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Promoting travel and tourism in Southern Minnesota


Explore Southern Minnesota


River Valley

The Minnesota River Valley is known for great parks and trails. Enjoy rivers, lakes, ravines, bluffs, natural prairies and forested areas for breathtaking landscapes while you explore this historic region of Minnesota.

Top Attractions

August Schell Brewery

New Ulm

Established in 1860, this stands as the oldest brewery in Minnesota. Enjoy a brewery tour and sample some of America’s finest beers.

Birch Coulee Battlefield

Morton

This historic site is where U.S. and Dakota tensions came to a head in one of the hardest-fought battles of the U.S.-Dakota War.

Fagen Fighters Museum

Granite Falls

See the pristine collection of fully operational, active aircraft and vehicles from World War II.

Minnesota Machinery Museum


Hanley Falls

Featuring 26,000 sq ft of implements, tools, tractors, and gas engines in mint condition on a beautiful six-acre site, its mission is to recapture a century of stories about farm life.

Big Stone County Museum

Ortonville

A walking trail allows visitors to see outdoor historic displays, including fossils and a display of models of a farmhouse.

Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota

Mankato

Spark natural curiosity of your children through the power of play in a learning environment.

Treaty Site History Center

St. Peter

Explore striking exhibits about Dakota culture, prairie life, and the many facets of the 1851 Treaty of Traverse des Sioux.

Explore Our Communities

Discover the cities, towns, and destinations that make up the River Valley region.

Click each logo to learn more and start planning your visit.



River Valley 

From scenic overlooks and historic downtowns to outdoor adventures and local favorites, these snapshots offer a glimpse of the experiences waiting throughout the region.

Plan Your Visit

No matter the season, Southern Minnesota is filled with memorable places to discover.

Use the resources below to find accommodations, explore trip ideas, and make the most of your visit.

Places to Stay     Visitor Guide    Trip Ideas


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