Winding 287 miles through the heart of Minnesota, this National Scenic Byway traces the ancient path carved by Glacial River Warren—a waterway that once dwarfed the modern Mississippi. From Browns Valley to Belle Plaine, travelers journey through a landscape shaped by ice age floods, where towering bluffs rise dramatically above the valley floor and the gentle Minnesota River meanders through rich bottomlands.

Along the route, discover charming river towns like Granite Falls, where exposed billion-year-old rock formations tell Earth’s ancient story, and New Ulm, a delightful German-heritage community with distinctive architecture and welcoming breweries. History buffs will find compelling sites including the Lower Sioux Agency and Fort Ridgely, which illuminate the region’s complex past. Big Stone Lake and Lac qui Parle offer exceptional birdwatching, particularly during spring and fall migrations when thousands of waterfowl fill the skies.

The byway showcases quintessential Minnesota: rolling prairies, hardwood forests ablaze with autumn color, and fertile farmland stretching to the horizon. Wildlife abounds—watch for bald eagles, white-tailed deer, and great blue herons along the riverbanks.

Best time to visit: September through mid-October for spectacular fall foliage, or April-May for migrating birds.

Plan for: Two to three days to fully appreciate the valley’s natural beauty and historic treasures.

Explore Nearby

• Zippel Bay State Park — State Park in Minnesota
• William O’Brien State Park — State Park in Minnesota
• Superior National Forest — National Forest in Minnesota
• Chippewa National Forest — National Forest in Minnesota
• The Arches Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Minnesota