Menu
Log in

Promoting travel and tourism in Southern Minnesota


Explore Southern Minnesota


Trip Ideas

Whether you're planning a scenic drive, a weekend getaway, or your next great adventure, Southern Minnesota is full of memorable experiences waiting to be discovered. Explore these curated ideas to start planning your trip—and check back often as we continue adding new itineraries and travel inspiration.


Download the Southern Minnesota Visitor Guide

Get inspired with scenic drives, charming communities, local attractions, outdoor adventures, and hidden gems from across Southern Minnesota.

Download Visitor Guide

Order a Free Printed Travel Guide

Planning your Southern Minnesota adventure from home? Request a complimentary printed Visitor Guide and have travel inspiration delivered right to your mailbox. You can also browse digital guides for Southern Minnesota and destinations across the state to help plan your next getaway.

Whether you're searching for scenic road trips, charming small towns, outdoor adventures, or local attractions, these free guides are a great place to start.

 Order Travel Guide

Scenic Drives & Road Trips

Hit the open road and discover Southern Minnesota one scenic mile at a time. From winding bluff roads and river valleys to prairie landscapes and historic highways, these routes offer unforgettable experiences along the way.

Scenic Byways

  • Highway 75 King of Trails
  • Historic Bluff Country Scenic Byway
  • Apple Blossom Drive Scenic Byway
  • Shooting Star Scenic Byway
  • Minnesota River Valley National Scenic Byway
  • Great River Road
  • Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Highway
  • Henderson Classic Car Roll-In

Featured Road Trip

Minnesota River Valley National Scenic Byway

Travel from Big Stone Lake through Granite Falls, Redwood Falls, New Ulm, Mankato, and Henderson while exploring Fagen Fighters WWII Museum, Ramsey Park, Schell's Brewery, Red Jacket Trail, Rapidan Dam, and more!


Picture-Perfect Places

Southern Minnesota is filled with scenic overlooks, iconic landmarks, waterfalls, historic architecture, and unforgettable roadside attractions. Whether you're chasing sunsets or filling your camera roll, these destinations are worth the stop.

Some favorites include:

    • Ramsey Falls – Redwood Falls
    • Jeffers Petroglyphs – Comfrey
    • World's Largest Ceremonial Pipe – Pipestone
    • World's Largest Mallard – Wheaton
    • Paul Bunyan's Boat Anchor – Ortonville
    • Historic Dayton House – Worthington
    • Celebration of Prince Mural – Henderson
    • End-O-Line Railroad Park & Museum – Currie
    • Loveable Linus Statue – Sleepy Eye
    • Lou T. Fisk Statue – Madison
    • 9/11 Memorial – Marshall
    • Fort Belmont – Jackson

Explore Our Regions


Festivals & Events

No matter the season, Southern Minnesota is alive with festivals, fairs, live music, cultural celebrations, and hometown traditions. From annual favorites to hidden local gems, there's always something worth planning a trip around. Explore a few highlights below, then browse the full events calendar to see what's happening during your visit.


Annual favorites include:

    • Applefest — Appleton
    • RibFest — Mankato
    • Bavarian Blast — New Ulm
    • Corn Capital Days — Olivia
    • Rhythm of the River — Jackson
    • Railroad Days — St. James
    • Buffalo Days — Luverne
    • ArtWorks Festival — Austin
    • Defeat of Jesse James Days — Northfield
    • Steele County Free Fair — Owatonna
    • Water Ski Days — Lake City
    • Big Turn Music Fest — Red Wing
    • Rochesterfest — Rochester
    • Boats & Bluegrass — Winona

View Upcoming Events

More itineraries, themed routes, and travel inspiration are coming soon.

Have a suggestion? We'd love to hear about it! 

Contact Us


Explore

Visitor Centers

Tourism partner


© 2026 Southern Minnesota Tourism Association. All rights reserved.

Website design by Echo Vibes Design

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software