Welcome to Minnesota’s Driftless–a rugged, rolling landscape where bluff-lined valleys, spring creeks, and scenic ridgelines invite you to step outside and explore. As we develop the Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail, we want to connect you with the more than 200 miles of trails that traverse vibrant forests, prairie remnants, and peaceful waterways here in Minnesota’s Driftless.
Whether you’re here to hike, fish, paddle, bird-watch, or simply breathe in the quiet beauty of the wild, there’s something for every pace and passion. Cast a line in a cold-water trout stream, wander through hidden oak forests, or scale a blufftop for panoramic views of the coulee country. Along the way, you’ll find charming small towns, local breweries and cafes, and welcoming communities eager to share their stories and hospitalities. May we recommend checking out our three trail towns — Chatfield, Whalan, and Caledonia!
Our stretch of the Driftless is a year-round playground: in summer, walkers, anglers, and paddlers claim the trails and streams; in autumn, vibrant foliage peeks through the ridgelines and hunters take to the woods; in winter, snowshoeing and snowmobiling transform the landscape into a serene blank canvas. So lace up your boots, bring your rods and binoculars, and come discover a Driftless experience that’s off the beaten path — but never off the map. Join us in connecting people, places, and wild spaces across southeastern Minnesota.
So lace up your boots, bring your rods and binoculars, and come discover a Driftless experience that’s off the beaten path — but never off the map. Join us in connecting people, places, and wild spaces across southeastern Minnesota.
