The Root River State Trail draws bicyclists to southeast Minnesota, but the river valley looks just as pretty from State-16. Trees blanket rolling hills, and quaint towns line the 88-mile byway. Visit Laura Ingalls Wilder sites in Spring Valley, stay at one of many B&Bs in Lanesboro, and order a wedge of rhubarb custard pie at the Aroma Pie Shop in Whalan.

Delightful detours In Harmony, just 8 miles south of the byway, tour Niagara Cave and savor upscale comfort food, including Swedish meatballs, at Quarter/quarter. Or, if you’d rather pick your own food, check out the orchards (and Mississippi River views) along the winding Apple Blossom Scenic Byway, which forks off State-16 in La Crescent.

More from Midwest Living

Root River Valley attractions [1]

Fall in the Root River Valley [2]

For maps and trip planning

Byways.org: Historic Bluff Country National Scenic Byway [3]

Explore Minnesota: Historic Bluff Country National Scenic Byway [4]

Bluff Country [5]