In the area:

The Minnesota River flows gently between ribbons of oak, elm, maple and cottonwood trees. It wanders past rich farmland and through towns steeped in Minnesota history. Several sites tell the story of the Dakota Indians who lived here, the pioneers who settled here, and the tragic conflict between the two communities.

True to its German heritage, the city of New Ulm has a glockenspiel (a musical clock tower clock with animated figures) and the August Schell Brewery. German festivals--including an Oktoberfest--German craft shops and restaurants add to the flavor of this town.

Nearby Sleepy Eye is named for a Dakota chief, and a monument to the chief stands at his gravesite. North of here is Fort Ridgely State Park (list state parks), the site of a frontier outpost to protect the settlers in the area during the 1850s and '60s. During this same period, two Indian agencies served the Dakota people living in the valley. The Lower Sioux Agency, now a state historic site near Morton, and the Upper Sioux Agency, a state park near Granite Falls, both tell the story of the Dakota people and their struggle to survive (list historic attractions).

The Western Minnesota Prairie Waters area features an Indian craft shop near Morton, and the Firefly Casino in Granite Falls. To the east near Redwood Falls is the Jackpot Junction Casino (list casinos).

Many local museums in Minnesota River valley towns offer a view into the lives of their early settlers. At Montevideo, the Chippewa City Pioneer Village is a collection of town buildings from the pioneer era.

Further upriver is Lac Qui Parle. The wildlife area here is a great spot for viewing spring and fall waterfowl migrations. In the fall, this is prime duck and goose hunting territory.

The headwaters of the Minnesota River are in Big Stone Lake, popular walleye fishing waters. Big Stone Lake State Park and a national wildlife refuge preserve this area of lake, marsh, woodland and prairie. The area draws deer, small game and waterfowl hunters each fall.