Shooting Star SCENIC BYWAY
Of the twenty-one scenic byways in Minnesota, the Shooting Star Scenic Byway is one of the first scenic byways established and the first State Wildflower Route.
Travel 26 miles through Mower County Minnesota on State Highway 56 from I-90 to the Iowa border and you will see one of Minnesota’s last remaining segments of native prairie and oak savanna. Revisit the bountiful prairies that covered the land only 150 years ago and enjoy one of Minnesota’s State Parks, four historic towns, and several sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Along the Shooting Star Scenic Byway you will experience the nearly pristine prairies and wildflowers; including the rare and delicate Shooting Star Flower, now believed to exist only in the areas along this byway.
Be sure to stop at the Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau or the Rose Pedaler Log Cabin & Gift Shop to get your “Wildflower of the Shooting Star Trail” booklet. This will help you identify the wildflowers and native plants along your drive, or as you bike along the Shooting Star Recreational Trail or hike through the Shooting Star State Natural Area.
For more on the Shooting Star Scenic Byway and the Austin area, call the Austin CVB at 800-444-5713.
