Shooting Star Scenic Byway
The Shooting Star Scenic Byway was one of the first scenic byways established in Minnesota. In an easy 30 mile drive you can see the last remnants of the once bountiful prairies that covered the land only 150 years ago. This is one of the few places left to experience a "Little House on the Prairie" setting of head tall grasses and lovely wildflowers.
Prairie Visions volunteers, along with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the Minnesota Department of Transportation, work to preserve what is left of the past so future generations can enjoy their wonders, too.
The Shooting Star Scenic Byway is 30 miles of the southern end of Minnesota Highway 56 which begins at the junction with US63 just above the Iowa - Minnesota state line. MN56 closely parallels the now-abandoned route of a once-important branch of the Milwaukee Road from Decorah, Iowa, to Austin MN. Portions of the right away of MN56 contain vigorous remnants of the original tall grass prairie flowers and plants.
More and more sections are being nurtured by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and by area volunteers along the Byway. Especially helpful are the volunteer fire crews from the cities of Adams, Rose Creek, and LeRoy who help with prescribed burns to limit the invasive brush and weeds that infiltrate the original prairie. These controlled burns simulate the occasional prairie wild fires of yesteryear that naturally destroyed non-native plants. But, because natural tall grass prairie plants tolerate the burns they are able to quickly reestablish from their roots, thereby resisting the intrusions of forest plants or foreign introductions. The wonderful result is the character of the once vast prairies that settlers saw when they came here in the 19th century is preserved in these remnants.
Prairie Visions volunteers, along with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the Minnesota Department of Transportation, work to preserve what is left of the past so future generations can enjoy their wonders, too.
The Shooting Star Scenic Byway is 30 miles of the southern end of Minnesota Highway 56 which begins at the junction with US63 just above the Iowa - Minnesota state line. MN56 closely parallels the now-abandoned route of a once-important branch of the Milwaukee Road from Decorah, Iowa, to Austin MN. Portions of the right away of MN56 contain vigorous remnants of the original tall grass prairie flowers and plants.
More and more sections are being nurtured by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and by area volunteers along the Byway. Especially helpful are the volunteer fire crews from the cities of Adams, Rose Creek, and LeRoy who help with prescribed burns to limit the invasive brush and weeds that infiltrate the original prairie. These controlled burns simulate the occasional prairie wild fires of yesteryear that naturally destroyed non-native plants. But, because natural tall grass prairie plants tolerate the burns they are able to quickly reestablish from their roots, thereby resisting the intrusions of forest plants or foreign introductions. The wonderful result is the character of the once vast prairies that settlers saw when they came here in the 19th century is preserved in these remnants.