ABOUT THE AREA
The routes around southeastern Minnesota out of La Crescent or Houston provide a great opportunity for challenging yet navigable courses for all abilities of gravel racing. Courses have been designed to maximize great gravel integration with minimal mixed paved road segments along bluff tops and through the coulees rewarding riders with wide-open views of stunning vistas and river valleys, some say rivaling views found in southern Europe. Complimented by apple orchards and agriculture of all sorts, riders will bask in abundant views and numerous photo opportunities.
LA CRESCENT, MN
Tucked along the bluffs of the Mississippi River, the City of La Crescent’s natural surroundings set the stage for a vast assortment of recreational opportunities. La Crescent is uniquely located on three scenic byways: Apple Blossom Scenic Byway, National Historic Bluff Country Scenic Byway, and the Great River Road all pass through La Crescent. Picturesque bluffs and a quiet country roads make biking in this region some of the best-mountain, gravel, and road biking in the country. From atop the bluffs, riders will enjoy the numerous apple orchards as they ripen in the fall and view the beautiful river valley below. The steep bluffs attract athletes from around the country that are looking for a challenge. They provide great training for those training for races or to simply stay in shape. In fact, the only American to win the Tour de France trained on these bluffs.
HOUSTON, MN
The City of Houston is located in the beautiful Root River Valley of Southeastern Minnesota, just 17 miles west of La Crescent. Houston is home to the International Owl Center and the Trail head to the Root River Bike Trail System which provides access to over 60-miles of paved trails for bicycling, hiking, and in-line skating in Southeast Minnesota. Ample gravel routes close to the start & finish area at the Houston Nature Center lend to amazing opportunities for riders no matter the distance the choose to compete.
APPLEFEST
The La Crescent Apple Festival was founded in September 1949 with the purpose of promoting La Crescent, its apple industry, and “putting La Crescent on the map”. Over 20,000 strong attended the inaugural event and the festival has grown in size and quality every year since. Hosting the USAC Gravel Nationals in conjunction with Applefest provides a multitude of offerings including parades, carnival, cornhole tournament, 5k run, music, entertainment, food trucks, beverages, and of course, apples, among so much more!
LATEST NEWS
La Crescent, Minnesota to Host the 2025 and 2026 Gravel National Championships
USA Gravel Nationals Coming to La Crosse. How Did We Get Here? A History of Driftless Gravel.
La Crosse Wisconsin Gravel Guide
EXPLORE THE LA CROSSE REGION
AREA ADVOCATES
Paul Reardon
Randi Pueschner
Jim Longhurst
Dan Novak
Chris Stindt
Dr. Ben Wedro (Medical)
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