Houston Watercraft Campsite

Yucatan Township, Minnesota

About

The Root River maintains a timelessness as it represents some of the finest scenic and historic qualities which characterize southeastern Minnesota. Formed of two branches in the west, the North and the Middle, the Root River winds past towering bluffs topped with oak and hickory. Joined above Whalan by the South Branch, a tributary which flows from Mystery Cave, the river continues its way past bluffs and outcrops until Rushford. The Root River has a gentle to moderate flow with some riffles at various stretches. The river is suitable for many types of recreation, including family canoe day trips, overnight canoe campsites, bird watching, nature observation, bicycling along the Root River State Trail, and fishing. The river supports over 40 species of birds and has many species of fish, including smallmouth bass, channel catfish, and brown trout. The Root River State Trail follows the railroad grade and offers a scenic route for hiking and biking. The surrounding area is home to several towns, including Chatfield, Whalan, and Rushford, which offer historic sites, services, and hospitality to river users.

Amenities

Available Site Types

• Tent Sites

Local Attractions

• Root River State Trail
• Harmony Valley State Trail
• Preston Root River State Trail
• Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park
• Rushford Sand Barrens S.N.A.
• Upper Mississippi River Wildlife and Fish Refuge
• Mystery Cave
• Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center
• Pooler City Park
• Pilot Mound Campsites
• Whispering Pines Campsites
• Brightsdale Management Unit
• Lanesboro Dam
• Chatfield Preston Lanesboro Whalan Peterson Rushford South Rushford Houston Houston Hokah La Crescent Mound Prairie South Ridge Bratsburg Money Creek Norma Fountain