City of Houston

As the only city where the byway serves as the town’s main street, the Houston stretch of the Historic Bluff Country National Scenic Byway offers an easy glimpse of small town life. William McSpadden, who served in the military under the legendary Sam Houston of Texas, named the town and settled his family here. Houston provides an abundance of resources for experiencing natural wonders. The wooded bluffs of the Root River Valley hold opportunities for glorious hikes or bicycle rides, and fish abound in both the river and Beaver Creek. Wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy the biodiversity of the area, as animals ad plants native to both the prairie and wetlands can be seen here, including a mosaic of flowers highlighted by Houston’s famous bluebells. To become more familiar with the area’s natural environment, visit the Houston Nature Center. Here, visiors can get information on local bird watching, the wildlife and geology of southeastern Minnesota, and meet Alice, the Center’s great horned owl. Visitors are also welcome at Houston’s Hoedown Days held the last full weekend of July.