway and view all of the panels in person!

Geocaching in the Byway

Click here for a geocache program beginning June 9th called "Who's who in the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862".

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 geocaching 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 geocache page with links to byway caches!

(Interested “Cache Masters” are encouraged to discuss operating a Byway-wide program by contacting “Kristi” at 320-289-1981x6 or by e-mail at kristi.fernholz@umvrdc.org.)

2012 Byway Calendar

The 2012 Byway is available. It features gorgeous photos taken along the Byway. To get a calendar, become a Byway member and we will send you one! See this page about becoming a Byway member. Click here to view the 2011 calendar.

Byway DVD 

The Byway has a 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!