Sites Along the Byway: Browns Valley to Ortonville

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 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.