25 Ultimate Fall Drives
To celebrate Midwest Living’s 25th anniversary, we chose our all-time favorite fall drives, the ones showcasing the best of the season and the region. All our drives deliver memorable scenery, towns, restaurants and lodgings. You’ll see familiar routes, plus a few surprises.
Minnesota: Historic Bluff Country National Scenic Byway
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.
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