Call 888-601-3010 and listen to stories and reflections about historic sites along the Minnesota River Valley. Learn about the people who lived there and the lasting impact of the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862. Call from the byway, from home, from anywhere. Press the * key on your phone at any time to return to the menu and select another stop. Download the Travel Guide to see a map of the mobile tour and to discover historic sites related to the war.
Stop #1 Introduction
Hear about the Dakota origins, the settlers who moved to Minnesota, reflections about the war from Dakota today and a poem by Gabrielle Tateyuskanskan.
Stop #2 Traverse des Sioux
Listen to perspectives on the treaty signings of 1851 and 1858 and their lasting impact.
Stop #3 New Ulm, Minnesota
Hear descriptions of European immigrant life on the prairie and the legacy 1862 left with the people of New Ulm.
Stop #4 Lower Sioux Agency
Gain insights into the notion of land and home along the Minnesota River Valley and how the war changed this.
Stop #5 Birch Coulee Battlefield
Hear reflections on the spiritual connection Dakota people have with the land and their fight for survival.
Stop #6 Upper Sioux Agency
Hear reflections on the values and enduring strength of the Dakota.
Stop #7 Camp Release
Hear the story of Mazasa and learn about the mounting tensions among the Dakota leading up to the war.
Stop #8 Fort Renville
Learn about Dakota life before the arrival of Europeans and the changes the fur trade brought to Minnesota.
Stop #9 Lac qui Parle Mission
Learn about missions, American Indian boarding schools and efforts to revive the Dakota language.
Stop #10 Wabasa Village
Learn about early Dakota villages and the role of chiefs in community life.
Stop #11 Fort Ridgely
Learn about archaeological findings at Fort Ridgely and hear Dakota people reflect on the site today.
Stop #12 Henderson
Learn about the forced march of the Dakota to Fort Snelling and how the march is commemorated today.
Stop #13 Mankato
Learn about the legacy of the Mankato hangings and how their effects are still felt today.
The tour is funded by a grant from the National Scenic Byways Discretionary Grants Program administered by the Federal Highway Administration.