Map 1: Chatfield to Rushford
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.
Recommended day trips
Moen's Bridge to Whalan
- Put-in location: river mile 65.3
- Take-out location: river mile 49.5
- Length: 15.8 river miles
This stretch takes you through Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest, passes by the Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center and finishes off in the quaint town of Whalan.
Parsley Bridge to Moen's Bridge
- Put-in location: river mile 78.6
- Take-out location: river mile 65.3
- Length: 13.3 river miles
This beautiful, easy stretch takes you through a mix of forest and pasture land.
Explore on shore
Towns along the way
Chatfield, Preston, Lanesboro, Whalan, Peterson and Rushford all have great amenities, including food stops, shopping boutiques, overnight lodging and museums.
Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center
Eagle Bluff offers a wide variety of recreation opportunites, with nine miles of hiking trails, a visitor center, numerous geocaches and bird habitat "hot spots."
Local contacts
DNR regional headquarters
1200 Warner Road, St. Paul, MN 55106
651-259-5800
Nearest medical facilities
Olmstead Medical Center
1650 Fourth Street SE, Rochester, MN 55904
507-529-6600
Mayo Clinic Health System
1000 First Drive NW, Austin, MN 55912
507-433-7351
A group of kayakers on the river.
An old power station along the river.
Map 2: Rushford to the Mississippi River
The branches of the Root River join into one and 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 eastern edge of the river flows through the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, which spans over four states and encompasses one of the largest blocks of floodplain habitat in the United States.
Recommended day trip
Rushford to Houston
- Put-in location: river mile 33.8
- Take-out location: river mile 18.7
- Length: 15.1 river miles
This stretch connects two quaint cities with a mixture of wooded areas and farmlands in between. Both cities offer parks with hiking trails, hilly areas along the Root River State Trail with beautiful overlooks, food stops and overnight lodging. In addition, Houston is home to the International Owl Center.
Explore on shore
Root River State Trail
This paved, 42-mile state trail begins in Fountain and runs through to Houston.
International Owl Center
An educational center dedicated to inspiring visitors to get involved in the conservation of owls.
Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge
Fishing, hunting and birdwatching are big activities in this expansive refuge.
Local contacts
DNR regional headquarters
1200 Warner Road, St. Paul, MN 55106
651-259-5800
Nearest medical facilities
Olmstead Medical Center
1650 Fourth Street SE, Rochester, MN 55904
507-529-6600
Mayo Clinic Health System
1000 First Drive NW, Austin, MN 55912
507-433-7351
Kayaking the river on a clear day.
Photo by Dan Larson
Flat water greets paddlers along much of this route.
