A Minnesota Management Plan for Invasive Species The Cedar River is a 338-mile long river that flows through Minnesota and Iowa, serving as a tributary to the Iowa River which eventually joins the Mississippi River. Named for the red cedar trees growing along its banks, the Cedar River begins in Dodge County, Minnesota with three forks (west, middle, and east) near Blooming Prairie and Hayfield. It flows through Mower County, Minnesota including the townships of Udolpho, Lansing, Austin, and Lyle before entering Iowa. The river continues through Mitchell and Floyd counties in Iowa, ultimately reaching its endpoint in Louisa County at Columbus Junction where it joins the Iowa River. The surrounding region is officially known as the Cedar River Valley, though locals commonly refer to it simply as the Cedar Valley. The river offers diverse fishing opportunities with various fish species, beautiful scenery, and a moderate flow with no major rapids, making it ideal for beginning paddlers. It passes through agricultural land, forests, oak savanna, rolling hills with prairie plants, and steep ravines lined with maple and basswood trees.