Highway 61 through Minnesota

by Nathan Johnson

Overview

Driving on Highway 61 through Minnesota provides a rare opportunity for one to see virtually every type of landscape in the North Star State. Along the highway's path are pastoral farms and towering bluffs, as well as the largest of the Great Lakes, Lake Superior. There are picturesque small towns and populous cities, yet stretches of the highway have been abandoned. Despite Highway 61's east-west counterpart Route 66 getting more attention, the north-south byway is arguably the most fascinating stretch of road in the country. Throughout the highway's history, music lovers, foodies, and thrill seekers alike have discovered its fun and uniqueness. The 1,400-mile highway signals where the West begins and has a fabulous history that can be traced from the civil rights movement to the development of various genres of music, including jazz, blues, and alternative rock. Famous Americans such as Mark Twain, Bob Dylan, Jessica Lange, and even Kermit the Frog Keep the highway in the national psyche. Local historian and author Nathan Johnson grew up along Highway 61 and writes about the classic diners, motels, and roadside attractions along its route. The images in this book capture the essence of the highway predominantly from the author's home state of Minnesota but also on the trip south to Louisiana. The Images of America series celebrates the history of neighborhoods, towns, and cities across the country. Using archival photographs, each title presents the distinctive stories from the past that shape the character of the community today. Arcadia is proud to play a part in the preservation of local heritage, making history available to all.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781467106931
Publisher:	Arcadia Publishing SC
Publication date:	07/12/2021
Series:	Images of America Series
Pages:	128
Sales rank:	1,089,450
Product dimensions:	6.40(w) x 9.20(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

Local historian and author Nathan Johnson grew up along Highway 61 and writes about the classic diners, motels, and roadside attractions along its route. The images in this book capture the essence of the highway predominantly from the author's home state of Minnesota but also on the trip south to Louisiana.

Table of Contents

1 The North Shore Drive: Grand Portage to Duluth on Minnesota 61 9

2 Twin Ports to Twin Cities: Duluth to Wyoming on Old Highway 61 33

3 The Southeastern Bluffs: Wyoming to La Crescent on US Highway 61 59

4 The Road Trip South: Wisconsin to Louisiana on Highway 61 83

Index 125

Bibliography 126

About the Organizations 127