Begin your tour oil Highway 9, south of Breckenridge, which was designated as a Wildflower Route in 1990. This route has remnant patches of native grasses, wildflowers, trees and shrubs growing along the roadside. Continue south through the city of Donnelly and into Morris. Call ahead and plan on staying at The American House, 410 E. 3rd Street, for the evening or after a full day of touring. The American House is a Victorian home with country charm, original stencil and parquet hardwood floors, stained glass windows, and furnished with family heirlooms and antiques. Full country breakfast is served in the dining room and bath with shower shared. This B & B is located one block from the University of Minnesota, Morris. Head to Keepers, 107 E. 5th Street, an antique and specialty gift shop featuring an ever-changing inventory of antiques, reproductions, and unique gifts for all ages. Experience enjoyable shopping in a renovated old house in downtown Morris. Don't forget to stop at the Stevens County Museum, 116 West 6th Street.This award winning educational institution is active in preserving and interpreting the unique past of the people who have chosen to live on the prairie. The museum is housed in the Morris Carnegie Library Building which was built in 1905 and is operated by the Stevens County Historical Society. Free admission.

Traveling south on Highway 9 you may stop by Another Man's Treasure, which features antiques and collectibles, in Hancock or continue on to Benson. The Swift County Historical Museum, west Highway 12, contains displays depicting pioneer life in Swift County and has an original log home within its museum. Dr. Scofield, a leading medical doctor and civic leader is a special feature. Each month there is a special program or display recognizing history.

Travel south on Highway 29 until you reach Highway 40. Go west on Highway 40 to Milan where you will find Bestefar's Butikk (translation: Grandpa's Store) located on Main Street. Grandpa isn't always there, but Grandma usually is. They have children's books, some crafts, but mostly old stuff. Also on Main Street is the Arv Hus Museum which houses a permanent collection of items which have been gathered from the surrounding area and depicts the culture and development of the area through the years. There is also a photo display which is unique to the museum and documents the history of this community on the prairie very nicely. Travel west on Highway 40 to the city of Madison. You can stop and shop at the Old Barn Antiques, 101 8th Avenue, or head straight to the Lac qui Parle County Historic Center located at the corner of Highways 75 and 40. This center contains artifacts from the Native American past, a research library, and rooms containing pioneer memorabilia, medical items and old furniture. The Ethel Mehlum doll collection is featured. Also on the grounds is a log cabin, country school, and agricultural display featuring pioneer life. Donations accepted. You will need to backtrack on Highway 40 until you get to Highway 119. Travel Highway 119 north to Appleton and stop by C & D Woods, located 1 1/2 blocks south of the Highway 7 & 59 junction. Travel Highway 7 to the Stock Shoppe located in Correll. This family business has many antiques plus crafts, custom sewing, floral arrangements and stenciling. We hope you have enjoyed your self-guide tour.

Continue on Highway 7 which connects with Highway 75 into Ortonville. Big Stone County Historical Society and Museum is located at the intersection of Highway 75 and 12. This is the site of Paul Bunyan's boat anchor and a turn-of-the-century 60 foot excursion boat. The museum interprets the history of Big Stone County with special emphasis on the granite industry and Big Stone Lake. Opening the summer of 1998 is the North American Wildlife Taxidermy Collection of Charles Hanson in a 1930's general store and the Rausch Brothers Monument Company Fossil Collection.

The Shorewood Castle Suites, 535 NW 2nd Street, would be a wonderful place to settle in for a relaxing evening.  Shorewood Castle is a 100-year-old brick home. They have two Victorian suites both with private entrances: the Maid Marion suite (lakeside with deck) and the Rapunzel's Room (has the tower in it). Each has two separate bedrooms, a kitchen, dining room and bathroom. Continue north on Highway 75 to Highway 28. Head east on Highway 28 through the cities of Chokio and Alberta. You may decide to go north from Alberta on County Road 9 back to Highway 9 or continue on into the city of Morris.We hope you have enjoyed your tour.

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