Next Adventure - Root River Trail Towns Outdoor Guide -

For that next adventure, Root River Trail Towns is the perfect place to discover the dramatic river-carved bluff lands while biking, hiking, or paddling. Visiting the Trail Towns in Bluff Country. You’ll find the perfect place for your next adventure in southeastern Minnesota. Explore the trail from Harmony to Preston, Fountain, Lanesboro, Whalan, Peterson, Rushford, or Houston. Here are just a few of the outdoor adventures you will find here:

· Eagle Bluff Nature Trails – Enjoy hiking, bird-watching, and mountain biking on the bluffs
· Forestville State Park – Enjoy a diverse array of outdoor fun and historical experiences
· Hike the Driftless Area – Find many walking paths leading to scenic overlooks of the scenic river
· Paddle the Root River – Enjoy calm waters for a peaceful paddle along the picturesque valley
· Bike the Root River State Trail – Along the river, this mixed-use trail connects the eight trail towns along the way.

While exploring Bluff Country, you can also enjoy local artisans, historical architecture, and museums, as well as sample the locally sourced cuisine influenced by Amish and Scandinavian cultures. In a nearly mosquito-free environment, watch eagles soar above as you explore the paved trail or paddle the lazy, winding, trout-filled Root River.

Where to Bike

Explore and enjoy the beauty of the bluff country landscape in and around the Root River Valley. Offering over 60 miles of paved trails that connect the Root River Trail Towns, it also offers many scenic road routes for touring the bluffs. For the mountain bikers, there are opportunities for varying terrain through state forests and on quiet gravel roads in both Fillmore and Houston Counties.

Road ride the weathered ravines through the limestone bluffs.

Several bike-friendly road routes will take you in and out of the bluffs, where you will see red foxes, wild turkeys, and deer that will watch you through the wooded landscape as you pass by.

Available Maps

HaveFunBiking Root River Trail Towns Map
DNR Trail Map

Area Walk/Hike Opportunities

At the edge of many Root River Trail Towns, there are many hiking opportunities and a great way to enjoy the outdoors most of the year.

See more at Root River Hiking Trails

Paddling Opportunities

The Root River runs through most of the Root River Trail Towns, with the river is formed from the North, Middle and South branches that merge near Whalan. The river has a gentle to moderate flow, which makes it perfect to enjoy a canoeing, kayaking, tubing, fishing and more. The beautiful scenery includes bluffs, wooded areas, hills and farmland, and there is plenty of wildlife to view. There are a variety of access points to enter and exit.

See more at Root River Water Trails

Bike Shops and OutfittersResources

Little General Store – 105 Coffee Street, Lanesboro (507) 467-2943

Owl City Cycles – 111 E Cedar St., Houston (507) 896-2100

Bike Share Program

Outfitters and other resources along the Root River

Area Walking/Hiking Opportunities

Forested areas off the Root River Trail
Forestville State Park

Where to play in the Root River Area when not exploring

The towns along the trail offer many opportunities beyond biking, hiking and paddling. Check here for more fun things to do. Link

Local Events to add to your visit

Harmony

Preston

Fountain – Filmore County Museum

Where to Eat in the Root River Trail Towns

Each of the communities along the Root River Trails offer a variety of options to choose from to feed your appetite. Link

Here are your options for B & B’s, camping and lodging options by Trail Town:

Peterson – American Legion

Rushford

Houston

La Crescent

Where to Sleep When Visiting

The Root River Trail Towns offers superb hospitality. Enjoy your stay near arts, culture, recreation and romance and relaxation, all located in the bluff country region of southeastern Minnesota. Here are your options for B & B’s, camping and lodging options by Trail Town:

Peterson lodging Campgroung

Rushford

Houston

La Crescent