• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Visit Bluff Country

A guide to Historic Bluff Country

  • Home
  • Historic Bluff Country
  • Plan Your Visit
  • Events
  • News
  • Minnesota
  • Iowa
  • Wisconsin
  • Directory
  • Gallery
  • Visitor Guide

Houston

Amid the valleys in Bluff Country lies Houston, the eastern trailhead of the Root River State Trail. Whether biking, in-line skating, or cross-country skiing on the trail, or canoeing, tubing, or swimming in the river, the area is teeming with adventure.

Houston is also home to the International Owl Center, featuring live owls and educational programming. Held the first full weekend of March each year is the International Festival of Owls, an impressive celebration that includes live owl presentations, birding trips, contests, activities, and classes.

At Trailhead Park, a wetland and levee planted in nature grasses and flowers invites visitors to explore the beauty of nature. The park also offers a picnic shelter, primitive campsites, public restrooms and showers, a band shell, and a creative and inspiring playground featuring a sand play area with buried fossils, hand water pump and log sluice, and stone tunnels and caves. The park is also home to the Houston Nature Center, where you’ll find a wide array of nature exhibits and educational programming for all ages.

Houston boasts two ball fields, a public archery range, and full 18-hole courses surrounded by scenic bluffs.

The Oak Ridge/Wet Bark DNR Recreation Area encompasses miles of hiking and horseback riding trails, mountain biking trails, and camping. Trails transform in winter for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.

Just south of town, you can take in a stone church built in 1855 by natural stone quarried off nearby hills. Further down Highway 76, visitors can marvel at Schech’s Mill, a working three-story mill of native stone, built in 1876. It is the only original water-powered mill in Minnesota and still boasts original equipment.

North of town, visitors can tour two impressive big game farms by appointment; an elk farm and the ranch home of Cody the Buffalo II, where visitors can purchase bison, Scottish Highlander, and wild boar meat, and one-of-a-kind collectibles. Houston boasts several other distinctive shops, including a beautiful wheel-thrown and hand-created functional stoneware and porcelain pottery shop.

Houston hosts several festivals: the Root River Triathlon, two Southeast Minnesota Bluegrass Association Festivals, the Apollo Music Festival, outdoor summer concerts, and on the last full weekend of July, Houston Hoedown Days transforms the town into a celebration filled with trail rides, tractor pulls, the Minnesota State Horse Pull, nightly dances, and more!

Dining opportunities include a charming coffee house, pizza and ice cream, a bar and grill, and a food co-op.

Staying in Houston? Lodging is available, ranging from spirited and western to scenic and secluded to a more traditional inn.

Barista’s Coffee House

Business
Barista’s Coffee House
Street
110 N. Grant Street
City
Houston
State
MN
Phone
507-896-5282
Category
2023-2024, Eating & Drinking, Houston, Minnesota
Tags
Coffee, Gifts
Description

Coffee & espresso, drinks, baked goods, sandwiches, wraps & salads, fruit smoothies, gifts, CD's, Wifi & used books. Private garden.

Bluff Country Properties Real Estate – Jeff Brogle

Business
Bluff Country Properties Real Estate – Jeff Brogle
City
Peterson
State
MN
Phone
507-577-1121
Website
bluffcountryproperties.com
Category
2023-2024, Caledonia, Canton, Chatfield, Fountain, Harmony, Houston, Lanesboro, LeRoy, Mabel, Minnesota, Peterson, Preston, Recreational, Rushford, Services, Spring Grove, Spring Valley, Whalan, Wykoff
Tags
Agriculture, Biking, Fishing, Hiking, Horses, Hunting, Realtor
Description

My name is Jeff Brogle. My family and I live on a farm near Peterson within Fillmore County, MN. I am the Founder and Owner of Bluff Country Properties Real Estate. I’m a trusted land specialist with a focus on hunting, farm, recreational, hobby farm, and rural home properties.

Houston BP

Business
Houston BP
Street
Hwy 16 East
City
Houston
State
MN
Phone
507-896-3000
Category
2023-2024, Houston, Minnesota, Recreational, Services, Shopping
Tags
Auto, Convenience Store, Fishing, Hunting
Description

Locally owned and operated by S&A Petroleum. Hot foods & deli. Convenience store. Movie rentals, lottery tickets. Pay-at-Pump 24/7. Diesel fuel, LP exchange, hunting & fishing license & game registration.

Houston Chamber of Commerce

Business
Houston Chamber of Commerce
City
Houston
State
MN
Website
houstonmnchamber.com
Category
2023-2024, Houston, Minnesota
Tags
Organizations
Description

Eat. Play. Stay. Houston Holidazzle, Loken's Sawmill Inn, Root River Market, Trailhead Park, Timeless Creations and Natural Playground.

International Owl Center

Business
International Owl Center
Street
126 E Cedar St
City
Houston
State
MN
Phone
507-896-6957
Website
InternationalOwlCenter.org
Category
2023-2024, Attractions, Houston, Minnesota
Description

Experience Owls UP CLOSE and Personal

Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Monday - 10am-4pm

Call or check our website for extended summer hours and live owl programs

Outback Ranch

Business
Outback Ranch
City
Houston
State
MN
Phone
507-896-5550
Website
www.outbackranch.net
Category
2023-2024, Cabins, Camping, Houston, Lodging, Minnesota, Recreational, Services
Tags
Event Center, Horses
Description

Cowboy Heaven on Earth. Trails & riding, equine lodging & boarding. Miles of well-groomed trails to ride or walk. Daily trail use available. Primitive camping, RV hookups, cabins, bunkhouses.

Timeless Creations

Business
Timeless Creations
Street
113 W. Cedar Street
City
Houston
State
MN
Website
timelesscreationsmn.com
Category
2023-2024, Houston, Minnesota, Shopping
Tags
Furniture, Gifts
Description

You can find room and furniture makeovers, DIYs, decorating inspirations and can shop our products we make or ones we recommend! We have a lovely Brick & Mortar Boutique in Houston, MN full of fun items as well as sell Fusion Mineral Paint & MMS Milk Paint in store or online.

Primary Sidebar

Upcoming Events in Minnesota

Jun
8
Thu
all-day Rhythm by the River – Preston
Rhythm by the River – Preston
Jun 8 all-day
 
Jun
9
Fri
all-day Dairy Days – Adams, MN
Dairy Days – Adams, MN
Jun 9 – Jun 11 all-day
 
Jun
10
Sat
all-day Lake Louise State Park Open House – LeRoy, MN
Lake Louise State Park Open Hous...
Jun 10 all-day
 
Jun
14
Wed
all-day Steamboat Days – Winona, MN
Steamboat Days – Winona, MN
Jun 14 – Jun 18 all-day
 
Jun
17
Sat
all-day Art In The Park – Lanesboro, MN
Art In The Park – Lanesboro, MN
Jun 17 all-day
 
all-day Founder’s Day Festival – Caledonia, MN
Founder’s Day Festival – Caledon...
Jun 17 all-day
 
all-day Shooting Star Trail Bike Ride – LeRoy, MN
Shooting Star Trail Bike Ride – ...
Jun 17 all-day
 
Jun
18
Sun
all-day Father’s Day Cruise for a Cause – Starts in Caledonia, MN
Father’s Day Cruise for a Cause ...
Jun 18 all-day
Father's Day Cruise for a Cause - Starts in Caledonia, MN
Register and/or purchase a shirt
Jun
20
Tue
all-day Great River Shakespeare Festival – Winona, MN
Great River Shakespeare Festival...
Jun 20 – Jul 30 all-day
 
Jun
23
Fri
all-day Brownsville Days
Brownsville Days
Jun 23 – Jun 24 all-day
 
all-day Waterski Days – Lake City, MN
Waterski Days – Lake City, MN
Jun 23 – Jun 25 all-day
 
Jun
24
Sat
all-day Gammel Dag Fest – Peterson, MN
Gammel Dag Fest – Peterson, MN
Jun 24 all-day
 
Jun
27
Tue
all-day Music in the Park – Caledonia, MN
Music in the Park – Caledonia, MN
Jun 27 all-day
 
Jul
2
Sun
all-day July 4th Celebration – Harmony, MN
July 4th Celebration – Harmony, MN
Jul 2 – Jul 4 all-day
 
Jul
7
Fri
all-day Rose Creek Fun Days – Rose Creek, MN
Rose Creek Fun Days – Rose Creek...
Jul 7 – Jul 9 all-day
 
Jul
9
Sun
all-day Music in the Bandshell – Peterson, MN
Music in the Bandshell – Peterso...
Jul 9 all-day
 
Jul
11
Tue
all-day Music in the Park – Caledonia, MN
Music in the Park – Caledonia, MN
Jul 11 all-day
 
Jul
13
Thu
all-day Rhythm by the River – Preston
Rhythm by the River – Preston
Jul 13 all-day
 
all-day Rushford Days – Rushford, MN
Rushford Days – Rushford, MN
Jul 13 – Jul 16 all-day
 
Jul
14
Fri
all-day Root River Antique Engine & Tractor Show – Spring Valley, MN
Root River Antique Engine & Trac...
Jul 14 – Jul 16 all-day
 

Minnesota Towns

  • Brownsville
  • Caledonia
  • Canton
  • Chatfield
  • Fountain
  • Harmony
  • Hokah
  • Houston
  • Kellogg
  • La Crescent
  • Lake City
  • Lanesboro
  • LeRoy
  • Mabel
  • Millville
  • Nodine
  • Peterson
  • Plainview
  • Preston
  • Red Wing
  • Rushford
  • Rushford Village
  • Spring Grove
  • Spring Valley
  • Wabasha
  • Whalan
  • Winona
  • Wykoff

Before Footer

Footer

Visit Bluff Country

Enter to Win

  • The Best Winners
  • The Best Contest Entry
  • Choose Your Adventure Entry

Receive News & Information

Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

Plan Your Visit

  • Historic Bluff Country
  • Plan Your Visit
  • Visitor Centers
  • State Parks
  • Scenic Byways
  • Trails
  • Waterways
  • Farmers Markets
  • Eat & Drink
  • Recreation
  • Attractions
  • Shopping
  • Lodging
  • Services

Information

  • Events
  • Directory
  • Bluff Country News & Stories
  • Minnesota
  • Iowa
  • Wisconsin
  • Visitor Guide
  • Submit Your Photos
  • Advertise
  • Visit Bluff Country Distribution
  • Home

Minnesota Towns

  • Brownsville
  • Caledonia
  • Canton
  • Chatfield
  • Fountain
  • Harmony
  • Hokah
  • Houston
  • Kellogg
  • La Crescent
  • Lake City
  • Lanesboro
  • LeRoy
  • Mabel
  • Millville
  • Nodine
  • Peterson
  • Plainview
  • Preston
  • Red Wing
  • Rushford
  • Rushford Village
  • Spring Grove
  • Spring Valley
  • Wabasha
  • Whalan
  • Winona
  • Wykoff

Iowa Towns

  • Bluffton
  • Burr Oak
  • Charles City
  • Clermont
  • Cresco
  • Decorah
  • Elkader
  • Hawkeye
  • Highlandville
  • Lansing
  • Lime Springs
  • Marquette-McGregor
  • Riceville
  • Waukon

Wisconsin Towns

  • Alma
  • Galesville
  • La Crosse
  • Onalaska
  • Pepin
  • Platteville
  • Prairie du Chien
  • Stockholm
  • Warrens

Winery Brewery Distillery Tour Map in Bluff Country Minnesota Iowa and Wisconsin

© 2023 · Website Design and Hosting by SMG Web Design of Preston, MN.