Mary & Marty

Travel

Travel

Outback Ranch is approximately 2.5 hours from the Twin Cities near the Root River in rural southeastern MN.

We have listed nearby hotels. There are also many name-brand hotel options in Lacrosse, WI, about 30 minutes away. (Our favorite boutique hotel is The Charmont, a former candy factory.)
Other lodging options in the area include the artisan community of Lanesboro (on the Root River) and Airbnb's scattered throughout the area.

Directions

From I-90:

  1. Turn off I-90 and take Exit 258
  2. Take exit 257 for MN-76 toward Houston and go 13.7 mi
  3. Turn left onto MN-16 E/MN-76 S/E Cedar St Continue to follow MN-16 E/MN-76 S for 0.9 mi
  4. Turn right onto MN-76 S and go 1.8 mi
  5. Turn right onto County Rd 4 and go 2.8 mi
  6. Take a sharp right onto TT Rd Destination will be on the left 0.7 m

From La Crescent, MN / La Crosse, WI:

  1. Head west on I-90 W toward Exit 276 Entering Minnesota going 0.4 mi
  2. Take exit 276 toward US-14 E/US-61 S going 0.2 mi
  3. Turn left toward US-14 E/US-61 S going 0.5 mi
  4. Continue straight onto US-14 E/US-61 S going 2.1 mi
  5. Continue onto MN-16 W going 5.7 mi
  6. Turn right to stay on MN-16 W going 11.0 mi
  7. Turn left onto MN-76 S and go 1.8 mi
  8. Turn right onto County Rd 4 and go 2.8 mi
  9. Take a sharp right onto TT Rd and destination will be on the left and go 0.7 mi

If you do not want to take a sharp turn onto TT RD:

  1. Go past County Rd 4 and go 0.6 mi
  2. Take the 1st right onto County Rd 10 and go 3.1 mi
  3. Head northwest on Cut Across Rd toward T-244/E Twin Ridge Rd and go 1.5 mi
  4. Turn right to stay on Cut Across Rd and go 0.6 mi
  5. Turn right onto County Rd 4 and go 1.3 mi
  6. Slight left onto TT RD Destination will be on the left 0.7 m

Accommodations

Loken's Sawmill Inn - Houston & Rushford Locations

This is a simple, clean and locally run hotel with locations in Rushford and Houston. The Houston location is about 10 minutes from Outback Ranch and the Rushford location is about 25 minutes. Both can be reserved from the same website.
https://www.rushfordinn.com/sawmill-inn-suites/

Best Western Plus LaCrescent/LaCrosse

509 N. Chestnut Street, LaCrescent, MN 55947

Name brand hotel about 30 minutes away with pool and dining nearby.

Outback Ranch

7750 TT RD , Houston, MN 55943

Outback Ranch (reception venue) has several electric and tent campsites and two rustic cabins available for rent - "Hidden Springs" and "Spring Side'' (two night minimum). You can view specifics on their website: www.outbackranch.net

Historic Caledonia Inn

135 East Main Street, Caledonia, MN 55947

To book, please call Betsy at:
(507) 724-1212

Email:
pieperfarm@msn.com

Things To Do

Food

Food & Drink

Barista's Coffee Shop

110 North Grant, Houston, MN 55943

This is the best coffee shop in town! Also offers fresh baked goodies, sandwiches and breakfast items.

Free Range Exchange

46 Main St. , Hokah, MN 55941

Charming local farm to table restaurant that serves scratch breakfast and lunch options. Also, local produce and organic meats from nearby farms. More details at FB. They are closed on Sunday.

Shopping

Shopping

Seven Bridges Pottery

7246 Chisholm Rd,, Houston, MN 55943

Mary Denzer is located nearby on Chisholm Road and has beautiful pieces! You can check out her page on FB or call to confirm her hours.

Outdoor

Outdoor & Nature

Houston Nature Center

https://www.houstonnaturecenter.com/
Info for nature center and bike trails, some local camping options

Driftless Trading Post

318 Mill Street, Peterson, MN 55962

Unless you are staying in Lanesboro, this is the best outfitter for kayak and tube rentals! You park at the spot nearby and they drive you up to get on the river - 2 and 3 hour options. No waiting for bus to pick you up to drive you back to your vehicle. They are located near Houston and have a store to purchase snacks/beverages for tubing. They also serve homemade pizza and some light fare. Very nice local business!

Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe

5250 Justin Road , Lacrosse, WI 54601

https://www.guadalupeshrine.org/
Beautiful grounds, chapels and walking paths with gorgeous gardens! There is a quaint cafe with sandwiches. Lovely place to spend an afternoon. Their website has mass times if you are interested in attending mass as well.