Sites Along the Byway

This list of sites along the entire Byway are listed in order from west to east along the Minnesota River Valley.

For your convenience, we have separated the Byway into segments. Click on any of the icons below to view the list of sites in that particular segment of the Byway.

Riverfront Park

This park along the Minnesota River offers beautiful views.

Sibley Park

This park along the Minnesota River is rich in history, and offers a storybook farm zoo and playground, and many natural areas.

Reconciliation Park

On the site of the largest mass execution in U.S. history, the park was dedicated on September 19, 1997, as a collaboration of the Bdewakaŋtuŋwaŋ Dakota and Mankato communities in a spirit of reconciliation.

Continental Divide

The city of Browns Valley is located along the Laurentian Continental Divide, a small rise in the land which influences whether water flows north to the Hudson or south to the Gulf of Mexico.

Samuel J. Brown Memorial Park

A historic cabin where you can learn about Browns Valley’s history.

Wadsworth Trail Marker

An original pioneer trail blazed in 1864 stretching from St. Cloud to Ft. Sisseton, South Dakota.

Browns Valley Man

Uncovered in 1933, experts named the bone fragments “Browns Valley Man” and estimated it to be 9,000 years old.

Big Stone Lake State Park

Nestled on the shores of Big Stone Lake, or Bde Iŋyaŋ Takiŋyaŋyaŋ, this state park offers visitors a quiet camping experience complete with fishing, swimming, hiking and bird watching.

Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge

Drive or bike the auto tour where you can enjoy the granite outcrops, wetlands and woodlands, prairie.

Big Stone County Museum

Built on the site of Paul Bunyan’s anchor, this museum features many treasures of the past and interpretations about life as a pioneer.

Ortonville Historic Buildings

A group of more than 15 historic properties along the shore of Big Stone Lake.

Lac qui Parle State Park and Lac qui Parle Mission

This state park on Lac qui Parle Lake (in Dakota, Bde Iedaŋ ,or “little talking lake.”) has abundant wildlife and waterfowl, and includes the historic Fort Renville and Lac qui Parle Mission.

Arv Hus Museum

Sawdust art, handcrafts, vintage photos and pioneer items from the culturally rich Milan area, with historian and curator Billy Thompson who has stories to tell that will keep you laughing all day!

Norwegian Stabbur

A decorative and antique Norwegian Pantry.

Plover Prairie Nature Conservancy Preserve

A beautiful nature preserve with a wide variety of plant and animal species.

Lac Qui Parle County History Center

Exhibits feature the pioneer lifestyle, agriculture, Civil War artifacts and more. Robert Bly Study.

Marsh Lake

A lake on the Minnesota River with abundant fish, waterfowl and wildlife.

Chippewa Prairie Preserve

Natural A small prairie remnant of the once vast northern tallgrass prairie ecosystem.

Lac qui Parle Wildlife Management Area

With more than 33,000 acres of land and water, this WMA is made up of wetlands, brushlands, woodlands, and native prairie and provides great habitat for birds and wildlife.

Camp Release Memorial Monument

An important location in the US - Dakota War of 1862, this site is where the Dakota re-released 269 white captives and about 1,200 Dakota people surrendered to the victorious U.S. armies at the end of the war.

Montevideo Historic Buildings

Join us in Montevideo as we celebrate what makes America so great, keeping the history of our individuals while coming together as one people. Sites of interest in the area include: Chippewa Historic Village Camp Release Monument Minnesota River Rapids Milwaukee Road Heritage Center Hollywood Theater on Main Historic Swenson Farm in Montevideo

Milwaukee Heritage Depot

This is a museum reviving the history of the Milwaukee Road Railroad.

Historic Chippewa City

A unique, 24-building, turn-of-the century village has been recreated here.

Minnesota River Valley Trail - Montevideo to Wegdahl

This paved trail system begins with a well-developed system within the city of Montevideo and extends to the village of Wegdahl.

Olof Swensson Farm Museum

A 22-room house, timber-framed barn, family burial cemetery and remains of a grist mill.

Granite Falls Downtown District and River

Shop, fish, picnic, or kayak in downtown Granite Falls along the Minnesota River.

Granite Falls Footbridge

A footbridge in downtown Granite Falls that crosses the Minnesota River and was designed by the famous Roebling & Sons Company.

Yellow Medicine County Museum

A museum that focuses on geology, archaeology and Native American artifacts

Andrew J. Volstead House Museum

This National Historic Landmark is a restored home that tells the story of Andrew Volstead and his family.

Minnesota Machinery Museum

Recapturing a century of stories about farm life, this museum features a six-acre plot filled with farm implements, tools, tractors, rural art and more.

Gneiss Outcrop Scientific and Natural Area

These outcrops, formed approximately 3.8 billion years ago, are among the oldest known exposed rock on the earth's surface.

Blue Devil Valley Scientific and Natural Area

A granite outcrop community within the Minnesota River Valley that supports one of the largest known populations of the rare five-lined skink.

Fagen Fighters World War II Museum

This museum is home to the pristine collection of WWII trainer, fighter and bomber aircraft restored, owned and flown by Fagen Fighters.

Wood Lake Monument and Battlefield

A tall granite monument erected by the State of Minnesota in 1919 near the Wood Lake Battlefield.

Upper Sioux Agency State Park

This park was named for the Upper Sioux Agency historic site within its boundaries.

Upper Sioux Community and Prairie's Edge Casino and Hotel

The Upper Sioux Community (or Pejuhutazizi Kapi) is a federally recognized Indian tribe and is host of the Prairie’s Edge Casino Resort.

Belview Depot and Museum

A museum that focuses on the history of the Belview Depot.

Joseph R. Brown State Wayside Rest

This wayside rest displays granite ruins of Joseph R. Brown’s home which was destroyed during the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862.

Sacred Heart Area Museum

A museum with photographs and other memorabilia from the early pioneer days of Sacred Heart and the surrounding area.

Rudi Memorial

Rudi Memorial is a small log cabin kept as a tribute to Lars Rudi and all pioneer families who settled in Renville County.

Enestvedt Seed Corn Company

Still operating today, this open pollinated seed corn company was established in 1900 by Engebert Enestvedt with the University of Minnesota.

Schwandt Memorial

This was erected in 1915 in memory of Johan and Christian Schwandt who were killed in the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862.

Birch Coulee Battlefield State Historic Site

The Dakota’s most successful engagement during the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862 was fought at Birch Coulee.

Renville County Parks: Skalbekken

Experience the scenic water views with rushing waters of Limbo Creek, Hawk Creek and the Minnesota River at Skalkbekken County Park.

Renville County Parks: Vicksburg

Part of the Renville County Park system featuring history, camping, picnicking, canoeing, and a sandbar.

Renville County Parks: Birch Coulee

Part of the Renville County Park system featuring Bedrock outcroppings formed 3.6 billion years ago along the banks of the Minnesota River.

Renville County Parks: Beaver Falls

Part of the Renville County Park system that features impressive overlooks, the wooded and cascading waters of Beaver Creek, and a horse camp.

Renville County Parks: Anderson Lake

Part of the Renville County Park system where you can enjoy shoreline fishing along the lake and Minnesota River.

Renville County Parks: Mack Lake

Part of the Renville County Park system which is a natural park along the Minnesota River where you can camp, fish or gather with friends.

Redwood Falls Historic Buildings

Some of the Redwood Falls historic buildings are: the courthouse, saw mill, and many downtown buildings.

Redwood County Historical Society (Poor Farm Museum)

The Old Redwood County Poor Farm houses is a museum with a variety of exhibits.

Ramsey Park, Caŋ ŝa yapi

A city park with the picturesque Ramsey Falls and the Swayback Bridge. The park is also known by its Dakota name Caŋ ŝa yapi where they paint the trees red.

Minnesota Inventor Hall of Fame

Learn about unique history at a place that honors Minnesota inventors.

Morton Monuments

Two obelisk markers are located up on the bluff near Morton to honor combatants of the U.S.- Dakota War of 1862.

Renville County Historical Museum

A museum packed with many exhibits, research library and a 1869 log cabin.

Lower Sioux Community and Jackpot Junction Casino Hotel

The Lower Sioux Indian Community is a federally recognized Indian tribe and is host of the Jackpot Junction Casino Hotel.

St. Cornelias Church

A Gothic Revival church established by St. John’s Episcopal Mission and located on the Lower Sioux Indian Reservation.

Lower Sioux Agency

Find a dynamic Interpretive center and extensive trail system where you can explore the history and culture of the Dakota Oyate.

Fort Ridgely State Park, Cemetery, Monuments and Historic Site

This state park offers opportunities for camping, hiking, picnicking, horse trails and access to the historic Fort Ridgely.

Sleepy Eye Historic Buildings

A restored train depot houses a museum. Dakota Chief Sleepy Eye is buried on site under an impressive obelisk, with a full-size statue of him across the street.

Harkin Store

A 1870s general store where you can savor the sights and smells as you sample the wares or sit down for a game of checkers.

Evacuation of New Ulm to Mankato Route Marker

This interpretive panel marks the route of the evacuation 2,000 New Ulm residents during the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862.

Flandrau State Park

The gentle flowing Big Cottonwood River meanders through this state park park. The park features a sand-bottom swimming pond, picnic area, campgrounds and group center.

New Ulm Historic District

New Ulm is a German city on the Minnesota River.

Hermann Monument

A 102’ tall monument and statue in New Ulm, MN to honor an ancient German hero.

Glockenspiel

This is a unique 45-foot, free-standing clock tower with animated figures that depict the city’s history in New Ulm, MN

Wanda Gág House Interpretive Center and Museum

The childhood home turned museum of Wanda Hazel Gag, author of classic children’s books.

The John Lind House

Built by Minnesota’s 14th governor in 1899, the John Lind house has been restored in the style in which it was originally built and is open for tours.

August Schell Brewery Museum, New Ulm

Visit Minnesota’s oldest brewery, the August Schell Brewing Company.

Brown County Historical Museum

This notable building was built in 1910 in an eye-catching Northern German Renaissance-style, as the town’s Post Office; becoming the County Museum in 1984. Inside are three floors of rotating exhibits, featuring an award-winning exhibit of the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862. It contains over 5,000 family history files to help researchers. Open Mon.-Sat., 10 to 4 pm, May 1 to Oct. 31, reduced hours in the off-season. $5 admittance.

Minnesota Music Hall of Fame

Minnesota’s museum that honors musicians who have significantly contributed to the Minnesota Music scene.

Regional River History Center & Info Center

This learning center displays on the value of the river with a pirate ship playground

Swan Lake Wildlife Management Area

Located in south central Minnesota, this is one of the largest wetland complexes in North America. Spanning across 10,000 acres, the relatively undisturbed marsh wonderland is a great location to experience the beauty and diversity of the once existing prairie wetlands

Minneopa State Park and Minneopa Falls

A major waterfall in southwestern Minnesota tumbles through Minneopa State Park. An old stone mill and traces of Glacial River Warren can be found in the midst of the park’s native prairie that is filled with wildlife. The park offers camping, picnicking, and hiking in summer and cross-country skiing in winter.

Minnemishinona Falls

This county park is a scenic overlook, 42’ waterfalls located on the Judson Bottom Road.

Mankato Historic Districts

Mankato is home to two historic districts and 204 total properties on the National Register of Historic Places.

R.D. Hubbard House Museum

Built in 1871, this historic house museum stands as one of the finest examples of French Second Empire Style architecture in Minnesota.

Betsy-Tacy House Museums

Betsy's House is restored as a museum to look just as it did when author, Maud (Betsy), lived there from 1892-1906. Tacy's House is an interpretive center and gift shop.

Blue Earth County History Center and Museum

Explore exhibits featuring people, places, and events that shaped Blue Earth County, Minnesota.

Winter Warrior and Memorial Marker

A bronze historic marker and limestone sculpture of a Dakota Warrior stands here in honor of the warriors.

CityArt Walking Sculpture Tour

Explore these outdoor sculptures displayed year-round in the City Centers of Mankato and North Mankato, Minnesota.

Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota

This is Southern Minnesota’s most immersive and hands-on museum for kids.

Carnegie Art Center, Mankato

This renaissance revival-style architecture Carnegie Library now houses a gallery of local artists' work.

Fort LeHillier Marker and Landing

A marker that commemorates the fort built by French explorer Pierre Charles Le Sueur in 1700.

Akota Wokiksuye Makoce (Land of Memories) Park, Mahkato Wacipi (Pow Wow)

This park offers camping, hiking, river access, fishing, and an annual Wacipi (Pow Wow).

Kasota Prairie Scientific & Natural Area and Kasota Prairie Conservation Area

Located on a rock terrace 70 feet above the Minnesota River Valley, the Kasota Prairie, meaning “cleared-off plac”, is named for its view. Tread lightly, as there are no walking paths here, but the walking is rated relatively easy and bird watching is good.

Rasmussen Woods and Elk's Nature Center

St. Peter Historic District

Explore this historic district, which remains a dynamic walkable downtown full of unique shops, art center, and great eateries.

Linnaeus Arboretum at Gustavus Adolphus Arboretum

Visitors can enjoy 130 acres of prairie, woodlands, wetlands, gardens, Interpretive Center, and a variety of unique features.

E. St. Julien Cox House

Home to one of the earliest settlers of St. Peter, Eugene Cox, the house was built in 1871, and is one of the few fully restored Italianate homes in Minnesota.

Treaty Site History Center and Nicollet County Museum, Traverse des Sioux Historic Site

On this site, the Dakota signed a treaty with the U.S. government, along with another treaty signed a few weeks later, that transferred to the government 24 million acres of Dakota land. The History Center features an exhibit on the 1851 Traverse des Sioux Treaty, displays on local history topics.

St. Peter Regional Treatment Center Museum

The museum displays the history of Minnesota’s first and oldest state hospital.

Ottawa Bluffs Preserve

This is a Nature Conservancy site with tallgrass prairie, wildflowers and oak savanna.

Ottawa Village Historic District

Step back in time in this quaint village.

W.W. Mayo House

A small, Gothic-style house that was once home to the founders of the Mayo Clinic and Green Giant Company.

Henderson Historic District

Main Street in Henderson is a nationally registered historic district comprised of 13 vintage buildings all made from local red brick.

Ney Nature Center

This is a Nature Center on acres of native prairie and woodlands along the bluffs of the Minnesota River.

Sibley County Historical Museum

This is a museum housed in an 1884 brick mansion.

Joseph R. Brown Heritage Society and Minnesota River Center

Explore this interactive displays and exhibits tell the stories of the Minnesota River, the history of a 33-county area, the life and works of Joseph R. Brown.

Belle Plaine Historic Buildings

With rich history dating back to 1854, the Belle Plaine and Minnesota Valley State Recreational Area greets you as you enter one of the gateways to the Minnesota River Valley National Byway.

Minnesota River State Water Trail

A gentle river seldom interrupted by rapids, the Minnesota River is one of the few canoe rivers in southwestern Minnesota and offers some of the most impressive landscapes in this part of the state.