Do It Out On Highway 61

A query reminded me that this blog is about touring, too.

For fun runs, you can't beat roads in river valleys.  They offer the most twisties and elevation changes per mile.  The Tail of the Dragon happens to be among the best of them because it's the western boundary of Great Smoky National Park, maintained to Federal standards--but it's also a wagon trail that highway engineers never got their hands on.

If you actually need to get somewhere, one of the best roads I've found is Highway 61 between Winona and Red Wing, MN.  If you're going from Chicago to Minneapolis or vice-versa, this road is not to be missed.  It's no longer than I-94, distance-wise, and not much longer time-wise depending on your starting and ending points in each metro area.  You can rejoin the Interstate network in La Crosse, WI, on I-90.

The Mississippi River scenery is lovely.  The Lock & Dam north of Winona is a good place to stop.  So are the Lake Peppin Overlooks south of Lake City and in the town itself.  For much of its distance, the road is 4-lane.  But between Wabasha and Red Wing, Highway 61 is a fast 2-lane, with enough curves, elevation changes, and vistas to keep you entertained.  And thanks for the tip, Mr. Bob Dylan: you really can do it out on Highway 61.

 If you want to run at your own pace, Dragon Rules apply: 1) avoid weekends and peak traffic periods; 2) if you can, go early in the day in summer (for ambient light); 3) erect your l.e.o. antenna; 4) don't be surprised or frustrated if you're held up.  Traffic is light on the 4-lane stretches, but there are plenty of entering side roads.  The 2-lane stretch is residential and tourist-oriented, with hidden driveways.

If you don't need to make time, you can leave Highway 61/I-90 near La Crosse, and run down the Mississippi on the Wisconsin side to Galena, IL.  The Iowa side is OK on this stretch of the valley, but the Wisconsin side is more scenic.  Then take U.S. 20 over to Rockford, IL to link-up with Interstates.  I-90 runs into Chicago; I-39 runs south to I-80.  Or vice-versa if you're heading west or north from the Chicago or exurbs area.  Who knew that northwestern Illinois had hills?