Minnesota Trail Guide: Exploring The Root River And Harmony-Preston Valley State Trails
🌲 Discover the beauty of Minnesota on the Root River and Harmony-Preston Valley State Trails! Uncover hidden gems and scenic spots with our helpful trail guide. 🌼 #Minnesota #TrailGuide #HeartlandStateTrail
LANESBORO, MN – Situated amidst the breathtaking Bluff Country of southeastern Minnesota, the Root River and Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail system beckons outdoor enthusiasts and nature aficionados with its captivating landscapes.
With a combined length of 60 miles, these trails offer breathtaking scenic views, historic buildings, and a variety of points of interest that attract visitors from far and wide.
🌿 The Root River Trail: A Journey Through Limestone Bluffs and Picturesque Farms
The Root River Trail, spanning 42 miles, starts in Fountain and winds through the charming communities of Lanesboro, Whalan, Peterson, Rushford, and Houston. Built on a former rail bed, the trail follows the meandering Root River, taking you through a landscape of spectacular limestone bluffs, picturesque farms, and quaint small towns. The trail is generally flat and level, with only a few short stretches of steeper terrain on its eastern segment.
🌄 The Harmony-Preston Valley Trail: Connecting Communities and Offering Stunning Views
At Isinours Junction, the Root River Trail connects with the 18-mile Harmony-Preston Valley Trail, which links the communities of Harmony and Preston. The northern two-thirds of this trail are built on abandoned railroad grade, providing a relatively flat and easy ride.
As the trail leaves the constraints of the railroad bed on its southern segment, it climbs to the rim of the valley, rewarding riders with spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. Don’t miss the opportunity to stop and see a large sinkhole at the Karst Interpretive Site, located just a half-mile from Harmony.
🏞️ Trail Towns and Amenities: Discover the Best of Bluff Country
The rural communities along the Root River and Harmony-Preston Valley State Trails offer a wide range of services and amenities for visitors. You’ll find campgrounds, bed and breakfasts, restaurants, museums, outfitters, and unique stores in many of the trail towns, making your journey through Bluff Country both comfortable and memorable.
🦉 Points of Interest: From Sinkholes to Live Owls
As you explore the trails, be sure to check out some of the fascinating points of interest along the way. Fountain, known as the Official Sinkhole Capital of the United States, offers views of these unique geological features from the trail.
In Harmony, you can visit Niagara Cave, which boasts an underground waterfall. Houston is home to the International Owl Center, where you can see live owls on display.
Art lovers will enjoy Lanesboro, with its Commonweal Theatre and public art displays. The Peterson Station Museum in Peterson showcases Norwegian culture, while Preston, Minnesota’s Trout Capital, features the National Trout Center and is close to Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park.
In Rushford, the historic train depot along the trail houses a museum and rest area. And don’t forget to stop in Whalan, a small town with a world-famous pie shop and the annual Standstill Parade, where parade marchers stand still while spectators walk around.
🌲 Year-Round Activities: From Biking to Cross-Country Skiing
The Root River and Harmony-Preston Valley State Trails offer a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy throughout the year. In the summer, the trails are perfect for hiking, biking, and inline skating. During the winter, the Root River Trail is groomed for cross-country skiing between Isinours Junction and Houston, providing a scenic and invigorating winter experience.
🔗 Future Connections: Expanding the Trail Network
Efforts are currently underway to extend the Harmony-Preston Valley Trail south toward Niagara Cave and the Iowa border. On the Iowa side, trail groups are working to connect the Prairie Farmer Trail from Cresco, IA, to the Minnesota side, with the goal of forming an interstate trail network that will further enhance the appeal of this already remarkable trail system.
🌲 The Root River and Harmony-Preston Valley State Trails
The Root River and Harmony-Preston Valley State Trails offer an unparalleled opportunity to explore the stunning beauty and rich history of southeastern Minnesota’s Bluff Country. With diverse landscapes, charming trail towns, and a wealth of points of interest, these trails provide an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages and interests.
Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist, a nature enthusiast, or simply looking for a scenic escape, the Root River and Harmony-Preston Valley State Trails are a must-visit destination that showcases the very best of Minnesota’s great outdoors.
🌍 Explore Minnesota’s Trails
Plan your next adventure! Check out these related articles…
- Blazing Star State Trail (Albert Lea, MN)
- Brown’s Creek State Trail (Stillwater, MN)
- Camden Regional Trail (Marshall, MN)
- Cannon Valley Trail (Cannon Falls to Red Wing, MN)
- Casey Jones State Trail (Pipestone, MN)
- Central Lakes State Trail (Fergus Falls to Osakis, MN)
- Gateway State Trail (St. Paul, MN)
- Gitchi-Gami State Trail (North Shore, MN)
- Glacial Lakes State Trail (Willmar to Paynesville, MN)
- Heartland State Trail (Park Rapids to Cass Lake, MN)
- Lake Wobegon Regional Trail (Waite Park to Osakis, MN)
- Luce Line State Trail (Plymouth, MN)
- Luverne Loop Trail (Luverne, MN)
- Mesabi Trail (Grand Rapids to Ely, MN)
- Paul Bunyan State Trail (Brainerd to Bemidji, MN)
- Root River And Harmony-Preston Valley State Trails (Lanesboro, MN)
- Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail (Mankato to Faribault, MN)
- Shooting Star State Trail (Le Roy to Austin, MN)
- St. Croix River Crossing Loop Trail (Stillwater, MN to Wisconsin)
- Willard Munger State Trail (Hinckley to Duluth, MN)
Watch Video: The Beauty of Minnesota (Ultra HD 4K)
Embark on a breathtaking visual journey through the diverse landscapes of Minnesota, from its tranquil northern woods to its vibrant cityscapes. Experience the Land of 10,000 Lakes in stunning Ultra HD 4K. Music composed and performed by Kitty Norton.
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🗣 Have you ever explored the Root River And Harmony-Preston Valley State Trails? What is your favorite Minnesota trail? Let others know! We’d LOVE to hear from you in the comments section below. ⬇️
