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Richard
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Money Creek
Unit
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S.N.A.
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Moen’s
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6
Ri
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16
25
Peterson
Whispering Pines
Campsites
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caution:
submerged damSouth
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Unit
Memorial
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75
80
21
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Middle
11
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River
h
nc
Bra
Rushford
Big
AN
Roo
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ee
Cr
BR
5
Caution:
former railroad
debris
Houston
Campsite
16
Caution:
dredging
20
le
da
rn
Fe
25
60
250
Brightsdale
Unit
Cr
ee
k
52
ER
11
21
Fountain
16
State
Riveerr
t
r
ga
Su
55
Roo
8
25
RIV
Eagle Bluff
Environmental
Learning Center
Houston
Raaen Creek
Campsite
45
Power Plant
Campsites
B
Bratsburg
H
Isinours
Unit 17
Riv
er
Lanesboro Dam
portage left
Whalan
Hwy 16
Lanesboro
60
Trail
St
Gribben
Valley
Unit
Forest
UT
H
n
bbe
SO
i
Tra
Cre
ek
Crreek
te
Sta
South
43
65
l
17
16
16
ey
ll
Va
Du
sch
ee
Preston
Fork
Gri
Creek
52
76
23
ate
W
Watson
70
River level gauge
sto
Township Road 259 bridge.
78.6
State Highway 52 bridge.
Lanesboro carry-in access (R) Shorefishing
platform below dam.
73.3 (L)Picnic tables and pit toilets in a wooded scenic
setting.
53.2
Confluence with the Root River.
84.0
County Highway 5 bridge.
83.6
Township Road 484 bridge.
Continued on reverse side
River
Hwy 26
Wild
24
16
Powerline
5
21
10
Mound
Prairie
S.N.A.
Life
Norma
and
Thompson
Creek
Fish
Cr
eek
Hokah
Houston
76
26
44
Refuge
Creek
r
82.2 (R)Confluence with the Middle Branch of the
Root River; beginning of the Root River.
3 Kilometers
ield
56.2 (R)Carry-in access above dam.
Powerline crossing.
15
61.0 (R)Whispering Pines Campsites with picnic tables
to 60.3 and pit toilets.
Mound
Prairie
W.M.A.
Butterf
56.8 (R)City of Lanesboro.
85.3
Mound Prairie
Campsite
R
57.1 (R)Confluence with Duschee Creek, a designated
trout stream.
86.0 (L) Confluence with Mill Creek.
2
3 Miles
VE
Ox Trail Road bridge.
County Highway 2 bridge.
86.4 (L) Chatfield carry-in access. City of Chatfield.
T
ROO
64.7 (L) Confluence with Money Creek.
59.7 (R)Brightsdale Management Unit. A DNR state
forest area, it also serves as the site of the Eagle
Bluff Environmental Learning Center which
was established in 1980 to find new uses for
forest resources, promote multiple use
management for forest resources, conduct
on-going demonstrations of uses and to
promote public awareness on forest resource
issues.
1
2
16
RI
58.1
86.5
21
C ystal
Cr
64.7
1
Mississippi
Creek
Outfitter off river, south of Hwy 16.
North Branch of the Root River Miles
0
Valley
Root River State Trail bridge.
55.0
Harmony Preston Valley State Trail bridge.
0
Brush
55.0
65.3 (R)Moen’s Bridge carry-in access with toilet
facility.
Mound
Prairie
9
County Highway 21 bridge.
eek
Cr
65.3
S.N.A. = Scientific and Natural Area
k
County Highway 250 bridge.
ee
Cr
Walkway trestle bridge.
55.2
Root River State Trail bridge.
Outfitter
Upper
County Highway 11 bridge.
55.7
60.2
Private Campground
y
Da
County Highway 12 bridge.
Root River State Trail bridge.
Drinking Water
25
rer
70.5
61.1
Campground
W.M.A. = Wildlife Management Area
South
Ridge
73.6 (L) Pilot Mound Campsites. DNR facilities.
County Highway 8 bridge and pier fishing.
Private campground.
Parking
La Crescent
L
s
75.4 (R)Confluence with Rice Creek, a designated trout
stream.
Root River State Trail bridge.
61.7
Watercraft Campsite
14
78.5 (L) Confluence with Lynch Creek, a designated
trout stream.
55.8
Bridge.
Fishing Pier
78.4 (R)Parsley Bridge carry-in access.
55.9
62.3
Rest Area
Creek
re
81.9
County Highway 17 bridge. River level gauge
on bridge support. A river level reading of 28.5
means good canoeing.
63.0 (L) Confluence with Watson Creek.
State Trail
I N
N S
C O
I S
56.0
Lanesboro Dam - portage on left. Carry-in
access on right in city campground. Built in
1868, it provided water to three grist mills. The
dam formed a large lake behind it which was
used for recreation until poor land management
and erosion filled in the lake. The area is now
home to the Lost Lake State Game Refuge. The
dam was converted to a hydroelectric plant at
the turn of the century and is still operating
today.
68.4 (R)Pooler City Park. Local fishing spot with picnic
tables. Has limited access to the River.
Confluence with Camp Creek, a designated
trout stream.
63.4
Dam
W
County Highway 12 bridge.
Harmony Preston Valley State Trail bridge.
Water Access
NORTH
68.8 (L) Confluence with Trout Run, a designated trout
stream.
69.3
Public Land
Sto
69.7
River Mile
y
on
rm
Ha
Silv
er
56.1
Note: (R) and (L) refer to right and left sides of the river when
facing downstream.
70.1 (L)Preston Access, carry-in landing; the first
access on the South Branch. This portion of the
South Branch through river mile 70.0 is a
designated trout stream. City of Preston
Carry-in Access
DNR Office
South Branch of the Root River Miles
70.1
12
Pre
k
Cr
ee
Route Description of the Root River
15
W
ill
ow
Forestville/
Forestville/Mystery
s
//Myste
My ry
Cave
Cave State
S
Park
k
n
12
17
ot
Ro
Oak
k Ridge
Ridge Unitt
Ridg
ek
Cre
t
oo
R
BRANC
55
caution:
old bridge debris
nd
80
50
mo
8
Dia
8
© 2012 State of Minnesota, Department of Natural Resources
R
E
V
I
R
T
O
RO
A STATE
ATER
W
E
T
A
A ST AIL Guide
TR
WATER TRAIL
GUIDE TO THE
ROOT
RIVER
“The Root River maintains a timelessness as it
represents some of the finest scenic and historic
qualities which characterize southeastern Minnesota.”
Minnesota State Parks and Trails
www.mndnr.gov/watertrails
Cambridge
169
ssi
ssi
pp
i
er
Riv
Minneapolis
St. Paul
St. Croix
94
8
River
Mi
The Root River
35
Rum
Ri
ve
r
River
Wabasha
52
er
Ca
nn
on
35
W
I
S
C
O
N
S
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Riv
Faribault
61
63
14
14
o
umbr
Rochester
Z
35
90
t
Roo
90
63
River
52
Caledonia
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
This information is available in alternative
format upon request.
Minnesota State Parks and Trails
Regional Unit
1200 Warner Road
St. Paul, MN 55106
651-772-7900
Online water trail information and maps can
be found at www.mndnr.gov/water trails
DNR Information Center
The DNR’s Information Center is available to provide free publications of
facilities and services as well as answers questions pertaining to DNR
recreational opportunities in Minnesota.
The DNR Information Center
500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155-4040
651-296-6157 (Metro Area)
1-888-MINNDNR (646-6367 MN Toll-Free)
TTY: 651-296-5484 (Metro Area)
TTY: 1-800-657-3929 (MN Toll-Free)
www.mndnr.gov
You can make a difference by joining the DNR
Adopt-a-River Program. Be a clean up volunteer for a
portion of your favorite recreation area. Call the DNR
Information Center for a brochure, or visit
www.mndnr.gov/adoptariver.
All photos:, DNR
© 2012 Minnesota Department
of Natural Resources
The Root River maintains a timelessness as it
represents some of the finest scenic and historic qualities
which characterize southeastern Minnesota. Formed of two
branches in the west, the North and the Middle, the Root
River winds past towering bluffs topped with oak and
hickory. Joined above Whalan by the South Branch, a
tributary which flows from Mystery Cave, the river
continues its way past bluffs and outcrops until Rushford.
There the river straightens as the valley broadens
considerably. The scenery
then settles into a gentle
plain of pastureland and
mixed cottonwood and
maple with wooded
rolling hills visible in the
distance.
The Root River has a
gentle to moderate flow
with some riffles at
various stretches. From
Chatfield to the
Mississippi River the river
falls 310 feet for an
average drop of 3.4 feet
per mile. River levels
peak in mid-March and once again in early June. Water
levels also vary substantially with rainfall. Though the
watershed has many spring-fed, clear water tributaries,
including the South Branch, the Root River is somewhat
cloudy due to erosive soil types in the watershed.
The Root River’s superlative scenery and
characteristics make it suitable for many types of
recreation. Family canoe day trips are very popular. Those
more adventurous can take advantage of the canoe
campsites for overnight trips. Several towns along the Root
River also offer historic sites, services and hospitality to
river users (see Towns along the River). Other pastime
favorites along the river are bird watching, nature
observation, bicycling along the Root River State Trail, and
fishing (see River Life).
River Life
Wildlife - Natural life along the Root River is as
diverse as anywhere in the state. Wooded shores harbor
mammals such as white-tailed deer, gray fox, red fox,
coyote, raccoon, woodchucks, squirrels, weasels, and
badgers. River otter
and
a beaver can be
found
in the water.
f
Lizards
such as the
L
skink,
racerunner,
s
and
a many species of
snakes,
including
s
the
t timber
rattlesnake,
can be
r
found
along the
f
banks
and outcrops.
b
Fish - There are many species inhabiting the river
including smallmouth bass, channel catfish, rock bass,
sunfish, crappies, and rough fish. Most of these can be
found in the active stretches or pooled areas of the river.
Brown trout can be found in the clearer and colder
spring-fed streams, as well as the South Branch. All
anglers fishing in designated trout waters are required to
have a current trout stamp.
Boating Information
Birds - These inhabitants constitute some of the more
spectacular river life and can be seen in abundance. The
Root River supports over 40 species of birds. While
floating, it is quite common to see blue herons, egrets, and
wood ducks moving about the river’s edge. One might also
see wild turkey foraging on the shore or cliff swallows
building vase-shaped mud nests on bridge overhead.
Raptors- Whether perched high in a tree or soaring
majestically above the valley, these magnificent birds of
prey provide a visual bounty for those using the Root River.
Towns Along the River
Nestled among the natural setting, vestiges of culture,
past and present, come together in the form of towns. The
towns were linked by the Southern Minnesota Railroad,
completed in 1870, which was used to carry milled
products such as flour and lumber to markets throughout
the Midwest. The railroad grade is now the Root River
State Trail. These towns represent the development of the
valley and offer the visitor a pleasing focus on rural and
small town Minnesota as well as a taste of the past.
•
Register your watercraft. All watercraft more than 9
feet in length, including nonmotorized canoes and
kayaks, must be registered in Minnesota or your state
of residence.
•
Not all areas of this water trail are suitable for motor
use.
Rest Areas and Camping Sites
•
Rushford - Settled in 1854. It was a major railroad center
and mill town. It offers a canoe launch, a motel, a picnic
area, grocery stores, restaurants, and an outfitter.
•
Houston - Settled in 1852, it was a steamboat port and the
center of railroad transportation. It offers a canoe launch, a
motel, a campground, a picnic area, a grocery store and
restaurants.
•
•
•
Public rest areas are available along the route to rest,
picnic and explore.
Camp only in designated campsites, which are
available on a first-come, first-served basis
Bring drinking water. Drinking river water is not
recommended, but if you do it must be treated.
Respect private property. Stop only at designated
sites; most of the shoreland is private property.
Be sanitary! Use designated toilet facilities or bury
human waste away from the river.
Hokah - Settled in 1851, it served as a mill site for
railroad machine shops and was serviced by steamboats. It
offers a park, grocery store, and restaurant.
Planning A Safe River Trip
Preston - Settled in 1853 along the South Branch, this
community
was active in
milling.
Today the
town is the
county seat of
Fillmore
County. It
offers a canoe
launch, picnic
area,
campground,
lodging, grocery store, and restaurant and connection to the
Harmony-Preston Valley Trail.
A successful river trip is safe. To enjoy a safe journey,
you should be prepared by doing the following:
•
Get acquainted with your route. Plan your trip with a
map before you depart and advise someone of your
plans including planned departure and arrival times.
•
Travel with a companion or group.
Sustainable Ecosystems
•
Choose a distance that is comfortable for you, most
people paddle two to three river miles per hour.
•
Wear a U. S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation
device that state law requires be on board the boat for
each person.
Lanesboro-Platted in 1868 along the South Branch as
a railroad town, it flourished as a transportation and mill
center. Today Lanesboro offers a historic downtown
district. It also offers a campground, a picnic area, a bed
and breakfast, a motel, grocery stores, restaurants, and an
outfitter.
•
Bring a first aid kit that includes waterproof matches.
Outdoor recreation is dependent on a healthy and
attractive natural environment. Sustainable outdoor
recreation enables people to enjoy the outdoors without
negative impacts on the environment. Communities
working together can improve water resources by
promoting environmentally sensitive land use practices
along rivers and throughout watersheds.
•
Bring an extra paddle in your canoe.
•
Be cautious of river obstructions, such as overhanging
and dead trees in the river.
Chatfield - Settled in 1853 on the North Branch, it was a
milling and transportation center. It offers a canoe launch,
a picnic area, grocery stores, and restaurants and hotel.
•
You must pack out all trash.
•
Leave only footprints; take only photographs!
Whalan - Platted in 1868 as a railroad town, it was once
the tobacco center of Fillmore County.
Water levels can speed you up or slow you down. You
can get information about water levels from the regional
DNR office, or check the DNR website, or the DNR
Information Center.
Remember that much of the shorelands are privately
owned. Respect and protect the water and shorelands.
Peterson - A railroad village founded in 1867, it was
the former site of a mill. The Peterson Trout Farm, founded
in 1871, is located a mile south of town (now operated by
the Minnesota DNR). There is a canoe launch in town.
Natural shoreline buffers improve water quality by
filtering out pollutants and sediments. Healthy and diverse
native shoreline plant communities are attractive and
provide important shoreline habitat for birds and wildlife.
Natural
Shorelands
40% evaporation
10% runoff
50% infiltration
Altered Shorelands
30% evaporation
55% runoff
15% infiltration
Continued from reverse side
57.9(L) Confluence with Torkelson Creek, a designated
trout stream.
56.5(R) Abandoned Root River Power & Light
powerhouse. This structure was one of the first
major hydroelectric projects in the Root River
Valley. Completed in 1914, its construction was
unusual in that it was powered by the dam at river
mile 62.0. The water was directed through the
bluff behind the power plant via a tunnel. The
diversion was necessary to increase the flow
gradient enabling the water to reach sufficient
force to power the generators.
56.1-56(L) Power Plant Campsites. DNR facilities with
separate landings, picnic tables and pit toilets.
54.3
State Highway 250 bridge.
53.2
Root River State Trail bridge.
53.2(R) Confluence with South Branch of the Root River.
52.5(R) Highway 16 access. A DNR carry-in landing with
pit toilet.
51.1(R) Private Campground.
50.1
County Highway 36 bridge.
50.1(L) City of Whalan.
49.9(R) Gribben Valley Management Unit. A DNR forest
area. Outfitter located river left.
49.9
Old bridge abutments (debris).
49.4(R) Confluence with Gribben Creek, a designated trout
stream.
49.3(L) City of Whalan carry-in access. Parking 500’ away.
47.5(L) Private Campground.
46.4(R) Confluence with Diamond Creek.
44.8(L) Confluence with Raaen Creek.
44.6(R) Raaen Creek Campsite. A DNR facility which
offers two sites, picnic tables and a pit toilet in a
wooded, river bottom setting.
42.6
Confluence with Big Springs Creek, a designated
trout stream.
42.0
Township road bridge.
39.0
Outfitter off river.
38.9(R) Peterson carry-in access and toilet facility.
38.9
County Highway 25 bridge.
38.9(L) City of Peterson.
38.0(L) North Peterson Management Unit. A DNR forest
area.
33.9
Submerged dam. Use caution when navigating
over this structure.
33.8(L) Rushford carry-in access.
33.4
State Highway 16 bridge.
33.4(L) City of Rushford.
33.1(L) Confluence with Rush Creek, a designated trout
stream.
32.3
Outfitter off river.
29.7(R) Confluence with Ferndale Creek.
27.9(L) Money Creek Management Unit, a DNR forest
area.
26.1(R) Confluence with Daley Creek, a designated trout
stream.
24.8(L) Houston Campsite, a DNR facility which offers
two sites and picnic tables.
22.5
Abandoned railway bridge abutments (debris).
20.4(L) Confluence with Money Creek.
18.8
Dredging operation for sand removal. Use caution
when navigating through the area.
18.6
State Highway 76 bridge.
18.6(R) City of Houston.
18.7(L) Houston carry-in access.
17.9
Powerline crossing.
17.3
Township road bridge.
17.0(R) Confluence with South Fork of the Root River.
14.8(L) Confluence with Buell Creek.
14.6(L) Confluence with Silver Creek, a designated trout
stream.
13.9(L) Confluence with Storer Creek, a designated trout
stream.
13.4(R) Confluence with Crystal Creek.
13.1(L) Mound Prairie Campsite, which offers two sites,
picnic tables and a pit toilet in pastured woodland
setting.
11.9
County Highway 24 bridge.
12.0(R) Mound Prairie carry-in access.
10.4(R) Confluence with Mound Prairie Creek.
10.1(L) Confluence with Day Creek.
9.5(L) Confluence with Brush Valley Creek.
6.6(R) City of Hokah.
5.8(R) Carry-in access. Confluence with Thompson
Creek, a designated trout stream.
4.0
Abandoned Milwaukee Road Railway bridge.
3.2 (L) Hwy 26 carry-in access. County Highway 26
bridge. Milwaukee Road Railway bridge.
0.0
Confluence with Mississippi River. Next available
downstream access on the Minnesota side is at
Brownsville. The next available upstream access
on the Minnesota side is at La Cresent.