The paved Root River State Trail runs 42 miles along the Root River from Fountain to Houston. Beaver Creek Valley Trail offers a different perspective on the landscape: its 3.5-mile loop passes through a cool valley surrounded by steep bluffs. The river route and valley loop offer different options for planning your outings.
Trails Through the Seasons
At Trailhead Park in Houston, the Root River Trail System offers opportunities for biking, hiking, and birdwatching. The Houston Nature Center at Trailhead Park is the eastern starting point of the Root River Trail System. There is ample parking and access to miles of biking and hiking trails.
For those interested in several ways to get outdoors, the Wet Bark Trails also offer clear differences by activity and season: 11 miles are designated for horseback riding and hiking. In summer, six miles of mountain biking trails are added. In winter, there are 11 miles of cross-country ski trails and six miles of snowmobile trails. The different lengths and uses make it easy to choose trails that match your interests.
Beaver Creek offers another connection with nature. It is home to brook trout and native brown trout that attract anglers. The stream is not stocked with hatchery-raised trout; the fish reproduce naturally. If you are choosing between a hike and time by the water, these offer different points of interest: the trails and scenery on one hand, and the stream’s fish on the other.
Discover Nature in Houston
The Houston Nature Center has a wildlife exhibit area featuring taxidermied animals, reptiles, and fossils. The grounds also include 17 acres of prairie and wetlands with native plantings. The exhibits and the habitats described offer two different ways to experience the county’s nature.
The Natural Playground is also located in Trailhead Park and covers one acre. Its features include a hand-operated water pump with a water channel, stone tunnels and caves, a slide, a willow tunnel, and an elevated treehouse. These individual features make the play area a specific destination for anyone who would also like to explore amenities like these during a visit.
Wildcat Park also offers several ways to spend time outdoors: the park has 62 campsites, three picnic shelters, two boat launches, and a fishing pier. Its different facilities range from picnic areas to water access; which ones interest you depends on how you want to spend your stay.
History and Special Events
The Houston County Historical Society collects, preserves, and shares the county’s history. Its offerings include museum exhibits, photographs, and research materials, as well as educational programs, tours, and historic sites. The Houston County History Hunt adds a self-guided scavenger hunt throughout the county. You can download the guidebook and map from the website or pick them up at any Houston County library.
Individual historic buildings offer more specific points of reference for your trip: the Episcopal Church of the Holy Comforter in Brownsville was built in 1869; the Houston County Courthouse was completed in 1885. In Brownsville, the Great River Road also passes through town on Highway 61.
Caledonia hosts two hot-air balloon rallies each year: one in October during MEA weekend and another on the first weekend in December. If you plan to schedule your trip around one of the rallies, check the specific event dates in advance. You can then plan your discoveries around your interests in nature, history, or events.
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