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Historic Bluff Country: Highway 16, Root River Valley, Minnesota
Photo: A. E. Crane, U.S. Department of Transportation

Drives Minnesota Minnesota

Historic Bluff Country: Highway 16

MN 16, MN 43 · Preston → Hokah

Leisurely46 mi1 hr 5 min1,200 ft climbHigh point ≈ 1,300 ftOne way
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The drive

Highway 16 across Minnesota's southeast corner was designated a National Scenic Byway in 2003 as the Historic Bluff Country Scenic Byway. This drive covers 46.4 miles of it, from Preston, where it meets US 52, east through Rushford and Houston to Hokah, rated Leisurely.

The road passes through the Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest. In Rushford Highway 16 runs with Highway 43, and at Houston it runs with Highway 76.

Along the way

  1. Preston (US-52)
  2. Whalan
  3. Rushford
  4. Houston
  5. Hokah
Elevation
1,200 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 1,300 ft
PrestonHokah
Curves
Mostly gentle curves
PrestonHokah
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • Highway 16 is a two-lane road.
  • Check 511 for current conditions before you go.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Minnesota 511 (MnDOT).

Questions about this drive

How long does Highway 16 from Preston to Hokah take?

Highway 16 from Preston to Hokah is 46.4 miles and takes about 1 hr 5 min without stops.

What is the Historic Bluff Country Scenic Byway?

It is Minnesota Highway 16, designated a National Scenic Byway in 2003.

Is there construction on Highway 16 in Houston?

It can slow for road work, so check MnDOT's 511 before you go.

What you get in the app

Turn by turn, on this roadSpoken directions along the exact route. Carve never reroutes you onto a faster one.
Preview it in 3DFly the whole drive over satellite and terrain before you go.
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Live Group TrackingAPEXEveryone on the route, on the map, by name.
Road conditionsAPEXWet or dry, ice, fog and wind along the road before you go.
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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Historic Bluff Country: Highway 16, from Preston to Hokah