Where the Mississippi River Begins
One of Minnesota's most famous State Parks is located right off Highway 71 just north of Park Rapids, MN. Itasca State Park is most noted for the headwaters of the mighty Mississippi River. You can actually walk across the river at its source by stepping carefully from boulder to boulder. The park is a great place to spend more than a few hours as there are so many activities to enjoy. Bike, canoe, kayak rentals are available. Campsites can be reserved, but plan ahead as they fill up fast. Some of the old growth pine trees are located in the park which are just awe inspiring to see.
Border Bob's
200 2nd Ave, International Falls, MN 56649 (218) 283-4414 Border Bob's is considered either the last place in the US or the first, depending on which way you are traveling. Border Bob's is a historic building originally built as the Riverside Hotel in 1907. It served area loggers that needed a clean bed, a hot bath and some good cookin' before heading back to the woods. Currently, it's open from May to October and according to Bob "visiting International Falls without going to Border Bob's is like going to Yellowstone without seeing Old Faithful." |
Hats Off Coffee
416 Central Ave, Long Prairie, MN 56347 (320) 732-4226 Long Prairie is about as close to the center of Minnesota as you can get. While agriculture is a big part of the economy, the community boasts some activities and sights that are worth spending some time to see. Hats Off Coffee, for example, has a sister business that has the largest selection of hats in Minnesota! Get a cup of freshly ground coffee and browse the hat selection before heading out to play a round of Disc Golf at Lake Charlotte or taking in a movie at one of the few remaining drive-in theaters in the country. |
Turtle River Chophouse
468 Bemidji Rd NW, Bemidji, MN 56601 (218) 586-5827 The Turtle River Chophouse specializes in American cuisine with an Asian flair. They have a scratch kitchen. They hand cut all of our steaks, which makes their ravioli fresh and procuring everything in house. They take pride in making upscale food in a fun, social atmosphere. |
Buena Vista Ski Area
19600 Irvine Ave. NW Bemidji, MN 56601 218-243-2231 If you don't have the time or budget to go to Colorado or the Swiss Alps to ski, try Buena Vista near Bemidji. The facility is open year around as a scenic location for weddings, parties or business meetings. Winters provide skiing for all skill levels at affordable rates. Rentals are available. Check bvskiarea.com for snow conditions and hours. |
Jasper's Theater
17339 State Hwy 34 Park Rapids, MN 56470 (701) 200-6130 Jasper's Theatre provides family friendly live music and entertainment at affordable prices. Located 1 mile east of Hwy 71 in Park Rapids, MN on Hwy 34 in a quaint log home style building. All the fun of Branson within a family budget. Check out their website for showtimes and tickets. |
Big Falls camping
123 Whispering Pine Dr, Big Falls, MN 56627 (218) 276-3300 A perfect spot along Highway 71 to park your RV or set up a tent is Big Falls, MN. Situated about halfway between International Falls and Bemidji, this beautiful campsite on the Big Fork River beckons travelers to stay for a while. The city of Big Fork is tiny, but the river is not. Whether you are looking for an overnight spot or just a great place to have a picnic, Big Falls should be considered. |
Redwood Area Parks
99 E Oak St, Redwood Falls, MN 56283 (507) 616-7444 The Little Yellowstone of Minnesota. Many of the communities along highway 71 have very nice municipal parks. The largest municipal park in Minnesota happens to be Ramsey Park in Redwood Falls. The 256 acre park includes miles of trails with footbridges crossing the Redwood River and Ramsey Creek. The falls that the city's namesake is located in the park. Overnight camping is available as well. |
Farm Fest/Gilfillan Estate
28263 State Highway 67 Redwood Falls, MN 56283 (507) 249-2210 Just a few miles SE of Redwood Falls on Highway 67 you'll find the Gilfillan Estate. Charles Gilfillan was a true entrepreneur that helped establish this part of southern Minnesota as a provider of beef for Great Britain. His home is available for tours and can be reserved for private parties, wedding receptions, etc. The 168 acre property has an RV campsite and is home to FarmFest, an annual display of old and new farm equipment held in August, as well as forums with Ag leaders. You might even hear a speech or two from politicians on this important part of our nation's economy. |
Schwanke Museum
3310 South 1st Street Willmar, MN (320) 235-4341 The agriculture revolution in the USA can be traced to the introduction of the tractor. If old tractors and cars are your thing, you have to stop at Schwanke Museum at 3310 South Highway 71 in Willmar, MN north of Menards. Some 250 tractors and about 100 cars are on display dating back to 1910. There is a 1917 cultivator that is the only one of its kind in existence except for an incomplete on at the Smithsonian Institute. Speaking of one of a kind, there is also a 1923 Anderson car on display. Only 11 of these cars are known to exist and this one is in amazing condition. |
Morning Glory Inn
122 Central Ave N, Eagle Bend, MN 56446 (218) 738-3300 Eagle Bend is a sleepy little town in the center of Minnesota. If you're a little sleepy when you are in this part of the state, consider calling ahead for a room at the Morning Glory Inn. Conveniently located across from Eagle Lanes, the local bowling alley and a block from Granny's Restaurant, it represents small town hospitality at its best. |
Restaurant71
240 Summit Ave W. Blackduck, MN 218-835-3333 You're driving and your stomach is telling you it's time to grab a bite, but where? It's only natural to eat at a place practically named after this scenic highway. Breakfast is served all day, but the menu has something for every appetite. |
Voyageur's National Park
360 Minnesota 11 East, International Falls, MN 56649 (218) 283-6600 Minnesota's National Treasure Voyageur's National Park is just a few miles east of Highway 71. The many resorts, camping sites, houseboat rentals and historical significance can be found at rainylake.org. Get information on camping and guided tours. |
Northernaire Houseboats
2690 County Road 94 International Falls, MN 56649 (218) 286-5221 Lots of people have gone "camping" or stayed at a resort while enjoying the outdoors in Northern Minnesota. However, renting a houseboat for a week is something extra special. Northernaire Houseboats on Rainy Lake offers a special "get away from it all" opportunity to enjoy on your own floating hotel. |
Ballan's Ispace
401 4th Street International Falls, MN 56649 (218) 283-3454 Have you ever been on vacation and needed to spend some time catching up on "office work?" Sometimes you need to find a quiet place (with internet access) to spend a few hours away from the family to "take care of business" while on vacation. There are several shared office spaces available along Highway 71. Ballan's I-Space in International Falls provides everything you need to have a private place to make calls, update reports, or have a business meeting. Whatever space you need and for whatever length of time you need it is available. |
Birch Coulee Battlefield
Jct of Renville Cty Hwy 2 and Hwy 18 Morton, MN 56270 (800) 657-3773 The Birch Coulee Battlefield is the site of one of the deadliest battles of the US-Dakota War. Nearby Fort Ridgley is where many settlers fled for safety during the conflict. These two historic sites are just off the highway and is a must for history buffs to see. |
Olivia, MN
Corn Capital of the World The Minnesota State Senate gave Olivia, MN the designation of Corn Capital of the World. As a world leader in agricultural innovation, Olivia is home to the world's largest seed corn broker. It's also a beautiful town with historic buildings and architecture. Don't miss the Corn monument that stands over 50 feet tall! |
Yellowstone Trail intersection
If you're looking for a place to go either East or West from Highway 71, a good spot is at Olivia, MN. That's where the Yellowstone Trail intersects. This highway started in 1912 was the first transcontinental auto route through the northern tier of states. We know it now as Highway 212. |
Frieda's Cafe
511 Benson Ave SW Willmar, MN 56201 (320) 235-2865 Explore Minnesota says, "A hidden gem in downtown Willmar, Frieda's Cafe has a delicious variety of American favorites." This non-franchise cafe is the kind of place we love to highlight on this site. Great food, friendly atmosphere and historic pancakes! |
Spurs Grill & Bar
313 4th St SW Willmar, MN 56201 (320) 894-4335 Downtown Willmar is blessed with a number of locally owned restaurants and bars. Spurs offers Mediterranean specialties as well as burgers, quesadillas, and more. Great food at affordable prices. Outdoor seating is available. |
Skindelien Hardware
207 Front St Sunburg, MN 56289 (320) 366-3446 Take a step back in time in quiet Sunburg, about 12 miles West of Highway 71 on County highway 9. Skindelien Hardware hasn't changed much since 1932. Owner, Marsha Skindelien, still offers over 60 years of old fashioned hardware knowledge and a good dose of Swedish common sense. |
Beaver Falls Campground-RV Parking
County Rd 2 Morton, MN 56270 Jessie James hid out here when he was on the run from the posse following the great Northfield bank robbery in 1876. The steep, wooded hills provide some great hiking trails along the river. This park is situated west of the Birch Coulee Park providing 2 great historical sites within a few miles of each other. |
Palmer House Hotel and Cafe
500 Sinclair Lewis Ave Sauk Centre, MN 56378 (329) 351-9100 Considered by some to be the most haunted place in Minnesota, the Palmer House in Sauk Centre employed famous author Sinclair Lewis as a night clerk. The Palmer House attracts those curious about the old hotel for a number of reasons… Explore The Palmer Haunt to learn more about the history and happenings of yesteryear, and get some insight from the experts on the paranormal past of The Palmer House Hotel. |
Gifts O' the Wild 47974 U.S. 71 Laporte, MN 56461 (218) 751-4914 If you are headed toward the headwaters of the Mississippi on Highway 71 make Gifts O' the Wild a must stop destination. Visit with Floyd who started this unique gift store in 1963. They have everything you can think of and a bunch of things you have never thought of. Moccasins, wild rice, jams and jellies and souvenirs of all kinds to take home to remember your trip of to gift to friends and relatives. They are open year around. Check out their Facebook page for hours of operation. |
KB RV Center of Bemidji
602 S Railroad St SE Bemidji, MN 56601 (218) 444-3459 If you are traveling via RV and need repairs or are shopping for an upgrade, KB RV is a convenient place to get fast and honest help. Experienced RV mechanics are on site and they have a good inventory of parts and accessories to satisfy your RV needs. Not ready to buy an RV but want to give it a try? They have rentals available as well. |
Hayley & Rae
110 Lake St S Long Prairie, MN 56347 (320) 533-3005 When you need a break from driving and have the urge to do some shopping, stop in at Hayley and Rae's Boutique right on Highway 71 in Long Prairie. They offer affordable clothes for women and children as well as shoes and accessories. Head for home wearing the newest in fashion or pick up something for someone you know. Your dollars will go further and you will enjoy the personal service they offer. |
Honeyberry USA
19736 350th St Bagley, MN 56621 (218) 331-8070 Jim and Bernis Invaldson are owners of HoneyberryUSA located 25 miles north of the headwaters of the Mississippi River and just 23 miles west of Highway 71 from Bemidji. Honeyberries are like large blueberries and make great jams, jellies and syrups or can be eaten by the handful. If you like old tractors, you'll also enjoy walking around Jim's collection of Cockshuts and Coop Tractors. Like most u-pick places, you can pick your own honeyberries or let them pick them for you. |
Lucky Dogs Gourmet Hotdogs 201 Beltrami Ave Bemidji, MN 56601 (218) 444-0288 A must stop place when visiting historic Bemidji. Just a short walk from Lake Bemidji and the visitor center you will find the ideal place to satisfy your hunger by trying one of the over 30 ways to enjoy your dog. |
Little Moran Creek BNB and RV campground
44357 Red Oak Road Staples, MN 56479 (218) 341-2826 A country getaway where the peacefulness of wildlife and country living will revitalize the soul. Miles of groomed hiking/biking and hay ride trails crisscross the property overlooking Little Moran Creek. The sounds of far away geese, sandhill cranes, a drumming ruffed grouse, grazing deer and turkey on the neighboring fields and ducks on the “Wind Mill Pond”. |
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Minnesota Golf Courses
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Watch for these!It is common to see these signs on Highway 71, especially in central Minnesota. Many Amish families have settled on small farms. They use the roads like anyone else, except their mode of transportation is by horse and buggy. Give them room when passing.
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And You Thought Sears/Roebuck started in Chicago!
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Richard Sears, the founder of what would become Sears & Roebuck actually had it's beginnings in Redwood Falls,MN. Sears was employed as a depot agent at the railway station around 1885. A shipment of watches arrived at the station and was never claimed by the jeweler that had ordered them. Rather than return them, he decided to try to sell them. The sales went so well, he ordered more and sold those as well. He offered a guarantee, which meant he needed someone that knew how to repair watches. That's where Roebuck comes in. He became partners with Sears and they expanded to a wide range of goods offered by mail order. (He was really the original Amazon!) The Historical Society in Redwood Falls has the complete story as well as much more information about how this area served as a hub of commerce for many years.
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