State Highway 42 serves as a north–south route between Eyota, Elgin, Plainview, and Kellogg in southeast Minnesota.

The route is also known as Wabasha Street in Plainview and 2nd Avenue in Elgin.

Highway 42 passes through the Richard J. Dorer State Forest between Plainview and Kellogg in Wabasha County.

Carley State Park is located four miles south of the junction of Highway 42 and Wabasha County Road 4 at Plainview.

The park entrance is located on Wabasha County Road 4.