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As just one section of the national
Northern Tier Route in Minnesota, this northernmost scenic byway is totally within this state and forms the eastern Minnesota. This scenic byway is an east-west highway traverses the state of Minnesota from where the Northern Tier Route in North Dakota crosses the Red River and continues all the way to Voyageurs National Park, and this done within a short distance of the Canadian border. I have been told that this byway is ideal for anglers, boaters, birders and wildflower lovers, however, much of those amenities are likely for a season unlike when I traversed the byway. My traverse occurred during the fall, which amenities I found are the fall colors and less tourists.
The western section, between between the Red River and Warroad, Minnesota follows the Pine to Prairie Birding Trail, and features many bird watching opportunities. In Warroad, taking Lake Street NE (CH 72) to the east will end at Warroad Point, Lakeview park, city pool and a campground with hot showers.
Then, from Warroad, Minnesota to Baudette, Minnesota, the byway passes through areas full of wildflowers, particularly lady slippers. Just east of Warroad on SH 11, (48.8425131, -95.1955111) take CH 140 east and continue east on CH 8 for 16.5 miles to CH 34, which upon turning north, leads to Zippel Bay State Park, which is located on the Lake of the Woods, has a three mile long white sand beach shoreline and is open year-round. By continuing further east on CH 8, this highway will arrive at CH 174. Turning north on CH 174 will in a short distance arriver at Wheelers Point, where there is a boat launch (48.8368656, -94.6993415). Driving south on CH 174 will take you back to SH 11.
This route runs along the Rainy River from International Falls to Baudette, through fields of lady's slippers from Baudette to Warroad, and along the Pine to Prairie Birding Trail west of Warroad.
The roadside between Baudette and Warroad blooms with wildflowers, and the area west of Warroad is part of the Pine to Prairie Birding Trail. The western end of the byway heads north on Hwy. 59 to Lake Bronson State Park.
Numerous resorts surround Voyageurs National Park and Lake of the Woods, two of the route's key attractions. The "Dancing Sky" refers to the aurora borealis, or northern lights, which frequently appear in the area thanks to its far-northern location and absence of bright city lights.
The name of this scenic route, "Dancing Sky" refers to the aurora borealis, or northern lights, which often illuminate the skies. From scenic rivers and wildflower-filled roadsides to abundant birdlife and starry nights, this route offers a uniquely northern experience.
(m0-maps-dancingsky-map) Waters of the Dancing Sky State Scenic Byway Map
The Waters of the Dancing Sky State Scenic Byway Information
Roadpath Description:
Roadpath Type:
State Scenic Byway
Roadpath Total Length:
229 miles, 369 km
Roadpath Length in Minnesota:
229 miles
Roadpath Year Built:
Roadpath Use:
Roadpath Waymark:
CCC
Roadpath Terminus Point (West):
Location:
Red River of the North, (See North Dakota
Northern Tier Route)
Coordinates:
48.5724730, -97.1479501
Elevation:
851 feet
Roadpath Terminus Point (East):
Location:
Dove Point on Dove Island, (See Minnesota
Northern Tier Route
Coordinates:
48.5955503, -93.1588818
Elevation:
1,115 feet
Roadpath Highest Elevation:
1,157 feet,
48.5944489, -93.2006144
Roadpath Lowest Elevation:
851 feet
Red River
Roadpath History:
Geographical Information:
The Dancing Sky State Scenic Byway traverses three ecoregions in Minnesota.
Geographical Region:
Interior Lowlands
Roadpath History:
The Waters of the Dancing Sky Scenic Byway was designated as part of Minnesota's scenic byway program, which was established in 1992 to promote tourism and economic growth. Its history is tied to its unique natural and cultural landscape, which includes the Rainy River, Voyageurs National Park, and the aurora borealis (northern lights), which gives the byway its name.
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