Written Directions
The route starts and ends at the beautiful Lake Minnewaska scenic overlook park in Glenwood, MN. Departing from here the route heads along the north shore of the lake, passing Woodland Point and Long Beach on its way to Starbuck on the west end of the lake. From Starbuck the route passes Glacial Lakes State Park, which offers more scenic hiking and recreation opportunities. From the state park the route follows MN 29 south to County Rd 26 winding through rolling prairie to Swift Falls, MN and the Swift Falls campground. From Swift Falls you meander through southern Pope County, passing many of the numerous glacial lakes and topographic features highlighted in the glacial ridge scenic byway to the captivating Ordway Prairie, offering a glimpse of native habitat that once dominated the landscape before European settlement. From the Ordway Prairie, head back north on MN 104 to the Historic Terrace Mill, where music and theatrical events are regularly held. From Terrace, the route descends back towards the south shore of Lake Minnewaska, pass by beautiful wetlands and lakeshore on your way past the Historic Peters Sunset Resort on your way back to Glenwood and the point of beginning.
Scenery
The route starts and ends at the beautiful Lake Minnewaska scenic overlook park in Glenwood, MN. Departing from here the route heads along the north shore of the lake, passing Woodland Point and Long Beach on its way to Starbuck on the west end of the lake. From Starbuck the route passes Glacial Lakes State Park, which offers more scenic hiking and recreation opportunities. From the state park the route follows MN 29 south to County Rd 26 winding through rolling prairie to Swift Falls, MN and the Swift Falls campground. From Swift Falls you meander through southern Pope County, passing many of the numerous glacial lakes and topographic features like glacial moraines and drumlin hills, to the captivating Ordway Prairie, which has been meticulously restored by the Nature Conservancy, offering a glimpse of the native prairie habitat that once dominated the landscape before European settlement. From the Ordway Prairie, head back north on MN 104 to the Historic Terrace Mill, where music and theatrical events are regularly held. From Terrace, the route descends back towards the south shore of Lake Minnewaska, pass by beautiful wetlands and lakeshore on your way past the Historic Peters Sunset Resort on your way back to Glenwood and the point of beginning.
Drive Enjoyment
Road quality is excellent along the state routes, which have all been resurfaced within the last 6-8 years (28,29,104) and the majority of the county roads are in good shape. There are several marked 45 mph sweeping curves all along the loop. Aside from the state routes, traffic is generally minimal, although several portions of the route along the lake shore follow long municipal streets, passing popular resorts and cabin areas, and are subject to a lot of pedestrian and bicycle use.
Tourism Opportunities
https://www.glacialridgebyway.com/
The route is designed with amenities in mind. Along every segment of the route you will be able to find food, lodging, parks, and other attractions such as museums and shopping. Gas up in Glenwood or Starbuck before going further, as the south extent of the loop offers little in the way of fueling options (No Gas in Swift Falls).
Motorcycle Road Additional info
Google map link: https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Glenwood Wayside Park, Glenwood, MN/Captains Bar and Grill/Lakeshore Park, Starbuck, MN 56381/Glacial Lakes State Park/Swift Falls Park, River Road, Benson, MN/Ordway Prairie/Terrace Mill/South Pointe RV Park/Peters Sunset Beach Resort/Glenwood Wayside Park, Glenwood, MN/@45.4980279,-95.3766911,12z/data=!4m62!4m61!1m5!1m1!1s0x52ca6e32a049c2ad:0x418b2e509edb1875!2m2!1d-95.3832136!2d45.6643198!1m5!1m1!1s0x52ca6f158bb6e341:0x11bdcadc7e469baa!2m2!1d-95.419803!2d45.651227!1m5!1m1!1s0x52ca67f445cfa9b9:0x553582e68c2da75e!2m2!1d-95.5303759!2d45.6036698!1m5!1m1!1s0x52ca60a633f97425:0x70438d29e1adde52!2m2!1d-95.531334!2d45.541199!1m5!1m1!1s0x52ca8bf73c5f9415:0xdf65a0259374cf01!2m2!1d-95.4211071!2d45.4005448!1m5!1m1!1s0x52ca8728f1a3cd19:0x29552ca12f6b971f!2m2!1d-95.2541044!2d45.4451604!1m5!1m1!1s0x52ca7d1f40b474d9:0x39cd2b7cedb849e5!2m2!1d-95.3205911!2d45.5109651!1m5!1m1!1s0x52ca65d90d501fb3:0x33f888ed34a5fc30!2m2!1d-95.4400105!2d45.5951352!1m5!1m1!1s0x52ca659b53fd4909:0x33291e9868ddc6a9!2m2!1d-95.4116308!2d45.6143631!1m5!1m1!1s0x52ca6e32a049c2ad:0x418b2e509edb1875!2m2!1d-95.3832136!2d45.6643198!3e0
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