DESCENDING DEEP into the Cannon River valley, it’s easy to feel transported, disconnected, as if in a place distanced from the realities of everyday life. At least that’s been my reaction when I’ve traveled to Welch, an unincorporated burg nearly 40 miles southeast of St. Paul in Goodhue County.
On a recent fall color drive, Randy and I aimed east toward this riverside location as we left Cannon Falls along Minnesota State Highway 19. Not long after, we turned off the paved highway onto gravel, eventually following Wild Turkey Road and other routes that twist through Richard J Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest toward Welch. The state forest encompasses 1 million acres in seven southeastern Minnesota counties.
I felt completely lost as gravel roads rose and fell before us, as farm sites came into view, as an occasional house hugged a forested hillside, as we looped back and forth, seemingly without direction.
Because I grew up on a square prairie grid where roads run straight, I always feel off-balance when I can’t grasp a sense of direction. But I trusted that Randy would get us back on track with the help of a paper atlas. There is no trusting cellphone service in remote areas like this.
As we traveled, I appreciated the natural beauty of the forest. But my imagination sprinted, too, with stories of fictional crimes committed here deep in the woods. I am a fan of mysteries, especially those set in Minnesota.
Eventually, we reached a paved roadway that runs between Vasa and Welch. I admittedly felt a sense of relief when I spotted a guy picking up his mail, then saw vehicles packing the parking lot along the Cannon Valley Trail, a popular state recreational trail for bikers. By then we’d met a sprinkling of vehicles also. I felt like we were back in civilization.
If this all sounds a tad dramatic, it’s not meant to be. Rather, I’m simply trying to describe this region. Remote. Rugged. And beautiful.
It was here, winding our way through the Cannon River valley, that we saw the fall colors we’d hoped to find. Not as bright or brilliant as anticipated on a windy, hazy day. But beautiful none-the-less.
Soon enough, downhill skiers will flock to this region to ski at popular Welch Village near the village of Welch.
In warmer weather, this area is a recreational destination for those wishing to canoe, kayak or tube on the Cannon River with Welch Mill offering rentals and a launching spot. I walked to the edge of the Cannon, taking in the tranquil scene of water flowing between tree-lined banks. To my right, the river curved out of sight. To my left, water flowed under the county road bridge we’d just crossed.
Other than a pest control truck leaving a public parking space and motorists pulling in to park and dine at The Bleu Dog Cafe, all was quiet in this village. I expect there are times when Welch thrums with activity. But not on this day.
Shortly after taking in the river view, we returned to Goodhue County Road 7, winding our way uphill through hardwood forest toward the unincorporated village of Vasa. On this afternoon, the route proved popular for motorcyclists out for a fall color drive. Just like us.
Eventually we emerged from the woods, heading back on Minnesota State Highway 19 to Cannon Falls, detouring briefly onto a gravel road flush with color.
FYI: Please check back for more stories from this late October day trip that took us east to places within 40 miles of Faribault.
© Copyright 2026 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
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