Fully Designated in 1996
The Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway was fully designated in 1996 by Minnesota State Scenic Byway Commission.
The byway was nominated by many groups and individuals including:
- Western Minnesota Prairie Waters Tourism Coalition
- Minnesota River Valley Task Force
- Region 9 Development Commission
- Upper Minnesota Valley Regional Development Commission
- The affected counties, cities, townships, and state agencies along the byway
The Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway Alliance was formally organized as a Minnesota nonprofit corporation (according to Minnesota Statute Chapter 31) in February 1997. The Alliance continues to meet monthly to “promote and develop the scenic byway along the Minnesota River.”
The Alliance Purpose, Background and Membership
The purpose of the byway is to encourage economic development through the promotion, preservation, and protection of the intrinsic qualities of the Minnesota River Valley.
- The Alliance meets monthly to discuss projects and plans for the byway. These meetings are virtual, with some in person meeting along the byway.
- The Alliance membership is made up of volunteers from cities, counties, chambers of commerce, museums, agencies and interested residents of the river valley. Membership is open to everyone. The only requirement is a keen interest in the river valley and an ability to attend the regular meetings.
- Duties of the Alliance include: developing and distributing marketing materials for the byway (brochures, videos, website, etc.); seeking opportunities to work with other groups and organizations to preserve, promote, protect the river valley; to educate residents and visitors about the recreational, scenic, historical, environmental, cultural and archaeological characteristics of the river valley; seek funding to complete byway projects.
