Itineraries and Project Development for the Minnesota River Valley National Scenic Byway

Partners: City of Appleton, Lower Sioux Agency Tribal Historic Preservation Office, Chippewa County Historical Society, Nicollet County Historical Society, Blue Earth County Historical Society, Renville County Historical Society

The Minnesota River Valley National Scenic Byway (Byway) is a partnership formed from grass-roots efforts by the people and agencies working and living along the Minnesota River. It was designated in 1996 by the Minnesota State Scenic Byway Commission and in 2002 as a National Scenic Byway. The Byway Alliance has more than 45 members representing cities, counties, historical societies, tourism entities, DNR, MnDOT, tribal communities, and interested citizens along the Minnesota River's 287-mile stretch. The Byway plays a vital role in linking and promoting historical sites and stories to tell the Minnesota River Valley history through programs, a website, roadside signs, a calendar, brochures, and other marketing materials.

This grant will strengthen the relationships between Byway partners, including relationships between county historical societies and the Upper Sioux Community Tribal Historic Preservation Office (USC THPO) and the Lower Sioux Indian Community Tribal Historic Preservation Office (LSIC THPO). Note, though the USC THPO did not sign on as a partner, they will provide input to review content. Also, many of the USC elders participate in the review process with the LSIC THPO. Byway Alliance members share a common desire to improve the quality and type of content available about the Dakota people's significance in the Minnesota River Valley, and they will ensure that Dakota voices are included in projects.

The partners will collaborate to develop three itineraries and explore additional opportunities to create local Heritage Tourism. The Byway partners, including Dakota communities, will strengthen the collaborations and provide better public access to high-quality Minnesota history through united historic resources.