Visitor's Guide

SE M i n n e s ota ~ NE I owa | 2 0 1 0 - 2 0 1 1 | V i s i to r ’ s G u i d e | f r ee

S E M i n nes ota ~ NE I owa

Visitor’s Guide A G uide

to

H istoric Bluff C ountry

A pu b l i c at i o n by

The Fillmore County Journal

www.fillmorecountyjournal.com

*18.cover.with Bleeds.indd 1

4/15/10 1:10 PM

• New 3,4,6 & 8 Bedroom Log-sided Cabins “All built between 2001-2009” • Great Rooms / Fireplaces • Complete Kitchens with Dishwashers

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SE Minnesota ~ NE IOWA Visitor’s Guide 2010-2011

• Shuttles • Bikes • Canoes, Kayaks, Tubes • X-Skis • Frisbee Golf • Snow Tubes

SE Minnesota ~ NE IOWA Visitor’s Guide 2010-2011

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Unique!

Inspired! !

Personal 100 East Coffee St. Lanesboro, Minnesota (507) 467-9002

~glassware ~chairs ~cupboards ~tables ~wall art ~books ~creative clothing ~children’s items ~gourmet food ~jewelry ~lamps ~decor accents Olivia’s is brimming with stunning new items to make your home special. Accents that will add sparkle and style to every corner.

Accessories of every kind, from accent pillows to ceramics and decorative glassware, from candlesticks and mirrors to framed art, hand-cut-crystal, gourmet foods and unique baby items. We have a store full of ideas that will brighten your home for years to come.

Olivia’s is the perfect destination to find unique wedding, anniversary or birthday gifts.

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SE Minnesota ~ NE IOWA Visitor’s Guide 2010-2011

SE Minnesota ~ NE IOWA Visitor’s Guide 2010-2011

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Iowa’s Most Extensive Wine & Beer List.

Lunch hours: Wednesday-Friday 11:00am-1:30pm DInnEr hours: Wednesday-Thursday 5:00pm-8:30pm Friday and Saturday 5:00pm-9:30pm Lounge opens at 5:00pm sunDay Brunch: 9:00am-1:00pm Private dining room available, seating up to 50 people. Great for rehearsal dinners, reunions, birthdays, holiday parties.

Voted Best of the Bluffs

food for thought 117 West Water St., Decorah, IA • 563-382-WINE (9463) www.rubaiyatrestaurant.com • reservations appreciated

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SE Minnesota ~ NE IOWA Visitor’s Guide 2010-2011

DoWntoWn LanEsBoro

Little River General Store

CanoE, KAyAK & tuBE rEntaLs

105 Coffee St. E, Lanesboro, MN

1-800-994-2943 • 507-467-2943 www.LRGeneralStore.net

a FuLL rEnt, sErVICE rEtaIL OUTFITTE R I A P E R D R! AN New! ~ Now Available

SEGwAy RENTALS Make Your Reservation Today!

BICYCLE rEntaLs

Check our Our Super

SPORTS STORE! • Padded Bike Shorts • Bike Jerseys • Helmets • T-Shirts & Sweatshirts • Bike Bags • Speedometers • Life Jackets • Gadgets Galore • Canoe & Kayak Paddles AND SO MUCH MORE!

RV Supplies available here SE Minnesota ~ NE IOWA Visitor’s Guide 2010-2011

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The Old Barn Resort & Rivers’ Bend Golf Located between Preston and Lanesboro off County Road 17

The Resort is Celebrating 20 years in Business!

Estabilshed 1990

Full Restaurant and Bar:

~ Open April - Thanksgiving ~ BBQ and On-Site Smoked Specialties with Full Menu ~ Lunch and Dinner Daily ~ Casual & Fun Atmosphere ~ Banquet Facilities up to 250

Camping & Lodging:

~ 172 Site Campground ~ 44-Bed Hostel ~ 3 Season Pool ~ Voted Bluff Country’s Best Campground 3 years running

Rivers’ Bend Golf:

~ 18 Challenging Holes ~ Par 70 ~ Voted Bluff Country’s Favorite for 5 years and running ~ Great Scenery

507-467-2512 • www.barnresort.com

Hostas

500+ Varieties

Come see over 100 Mature Specimens Continuing a 70-Year Tradition of a Family Operated Farm

Perennials Sun & Shade

Anderson Acres Hours: Tues-Sat 10am-6pm Sun 1-6pm Closed Mondays

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“Sharing in the Joy of Gardening” • Heirloom Vegetables • Herbs • Edibles • Growing Fresh, Healthy Food

SE Minnesota ~ NE IOWA Visitor’s Guide 2010-2011

2 Miles West of Fountain, North of MN Hwy 80

andacres@hmtel.com 507-352-2451

Welcome to Bluff Country

Bluff Country A Land of Unspoiled Beauty

D

rive along the Historic Bluff Country Scenic Byway (Trunk Highway 16) beside the Root River through Houston and Fillmore counties and you will see why many call this one of the most beautiful areas in Minnesota. Scenic river towns that once powered the mills that ran the agricultural commerce of the new territories, and housed the railroad depots, beckon the traveler to enjoy quaint country charm and breathtaking vistas.

The trains have disappeared but the old rail bed has been developed into a hiking and biking trail system, the Root River State Trail and Harmony-Preston Valley Trail, which provides over sixty miles of biking, hiking and in-line skating, as well as groomed cross-country ski trails in the winter.

Bluff Country is unique in its combination of hardwood forests, trout streams, agriculture, apple orchards, numerous springs and underground caves, as well as flocks of wild turkeys, bald eagles, and herds of whitetail deer. Known as the Driftless Area because it was missed by the last ice age’s powerful glaciers, the topography has been sculpted by the erosive effect of water eating away at limestone. This “karst” landscape is characterized by towering bluffs, sinkholes and swift rocky streams. The top hunting, along with excellent trout, bass, catfish

and pan fish fishing, is right here.

For the casual traveler who is looking for quiet time to reflect in nature’s beautiful surroundings, Bluff Country offers a special place far from the maddening crowds, with a wide selection of Bed & Breakfasts, motels, or campgrounds to choose from. Stroll through the many boutiques and specialty shops, take a night out for professional theatre, or explore the many back roads that run through farming country. You may even run across a few Amish farms on your adventure.

The State Hardwood Forest stretches for miles, to the delight of bird watchers, photographers, ginseng root and morel mushroom hunters.

Golfers will find a dozen courses that offer not only a challenge, but beautiful scenery as well.

Almost any time of year features seasonal celebrations, but the citizens of Bluff Country welcome visitors year round. Shoppers will delight in the variety of antique and gift shops, as well as an array of eateries. And for the recreational enthusiast, Bluff Country has it all. From kayaking or fly fishing the swift streams, to turkey and deer hunting the hardwood forests, to biking and roller blading the trails through the countryside, Bluff Country is an ideal place for a getaway.

contents Area Map............................................84-85 Bike Trail Map......................................... 88 Business Directory..............................2-4 Calendar of Events.........................86-87 Caledonia..............................................6-10 Canton.......................................................11 Chatfield..............................................12-14 Decorah.............................................. 15-22 Fountain............................................. 22-23 Harmony............................................24-30 Houston...............................................31-33 Lanesboro/ Whalan.......................36-46 LeRoy................................................... 47-49 Mabel................................................... 52-54 Peterson.............................................55-56 Preston................................................57-63 Rushford.............................................64-75 Spring Grove..................................... 76-79 Spring Valley.....................................80-83 Wykoff........................................................83 Trout Fishing Map..........................50-51 Visitor Centers.........................................79 © 2008 Nine Dragon Press P.O. Box 496,Media Preston, MN 55965 © 2010 Sethre Group, Inc. P.O. Box 496,507-765-2151 Preston, MN 55965 www.fillmorecountyjournal.com 507-765-2151 www.fillmorecountyjournal.com

2

Business Directory Antiques

Generations of Harmony I Love Antiques

Harmony Harmony

EATING/DRINKING ESTABLISHMENTS p. 27 p. 29

apparel Cheryl’s Apparel Little River General Store Mill Creek Market Olivia’s Attic Trail Head Inn

Lanesboro Lanesboro Chatfield Lanesboro Preston

p. 44 p. 40, C-7 p. 14 p. C-4 p. 58, C-3

Art Galleries Bluff Country Artists Gallery Lanesboro Arts Center LeRoy Center for the Creative Arts

Spring Grove Lanesboro LeRoy

p. 79 p. 38 p. 47

BANKING SERVICES First State Bank Minnesota First State Bank of Fountain Root River State Bank Rushford State Bank

Spring Valley Fountain Chatfield Rushford

p. 82 p. 23 p. 14, 23 p. 66

Beer/Wine/Spirits County Line Bootleg Root River Saloon Rushford Municipal Liquor Scenic Valley Winery

Chatfield Lanesboro Rushford Lanesboro

p. 13 p. 42 p. 69 p. 39

CAMPING/SERVICES Eagle Cliff Campground Highway 250 Campground Maple Springs Campground Money Creek Haven Campground The Old Barn Resort Outback Ranch Randy’s Bluffton Store & Campground

Lanesboro Lanesboro Preston Houston Preston Houston Bluffton, IA

p. 40 p. 45 p. 61 p. 33 p. C-8 p. 32 p. 19

CHURCHES Root River Community Church

Rushford

p. 73

First Presbyterian Church

Rushford

p. 73

CONVENIENCE STORES Fowlers bp and Food Shop Houston bp Food Shop Kwik Trip Lanesboro Food Shop Mabel bp Food Shop Pam’s Corner Convenience Store Preston Motor Mart TJ’s Cafe & Convenience

Spring Valley Houston Rushford Lanesboro Mabel Rushford Preston Canton

p. 82 p. 45 p. 68 p. 45 p. 45 p. 71 p. 45 p. 11

B&B Olympic Bowl Branding Iron Supper Club Canton Pub & Supper Club Chat n Chew The Creamery Don Jose Elsie’s Bar & Grill Ferndale Country Club Good Times Restaurant & Bar Green Mill Restaurant & Bar Harmony House Restaurant Highland Store Hotel Winneshiek JW’s Silver Grille Kelly’s Pub McCaffreys Dolce Vita Nordic Lanes Norsland Lefse The Old Barn Resort On the Crunchy Side Preston Golf & Country Club Preston Servicemen’s Club Rhino’s Pizza & Sub Shoppe Root River Saloon Rubaiyat Rushford American Legion Shawnee’s Bar & Grill Simpson’s A&W Drive-In Sweet’s Restuarant & Lounge The Tea Room/Bank Gift Haus TJ’s Cafe & Convenience Travel Lanes The Village Sugar Plum House

Preston Preston Canton Lanesboro Rushford Decorah Caledonia Rushford Caledonia Winona Harmony Lanesboro Decorah Chatfield Mabel Decorah Rushford Rushford Lanesboro Harmony Preston Preston Lanesboro Lanesboro Decorah Rushford Rushford Spring Valley LeRoy Wykoff Canton LeRoy Harmony

p. 60 p. 61 p. 11 p. 41 p. 74 p. 15 p. 9 p. 73 p. 6 p. C-10 p. 27 p. 44 p. C-6 p. 13 p. 54 p. 19 p. 74 p. 73 p. C-8 p. 30 p. 58 p. 58 p. 43 p. 42 p. C-6 p. 68 p. 64 p. 80 p. 48 p. 83 p. 11 p. 49 p. 26

furniture Amish Experience Drury’s Jane’s Consulting of Amish Furniture Kolton’s Kabin Olivia’s Attic R&J Wood Goods

Lanesboro Fountain Decorah Mabel Lanesboro Harmony

p. 45 p. C-3 p. 22 p. 52 p. C-4 p. 30

Garden/Floral Alpine Nursery Anderson Acres Elements of Design Forget Me Not Mabel Flowers & Gifts Pine Tree Apple Orchard Preston Apple & Berry Farm Seed Savers Exchange

Houston Fountain Rushford Rushford Mabel Preston Preston Decorah

p. 33 p. C-8 p. C-13 p. 70 p. 54 p. 61 p. 58 p. 17

Business Directory GENERAL STORES Donlon Healthmart Decorah p. 21 Kingsley Mercantile Harmony p. 26 Little River General Store Lanesboro p. 40, C-7 Rushford Hardware & Rentals Rushford p. 72 Village Farm & Home Mabel p. 54 Witt Pharmacy , Caledonia, Harmony

Rushford, Spring Grove

p.10, 29, 72, 77

GIFT SHOPS Amish Connection Amish Experience Aspen Alley Interiors Austin’s Angora Goats & Mohair Avian Acres Back Porch The Bank Gift Haus Country Attic Primitives Essence of Harmony Evangeline’s Forget Me Not Generations of Harmony Highland Store Jane’s Consulting of Amish Furniture Kolton’s Kabin Krazy Kwiltz LeRoy Center for the Creative Arts Little River General Store Mabel Flowers & Gifts Mill Creek Market Niagara Cave Norsland Lefse Old Ways~New Ideas Olivia’s Attic Once Upon a Time Pine Needles Quilters Quarters Scenic Valley Winery Seed Savers Slim’s Woodshed The Village Depot The Village School Quilt Shop The Village Sugar Plum House

Harmony Lanesboro Decorah Harmony Lanesboro Spring Grove Wykoff Spring Grove Harmony Mabel Rushford Harmony Lanesboro Decorah Mabel Mabel LeRoy Lanesboro Mabel Chatfield Harmony Rushford Harmony Lanesboro Decorah Decorah Spring Valley Lanesboro Decorah Harmony Harmony Harmony Harmony

p. 26 p. 45 p. 18 p. 26 p. 39 p.77 p. 83 p. 79 p. 24 p. 52 p. 70 p. 27 p. 44 p. 22 p. 54 p. 52 p. 47 p. C-7, 40 p. 54 p. 14 p. 24 p. 73 p. 30 p. C-4 p. 21 p. 21 p. 80 p. 39 p. 17 p. 28 p. 26 p. 26 p. 26

Rushford Preston Preston

p. 73 p. 58 p. C-8

Grocery/specialty food Brownlow’s Red Owl Harmony Foods Highland Store

LeRoy Harmony Lanesboro

p. 49 p. 28 p. 44

Rushford Preston Preston Preston Rushford

p. 74 p. 61 p. 58 p. 59 p. 66

HUNTING, FISHING, CAMPING SUPPLIES Curt’s Standard & Sport Shop Lanesboro Food Shop Mill Creek Market Village Farm & Home

Preston Lanesboro Chatfield Mabel

p. 61 p. 45 p. 14 p. 54

LODGING Anna V’s Berwood Hill Inn Bestemor Inn Betsy’s B&B Cedar Valley Resort Coffee Street Inn Country Lodge Inn Crest Inn Geneva’s Hideaway Grandpa & Grandma’s B&B Cabin Habberstad House Historic Scanlan House Holiday Inn & Suites Hotel Winneshiek Inn at the Sacred Clay Farm JailHouse Inn Mabel House Hotel Meadows Inn Money Creek Retreat Mrs. B’s Historic Lanesboro Inn Oakenwald The Old Barn Resort Outback Ranch The Plaza Hotel & Suites Riverport Inn & Suites Root River Inn Stone Mill Suites Sweet’s Hotel Trail Head Inn

Lanesboro p. 40 Lanesboro p. C-15 Rushford p. 70 Caledonia p. 6 Whalan p. C-2, 41 Lanesboro p. 41 Harmony p. 29 Caledonia p. 10 Peterson p. 56 Harmony p. 28 Lanesboro p. C-15 Lanesboro p. 39, back cover Winona p. C-10 Decorah p. C-6 Lanesboro p. C-14 Preston p. C-9 Mabel p. 54 Rushford p. 67 Money Creek p. 31 Lanesboro p. 43 Chatfield p. C-14 Preston p. C-8 Houston p. 32 Winona p. C-10 Winona p. C-10 Peterson p. 55 Lanesboro p 42 LeRoy p. 48 Preston p. 58, C-3

Museums Slim’s Woodshed

GOLF COURSES Ferndale Country Club Preston Golf & Country Club Rivers Bend at the Old Barn Resort

Norsland Lefse Pine Tree Apple Orchard Preston Apple & Berry Farm Preston Foods Rushford Foods

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Harmony

p. 28

PHARMACIES Donlon Healthmart Witt’s Pharmacy Witt’s Pharmacy Witt’s Pharmacy Witt’s Pharmacy

Decorah Caledonia Harmony Rushford Spring Grove

p. 21 p. 10 p. 29 p. 71 p. 77

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Business Directory RECREATION/ENTERTAINMENT

Austin’s Angora Goats & Mohair B & B Olympic Bowl Bluffscape Amish Tours Bluff Valley Riders Caledonia Chamber City of Caledonia City of Chatfield City of Fountain City of Peterson City of Preston City of Rushford City of Spring Grove City of Wykoff Commonweal Theatre Company Harmony Chamber Historic Bluff Country Houston Nature Center Jem Theatre KDEC KFIL Lanesboro Chamber LeRoy Commercial Club Little River General Store Mabel Business Association Mabel House Hotel Niagara Cave Nordic Lanes The Old Barn Resort Outback Ranch Randy’s Bluffton Store & Campground Rushford Chamber Rushford Community Center Rushford Days Seed Savers’ Heritage Farm Semba’s Annual Bluegrass Festivals Spring Grove Cinema Spring Grove Swim Center Spring Valley Chamber Spring Valley EDA Spring Valley Tourism Travel Lanes

Harmony Preston Lanesboro Preston Caledonia Caledonia Chatfield Fountain Peterson Preston Rushford Spring Grove Wykoff Lanesboro Harmony Harmony Houston Harmony Decorah Preston Lanesboro LeRoy Lanesboro Mabel Mabel Harmony Rushford Preston Houston Bluffton, IA Rushford Rushford Rushford Decorah Houston Spring Grove Spring Grove Spring Valley Spring Valley Spring Valley LeRoy

Valley Crest Riders Whalan Chamber

Rushford Whalan

p. 26 p. 60 p. 37 p. 60 p. 8 p. 7 p. 12 p. 23 p. 55 p. 57 p. 64 p. 76 p. 83 p. 37 p. 25 p. 35, C-9 p. 31 p. 29 p. 20 p. 62 p. 36 p. 49 p. 40, C-7 p. 53 p. 54 p. 24 p. 74 p. C-8 p. 32 p. 19 p. 65 p. 69 p. 69 p. 17 p. 32 p. 78 p. 78 p. 80 p. 80 p. 81 p. 49 p. 72 p. 46

realtors Decorah Iowa Realty Decorah Jim Lutes/Realtor Harmony Todd Hadoff, Roxanne Johnson, Brenda Sheldon

p. 18 p. 30 p. 27

rentals Cedar Valley Resort Little River General Store

Whalan Lanesboro

p. 41, C-2 p. 40, C-7

Old Barn Resort Rushford Hardware & Rentals

Preston Rushford

p. C-8 p. 71

SPECIALTIES & SERVICES Avian Acres

Lanesboro

p.389

Bluff Valley Riders

Preston

p. 60

Brown Tire

Rushford

p. 75

Day Spring Spa

Decorah

p. 16

Donlon Healthmart

Decorah

p. 21

Eclips Salon and Day Spa

Decorah

p. 19

Hoiland Mill

Rushford

p. 67

Hotel Winneshiek

Decorah

p. C-6

KDEC

Decorah

p. 20

KFIL

Preston

p. 62

Luther College

Decorah

p. 18

Maytag Laundry

Spring Valley

p. 82

Once Upon a Time Quilters Quarters

Decorah Spring Valley

p. 21 p. 80

Root River Hardwoods Kiln Dried Lumber Stores

Preston

p. 62

SMG Web Design

Preston

p. C-12

Studio-A-Photography

Preston

p. C-5

Valley Crest Riders

Rushford

p. 72

Valley Wash

Spring Valley

p. 82

Witt’s Pharmacy

Caledonia, Harmony Rushford, Spring Grove

p. 10, 29, 71, 77

STATE PARKS Beaver Creek Valley State Park Forestville State Park Lake Louise State Park

Caledonia Preston LeRoy

p. 9 p. 60 p. 47

TOURS Amish Tours Barn Quilt Tour Bluffscape Amish Tours Historic Scanlan House Niagara Cave Slim’s Woodshed

Harmony p 24 Caledonia p. 8 Lanesboro p.37 Lanesboro p.39, back cover Harmony p. 24 Harmony p. 28

vehicle Sales & Service Sugar Loaf Ford

Winona

M&M Lawn & Lesiure

Rushford

p. C-11 p. 72

Hammell Equipment

Rushford

p. 68

vehicle assistance Brown Tire

Rushford

p. 75

Curt’s Standard & Sport Shop

Preston

p. 61

Dahl’s Auto Works

Rushford

p. 75

Farmer’s Markets offer benefits of locally grown foods

By Paula Skaggs For some, summer is a time of pools, barbecuing, and relaxing. But for others, like Kelly Davidson, it is the busy season for growing and selling vegetable produce at area farmer’s markets.

Davidson owns Prosper Valley Farm in Wykoff, and is a member of Minnesota Grown, an organization sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Agriculutre, that supports and advertises for local products made by state residents. The Minnesota Grown logo means that what you’re buying is locally grown, not shipped in from some place larger.

Davidson drives her mini-bus filled with fresh produce to the Chatfield, Spring Valley, and Lanesboro Farmer’s Markets every week.

She believes that local farmer’s markets offer great value.

“It’s healthier food,” Davidson said. “You know who and where it’s coming from. There’s no ecoli or anything bad in it. And it’s fun to socialize with your neighbors.”

Sue Miehlisch, of rural Lanesboro, who sells baked goods and some vegetables at the Lanesboro Farmer’s Market, sold out of her famous Focaccia bread within the first 30 minutes of the Wednesday market in Lanesboro.

“It’s fresh from your community, and it’s good to keep your money in town” Miehlisch said.

The Lanesboro Market, held in the Sylvan Park parking lot, has two farmer’s markets per week. There’s typically about four vendors on Wednesdays (from 4-6 p.m.), with a wider variety coming for the market’s busiest day on Saturday (from 9 a.m. to noon).

Doris Schleusner, Secretary/Treasurer of the Chatfield Grower’s Market joined up with the group in 2002, but it’s history extends “many, many years before that.”

She said the Chatfield Market offers fresh vegetables, honey, baked goods--pies, breads, herbs, flowers, plants, popcorn, jams and jellies, and pickles from about a dozen vendors per week. The Chatfield Grower’s Market is held every Thursday from 3-6 p.m. starting in May and finishing at the end of October.

Preston’s Farmer’s Market is in it’s first year and is

Chatfield

Farmer’s Market

May through October Thursdays 3-6 Located just off Highway 52 in downtown Chatfield on the edge of the city park near the bandshell.

Lanesboro

Farmer’s Market

May through October Wednesdays 4-6 p.m. and Saturdays 9-noon.

Located 3 blocks north of the intersection of State Hwys. 16 and 250 at Sylvan Park.

going strong. Sandy Benson, the Secretary/Treasurer of the Preston’s Farmer’s Market, said that they have had a really great response.

“I was involved in the Lanesboro Market for three years, and I kind of expected this one to start out smaller--and it did, but it’s really taking off now,” Benson said. “We have all sorts of business--from local people to tourists.”

The Preston market, covering Fillmore, Houston, and Winnishek counties, has around 5 regular vendors, and up to 9 depending on what products are available. They offer everything from milk can art, twig furniture, vegetables, baked and canned goods, meat, eggs, chickens, maple syrup, and a variety of other products.

“Really, we have everything you need!” Benson pointed out.

One thing about the Preston Market is they do not allow brokers - people who buy and sell other people’s products instead of their own - to sell there. Everything at the market has been grown and made by the people selling it to you, which means consumers get to know the vendor and their products really well.

Benson said that buying from local producers reduces the amount of energy consumed and also puts money back into the local economy.

“We’re not open all year, but you will find that some people--like those selling meat and eggs--offer their products year round,” Benson said.

The Preston Market is Fridays from 11-2 (some vendors stay until they’re sold out), beginning in May and running until October 31st. On Friday, Sept. 5, the Preston Market will be offering luncheon take-out meals made with fresh products directly from the market’s sellers.

In addition to Lanesboro, Chatfield, and Preston, Spring Valley also offers a farmer’s market, open Fridays from 4-6 p.m. at Tootie’s. It begins in June and will run through October.

Saving gas, supporting the local economy, and eating healthier are some of the many reasons to shop at your nearby farmer’s market.

“The foods at farmer’s markets are fresher than you find at a store,” Schleusner of the Chatfield Grower’s Market, said. “You’re supporting local people, saving gas and most of the products are chemical-free.”

Preston

Farmer’s Market

May through October Fridays from 11-5 Located on the grassy area by the parking lot of the trail head on Fillmore St. in Preston.

Decorah

Farmer’s Market

May through October 8:00 - 11:00 Saturday 3:00 - 6:00 Wednesday.

Located in the Municipal Long-Term Parking Lot across from City Hall, and near the High School.

6

I

Caledonia

f you know what an Acadian Flycatcher or Louisiana Waterthrush is, you’d enjoy birdwatching around Caledonia, a city that is unique in southeastern Minnesota because of its Scottish heritage. In fact, the name Caledonia is the ancient name for Scotland.

Scottish Heritage Night, the fourth Saturday in March, pays homage to Caledonia’s founder, Samuel McPhail, with an evening of Scottish music, food and entertainment.

A number of other events bring residents and visitors together, including the annual Founder’s Day Winter Wonderland Celebration with its lighted Christmas Parade, and the Bluff and Valley Hot Air Balloon Rally held the first full weekend of December.

There’s plenty to do and see outdoors since Caledonia is surrounded by hardwood forests which provide a haven for wildlife.

Hunting, trapping, and angling for trout are popular. Less than fifteen miles away is the mighty Mississippi River, and Beaver Creek Valley State Park is just three miles to the west, with primitive and modern camping sites. Non-campers will find motel rooms and bed & breakfasts nearby.

Many older buildings in Caledonia are built of locally quarried native lime sandstone, including the Houston County Courthouse, Jail, and Scheck’s Mill.

The area is criscrossed with spring fed streams which run winter and summer. A natural supply of trout hide in the watercress-covered stream beds. Hiking, skiing, groomed snowmobile trails, camping facilities, picnic areas, a picturesque nine hole golf course, parks and playgrounds are available.

As you’re driving through the area, keep an eye out for wild turkeys, as Caledonia is known as the Wild Turkey Capital of Minnesota.

For some old-fashioned summertime fun, the Houston County Fair arrives each August with entertainment, contests, 4-H and open class exhibits, a carnival and of course, “fair food” like corn dogs, cotton candy and caramel corn. The fair is held the third week of August.

The Houston County Historical Society’s museum is also located at the fairgrounds. Visitors enjoy stopping at the fairgrounds year-round to see the historical buildings of History Lane, including an old school house, pioneer cabin, church and town hall.

Escape to the Country...

Betsy’s

Bed & Breakfast

Pieper Farm, 10672 County 249, Caledonia, MN 55921 6 rooms, queen-sized beds, private baths, and custom country breakfast included.

One of the original stops on the Barn Quilt Tour.

GPS: N 43° 37.414 W 091° 27.806

Open 7 Days a Week • 507-724-farm (3276) email: Pieperfarm@msn.com www.betsysbedandbreakfast.com

Granary Shoppe Gifts & Antiques

Good Times

ResTauRanT Largest display of wildlife prints in SE Minnesota

Restaurant has Full Menu All Homemade Food Mon - Sat Open at 11:00am

and

BaR

118 Bissen Street Caledonia, MN 55921 507-725-3839 Catering on and off premises.

(Banquet Room on lower level with full bar)

Sun Open at 4:30pm

Daily Lunch Specials and Dinner Specials

Email: goodtimes@acegroup.cc • Web: goodtimescaledonia.com

Caledonia

7

Welcome to Caledonia We Have What You Need!

bubberS JeWeLry

115 East Main St • Caledonia, MN Open Mon-Fri 8:00 -5:00 • Sat 8:00 - 12:00 in-Store rePAir on JeWeLry, WAtCHeS & enGrAvinG Engagement Rings with Matching Wedding Bands 14K

Shop Locally and Save

Ellingson Motors 205 N. KiNgstoN, CaledoNia, MN 55921

Chevrolet - BuiCk toll Free 1-800-808-3098 Phone (507) 725-3963

Frankie’s Inn Breakfast • Dinners Downtown Caledonia (507) 725-9903

Caledonia luMber Co, inC.

Caledonia, Mn “We can do that!”

Steve bauer, owner

Lumber - SteeL - Siding -doorS - WindoWS new Construction, including log Homes remodeling & ag buildings Crews 520 S. Hwy. 44/76, Available Caledonia, Mn 55921 Ph: 507-725-3381 • Fax 507-725-3382 sales@caledonialumber.com

GooD timeS

Caledonia Care & Rehab Therapy Network, Inc.

reStAurAnt AnD bAr 118 Bissen Street Caledonia, MN 55921 Phone: 507-725-3839

Danielson insurance agency

112 east grove st.

Caledonia, MN 55921 (507) 725-3344 tom danielson - agent/owner Insurance is our specialty - service is our business

Family Fitness Days

2010

For more information, call (507) 725-3351

June 26,2010

recentLy remOdeLed

restaurant has full menu.

All Homemade Food Certified Caterers on or off premises rent free party room.

Dining room Hours: Open: Mon - Sat 11am; Sun open 4:30pm Kris & Dave Wedl - owner/operator Email: goodtimes@acegroup.cc • Web: goodtimescaledonia.com

caledoniacareandrehab.com

•

Caledonia Care & Rehab

425 N. Badger, Caledonia, MN Phone 507-725-3351 Our caring home offers a full range of services, including Skilled Nursing Care / Private Rooms Therapies provided by Therapy Network, Inc. Assisted Living • Adult Day Services • Home Delivered Meals Contact: Amy Schroeder ~ aschroeder@acegroup.cc or Jane Schmitz ~ jschmitz@acegroup.cc ~ caledoniacareandrerehab.com

Start a Family Tradition of Old Fashion Memories at

Betsy’s

Bed & Breakfast

Est. since 1896

your home away from home

Fully Furnished House

For reservations call 507-450-6243

Reservations - 507-724-FARM (3276) 10672 County 249 • Caledonia, MN 55921

the Farmhouse eatery & Gifts

227 N. Kingston St. • Caledonia, MN 55921 Patio Seating

open tues - Sat ~ 8 am - 5 pm Coffee & Coffee Cake 8:00 am - 11:00 am Lunch 11 am - 2 pm Ph. 507-725-8581 Desserts 219 north Kingston, Caledonia, mn 55921

Caledonia true value Hardware All your hardware needs plus a little bit of everything else

Mon-Sat 7:00 - 5:30 • Sun 9:00 - 1:00 520 Old Hwy Drive • Caledonia, MN 507-725-3986

Hunting & Fishing licenses & Supplies Atlas Insurance Brokers “A World of Insurance Choices” Klug Insurance Agency Michael J. Klug

Carpet, Vinyl, Wood, Laminate Ceramic, Paint, Wallpaper Harmony, MN Phone: (507) 886-4257

Accomodates 10 people

“the Guest House”

6 rooms available: queen size beds, private baths; personalized breakfast.

David & Betsy Pieper Farm

torGerSon’S PAint & FLoor CoverinG, inC. 510 Vista dr., Caledonia, MN 507-725-5276 open 7 days a week 7am-9pm Full service grocery store 24-hour pay at the pump gas

5th Annual

Caledonia, MN Phone; (507) 725-3443

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MN License #20514449 WI License #2450006 IA License #2001483 mike@aibme.com

Office: (507) 725-9316 105 South Kingston St. Caledonia, MN 55921

Make the Four Seasons Community Center your

We d d i n g C e n t r a l We offer dance floor, rehearsal dinner, gift opening, dinnerware, liquor service, sound system, licensed kitchen for the caterer of your choice, linen rental and stemmed glassware rental!

We can accomodate up to 400 guests Four SeaSonS

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Call 725-4000 for bookings or write P.o. Box 27, Caledonia, MN 55921 4seasons@acegroup.cc www.4seasonscc.com

Downtown ~ Caledonia 507-725-5384

Largest Gift Shop in the Area

Home ACCeSSorieS & DeCor WeDDinG reGiStry Mikasa, Noritake, Sorrento Dinnerware & Crystal

CoLLeCtibLeS Willow Tree, Snowbabies, All Dept. 56 Villages, Precious Moments

8

Caledonia

Caledonia The Heart of Quilt Country

3rd Week in March

April 30-May 1

Historical Society “used” Book Sale

Spring City-wide Garage Sales

June 15 - July 27

3rd Week in June

7 pm tues - Music in Gazebo Park

Caledonia City Fest

Bluff & Valley Balloon rally

First full December weekend First Weekend in December Winter Wonderland Celebration Historical Society Old Fashioned Christmas Open House

1st Saturday in December Wine & Home Brews tasting Party (tickets) 507-725-5477

Houston County Fly-in Breakfast Last Sunday in June

August 18 - 22 Houston County Fair

“Starry Path” 14127 State Highway 44 “Tiny Dancer” 12169 State Highway 76

Visit us at www.caledoniamn.gov for BArn QuiLt tOur information

Beaver Creek Valley State Park Beaver Creek Photo by Dan Dehmigen

Caledonia Area Chamber “Aster” 10717 County Road 3

Barn photos by Charlie Warner

877-439-4893 or 507-725-5477 www.caledoniamn.gov Email: caledoniacc@acegroup.cc

Caledonia

9

Beaver Creek Valley State Park Nestled in the blufflands of southeastern Minnesota, Beaver Creek Valley State Park is known for its clear streams fed by the “Big Spring.” Its streams are home to brown and native brook trout. In spring, wildflowers that blanket the woodland hills and valleys attract migratory songbirds like the rare Acadian flycatcher, Cerulean warbler, and Louisiana waterthrush. A hiking trail meanders along the stream and up into a maple-basswood and oak forest. Campers are lulled to sleep by the murmuring stream.

Wildlife

The great diversity of plant species contribute to a great diversity of wildlife. Deer, raccoon, muskrat, mink, badger, red and gray fox, an occasional beaver, and wild turkey may be spotted in the park. If you encounter one, please leave it alone; they present little threat to the visitor. Birdwatchers flock to the park to see the treasured Acadian flycatcher and the Louisiana waterthrush.

Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois, which were untouched by the most recent glacial advances. However, as the glaciers receded, torrents of meltwater poured into streams and rivers, carving deep rugged valleys.

Landscape

It is a nature lover’s paradise because of the diversity of natural communities. Bottomland hardwoods such as black ash, willow, box elder, cottonwood, and elm grow in the valley while a mix of maple, walnut, basswood and oak thrive above the valley. Small patches of native prairie and oak savanna occupy some of the south and west-facing slopes in the park.

Getting There

From I-90, take State Highway 76 south for 24 miles, then take Houston County 1 west for 4 miles.

History

Historically, the area attracted European settlers because of rich agricultural soils, hardwoods and the many streams that made milling possible. Archaeological surveys indicate that the valley was once an Indian village site.

Geology

The park is situated in one of the most interesting geologic areas in Minnesota, the “driftless area.” The area covers 10,000 square miles in adjoining parts of Minnesota,

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Open 6am-2am, 7 days a week Free Delivery Outside Patio

Weekend Entertainment

10

Caledonia

CREST

INN

& ApARTmENTS, LLC

15944 State 76, Caledonia, MN • 507-724-3311

Reasonable Rates Overlooking Golf Course

Satellite TV

FREE HBO

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Microwaves Fridges

Toll Free Reservation Hotline: 1-800-845-0904 e-mail: crestmtl@hotmail.com • www.crestinncaledonia.com David & Sheri Olafson, Owners/Operators

Historic Bluff Country Time passes slowly along the Historic Bluff Country Scenic Byway, with change coming nearly imperceptibly to both the natural landscape and the lifestyle of its residents. Impressive limestone bluffs rise over enduring hardwood forests, while the water of the region etches out magnificent caverns beneath the earth. Visitors can lose themselves in timeless sights and activities amidst natural wonders and rural communities.

Most of the Historic Bluff Country Scenic Byway passes through the Richard J. Doerer Memorial Hardwood Forest, a two million acre natural area full of walnut, oak, elm, birch, black cherry and pine trees. Unlike certain other areas, the Forest is designed for human use, whether camping, hiking, backpacking, or wildlife viewing. Two trails that cross the forest encourage these activities: the Root River State Trail and the Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail. In addition to pavement for the ease of wheeled and foot traffic, sections of the trails are groomed for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing in the winter.

Along with the aboveground activities, several subterranean tours await along the Byway. Nearby Niagara Cave in Harmony features several fascinating formations, such as the Wishing Well, a vaulted underground wedding chapel, and a 60-ft. underground waterfall. Closer to the Byway, Mystery Cave offers tours through its natural formations, and the caves offer a cool respite from a hot day with a constant temperature of 48 degrees. Visitors can also reserve more advanced spelunk-

ing tours through more remote and challenging sections of the cave.

Above Mystery Caves is the Forestville Historic Village.

Operated by the Minnesota Historic Society, Forestville portrays several restored period structures from the nineteenth century. Forestville was prosperous until the railroad passed it up, relegating Forestville to an older way of life. Eventually, the son of one of the founders owned the entire village. Another way to experience an older way of life is to visit local Old Order Amish communities that dot the Byway, featuring acres of beautiful farmland, and handicrafts such as furniture, toys and quilts.

With distinct culture, fascinating geology, and hardwood beauty, the Historic Bluff Country Scenic Byway lets visitors experience timeless Minnesota.

Canton

C

11

anton, located along U.S. Highway 52, is the first Minnesota city along this major north-south route.

The farmland around Canton, with its rich soils, was the first area of choice by the local Amish community, who began to settle just north of the city limits in 1974. That community has grown steadily and now encompasses many acres. Buggies are a common sight in town and in the countryside. U.S. Highway 52 between Prosper and Preston is a designated Amish Buggy Byway.

Canton was originally founded in 1879 as a stopping point for the railroad. At first its legal name was “Boomer,” depicting how fast it was built, but because another town in Minnesota had the same name, “Boomer” was changed to Canton.

Canton’s population has remained constant through its history at a little less than 400. For many years its economy was based on agriculture as were so many rural Minnesota cities. This has changed, however. Increasingly more of its citizens are young families, who like the small town flavor of Canton, the affordable housing, closeness to various large cities that offer employment and easy access to a major highway.

The oldest church in Fillmore County, the Lenora Methodist Church, built in 1856, is located just four miles north of Canton.

It is worth a visit to see the construction from stone quarried locally, hand carved pews, a pot belly stove, an old pump organ and kerosene lamps. Regular worship services are at 2 p.m. Sundays, MayDecember.

Abundant pheasant, deer, raccoon, and turkey populations, as well as great trout streams, make hunting and fishing a major attraction around Canton. Groomed snowmobile trails run through the area and city.

• NOON SPECIALS

CANTON PUB

& SUPPER CLUB 110 n. Main st., Canton, Mn

• FRIDAY NIGHT SPECIALS 5-10pm Herb Roasted Prime Rib or Fish • SATURDAY NIGHT SPECIAL 5-10pm Herb-Roasted Prime Rib Mon-Thurs Happy Hour 4-6pm

We serve everything from thick mouth watering Burgers to Steaks and Seafood. Friday and Saturday you’ll find Herb-Roasted Prime Rib, and homemde Soup and Salad Bar!

Open Daily Mon-Sat 11am

507-743-8565

Catering Available

Gloria Potter, Owner

S ’ J T oP

i LY e n Da

Cafe & ConvenienCe 601 W. US HWy 52, Canton, Mn

507-743-8204

Daily Specials ~ Serving Breakfast & Lunch ~ ~ Homemade Baked Goods ~ ~ amish-Made Crafts

Welcome to the

canton State Bank

“Banking where everyone knows your name”

111 n. Main st., canton, Mn

Mon-Thurs 9am-3pm • Fri 9am-4:30pm sat. 9am-noon Drive-up only • Ph(507) 743-2204 • Toll-Free 877-457-5977

We are a Full Service community Bank

fulfilling the financial needs of customers in Historic Bluff country.

Internet Banking Available www.cantonstate.com

Chatfield

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A GreAt PlAce to PlAy & StAy Visitors to our City will be surrounded by historical charm and the miracles of nature.

You will be able to enjoy down home cooking and baked goods after shopping in our quaint one-of-a-kind shops.

Welcome to Chatfield!

Small Town Character...

...With a Progressive Twist

The Chosen Valley

Points of interest

April 2010 • Saturday, April 17- Trout Classic MAy 2010 • Every Thursday-Grower’s Market 3pm-6pm City Park • May 1 - City Wide Garage Sales & Chicken BBQ • Monday, May 31 - Memorial Day parade & Ceremony June 2010 • Every Thursday-Grower’s Market 3pm-6pm in City Park • Every Thursday - Brass Band Concert at 7:30pm in City Park July 2010 • Every Thursday-Grower’s Market 3pm-6pm in City Park • Every Thursday - Brass Band Concert at 7:30pm in City Park • Wednesday, July 14—Commercial Club lunch in the park AuGuST 2010 • Every Thursday - Grower’s Market 3pm-6pm in City Park • Every Thursday - Brass Band Concert at 7:30pm in City Park • August 13-15 Western Days 43nd Annual Celebration Parades, Musical Theatre, Fireworks, Horse Shows, Bull Riding, Softball/Volleyball Tourney, Street Dance SepTeMBer 2010 • Every Thursday-Grower’s Market 3pm-6pm in City Park • Saturday, September 11 - City Wide Garage Sales oCToBer 2010 • Every Thursday-Grower’s Market 3pm-6pm in City Park • Saturday, October 9 - Fall Fest, Firefighters’ Talent Show, lion’s Club Beer & Brats • Saturday, October 23th - Sharing the Season, St. Mary’s Catholic Church

Historical Attractions - History, War & Pease Wildlife Museum 507-867-3756 or 867-9094, Brass Band Music DeCeMBer 2010 Lending Library 507-867-3315, Carnegie Library • Saturday, Dec 4 - lunch with Santa, Crafter’s Market - Pioneer Presbyterian Church, Downtown Business Holiday open House 507-867-3480, Haven Stone Wall on Winona Hill, Pope & Young Bow Hunting Museum 507-867-4144 recreation & nature - Canoeing on the Root River, Trout Fishing, Chosen Valley 9-Hole Golf Course, Abundant Wildlife, Swimming Pool, Tennis Courts, Ball Fields, Parks, Mill Creek Park includes 47 acres including camper parking, ball fields, a horse arena, sand lot volleyball, horseshoe pits, bike path, walking trails, skating rink & picnic areas, NEW Treetop Towers playground equipment in City Park eats & Drinks– A variety of dining experiences ranging from hometown family style cooking, Dairy Queen, Subway, Sports Bars, Fine Family dining, on & off sale establishments to Fine Wine Selections Accommodations– Val-A Lodge / Crystal Ballroom Banquet Facility, Oakenwald Bed & Breakfast, Lund’s Guest House City Of Chatfield 21 SeCOnd Street Se Chatfield, Mn 55923 507-867-3810 www.Ci.Chatfield.Mn.uS

Chatfield

T

he city of Chatfield, population 2,400, enjoys serving as the gateway to southeastern Minnesota bluff country. Originally named after Judge Andrew F. Chatfield, the town is also known as the “Chosen Valley” because of its choice location where the Mill Creek and north branch of the Root River meet, or “Bandtown, USA” because of its famous Chatfield Brass Band and one-of-a-kind music lending library.

Chatfield, a thriving community that straddles the Olmsted and Fillmore county line, is home to two manufacturers and a variety of retail and service businesses and seven churches. Chatfield’s largest employers are Tuohy Furniture Corporation, manufacturer of office furniture, Strongwell Corporation, manufacturers of pultruded fiberglass and carbon products, and the Chosen Valley Care Center, an 86 bed nursing home with assisted living apartments. Chosen Valley Public Schools have an enrollment of approximately 1000 students in grades K through 12. The famous Mayo Clinic and the Rochester International airport are only twenty miles away.

Historic sites include the War and Peace Museum (507867-3810), the Brass Band Music Lending Library (507867-3315), the newly renovated Carnegie Library (507-8673480), and Haven Stone Wall on Winona Hill.

The list of recreational possibilities is endless, including canoeing on the Root River, trout fishing, golfing, viewing the abundant wildlife including white tail deer and wild Continued on page 14

Large Selection of Beer, Wine, Liquor Serving Breakfast & Lunch Daily

Mix/Match Wines by the Case and receive 15% off Wines of the Week Always 15% Off CountyLine BootLeg

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All You Can Eat

Broasted Chicken Thursdays 5-8pm All You Can Eat

Fish & Shrimp Fridays 5-9pm

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Chatfield

Continued from page 13

turkeys, or visiting the swimming pool, tennis courts, ball fields, and picnic parks. Mill Creek Park is 47 acres which includes camper parking, ball fields, a horse arena, sand lot volleyball, horseshoe pits, bike path, walking trails, trout fishing, skateboarding, hockey, skating rink and picnic areas.

In addition to camping facilities, visitors can also chose the Val-A Lodge Hotel with banquet facilities, or one of several bed & breakfasts.

Any time of year is a good time to visit Chatfield, but fishing enthusiasts will want to consider the Trout Classic Fishing Contest on the Saturday closest to the 15th of April. Those who enjoy autumn might want to consider the Fall Festival of Color on the first Saturday in October. Chatfield’s major celebration is Western Days, the second weekend in August, which includes a Peoples Market, parades, horse show, trail rides, carnival, food stands, a play, concerts, dances, and fireworks.

Mill Creek Market ToTal DiscounT sTore Hours: Tues. – Sat. 9:00am – 5:30pm • Household Essentials

~ Kitchen Items ~ Bed & Bath Items ~ Health & Beauty ~ Cleaning Supplies ~ Camping Supplies

New and Changing Inventory Weekly

• Toys • Clothing & Shoes • Unique Gifts • Women’s Accessories • And More • Pet Food & Supplies • Office Supplies • Sporting Goods & Fishing Supplies all aT unbelievable low prices

105 Hwy 30 West, Chatfield, MN

SAVE WITH SAFETY & BANK WITH THE LEADERS at Root River State Bank, Chatfield & First State Bank of Fountain

Providing complete financial services to Historic Bluff Country!

Our Communities serve as the western starting point for the Root River Canoe Route in Chatfield, and the Root River State Trail in Fountain!

24 Hour FastBank ATM Cash Machines at each Bank!

Serving you since 1856 Chatfield, MN • 507-867-4120 www.rrsbchatfield.com

Serving you since 1901 Fountain, MN • 507-268-4321 www.fsbfountain.com

“Your Community Banks for Generations!”

Decorah

G

et ready to fall in love — just as thousands of others do when they first discover the beauty and magic of Decorah and Winneshiek County in northeast Iowa.

Just an hour’s drive from La Crosse, visitors to the area find incomparable scenic beauty, towering limestone bluffs, cascading waterfalls, and stunning vistas of the Upper Iowa River.

The area is also rich in history, fascinating museums and attractions, architectural beauty, quaint shop and boutiques, award-winning restaurants, recreational opportunities, and fun-filled festivals and events.

Nature lovers, canoers, bikers, hikers, anglers and others cherish the area for its recreational offerings. Decorah and Winneshiek County’s extensive and growing trail system is the ideal setting for a romantic evening stroll, power walk, or

15

challenging bluff-side workout. Biking enthusiasts at all levels love the area for its diversity of trails. In fact, mountain biking in the Decorah area was recently named one of the “52 Great American Weekends (under $200) in the United States” by Men’s Journal magazine.

The Upper Iowa River offers some of the best canoeing in the tri-state area, but don’t take our word for it. National Geographic Adventure magazine called it “One of the top 100 adventures in the United States.” This is what their editors had to say: “Sections of the Upper Iowa River have deep, narrow valleys heavily wooded with pine and cedar, maple, birch, oak and hickory. Steep limestone bluffs — some are 300 to 400 feet tall — create massive, craggy backdrops to the river’s tight Continued on page 16

563-382-5895 www.rifreshdecorah.com 216 W. Water St., Decorah, IA Open Monday - Saturday by appointment

Don Jose

Mexican Family Restaurant 223 Elm Street • Cresco, IA (563) 547-1730 Hours: Fri - Sat • 11am - 9:30 pm Mon - Thurs • 11am - 2 pm, 5-9 pm

201 E. Water Street • Decorah, IA (563) 382-6052 Hours: Sun - Thurs • 11 am - 9:30 pm Friday & Saturday • 11 am - 10:30 pm

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Decorah

Continued From Page 15

bends. Cliffs have been carved into unusual palisade-like configurations by eons of weather and water. The most outstanding are the tall, slender conical bluffs, called chimney rocks, about four miles upstream from Bluffton.”

After the days of summer and fall have passed and the Midwest winter is in full-force, the Decorah area is a warm, cozy and romantic escape to make you feel like you are a world apart. With more than eight distinctive bed and breakfasts, the lovingly restored Hotel Winneshiek, and other well appointed hotels, the area is the perfect spot to unwind or rekindle a romantic spark. Excellent restaurants, bistros and tea rooms also abound, and boutique-style shopping offers something unique for everyone.

There is no shortage of enticing events in Winnishiek County. Annual events include Women’s Weekend Out, Laura Ingalls Wilder Days, Nordic Fest, Fort Atkinson’s Rendezvous Days, and the Northeast Iowa Artists’ Studio Tour to name just a few. Museums like the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, with its extensive campus of more than 12 historic buildings in downtown Decorah, also host a wide array of celebrations and folk art classes.

REALTORS 308 College Drive #2 Decorah, IA 52101 www.vikingrealtors.com Ph 563-382-8453 Toll Free 1-800-728-8453

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118 West Water Street Decorah, IA 52101 563-382-1148 1-800-894-4137

Luther College brings world-renowned acts to the area through its acclaimed Center Stage series. In all these attractions and events lure thousands of visitors each year.

For more information about these events, lodging, area history and more, call 800-463-4692 or visit the area’s web site at www.decoraharea.com

Decorah

17

Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum

By Courtney Bergey DECORAH - After being force-fed rommegrot at family reunions and growing up in a home where “wow”, “ouch”, and “jeez” are commonly replaced by “uff da”, visiting the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum in Decorah seemed like a natural choice for a day-cation.

Upon arriving after my 30-minute drive, I took time to browse through the four floors of the museum. The museum is described as “Norwegian-American” because it is dedicated to the Norwegian immigrants who settled in the New World.

The first room features a lifesize log cabin presenting the lifestyle of 19th century rural Norway, where you can walk through and see how the immigrants lived before making the trip across the pond.

The next room was equally impressive, housing the “Tradewind”; this boat, which sailed from Norway to Chicago, is the smallest sailboat ever known to have crossed the Atlantic Ocean without assistance. Continuing through the museum, you can find authentic furnishings, traditional bunads (costumes), and many other artifacts.

One of my favorite exhibits in the museum displayed a collection of rosemaling, the traditional Norwegian painting technique characterized by swirly lines and ornate flowers. There was also a room solely dedicated to Norwegian silver, where bridal crowns and traditional jewelry are on display. The museum would be an interesting place to take out-of-town guests who want to understand more about our area’s Scandinavian influence, as well as a helpful resource for students studying the region.

Once I was finished looking through all of the NorwegianAmerican artifacts, I met the rest of my group for the outdoor tour.

(Make sure to call ahead for tour times because they are only scheduled once a day.) Most of my tour group was about 50 years older than me, so I felt a little bit out of place; however, everyone was very friendly and eager to tell me the story of their Norwegian roots.

The tour began with a brief history of the museum, where I learned that vesterheim means “western home” in Norwegian.

We toured a series of small buildings, which were either shipped in from Norway or built by Norwegian immigrants. The difContinued on page 18

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Decorah

Continued from page 17

ferent structures (including several small houses, a school, a church, and a blacksmith shop) came with several interesting stories about its history. My tour group also took a visit to the restored mill, which houses antique farm equipment and building supplies used by the immigrants to establish their new homes in America.

While the outdoor tour might not be too interesting for children, I think they would thoroughly enjoy the museum.

There are many interactive exhibits and even places for children to try rosemaling and dress up in traditional Norwegian garb.

Before my departure, I took a stroll through the gift shop.

It would be the perfect place to buy a gift for your favorite Norwegian, because it is chock-full of interesting knickknacks, imported foods, Norwegian and English reading material, and traditional Scandinavian sweaters.

After learning so much about Norway and its immigrants, I took on a new appreciation for my Norwegian ancestors: not only did they give me the opportunity to live in America, but instilled in me an unconditional love for lefse.

Visit for a Day . . .

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Bill Rude

Bill Stoen, Broker/Owner

Steve Turner

What? Vesterheim Museum Where? On West Water Street in Decorah, Iowa, which is about 30 miles south of Preston on Hwy 52 How much? Museum admission and included outdoor tour is $7 for adults and $5 for children and seniors Be sure to check out: The Norwegian folk art exhibition, which is operated by the museum and is located just up the block.

“Take a step out of the City”

FeATurIng: • Wild Wings Art • Miche hAndbAgs • MetAl WAll decor • AffordAble JeWelry

Inter Decor & Flooring 1015 Paine Street, Decorah, IA 52101 • Ph: 563-382-5279 Hrs: Tues, Wed, Fri - 10 am - 5:30 pm • Thurs. 10 am - 8 pm Saturday 10 am - 5 pm

INspired You’ll be awestruck at Luther. From the celebration of worship and the arts, to the wonder revealed in literature and laboratories, your education will be more than just gaining knowledge—you’ll develop a greater understanding of the wholeness of life. Luther students are inspired by rigorous course work, rich cocurricular programs, and a strong sense of place and community.

www.luther.edu admissions@luther.edu 1.800.458.8437

Decorah

Exploring the arts and culture of Northeast Iowa What is it that makes Decorah so wonderfully different from many other small midwestern towns? Decorah is a Mecca for arts and culture in northeast Iowa. For years, musicians, artists and poets have been drawn to Decorah and have lived, worked and dreamed in this picturesque village on the upper Iowa river. Art, music and cultural events abound, including a summer Art Walk, First Fridays, Open Stage nights, art shows, live music, poetry slams and a fall studio arts tour. Take a stroll down the streets of Decorah; it’s friendly faces, wonderful architecture and thriving businesses will let you experience the big appeal of a small town. Located in the historic Hotel Winneshiek, Agora Arts is a contemporary fine craft gallery carrying the works of over 250 American crafts people. Agora has won the prestigious Top 100 American Craft Gallery award for four years and features stunning hand crafted jewelry, pottery, prints, glass and more. ArtHaus, Decorah’s newest arts venue, is located in the downtown and holds special events including children and adult art classes, poetry slams, authors book signings, live music, art shows and more. T-Bock’s Sports Bar hosts an Open Stage night the last Sunday of each month and draws incredibly talented musicians from all over the area. “First Fridays” are held the first Friday of each month and often feature

Randy’s Bluffton Store & Campground

Canoe & Kayak Livery Bluffton, IA (563) 735-5738 www.bluffcountry.com/randy.htm • Home of “Light Up The Bluff” (Country Western Concerts) • Fenced & lighted playground • RV electrical available • Ice cold beverages & snacks • Noon & evening meals • Modern showers & restroom facilities • Along the Upper Iowa River (Bar closed on Mondays)

SHUttle & PICKUP AVAIlABle

Continued to page 22

One of Northeast Iowa’s premier day spas Professional staff includes: Licensed nail technician, esthetician, massage therapist, and cosmetologists.

www.eclipsdecorah.com Open Monday thru Saturday

James and Brenda McCaffrey 2149 Twin Springs Road, Decorah, Iowa Hours subject to change

ph 563.382.4723 mcdolcevita.com

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Decorah

20

Whether in the area or hundreds of miles away . . .

K

C E D

H T is

e c i o h c E

for people who love music!

On your dial at 100.5 or on the web at

www.kdecradio.com

What our listeners are saying . . .

“In a world where I have available literally thousands of live stream radio stations from all corners of the planet and all at my finger tips, KDEC is the single standout station that constantly selects the most outstanding music time and again. And it resides in my back yard. How does a little town in a rural state find such passion and respect for great music and then have the guts to play it? I can’t get the same music quality from large metropolitan areas, more often than not, so many of them play a lot of repeats. Keep it up - you’re exceptional! ” - Henry, Rochester, MN “Best station around - I’m spreading the news! You’ve got a loyal audience in LaCrosse!” - Monica R., La Crosse, WI “First and foremost, Femi Kuti is one of my favorite artists of all times - right behind his dad, Fela. It is awesome to hear him on the radio - and a rarity anywhere, especially in the middle of Iowa. Also, it was great to get home last night, flip on the radio while getting ready for bed and hear the new Nadas track from Almanac. Thanks for playing them!” Benji - Decorah, IA “What an awesome station! Happened across you last weekend when my high school buddy and I were up in Highlandville nabbing some Trout. Such sadness when reception was lost on my way back to Des Moines. Thanks for being reachable via the lovely web. You’re right...this is for people who love music. Please keep being awesome!” - Mike D. - Des Moines, IA “Keep up the great work! We’re listening here in the office!” Stefan S., Freiburg, Germany

Radio the way it was meant to be!

Decorah

Sharing heirloom seeds Seed Savers Exchange is a non-profit, member-supported organization saving the world’s diverse, but endangered, garden heritage for future generations by building a network of people committed to collecting, conserving and sharing heirloom seeds and plants. Known worldwide, this 890 acre heritage farm is working to maintain over 25,000 vegetable varieties. Seed Savers Exchange is the largest non-governmental seed bank in the United States. Visitors enjoy display gardens, trial gardens and a children’s garden. You may also wander through an extensive 8-mile trail system or select heritage garden seeds, books and gifts at the garden shop. Open April - December. Call for hours 563.382.6104. Or, visit us at www.seedsavers.org.

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“Northeast Iowa and Southeast Minnesota’s BEST quilt shops!

With two convenient locations 563.382.5440 508 W. Water Street, Decorah, IA www.arthausdecorah.org

Classes • Activities • Events Decorah’s Downtown

Drugstore

301 Hwy. 63 S., Racine, MN 55967 • 507-378-7677 415 West Water St., Decorah, IA 52101 • 563-382-4646

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West of Vesterheim 602 West Water Street Decorah, IA 52101

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Decorah

Continued from page 19

live music, art shows, special sales and cocktail parties throughout the downtown area. The Decorah Regional Arts Council (DRAC) hosts events throughout the year including a June ArtWalk, “Arts Alive” in April and the fall Northeast Iowa Studio Arts Tour. Music, theater and arts events take place daily on the Luther College campus and include student art exhibits, curated exhibits throughout campus, the Center Stage performance series, concerts and more. The culinary arts thrive in downtown Decorah as well, with excellent bistros, coffee shops, eateries and bars that have something for everyone. What is it that makes Decorah so wonderfully different? Come and experience it for yourself!

Wide Variety

of

Quality amish furniture

Blue Heron Knittery 300 West Water St., Decorah 563-517-1059

• Fine Yarns • Select Fair Trade Yarns • Knitting & Crocheting Supplies • Books & Patterns • Spinning & Felting Fiber • Unique Locally Made Items Classes offered: Beginning knitting, felting, socks and more...call for details!

Tues. - Fri. 11am - 5pm Sat. 10am - 5pm

H

Visit our Website for Class Information

www.blueheronknittery.com

istory buffs won’t want to miss the town of Fountain, the western gateway to the Root River State Trail, and home of the Fillmore County History Center. The History Center, located at the intersection of County Highway 8 and Highway 52, houses a complete museum of antiques, collectibles, and memorabilia from the past. It also offers a comprehensive library of information on the genealogy of Fillmore County. Of special interest are two airplanes constructed by Bernard Pietenpol, who resided in Cherry Grove, and was a pioneer aviator. A must-see is the collection of over 35 restored Oliver tractors. Also, a rural one room school from the Fountain-Preston area has been renovated and restored.

Fountain offers an assortment of retail establishments, including Drury Furniture, offering quality furniture in room settings, and considered one of the leading furniture stores in southern Minnesota. Other businesses include Herman’s, Main Street Inn, Village Square, Willie’s Grocery and Locker, The Bent Wrench, Los Gables, Fillmore Fitness, Fountain Building Center, Spex Feed & Grain, Richard’s Pump Service, K&R Equipment, Fountain Car Wash, Johnson Insurance Agency, The First State Bank of Fountain, Key to the Past, and Valley Design Enterprise.

Fountain’s annual Trail Days celebration is held the second weekend in June.

JAne’s consulting oF

Amish Furniture

563-382-9804 • 563-380-2047

1642 State Hwy 9 - Decorah, Iowa 52101 • orvella@neitel.net

Fountain For the outdoor enthusiasts, biking, hiking, roller blading and cross-country skiing are popular pastimes on the paved Root River State Trail. A park area, adjacent to the trail, offers visitors picnic shelters, a play ground, volleyball courts and a ball field.

Fountain

g

23

los REAL mexican ables restaurant *Breakfast (American) *Lunch *Dinner *Full Service Bar

Open Daily 6:30am - On

Intersection of Hwy 52 S & Hwy 80• Fountain, MN • 507-268-1020

he F Fillmore illmore C CounTy ounTy h hisTory isTory C CenTer enTer TThe

Near the Start er iv R of oot Rai Bike Tr l

OpeNiNg May 1 More than 60 varieties of herb plants!

Scented Geraniums Culinary Herb Collections Heirloom Vegetables

museum & GenealoGy library

~ 1860’s Log House ~ Country School House ~ Pietenpol Hangar & Aircraft

~ Oliver Tractor Collection ~ Antique Agricultural Equipment ~ Cultural Heritage Exhibits Find us on hrs: mon~Fri. 9am ~ 4pm twitt er!

US #52 & County Road #8, Fountain, MN (507) 268-4449 email: fchc@mleaf.net • web: http://fillmorecountyhistory.wordpress.com/ No admissioN charge • doNatioNs welcome • haNdicapped accessible

SAVE WITH SAFETY

BANK WITH THE LEADERS

and

Our Communities serve as the western starting point for the Root River Canoe Route in Chatfield, and the Root River State Trail in Fountain!

Providing complete financial services to Historic Bluff Country!

Serving you since 1901 www.fsbfountain.com

“Your Community Banks for Generations!”

Serving you since 1856 www.rrsbchatfield.com

24 Hour FastBank ATM Cash Machines at each Bank!

Sandra S. Manion

26092 Jade Road, Fountain, MN

HOURS:Mon., Tues., & Sat. ~ 1-5pm Saturdays at Lanesboro’s Farmer’s Market 9am-12noon

Or By AppOintment

507-268-4224

Fountain Welcomes You “Sink Hole Capital of the U.S.A.”

The most dominant land form in this area is the sink hole.

These “holes” can be seen in and around Fountain, many have been filled or modified in size and shape. Sink holes, caves and caverns form in the limestone bedrock that lies immediately beneath the fertile soil. A sink hole can be viewed Fountain is the western anchor for the Root River State Trail. at the entrance to the city of Fountain (Hwy. 52) near the welcome sign. There is also a viewing platform near the Root River Trail Head

Fountain trail Days • June 12, 2010 Oct. 2 Fountain Lutheran Church Lutefisk & Meatball Meal Nov. 21 Ecumenical Church Service Dec. 11 Fountain United Methodist Women’s Bake & Craft Sale & Luncheon, Fountain Community Center Dec. 11 Santa comes to Fountain & Turkey Drawings Fountain Community Center For more information, call or write:

City of Fountain, P.O. Box 115 • Fountain, MN 55935 507-268-4923 • http://bluffcountry.com/fountain.htm

24

Harmony

Amish Tours of Harmony Located in the Sugar Plum House at the Village Green, & 45 Main Ave., in Harmony

Essence of Harmony Located in downtown Harmony at 45 Main Avenue North email: essence@harmonytel.net

Experience a lifestyle

* where the horse & buggy still provide the transportation * the home is lighted by kerosene lamps * water is heated on a woodburning stove

507-886-5392

“for you or someone special”

Unique gifts for mind, body and spirit

• Van Tours • Car Tours • Group Bus Tour • Spring through Fall • Winter Tours by appointment • No Sunday Tours

Enjoy an exciting tour with one of our knowledgeable guides.

For Advanced Tickets & Information 507-886-2303 or 800-752-6474 www.amish-tours.com

Come & See the Natural Beauty of Niagara Cave.

60 Ft. WaterFall Wedding Chapel StalaCtiteS FoSSilS

Enjoy the Refreshing 48 Degrees Year Round.

Picnic Areas, Gift Shop & Gemstone Mining Available Walking Shoes are Recommended.

Voted Bluff Country’s Family attraction 2009 CaLL 1-800-837-6606 oR 507-886-6606 www.niagaracave.com Open Weekends - April and October Open Daily - May thru September

RAte Of t d ONe H teN e tOP C iN tH AVeS e US A

Located 2 miles south of Harmony on Hwy 139 then 2 miles west on County Road 30.

Just 1 mile north of the Minnesota/Iowa border on Hwy 139, then west.

Harmony

T

he first thing people notice about the town of Harmony is its pleasant name. Local legend says that the settlers decided to make their community an incorporated “village” and met to choose a name. Each group wanted the town named for its leader, and the bickering became louder. Finally the chairman banged his gavel on the table and said, “Let’s have Harmony here!”

Today, visitors to Harmony can take an Amish tour, visit the magnificent Niagara Cave, and ride or walk on the HarmonyPreston Valley State Trail, which connects Harmony to the Root River Trail System.

Like many small towns a hundred years ago, Harmony developed near the railroad, and was peopled by immigrants from Norway, Germany and Ireland. That pioneer spirit has survived in the descendants of those hardy settlers as Harmony continues to serve the farming and business community.

The symbolism of the town’s name took on new meaning with the arrival of Amish families to the area in 1974. With their old-world farming methods, the Amish offer a stark contrast to the modern machinery and tall silos of their neighbors, while reminding tourists and residents alike of the lifestyle of our ancestors.

As you travel the back roads you’ll see buggies and horse-drawn farm equipment.

A number of Amish families accept visitors. A local business offers car and group tours of the Amish settlement. You may visit basket makers, candy makers or bakers, and/or a furniture shop.

The area is blessed with rolling hills and valleys, fertile soil for

25

growing crops and plenty of water in springs and brooks. Niagara Cave, a natural result of the area’s karst geology, has been in continuous development and operation for over seventy years.

One-hour guided tours offer a chance to thrill at nature’s beauty, including a 60-foot waterfall, the crystal “wedding chapel,” huge stalactites and rock formations millions of years in the making, all far below the earth’s surface. The cave stays a constant 48 degrees year round. Niagara Cave has a gift shop and a 10-acre picnic ground.

The area has some of the finest trout streams in the state, river canoeing with rentals available, snowmobile and cross-country trails and outstanding hunting for wild turkey, upland game birds, deer and small game.

Harmony also has a nine-hole golf course, one of a dozen in the area which offer an almost endless variety of terrain as well as reasonable fees and uncrowded courses.

Overnight visitors can choose from guesthouses or a 24-room motel with a meeting room. A variety of dining options can be found in Harmony as well.

Campers may find a comfortable place in Harmony’s municipal campground or one of several private campgrounds in the area.

Harmony offers the shopper many unique and interesting alternatives. For fine hand-crafted Amish quilts, furniture and other items, country crafts and period antiques, you need go no further than Harmony’s business district. For antiques and collectors the new antique mall features over 65 vendors.

One of Harmony’s unique attractions is Slim’s Woodshed, the Continued on page 26

• • • • • •

Movies Dining Antiques Lodging Shopping Woodcarving Museum • Angora Farm • Niagara Cave

Amish Farmer’s Market

Handcarved Hobo Camp

Karst 2010 COMMUNITY EVENTS Interpretive Site • April 23-25 Bluff Country Studio Art Tour • April 30-May 1 Harmony Again Weekend, Antiques, City-Wide Garage Sales • June 23-August 11 Wednesday evening Free Music Concerts in the Park • June 23-Family Fun Day with Music in the Park • June-October-Saturdays Amish Farmer’s Market • July 3-4 Old-Fashioned Fourth of July • August 19-21 Dobie Days, “A Salute to Veterans” • October 1-3 Fall Foliage Days • November 19-21 Holiday Fest • December 4 Santa Day Picnic in the Park

For more information call 1-800-247-6466

www.harmony.mn.us

Bike Trail

26

Harmony

Continued from page 25

Austin’s Angora Goats & Mohair Gifts Harmony, Minnesota

• Raw Mohair & Roving • Beautiful Hand Spun Natural and Hand Dyed Mohair Yarn • Mohair Blankets • Socks • Goat Related Crafts • Goat Meat: (Federally USDA Inspected) • Fudge We are located 1 mile east of Harmony on Hwy. 52.

Take the 1st gravel road to the left (north) 1 mile.

1st farm on the right.

Watch for purple everywhere!

Stop By & See Us! Jim & Ada Austin

Email: mohair@harmonytel.net Website: www.austinsmohair.com www.babydollsheep.net

507-886-6731

largest woodcarving museum in the nation. Offering a variety of services for anyone who may be interested in woodcarving, this establishment is filled with woodcarving relics from around the world. Harmony’s Selvig Park offer summer concerts Wednesday from June through August.

Visitors are welcome at the Austin’s Angora Goat farm to touch a baby goat and watch as they frolic in their pasture.

The Austins have between 100 and 200 goats on their farm and sell breeding stock and baby goats as pets. One-of-akind treasures can be found in the unique gift shop.

Another claim-to-fame for Harmony is that it is home to Fillmore County’s only movie theater, which shows current movies and serves popcorn with real butter.

FUll serVice HArDWAre & APPLIANCE STORE! something for everyone in the Family!

KiNgsley MercANtile, iNc. 2 Main Ave. N • Harmony, MN 55939 • 507-886-2323 Hrs: M-F 7:30 am - 6:30 pm Year Around Sat. 8:00 am - 5:00 pm • Sun. 11:00 am - 2:00 pm

www.kingsleymercantile.com

On The

Village Green

1 Block West of Main Ave • Harmony, MN Open April-Dec. Mon.-Sat. 10am-5pm Sun. 12 Noon-5pm

The Village

School Quilt Shop Largest selection of Amish-made Quilts in Southeastern Minnesota!

507-886-2409

• Amish Gifts & Furniture • Gourmet Foods • Wall Hangings • Jewelry • Willow Tree, The TY Plush, Webkinz

Village

Depot

The

Village

Sugar Plum House 507-886-2666

Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor & Candy Store • 20 Flavors of Ice Cream • Bulk Candy • Smoothies, Shakes & Malts

Visit our on-line store

www.village-depot.com

AL us o SO VISI n Ma T in S tree t

n o n C e h c s tion i m A Amish Furniture & Gifts Clothing • Tableware • Table Linens • Furniture • Curios • Soy Candles • Baby Gifts 103 Main Ave N., Harmony

507-886-2979

Harmony

27

Harmony-Preston Valley Trail Come and enjoy Minnesota hospitality, southeastern style.

The paved Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail is a beautiful 18 mile long multiple use trail that connects the communities of Harmony and Preston with the existing Root River State Trail.

Main summer uses are hiking, biking and in-line skating. The trail is groomed for cross country skiing in the winter.

The northern two-thirds of the Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail follows or crosses Watson Creek, the South Branch of the Root River, and Camp Creek, passing through a variety of wooded areas and farmland on an abandoned railroad grade. this section is wheelchair accessible. Three fishing platforms provide access to trout fishing in Camp Creek just outside of Preston.

Unlike the northern segment of this trail, the southern segment was not constructed upon an abandoned railroad grade.

The southern segment of the trail between County 16 and Harmony climbs out of the river valley, and angles cross country into Harmony. The trail rises up and down over a number of little hills and is punctuated with a rather strenuous incline that may not be suitable for all users.

Although Harmony and Preston were both settled in the 1850’s, the cities are quite different in appearance. Harmony was developed upon the agricultural uplands above the Root River valley while Preston is located within the valley. Both communities speak to a very different time in Minnesota’s history with several preserved buildings and interpretive opportunities.

OUTSTANDING AGENTS OUTSTANDING RESULTS! Todd, Brenda & Roxanne are top professionals. They know the market and they care enough to get to know you, too. So wherever you are or want to be, we’ll be there for you.

CALL: Todd Hadoff, GRI

Office: (507) 867-0093 Cell: 507-259-5454 Email: homes@toddhadoff.com Website: www.ToddHadoff.com Property Brokers of Minnesota

CALL: Brenda Sheldon, ABR, GRI Office: (507) 346-2060 Cell: 507-951-2071 Email: brenda@brendasheldon.com Website: www.BrendaSheldon.com Property Brokers of Minnesota

CALL: Roxanne Johnson, ABR, CRS, GRI Office: 888-839-2142 Cell: 507-458-6110 Email: RoxanneJohnson@remax.net Website: www.SEMNrealestate.com RE/MAX Select Properties

of Harmony Where Yesterday Becomes Today

Antique MAll Handicap Accessible

85 DEALERS

Antiques, Collectibles, Amish Goods, Primitives, Vintage Jewelry & More

With

www.generationsofharmony.com 50 Industrial Blvd. NE Harmony, MN 55923

(Hwy 52 North edge of Harmony)

Open 7 Days a Week Year Around 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

507-886-6660 Family Dining

Open

rmony Daily a H H ous e restaurant

Main Ave. N. Harmony, MN ~ 507-886-4612

Serving Breakfast & Lunch Homemade Rolls, Pies & Pastries

DAILY SpecIALS Open Sun. thru Sat. 5:00am-1:30pm

Check us out at www.eatatharmonyhouse.com

28

Harmony

Hobo Camp depicts “Life Along the Rails” A life-size wood carved hobo camp is located at the Harmony-Preston Trail head in Harmony, not far from the old railroad depot.

The camp was created by Stanley “Slim” Maroushek of Slim’s Woodshed in Harmony to commemorate the life of hobos who travelled the rails throughout America, often in pursuit of work and adventure. Following the open road, hobos would travel from town to town often stopping long enough to work for a meal. Consisting mainly of men, it wasn’t unusual to have women travelling the rails as well.

Grandpa & Grandma’s

Bed & Breakfast Cabin

17555 305th Ave • Harmony Rejuvenate and have fun at our country get-away. Let us pamper you and give you a memorable vacation! Please check out our website or call for more information.

507-886-2323 Days • 507-886-2261 Evenings www.grandpaandgrandmas.com www.kingsleymercantile.com

Resourceful, self-reliant and independent, hobo culture included wood carving, story-telling, song-writing and hobo markings - simple pictographs left on the side of buildings to communicate with like-minded travelers.

The center of life was the hobo camp, which was located wherever it was most convenient, usually close to the railroad track. Hobos were often known by their colorful nicknames, such as the hobo’s depicted at the Harmony camp: Oklahoma Oscar, Harmony Hank, Sleepy Slim, Handbag Hattie, Preacher, Steamtrain Satch and Dawg.

Continued on page 29

Slim’S WoodShed • Nation’s largest woodcarving museum has now been expanded to over 4,000 pieces including CCA Handcarved Circus. Come and enjoy for ages 5 - 105!

• Visit the Loft for Antiques & Yesterday’s Treasures • Check out our Unique Gift Shop, Carving Wood and Tools 160 1st St NW, Harmony, MN Office: 507-886-3114 www.slimswoodshed.com email: slim_ws@harmonytel.net

Harmony Continued from page 28

The railroad came to Harmony in 1879 and remained an integral part of the community until 1977, when the rails and ties were removed.

An interpretive sign detailing life at the hobo camp has been provided by the Harmony Area Historical Society.

Beautiful, Hard-to-Find Antiques & Collectibles

MAin AvE. HARMOny

JEM

you See e T t A hes!

Movi

THEATRE 507-886-SHOW(7469)

www.jemmovies.com

fRiDAy, SATuRDAy, SunDAy fiRST 7:30 pM EATS All S Run O nly M Ovie T heaTer $ 00 in F illMOre C OunTy MOviES

4

SuMMER MOnDAyS Movie at 7:30pm

Country Lodge Inn of Harmony

Your “Home Away From Home”

25 spacious, tastefully decorated rooms. Handicapped accessible.

Microwave & refrigerator in every room. Luxurious yet cozy atmosphere. Very quiet & clean with modern amenities. Free Wi-Fi. Amish Farmers Market on Saturdays and Holidays (seasonal).

Nice large deck to relax on and watch Amish buggies go by.

Come relax and be yourselves at the Country Lodge Inn!

Located at 525 Main Avenue North, Harmony, MN Call 1-800-870-1710 or 507-886-2515 for a reservation. email:ctrylodg@harmonytel.net • www.countrylodgeinnharmonymn.com

29

15 W. Center St. Harmony 507-886-4321 www.iloveantiques.net

30

Harmony

Wood Goods

O

Timeless, Durable, Quality Amish Furniture

Deliveries Available

Talk to Rueben, Jake, or Mari Jo

Open Seven Days a Week

Consider Relocating to Beautiful Bluff Country!

Bar & Eats

e

Located on Hwy 52 North Harmony, MN 55939 507-886-2777

unchy S r C e h i t d American n

Best 2 0 ft . of B a r in SE M N 507-886-5560 31 Main Ave. N. • Harmony, MN

OLD WAYS

NEW IDEAS 65 Main Ave. North, Harmony, MN 507-886-4848

Featuring G

randma Luan

ne’s Art

Items from local crafters - such as rosemaling, clocks, rustic cabinets, table runners, ceramics, floral arrangements, pictures, prints, aprons, jewelry, music boxes, Watkins products and numerous other items. Our Amish selections include baskets, children’s and doll furniture, toys, quilts, wind chimes, tables, chairs, soaps, candles, aprons and much more!

Servicing SE Minnesota Build Your Dream Home Full Service Insurance Agents Full Service Real Estate Agents Contact: Jim & Melinda Lutes 507-951-9981 Jimmylutes.com • lutes@kw.com

Open all year.

Handicapped Accessible

oldwaysnewideas@yahoo.com www.bluffcountry.com/oldways

Houston

T

he eastern end of the Root River Trail can be found at Trailhead Park on West Plum Street in Houston.

Surrounded by bluffs and bordered by the Root River, the Houston area offers an ideal setting for outdoor enthusiasts.

Trailhead Park showcases a wetland and levee planted in native grasses and flowers. You’ll also find a picnic shelter, picnic tables and 10 primitive walk-in campsites.

The trail center houses spotless restrooms and free showers, as well as being home to the Houston Nature Center featuring Alice the Great Horned Owl. The center is supplied with a variety of hands-on nature displays and offers free Saturday evening nature programs to the public during the summer months. Maps for an in-city Barn Tour (which you can walk or bike) are available at the Nature Center, which also serves as the official tourist information center for the area. Local gift and antique shops invite you to stop by and explore.

31

Beautiful Southeast Minnesota’s Perfect Getaway

Money Creek Retreat neW

FoR 2010

Money Creek, MN

noW taking Reservations

Rent this Fully FuRnished Cabin AccommodAtes 8-9 people

large modern kitchen, full dining room, 2 bedrooms, tV room w/dVd, VcR, large game room, full bathroom, large porch,gas grill, next to creek.

Fun FoR all seasons

• Bird Watching • Wild Flowers • Cross-Country Skiing • Fall Colors • Root River State Bike Trail - Biking, Hiking, & Skating • Root River - Fishing, Canoeing, Kayaking, Swimming • Prime Hunting - Deer, Coyote & Turkey - private & state land available • Groomed Snowmobile Trails just one block from house!

For info and reservations contact: Ken or Jaynie Money Creek Retreat ~ Jayniejohnston@acegroup.cc 507-896-2367 or 507-459-7574 • www.moneycreekretreat.com

Continued on page 32

Houston, MN ‘Trailhead of the Root River Trail’

Houston Nature Center OPEN: Thursday-Monday during the summer Trailhead Park, 215 W. Plum Street 507-896-4668 HANDS ON DISPLAYS And featuring ‘Alice’ the Great Horned Owl

International Festival of Owls Annually the first weekend in March

Root River Triathlon CANOE • BIKE • RUN May 15th

Houston Hoedown Days July 23rd - 25th Horse & Tractor Pulls • Nightly Dances

Houston

32

Continued from page 31

2010 Cushon’s Peak Campground Rural Houston, MN

12th SPRING

18th SuMMeR

May 21, 22 & 23

Aug. 19, 20, 21 & 22

Southern Gentlemen AL ~ Fri, Sat & Sun

Mark Phillips & 3rd Generation OK ~ Fri, Sat & Sun Two Rivers Bluegrass Band MN ~ Thu & Sun Bag O’Dirt Band MN ~ Thu & Fri Triple L Band NM ~ Sat & Sun New North String Band WI ~ Fri & Sat

The Martin Family MO ~ Fri & Sat Cabin Fever MN ~ Sun Long Time Gone MN ~ Fri & Sat Blue Hazard MN ~ Fri, Sat & Sun

Cedar Valley IA ~ Thu & Sun Men of the Week Band MO ~ Fri & Sat

McPunk Brothers IA ~ Fri, Sat & Sun

Highway Home IA~ Fri & Sat Terry Smith TN ~ Thu & Fri

Cedar Valley IA ~ Fri

August Jam Camp 16,17 & 18

The Link Family MO ~ Thu Roe Family Singers MN ~ Sun

See www.semba.tv for info and registration.

Aug. Show Times

May All Shows Inside

Thursday thru Saturday 1 ~ 4:45 & 7 ~ 10:45 pm Sunday Gospel 9:00 ~ 11:30 am Sunday Afternoon 12:30 ~ 3:20 pm

Friday 7 ~ 10:45 pm Saturday 1~ 4:45 & 7 ~ 10:45 pm Sunday Gospel 9:00 ~ 11:30 am Sunday Afternoon 12:00 ~ 3:20 pm

Besides bicycling, area recreational opportunities include hunting, fishing, canoeing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, hiking, golf, horse trails, swimming, camping and ranch/farm tours.

When it comes to food, you can choose from authentic German food, excellent breakfasts, fish frys, coffees, espressos and smoothies, a traditional cafe, pizza and subs.

For lodging or camping, Houston has several choices: a motel, a bed & breakfast, a bunkhouse, a guesthouse, a threebedroom house, three campgrounds and four private cabins are all either located in the city or within 5 miles.

Annual Houston events include the International Festival of Owls in early March, Root River Triathlon in May, Citywide Garage Sales in April and October, Bluegrass Festivals in May and August, Houston Hoedown Days in July, horse trail rides and a Harvest Moon Celebration in October, a Craft Show and Fine Arts Festival in November and a visit from Santa in December.

wboy Heaven on Earth Co Nestled in the Beautiful Bluffs of Southeastern Minnesota

Festival information or tickets SeMBA

P.O. Box 93, Rushford, MN 55971 • Phone: 507.864.8109 Website: www.SEMBA.TV • e-mail: darrbarr@q.com

Admission

May

Aug.

All Four Days ~ $30 (advance $28) All three Days ~ $27 (advance $25) Friday ~ Sunday $27 (advance $25) Friday ~ $10 Saturday ~ $15 Saturday ~ $15 / Other single day ~ $11 Sunday ~ $10 16 & under FREE w/adult Friday 1:00 - 5:00 pm & Friday 9:30 am ~ 12:00 noon & Saturday 10:30 am ~ 12:30 pm Open Stage Saturday 11:00 am ~ 12:50 pm Saturday 9:00 ~ 10:00 am

Sound: D & S

Workshops Pot Luck Dinners

Thurs. 6:00 pm

•

Saturday 9:00 ~ 10:00am

Wed. 6:00pm

Howard Ness, MC

Be sure to bring your instrument as Jamming is alway present throughout the campground!!

Alcoholic Beverages and Pets are not Allowed in the Fest Building or Concert Area. * Bring Lawn Chairs (low back appreciated) * Great Food Service by Relay for Life in Fest Building.

Cushon’s Peak Campground is located in a beautiful valley on the popular Root River Bike Trail.

18696 State 16 Houston, MN 55943 507.896.7325 www.camppeak.com Email: camppeak@acegroup.cc Electric & Water sites $$ vary Non Electric sites ~ $7.00/day Clean modern restrooms & showers Onsite Dump Station ~ WiFi These events are organized and promoted by SEMBA, SouthEast Minnesota Bluegrass Association in Cooperation with the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council, Inc. through funding from the Minnesota State Legislature. Membership in SEMBA has its rewards! Join SEMBA at a festival this year; we appreciate your support.

All Shows ASCAP & BMI licensed.

CASA DE OUTBACK

WRANGLER ROOM

THE CABIN

• 12’ x 20’ Bunkhouse • Private getaway • Stove, refrig., • Stove,refrig.,micro.,etc. microwave, futon/bunk, • Portable water bedding, etc. is provided • $95.50 per night, • $149.50 per couple, per couple per night • 2 indoor horse • 2 pens at the stalls included Cabin included OVERNIGHT CAMPING • With electrical hookups PRIMITIVE CAMPING

• 1,000 sq. ft.; 2 bedrooms, furnished, full kitchen/bath • $169 per night, per couple • 2 indoor horse stalls included

• $35/night for 2 persons and 2 horses

• $25/night for 2 persons and 2 horses

www.outbackranch.net

info@outbackranch.net 7750 TT Rd, Houston, MN 507-896-5550 • 507-896-5253 We are located on State Snowmobile Trail & next to State Park.

Houston

Mound Prairie SNA The Mound Prairie SNA (Scientific & Natural Area) consists of 257 acres located from Hokah about 4 miles west on MN Hwy 16.

Park on the gravel forest road on the north side of the highway.

Mound Prairie is located within the Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest, just south of the Root River. The site contains three southwest-facing goat prairies separated by oak forests and the steep, rocky ravines of ancient stream beds on the north side of Highway 16. An additional three goat prairies are found on the south side. Stream terraces contain remnants of fine, glacial silt deposited when the valley floors were higher.

The superb goat prairies support a highly diverse plant community that includes such rare species as white wild indigo, goat’s rue, jewelled shooting star, Ohio spiderwort, and the narrow-leaved milkweed with its greenish flowers. The prairie vole, a rare mammal typically found in northwestern Minnesota, is found at this site. Removal of encroaching trees and brush by cutting and prescribed burning is enhancing the prairie and rare species habitat.

Hike the goat prairies in early to late summer to find the rare species in bloom. Spectacular views from this outstanding prairie SNA make the upward climb well worthwhile.

33

JT’s Corner Bar & Grill 125 E Cedar St, Houston, MN Phone: 507-896-3232

E-mail:jtcornerbar@acegroup.cc

GreaT Food!

Steak & Shrimp Dinners Wednesdays ~ 10am-10pm

Happy Hour Monday - Thursday Open 7 days a week ~ 10am -1am

Our Log Cabin Gift Shop contains a unique selection of Scandinavian and Garden inspired gifts.

The garden center specializes in herbs and perennials.

Come try out our Scandinavian Kickbikes and Scooters

Alpine Nursery 7155 State Hwy. 76 (507)896-3715 Houston, MN 55943 2 mi. south of Houston next to Stone Church www.alpinenursery.com

34

The Sons of Norway

A Fillmore County cultural institution since 1929

By Emily Torgrimson LANESBORO - Enter the old hall of Sons of Norway Lodge No. 376, in Lanesboro, Minnesota. Take your seat, on a folding chair behind rows of white haired heads and Norwegian sweaters.

The meeting’s about to start.

Before it does, you’ll stand and turn your songbook to “Fredrelandssang,” the national anthem of Norway. You’ll sing that and the “Star Spangled Banner,” accompanied by Bea Burmeister on the upright piano. You’ll recite the Pledge of Allegiance, and then, you’ll get down to the slow business of making a community and preserving the old in a culture that values the new.

The Sons of Norway lodge in Lanesboro is one of 400 lodges around the world working to promote Norwegian heritage and culture. As the largest Norwegian organization outside Norway, Sons of Norway has 70,000 members worldwide, Ila Mae Olstad, Bea Burmeister and Eldoris Hanson chat at a recent Sons of and Lanesboro’s lodge has 80 of them. It Norway meeting in Lanesboro. promotes the land of lefse and trolls, the Norway would visit Lanesboro and its says Ila May Olstad, a member and the lodge. For the lodge’s first twenty years, lodge’s Cultural Skills Director, “but all home of Henrik Ibsen and lutefisk.

It’s starting now, the meeting. Presi- meetings were conducted in Norwegian. the young people are so involved and dent Shirley Jertson calls it to order, and But in 1949, the lodge’s members voted busy with their own lives that they don’t turns it over to Secretary Audrey Over- 22 to 6 to change to the English lan- have time.”

Olstad is German, but her first husband land. At Lanesboro’s Sons of Norway, guage. it’s the daughters leading the meeting. Lanesboro’s Sons of Norway hosts was Norwegian and her second husband, The board is made of Jertson, Vice-Presi- annual events like the Lutefisk Supper Neal, is full-blooded too. “I’m adopted dent Merwood Storhoff, Treasurer Marie and a luncheon for the Commonwealth Norwegian,” says Olstad. “I’ve been marTheatre’s Ibsen festival. The lodge offers ried to Norwegians so many years I must Amdahl, and Secretary Overland.

Sons of Norway was started in Min- occasional programs on Norwegian tra- be about half.” The Sons of Norway neapolis, in 1895, when 18 Norwegian ditions: folk dancing, food, poetry, and has members of other nationalities, like immigrants pooled their resources to handicrafts like rosemaling, wood carv- Olstad, who are interested in Norwegian heritage. Olstad practices hardanger, the protect their families from financial ing, and hardanger. hardships. Heimbygda Lodge 376 in But for many of its members, Sons of Norwegian counted stitching, and has Lanesboro was founded on the 11th of Norway is as much a social group as it is belonged to the Sons of Norway for July, in 1929. Heimbygda means home- a cultural organization. It’s a reminder of years. town, and at the hometown lodge’s first the good old days, says Bertram Boyum. Olstad says she thinks it may be too meeting, its members sang the Sons of Coming up on 90 years old, Boyum late when the younger generation begins joined the lodge “quite a few years ago” to seek its roots. “They don’t start to Norway song.

Ten years later, in 1939, the King of in the 1980s. “I enjoy the chance to get think about it or appreciate it until they together with our brethren and talk about Continued on page 35 the good days,” says Boyum, and he later tells a story about walking to school in a winter when the snow drifts covered field fences.

On the agenda today is the lodge’s goal of getting younger members to join.

Almost all of the lodges members are over 60 years old. “The problem with our group is that we’re all getting old,”

35 Continued from page 34

get to be 60, 65 years old.

I think everybody probably regrets not talking more to their own grandparents, or finding out more about your own families.You just don’t appreciate that until it’s almost lost to you.”

The meeting is part business and part neighborhood chitchat, and all amplified over a set of speakers so the group’s members can hear.

Secretary Overland tells the group about her correspondence with an area woman, saying, “I had a telephone call from her and I was sup- Heimbygda Lodge 376 was posed to greet you and say bygda means hometown. how she enjoyed the lutefisk supper.” In between discussion of a Sons of Norway conference, and bills, she also relays a greeting from Pastor Paul telling the group about the new house and how Lars is planning to go out for speech in the spring.

“Did you hear what she said?” a board member asks the group, after one of the members speaks off microphone.

The group murmurs, “No, no,” and the member repeats it into the mic. Later, Jertson asks if anyone has a birth-

H

Historic Bluff Country

HISTORIC

SOUTHEASTERN MINNESOTA

B

LUFF OUNTRYINC.

C

day that month. Everyone looks around, and nobody answers.

“I think Amos does,” says one member.

Amos Anderson hasn’t heard a thing. But he does indeed, have a birthday coming up. It’s his 95th, and he is the lodge’s 2nd oldest member. Anderson is a full-blooded Norwegian whose favorite food is rummegraut. “The people I meet here at the club, they’re all Norwegian,” he says later, “and of course birds of a feather, flock together, you know what they say. I enjoy founded in July 1929. Heim- coming down here, and the meals are out of this world, you know.”

The group asks Anderson to come to the front of the room so they can sing him happy birthday. “In front of all these people?” he asks, but obliges. The meeting starts trickling to an end. A woman reads a poem about the “useful, old flour sack.” After the meeting comes lunch, cards, and catching up with old friends. All rise to see the Norwegian and American flags put away, until next month.

In Bluff Country You Can: • Bike • Canoe • Camp • Golf • Fish • Art • Tour a Cave • Shop • Eat • Hike • Stay in a Bed & Breakfast • Relax • Hike • Go Antiquing • See a Play • More

Time passes slowly along the Historic Bluff Country Scenic Byway, with change coming nearly imperceptibly to both the natural landscape and the lifestyle of its residents.

Impressive limestone bluffs rise over enduring hardwood forests, while the water of the region etches out magnificent caverns beneath the earth. Visitors can lose themselves in timeless sights and activities amidst natural wonders and rural communities.

Most of the Historic Bluff Country Scenic Byway passes through the Richard J. Doerer Memorial Hardwood Forest, a two million acre natural area full of walnut, oak, elm, birch, black cherry and pine trees. Unlike certain other areas, the Forest is designed for human use, whether camping, hiking, backpacking, or wildlife viewing. Two trails that cross the forest encourage these activities: the Root River State Trail and the Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail. In addition to pavement for the ease of wheeled and foot traffic, sections of the trails are groomed for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing in the winter.

WEBSITE www.bluffcountry.com

National Scenic Byway Minnesota Highway 16 Partially Funded by the National Hwy Dept

E-MAIL hbc@harmonytel.net

www.bluffcountry.com

1-800-428-2030

hbc@harmonytel.net

36

Lanesboro

Lanesboro is an escape any time of year, offering festivals and events in all seasons.

www.lanesboro.com • 800-944-2670

Lanesboro Area Calendar of Events Ladies Day in Lanesboro April 10 Style show & luncheon, special promotions for women.

Ibsen Festival April 16-18 Celebrate Scandinavian theatre, art, music and dance.

Commonweal Theatre Company’s production of Ibsen’s masterpiece John Gabriel Borkman.

Bluff Country Studio Art Tour April 23-25 Travel scenic back roads to the studios of the area’s finest artists.

Lanesboro Farmer’s Market May - October at Sylvan Park Wednesdays 4 - 6 pm Saturdays 9 am - noon Locally grown products, produce, plants, baked goods, preserves, meats.

Stand-Still Parade May 15 Stroll along and view the parade exhibits in Whalan. “The Parade doesn’t move, the spectators do!”

Bluff Country Gathering Concert May 21 Barn Dance May 22 Lanesboro Community Center Live music and calling, including teaching.

Memorial Day Program May 31 10 am Honoring our fallen comrades with a parade, a program of patriotic music and speakers, and a gun salute with taps.

Over the Back Fence Sunday evenings at 7 pm Memorial Day - Labor Day Live Radio Show at the Commonweal Theatre.

Rhubarb Festival June 5 Celebrate Rhubarb, Minnesota’s sweet-tart favorite. Free tasting of rhubarb delights, Rhubarb Olympics, music & entertainment.

Art in the Park June 20 Art festival in beautiful Sylvan Park, 90 exhibitors, eclectic food, live music and entertainment.

Buffalo Bill Days August 6-8 City-wide Festival, marketplace, food booths, entertainment, dances, volleyball & softball tournaments, and Grand Parade.

Harvest Moon October 9 Fall activities, farmers market, store specials & promotions, used book sale, cookie walk, wine tasting.

Holiday Weekend December 3-5 Christmas Inn Tour, Downtown Businesses feature refreshments & special promotions. Lanesboro is decorated for the holidays.

Holiday Dinner Dance with catered meal, door prizes and entertainment.

Winter Weekend & Candlelight Ski February 4-6, 2011

Lanesboro

N

37

estled in a deep valley of the Root River (South Branch) is the unique city of Lanesboro, situated at the “heart” of the Root River State Trail. The fewer than one thousand residents claim that their quaint village, located in the state hardwood forest, is reminiscent of the many hillside villages in Norway. Norwegian immigrant influence is still felt today with food and conversation, although other nationalities, especially Irish and German, give it a cosmopolitan flavor. Where else can you eat a brat in a lefse or a serving of romegrot with a glass of beer?

Strolling down the quiet streets of Lanesboro is like taking a step back in time. The downtown area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for the two and three story frame, brick and stone buildings that have changed very little since they were first built by immigrants who settled here a century and a half ago. The century-old Power Dam, constructed in 1868, is known for its unique stone construction. Coupled with the city hydro-electric plant, this dam still provides electricity to the city.

Special Events Lanesboro is home to the nationally known Commonweal Theatre Company, a professional non-profit theater company.

The Commonweal contributes to the local one-of-a-kind Ibsen Festival by producing plays by the great Norwegian playwright, Henrik Ibsen. Special rates for tour groups are available throughout the year.

The Lanesboro Farmers Market celebrates Minnesota’s Sweet-tart favorite – Rhubarb! The Rhubarb Festival is held Continued on page 39

Tour the Old Order Amish at Their Farms Three Hour Tours! a once in a Lifetime experience!

You will travel by modern air conditioned van or mini-bus. A step-on guide for group bus tour is available.

experience for yourselves the interesting and rich history of the amish lifestyle including various shopping opportunities during your guided three hour tour with Bluffscape.

Daily Tours April – October: 10 AM & 1:30 PM Saturdays in March & November No Sunday Tours

New TickeTiNg aNd deparTure LocaTioN. Same great tour, same knowledgeable, friendly guides!

New Ticket Sales Location: Lanesboro Tours & Treasures 102 e. Beacon St., p.o. Box 316 Lanesboro, MN 55949

507-467-3070

bluffscape@hotmail.com

www.bluffscape.com

38

Lanesboro

103 Parkway Ave. N. • 507.467.2446 • www.lanesboroarts.org

Year Round Galleries

Featuring artwork by 75+ regional and nationally acclaimed artists in our Juried Sales and Exhibition Galleries: painting, ceramic, wood, glass, metal, fiber, jewelry.

Gallery Events

Kids Create! Family Art Projects, gallery tours, artist talks & demonstrations, Exhibit Opening and “Meet the Artist” Receptions.

Programs

Artist Residency Program, Picture Parade art curriculum in elementary schools, adult classes, Discover Sculpture Explore Lanesboro medallion walking tour.

St. Mane Theatre Films & Events

Documentary and other films and a wide range of music, literary and theater performances: comedy/improv, poetry, folk, country, pop/ rock, ethnic/cultural, and the Lanesboro Community Theater.

Annual Special Events

Art of Cuisine Dinner (March), Father’s Day Art in the Park celebration (June), Swingsation Gala fundraiser (November).

Art Lofts

Lodging for visitors and artists alike: Two fully-furnished Art Loft apartments with kitchens and living space available for rental…each Loft sleeps up to six people. Discounted off-season rates.

Lanesboro

Continued From page 37

the first Saturday in June. Rhubarb Tasting includes rhubarb delights such as pies, crisps, cakes, soups, chutneys, chili, jams, ketchup, leathers, drinks and more. The Rhubarb Olympics for kids and adults features such wonders as the Rhubarb Stalk Throw and Green Eggs and Rhubarb. Garrison Keillor’s immensely popular radio program, A Prairie Home Companion, broadcast in Lanesboro to celebrate Lanesboro’s famed Rhubarb Festival.

Art in the Park, sponsored by the Lanesboro Arts Center, has become one of the largest art festivals in southeastern Minnesota. Held annually on Father’s Day in Sylvan Park, the arts and crafts exhibition also features music and entertainment, kids activities, and food booths. Artists are also represented year-round by the Lanesboro Arts Center, featuring 80+ regional and nationally-acclaimed artists in the Exhibition and Juried Sales Galleries. Gallery events include exhibit and “meet the artist” receptions, demonstrations, tours, and Kids Create! Family Art Projects. The Arts Center hosts the Picture Parade elementary art in schools program as well as the Lanesboro Artist Residency Program. Music, literary, film, comedy and theater events are held year-round in the historic St. Mane Theatre. Art can be found throughout town! The Discover Sculpture Explore Lanesboro walking tour includes sixteen iron medallions. Special events are held annually, including the gala benefit “Swingsation” and The Art of Cuisine.

Buffalo Bill Days are held the first weekend in August. The weekend events include softball and volleyball tournaments,

708 Parkway Avenue South • Lanesboro, MN 55949 1-800-944-2158 or Local - 507-467-2158

www.ScanlanHouse.com ScanlanBB@aol.com

See our fuLL PAge Ad oN BAck coVer for More detAiLS

Continued on page 40

AVIAN

ACRES

Experience the serenity of our rural setting!

Enjoy colorful songbirds feasting at busy feeders.

Avian Acres is well-known for the freshest seed like our best selling Bob’s Mix... blended for all your seed-eating birds.

Seed • Suet • FeederS HouSeS • BatHS • BookS GiFtS and More!

Expert advice on product options, attraction techniques, and habitat design!

Bring this guide - Purchas e 15 lbs or more Receive

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FRUIT WINES

Fermented from area grown fruits

HOURS: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm • Sun 12noon-5pm Through Oct. • Call for off season hours UPS Shipping available Call or write for additional information

800-967-BIRDS (2473) bob@avianacres.com

Year round, 9-6 tuesday - Saturday & Most Mondays

2 Miles from downtown Lanesboro, follow signs on Cty rd 8 *Limit one per household - Not good with any other offer.

P.O. Box 395, Coffee St.,Lanesboro, MN 55949

507-467-2958 or 1-888-965-0250 visit us on the web at: www.scenicvalleywinery.com

39

Lanesboro

40

Continued From Page 39

507-467-2943 800-994-2943

105 Coffee Street East Downtown Lanesboro, MN.

www.lrgeneralstore.net

Canoe & Kayak Rentals & Sales Bicycle Rentals & Sales New ~ Segway Rental

dances, food stands, parades, kids’ games, historic tours and much more. The celebration originated to commemorate the fact that Buffalo Bill Cody first practiced his Wild West Show in the Root River Valley near Lanesboro. Bill Cody’s good friend Dr. Powell, was a resident of Lanesboro during the 1800’s.

Shopping, Dining, Winery, Farmer’s Market Food & Ag Enjoy Lanesboro’s tempting array of Dining and Spirits.

Our culinary artists offer dining experiences that will suit your mood; whether you’re craving a four-course elegant dinner, gourmet cuisine on the deck, comfort food, homecooked local favorites, or a stop at the local saloon. Church

NOW AVAILABLE! Tube Rental & BIKE RV Supplies REPAIR Tube & Tire Change

Full Line of

Bike Clothing & Accessories, Canoe & Kayak Accessories

Paint Your Own Pottery Studio Home Decor and Specialty Gifts

See full page ad on page C-7



Continued on page 41

113 Parkway Ave • Lanesboro, MN 55949 (507)467-2929 • email: potiche@acegroup.cc Website: www.potichepottery.com

Anna V’s 

Bed and Breakfast “Comfortable elegance in a 1908 Queen Anne Victorian” ◊ Conveniently

located within walking distance of historic Lanesboro, the Root River, the bike trail, shops, restaurants, and theaters.

◊ Full,

delicious breakfasts and check-in refreshments.

◊ Relax

on our inviting porch and upstairs balcony.

◊ Choose

from one of three elegant, antique-decorated rooms, all with private baths and air conditioning.

(507) 467-2686 For more information and reservations, please contact: 507 Fillmore Avenue South, Lanesboro, MN 55949 www.annavbb.com info@annavbb.com

Located on Hwy 16, 3 miles east of Lanesboro

Lodging, Camping & Outfitting Open April 1 - December 1

Reservations: 507-467-2598 www.eaglecliff-campground.com

Lanesboro

Continued From Page 40

and social group dinners and bake sales are an added treat from time to time.

Visitors flock to Lanesboro to explore the many gift shops and sample the locally made delicacies and various fruit wines produced right here at the local winery. During summer there’s often a fresh vegetable vendor or two on the corner or visit the Lanesboro Farmer’s Market held Wednesdays and Saturdays in Sylvan Park. The Lanesboro Sales Commission conducts auctions on Wednesdays and Fridays. Farmers from the tri-state area bring in their livestock for these auctions. Saturdays are good days to catch an estate household auction.

Lodging & Camping Lanesboro provides accommodations for the overnight traveler, the weekend explorer or the family vacation. Lanesboro area’s diverse lodging choices offer all the modern amenities expected by today’s traveler. Cozy, comfortable and nationally recognized. B & Bs, contemporary vacation rental homes, historic hotels and motels, log cabins/resorts and RV/campgrounds are all nestled in the scenic Lanesboro area.

Outdoor Rec The Root River, winding right through the middle of town, is excellent for canoeing, kayaking, tubing and fishing. The State DNR Fish Hatchery, located at Lanesboro, produces more trout per year than any other state hatchery. Weekday and special tours are available. Trout fishermen will delight in the knowledge that nearly all the trout raised at the Lanesboro Hatchery are stocked in local streams.

41

cedar Valley resort and outfitters

3, 4, 6 & 8 Bedroom deluxe loGSIded caBInS

all BuIlt Between ‘01-’09

SEE ouR fuLL pagE advERTiSEmEnT on pagE C-2 Located on the Root River Trail 4 1/2 minutes East of Lanesboro on Hwy 16

507-467-9000

www.cedarvalleyresort.com

Continued on page 42

Daily Lunch Specials

LLC • Indiv. Rooms w/Queen Beds

Try our famous

• Mini-Suite

Friday Fish Fry

• Garden Patio • Private Baths

featuring Cod or Catfish

• Private Entrances • Cable TV / AC / WI-FI

Known for our Chat-N-Chew

• Children & Pet Friendly • 3 Bedroom Family Suite w / Whirlpool • Microwaves, Refrigerators & Coffeemakers

Open Year Round

Enjoy our ideal location directly across from the bluffs and Root River Bike Trail. Within easy walking distance to fine restaurants, professional theatre, shopping, and the arts.

Visit our website for details & specials! y to a Your Ke Get-Away!

Great

www.coffeestreetinn.com

e-mail: info@coffeestreetinn.com 305 Coffee St E, Lanesboro, MN • 507-467-2674

701 Parkway Ave. S. 507-467-3444 Special Evening Hours available for groups of 20 or more

Famous Omelets

Homemade

Soups & Rhubarb Summer Hours April - October Pie Mon - Fri 6 am - 2 pm Sat - Sun 7 am - 1:30 pm Call for reservations

OPEN ALL YEAR

Lanesboro

42

Root River

Saloon

112 Coffee Street • Lanesboro, MN 55949 507-467-3355

• On/Off Sale • Pull Tabs • Minnesota State Lottery

Stop iN & JoiN the FuN!

.river.saloon.2010.indd 1

Open Daily: Mon-Sat at 10 am and Sun at Noon

Continued From Page 41

Sylvan Park is considered by many to be one of the finest city parks in this section of the state. Its two spring-fed ponds offer fresh catches for the evening campfire. Camping (with electric hookups, a dumping station and hot showers) is a half-block from the river, the dam and the downtown area. Picnic shelters, electricity and bathrooms are also available to picnickers, tenters and campers. Two lighted, regulation size tennis courts, horseshoe pits and sand volleyball courts, along with a friendly flock of ducks, enables anyone to have an enjoyable stay at the park.

Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center is located just north of Lanesboro on a bluff above the north branch of the Root River. The center provides environmental education, conference center facilities, woodland and mushroom demonstrations and workshops.

Tours Take in the scenic beauty of the Bluff Country area in a horse drawn carriage, wagon, or sleigh ride. Learn of the area’s rich heritage and present day activities on a Lanesboro Trolley Tour. Step back in time and tour Old Order Amish on an Amish Tour. The Lanesboro Depot houses the DNR Trail Center, the Lanesboro Area Chamber and Visitor Center and public restrooms. Built entirely with community support, the Depot is reminiscent of the original train stop along the downtown section of the trail. The Scanlan Building houses the Lanesboro Museum. The two story museum is filled with local artifacts, the wood carvings of Hans Olson, and the upstairs rooms are set in late 1800’s furnishings.

3/29/10 10:32 AM

Lanesboro

Bike rides on the Root River State Trail

43

PIZZA! CHICKEN! BURGERS! SUBS! WRAPS! ICE CREAM!

Discover the dramatic river carved blufflands of southeastern Minnesota. The Root River State Trail is a multiple use trail covering over 50 miles, through the quaint and picturesque rural communities of Fountain, Lanesboro, Whalan, Peterson, Rushford and Houston. This asphalt trail was mainly constructed upon an abandoned railroad grade which is generally level and wheelchair accessible. Newly paved in 1999, the eastern segment between Money Creek Woods and Houston is relatively more challenging than the western segment with a rather steep, half-mile segment that may not be suitable for all users.

Bicycling, in-line skating, and hiking are the main summer uses of the trail. Cross country skiing is popular in the winter.

The Fillmore and Houston county Grants-in-Aid (GIA) trail system, which provides many miles of groomed snowmobile trails in the area, intersects briefly with the Root River State Trail.

The Root River State Trail provides outstanding views of the soaring limestone bluffs of the Root River Valley. Wildlife is abundant and sightings of wild turkey, deer, hawks and turkey vultures are common. Rattlesnakes, a state threatened and protected species, are occasionally found on rock outcrops, along the river bottoms, or sunning themselves on the trail. They should be left alone.

Specializing in:

•Homemade Pizza•Take-n-Bake Pizza •Broasted Chicken • Burgers & Appetizers •Fresh Subs, Wraps & Salads •Soft Serve Ice Cream Sundaes, Shakes & Malts, Flurries, Cones & More

R HINO’S Pizza & Sub Shoppe Downtown Lanesboro

OPEN 7 days, 11 am-9 pm Carryouts Available • 507-467-2200

Continued on page 44

emember a quieter time, when life was less stress-filled?

A cornerstone of Lanesboro, this lovely 1872 Limestone building is on the National Register of Historic Places. The well-loved Inn stands by the edge of the Root River and just steps from the Root River Trail. A long history of wonderful accommodations and world-class dinners, Mrs. B’s has once again reinvented herself, and has recently undergone a transformation. New owners Terry & Ginger brought their B&B expertise from Hawaii, adding special touches and renovations throughout the lovely Victorian. Rooms rates $129 - $174.

Several write-ups in Minnesota Monthly (Minnesota Favorites), Life Magazine and Country Home Magazine. ~ Comfortable living room/lobby with lovely Victorian furnishings, leather couches, guest area, games and reading material. Marble topped bar with coffee/tea service. Afternoon cheese and fruit tray, and our wonderful chocolate chip cookies at the guest bar. ~ Your choice of 9 rooms, each with private baths. Queen four-post beds, dressed in lovely linens, some with whirlpool baths and gas or electric fireplaces. Eclectic décor in keeping with a country Victorian look. ~ Smoke free, central air, decks with seating, terraced gardens with seating on river’s edge. ~ A sumptuous full breakfast is created daily in our restaurant, included with your room. ~ Ginger & Terry’s Flying Truffle Co. occasionally create hand made chocolate truffles for our guests. ~ Members of the Professional Association of Innkeepers, Int.

101 Parkway Ave. N., Lanesboro, MN 55949 507-467-2154 • www.mrsbsinn.com • mrsbsinn@earthlink.net

d

44

Lanesboro

Continued from page 43

Historical buildings and rural communities along the trail provide sites of interest to trail users. They also provide many services.

Campgrounds, bed and breakfast inns, restaurants, museums, outfitters and unique stores are found in many of the trail towns.

Parking

• Fountain: From Highway 52 take County Road 8 about one mile to parking lot by city park/softball field.

• Houston: Houston Nature Center, turn west on Plum Street off of Hwy 76, go one block.

• Preston: Highway 52 to Fillmore St. (Co. Road 12), approximately 1/2 mile west to the parking lot.

• Lanesboro: Parking along streets, by the Community Center, Bass Pond and Sylvan Park. Overflow parking is being developed Continued on page 79

Lanesboro Horse-Drawn Rides Horse Drawn Transportation for all occasions.

Weddings Country Picnic Rides Sleigh Rides Your Special Event

507-467-7000 507-459-3546 www.lanesborofeedmill.com

Cheryl’s Apparel 102 E. Beacon St. In Tours & Treasures • Lanesboro

Jewelry and handbags to match.

Fashions that make you look and feel special!

Contemporary ladies fashions for a romantic evening out or a picnic in the park.

Our store features fabulous book section for both adults and children, a quilting section loaded with sewing supplies,and soaps and lotions to relax you.

507-467-4466 Toll Free (866) 349-4466 www.cherylsapparel.com • www.funfashionstt.com Mon-Sat 9am-5:30pm Sun 11:00am-4:00pm

Molly the Trolley also makes her home here.

Lanesboro Highway 250

A

Campground

H EXPERIENC S I M E

Gift items for the discerning shopper

105 Parkway Ave. N, Lanesboro, MN

Specialty Food Camille Beckman Tapestry Bell Pulls & Pillows Beanpod Soy Candles Garden Accents Tyler Candles Home Decor

Within walking distance of downtown Lanesboro

98 Sites

Volleyb with Water all H o r s e & Electric shoes Hookup

For reservations call

The experience you’ve been looking for

Locally Handcrafted Amish Furniture, Quilts & Baskets

Located NE of Lanesboro on Hwy. 250 between the Trail and the River

Canoe Tube, ayak & K ls Renta

45

Collectibles: Boyd’s Bears Willow Tree Mama Says

507-467-2992 www.village-depot.com Custom Gift Baskets Gift Certificates • Bridal Registry

507-467-3395

Preston Motor Mart on Highway 52 & 16 in the center of Preston

(507) 765-3330

Lanesboro bp Food Shop

Convenience & Service all through the Root River Valley

100 Sheridan St. on Highway 16 West, Lanesboro

(507) 467-2121 Hunting/fishing license, game registration

Houston bp Food Shop on Highway 16 East, Houston

(507) 896-3000 Hunting/fishing license, game registration

Mabel bp Food Shop Highway 44 & Locust, Mabel

(507) 493-5924 Hunting/fishing license, game registration Locally owned and operated by S & A Petroleum

✔ Hot Foods & Deli ✔ Convenience Store ✔ Camping Supplies ✔ Movie Rentals ✔ Lottery Tickets ✔ Pay-At-Pump 24/7 ✔ Diesel Fuel ✔ LP Exchange

Quality Amoco Fuels

Whalan

46

Welcome to Whalan 5 Miles East of Lanesboro

Ernie’s 1917 Station

A charming 19th Century Village (pop. 64) nestled in a valley surrounded by Limestone Bluffs.

The Root River State Bike Trail boasts over 60 miles of paved surface to enjoy! Explore the Root River by tubing, kayaking, canoeing or fishing on the well known trout streams in Southeast Minnesota.

Experience small town hospitality at its best!

ReSToReD FILLING STATIoN • Non-Operational • For your visual enjoyment

Mini Golf & More Located on the Root River Bike Trail, Whalan

Mem. Day - Labor Day Fri-Mon 10am-6pm April, May, Sept, Oct Sat & Sun 11am-5pm Call for after-hours or group reservations

507-467-3000 • 507-251-5101

You-Pick Strawberries

Ask about Jeep Tours & Horse Drawn Rides

STAnd STiLL PARAdE Saturday, May 15, 2010

Photo by Mike McGrath

MEn’S TRi-STATE FAST PiTCh SoFTBALL TouRnAMEnT July 3, 4, & 5, 2010 Parade watchers walk around the parade!

The Aroma Pie Shop Bluff View Guest House Whole House Rental 507-467-2415

Open Thurs-Monday 10am-5pm May-Oct 507-467-2623

On the bike trail in Whalan

Cedar Valley resort

3, 4, 6 & 8 Bedroom Deluxe Cabins New Since 2001 www.cedarvalleyresort.com 507-467-9000

LeRoy

L

eRoy is known as the western gateway to Historic Bluff Country. A progressive community, in addition to its proximity to Lake Louise State Parks’ recreation, LeRoy boasts an indoor swimming pool, bowling alley, two city parks with picnic shelters and playgrounds, ball diamonds, horseshoe pits, basketball courts and more. It is home to one of only two remaining Red Owl grocery stores in the nation, plus two buildings on the national Register of Historic Places – a Prairie style bank designed by Purcell and Elmslie, students of Louis Sullivan, and the Public Library building, the only example of the small-town Carnegie-type Classical Revival style library building left intact in Mower County.

Lake Louise State Park Lake Louise State Park, Located approximately 1.5 miles north of LeRoy on county Road 14, lures hikers, bikers, horseback riders, skiers, and snowmobilers to its trails, which wind through open landscapes and lush hardwoods. A colony of Allium cernum, commonly known as nodding wild onion, can be found in the park. This is a Minnesota threatened species. The nodding wild onion blooms in the spring, along with purple-fringed orchid, woodland prairie flowers. The confluence of the Little Iowa and Upper Iowa Rivers that occurs in the State Park provides ample water recreation for swimmers, boaters, and fishermen. The lakeside picnic grounds and beach area draw many visitors in the summer.

Shooting Star State Trail The Shooting Star State Trail begins in the city of LeRoy in Mower County and travels north through Lake Louise State Park. It then heads west towards Taopi and Adams, allowing trail users to experience a rural landscape. Current and future portions of the trail will parallel Hwy 56, also known as the Shooting Star Wildflower and Historic Route Scenic Byway. The native wildflowers and grasses are a highlight of this byway and trail.

Available Parking In LeRoy - east of County Road 14 on Lowell Street.

At Rowe Pit - north of LeRoy off County Road 14. This parking area also includes a shore fishing platform.

In Taopi - on the south side of Highway 56, between Maple and Main Streets. A vault toilet is available at this parking lot.

“Reach foR youR dReams”

LeRoy Branch 102 West Main St., LeRoy, MN 55951

Ph. 507-324-5260

Website: www.fsbminnesota.com • Fax: (507) 324-5337

oy Center R e L for the Crea tive Arts 111 E. Main, LeRoy MN 55951

A Diverse Collection of Art and Quality Crafts Open Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10:00am - 6:30 pm

(507) 324-3777 www.LeRoyCCA.com

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48

LeRoy

SWEET’S HOTEL Est. 1898 LeRoy, MN

507-324-9546 • Toll-Free: 877-869-6076

8 Themed Suites and Rooms including 5 Jacuzzi Suites Web: www.sweetshotel.com

SWEET’S

Breakfast, Lunch & Supper Homemade Lunch Specials Monday thru Friday 11am - 2pm

Nightly Specials • 4-9pm • 7 days/week

RESTAURANT & LOUNGE Est. 1898 LeRoy, MN

Owner Lu Overockar Chef Eric Bridge cooking nightly Cook Margaret McKenna cooking daily

Thursday Night Special Mexican Night •Deep Fried Tacos • Chimichangas • Burritos • Enchiladas & more Friday Night Special Fish Fry All-u-can eat Choice of battered or broiled, choice of potato & full salad bar with soup $9 Saturday Night Special All-u-can eat Prime Rib Happy Hour Monday thru Sunday 4-6pm Restaurant Hours: Mon-Fri 6am-9pm Sat & Sun 8am-9pm Bar Hours: Daily 8am-Closing Happy Hour 4-6pm

507-324-9546 LeRoy, MN

LeRoy

MN SUMMERFEST

PLAYGROUND ALL T A SM

OWN THAT LIVES

BIG!

KWMC

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

LeRoy Commercial Club 2010

Red Owl Grocery Store Visit the Historic Red Owl Grocery Store - in operation since 1931. Shop for all your grocery needs, plus view our Red Owl Memorabilia.

Full line of groceries, fresh meat & bakery, organic soaps & lotions, souvenirs of LeRoy, apparel.

Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00am-7:00pm Sat 8:00am-6:00pm Sun 9:00am-12:30pm

108 Main St. LeRoy, MN 507-324-5380 www.brownlowsredowl.com

A Photo of the Old Red Owl Grocery Store

CITY-WIDE RUMMAGE SALES April 30-May 1 BASKET SOCIAL, SWEET’S HOTEL June 4 LAKE LOUISE STATE PARK OPEN HOUSE June 6 SHOOTING STAR TRAIL BIKE RIDE July 10 SUMMERFEST CELEBRATION July 16, 17, & 18

Antique Tractor Pull, Kiddie Carnival & Pedal Pull, Water Ball Fights, Food Stands, Malt Wagon, Grand Parade, and More!

FALL CITY-WIDE RUMMAGE SALES October 1 & 2 OLD TIME RADIO THEATER November 6 & 7 CHRISTMAS IN LEROY December 4 Cookie Walk, Craft Sale, Christmas Light Parade, Tour of Homes, and More!

• Bowling Alley • Restaurants • Shops • Camping • City Parks • Indoor Swimming Pool • Community Theater Group LeRoy is the Southeastern Entry to the Shooting Star Hiking & Biking Trail

507-324-5707 www.visitleroy.com

Canoe Rental 507-273-6088 Anytime

Canoe Lake Louise State Park or the Upper Iowa River

TRAVEL LANES & Supper Club

101 W. Main St., LeRoy, MN Hrs: Mon-Sun 3:00pm to Close

BOWLING

3:00pm-Closing

SUPPER CLUB

Weekly Specials SUNday-TUESday Menu WEdNESday Mexican Night THURSday Ribs, Fries, & Coleslaw FRIday Fish Special SaTURday Prime Rib & Walleye FRIday-SaTURday Salad Bar

HOMEMadE PIZZa

Thick or Thin Crust Try our new J&B Liquor Chicken alfredo & Off Sale New BBQ Garlic Mon-Sat 10am-10pm Chicken Pizza BaNQUET ROOM Full Bar & Food available

CaTERING No Party Too Small Or Too Large

Located on Highway 56, a designated Shooting Star Scenic Byway

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50

Trout Fishing Map

Southeastern Minnesota trout streams

The streams of southeastern Minnesota are very different from North Shore streams. Most rise from springs and thus are cool in summer. The limestone and alluvial soils in drainages make the streams hard, nonacidic, alkaline and very productive. Whereas the North Shore streams have relatively few aquatic insects, the southeast streams produce frequent hatches of mayflies, caddis flies and midges-all providing food for trout.

Nonetheless, southeast trout streams do have problems, most related to agriculture. Fence-to-fence grain farming on the uplands and pasturing of the river bottoms contrib-

ute to land erosion and sedimentation of the streambeds.

This fine sediment covers the gravel runs and riffles that trout need to spawn and invertebrates need to survive. The clearing of shoreline trees takes away the underwater root wads and fallen trees in which trout find cover from current and predators. Finally, many of these streams simply aren’t very large, and large trout find little cover. So, while the best of these streams may produce up to 300 pounds of fish per acre-excellent production by any measure-18-inchers may be scarce except as figments of the imagination.

Because the chemistry and productivity of these streams Continued on page 51

Trout Fishing Map

51

Continued from page 50

are good, trout respond well to some kinds of habitat improvement. For example, the use of planks and boulders to build artificial overhanging banks increases big-fish cover, as does the placement of boulders in channel. Riprap prevents bank erosion. Wing dams and other current deflectors keep silt from key areas.

Brown trout are the trout best suited to the southeast streams. In the best of these rivers, such as Trout Run (in Winona and Fillmore counties), browns are self-sustaining.

In other streams, such as the South Branch of the Whitewater, natural reproduction is augmented with stocking. In

a few streams, spawning habitat is extremely limited, and the trout fishery is maintained entirely by stocking. Most people fishing these streams would regard a 14-inch brown as large, though some trout occasionally exceed eight pounds.

Some small southeast tributaries support wild brook trout; other streams are stocked with brookies. Some strains of rainbow trout have been tried in these creeks.

Unfortunately, rainbows tend to migrate to larger, less suitable water so success with this species has been limited.

Source: http://www.dnr.state. mn.us/index.html

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M

Mabel

abel,is snuggled in the southeast corner of Fillmore County, just twenty miles north of Decorah, Iowa.

Frank Adams was the chief construction engineer of the Narrow Gauge Railroad that built the first railroad through Mabel. Frank Adams platted the Village of Mabel in the fall of 1879, naming it Mabel in honor of his little daughter.

The Steam Engine Park is located on the south edge of Mabel. The park is open to the public and provides picnic shelters for family get-togethers, new playground equipment, horseshoe pits and one of the best ball diamonds in the area.

The annual 50’s & 60’s Day is held the second Saturday in August. Classic cars line Main Street for all to view on Saturday afternoon. After the car show, trophies are awarded, and the evening ends with a stage show of 50’s and 60’s performances.

One of the biggest events in the area is Hesper-Mabel Steam Engine Days. The annual celebration is held in the park the first weekend after Labor Day. It features threshing machines powered by steam engines; two gigantic parades that start with the old steam engines sounding their whistles down Main Street; arts and crafts; an antique show; and more. On Saturday night

there is a tractor pull for the “big” kids. Stage shows are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday afternoons. The weekend winds down with drawings held by various community organizations, with the grand prize being a new pick-up truck.

The Halloween Haunted Barn is an annual favorite the two week-ends preceding Halloween. Held at the historic Mabel Dairy Barn, this event is a scream for all.

Another of Mabel’s not-to-miss events is the Victorian Holiday Gala, held the Friday evening after Thanksgiving. Residents in Victorian dress invite all to enjoy the music, food, wagon rides, visit from Santa and more.

Mabel’s business community includes a bank, farm store, furniture store, grocery store, hardware store, medical clinic, flower & gifts store, antique shop, restaurants and other various businesses.

A stop at the remodeled Historic Mabel House Hotel is a must; it was built in 1879 and has been serving guests ever since.

Meadowbrook Country Club, a nine-hole public golf course, is located one mile east of town on Highway #44.

True to its name, the course spreads over a lush green meadow with a rustling brook running through the length of the course.

Two Businesses in one!

Located on Hwy 44 in Mabel, MN - one block west of Main Street - look for our signs

Evangeline’s

Home & Garden Décor

offers a unique blend of new merchandise and antiques to appeal to many shopping desires!

Featuring 1803 soy candles & Zum soaps.

Krazy Kwiltz

Quilt & Fabric Shop has fabric, quilting supplies, notions, DMC floss, yarn, hooks and so much more!

Take a drive through scenic Bluff Country and when you get to the corner of Hwy 44 and Maple Street - STOP and Check us out!

507-493-5893 • 416 N. Maple, Mabel, MN

Handicap Accessible • Open Daily - Closed on Wednesday

Hope to see you soon - Lonnie & JoAnn Pierce, Laura St. Mary, Owners

Mabel

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MABEL

Home of the Steam Engine that went to the Mardi-Gras in New Orleans

50s & 60s Day Saturday, August 14, 2010 Cruise in for a rockin’ good time!

For more info visit Mabel’s website

www.mabelmn.com City offices 507-493-5299

• Collector Cars • Bed Races • 50s-60s Stage Show • Trophies • Hula-Hoop & Costume Contest

barn

www.mabelclassiccarshow.com

Holiday Victorian Gala

TWO WEEKENDS! Friday & Saturday

Friday Evening, November 26, 2010 • Music • Wagon Rides • Food • Pictures with Santa • Holiday Displays • Craft Show th

58

October 22, 23 & 29, 30, 2010 at the Mabel Dairy Barn

Sure to be a SCreaM!

Hesper-MABEL

steam engine days Friday, Saturday & Sunday, September 10, 11, & 12, 2010

• Parades • Exhibitions • Food • Entertainment • Crafts • Softball Tournaments • Antique Shows • Tractor Pull • Many, Many Activities

54

Mabel

’s y l l Ke

One StOp

Irish Pub & Grub

If you need supplies...check our list!

Hwy. 44, Mabel 507-493-5514 Book Parties Stop in Here! for

• Clothing: Tingley & Northerner Footwear, Red Wing Work Shoes, Rainsuits, Gloves, Carhartt Clothing, Sweatshirts, Socks, & much more • Housewares: Rubbermaid, Brooms, Coolers, Paper Towels • Toys: Games, Dolls, Wagons, large Ertle Selection • Automotive Supplies • Animal Health Swap a Tank • Fencing Supplies/ Get your 20lb cylinders exchanged Gates where you can be sure they are properly filled and maintained • Tanks to like-new condition.

• Plumbing The Service is prompt, • Lawn & Garden and the price is Right!

• Daily Specials s and en joy a d ome Grub rink in • Homemade Pizza the Pu b!

• Sunday Breakfast 7-11am RestauRant HouRs: Closed Monday tues - Fri 11:00 am - 8:00 pm sat 12:00 noon - 9:00 pm sun 7:00 am - 8:00 pm BaR HouRs: BaR opens 12 pM daily!

Family Friendly Suites Check our family rates

Check out our Garden Shop!

Private Parties, Family Reunions, Class Reunions & Red Hat Societies Welcome

Cylinders can be exchanged at VIllage FaRm & Home Available Year Round

Mabel House Hotel Downtown Mabel, Mn

11748 State Hwy 43• MABEL, MN • 507-493-5217

Call now for your reservation 507-493-5768

Hrs. M-Th 7:30am-6pm • Fri 7:30am-8pm • Sat. 7:30am-5pm

www.mabelhousehotel.com

Log & Amish Furniture Log furniture made from white cedar, red cedar, hickory and pine Special orders & custom orders available

109 North Main Street Mabel, MN Our products come from all over the world and 507-493-5540 are hand-made, not koltonskabin@hotmail.com factory work!

Hours: Monday - Friday 10:00am-4:30pm Saturday - Sunday 10:00am-3:00pm

We are a small, family-owned business located in the heart of Mabel, MN.

also open by appointment

S h o p

Largest Collection of Cards in SE Minnesota

o n M a i n S T M a b e l

Wood Wick Candles, Baskets, Primitives, Rugs, Quilted items, Stars, Picture Frames, Kid’s Room, & much more!

MABEL &

105 S Main Street, Mabel, MN 507-493-5400 • 888-321-7875 www.mabelflowers.com

Let my family ta k care of y e our family.

N

Peterson

estled in the narrow Root River Valley, 39 miles west of La Crosse on Highway 16, is the tiny town of Peterson, founded in 1867, when the railroad was built on land donated for the use by Peter Peterson Haslerud. He owned and platted the village site and was the major force behind the early growth and development of Peterson.

Peterson is home to a number of businesses, the Peterson City Hall and the 1877 Peterson Station Museum, formerly the Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul Railroad Depot. You can view the Root River from another angle by putting your canoe in at the DNR Public Launch.

Campers enjoy the city-owned RV campground in the City Park, with electric outlets and water and sewer hookup at each site, and public restrooms in the park.

Be sure to check out the City Park’s softball field and the new pavilion built in 1998 for use by local residents and visitors to the RV campsites.

Nearby is the Peterson Fish Hatchery, which stocks trout to many local streams and the Root River.

The Root River State Bike Trail intersects the heart of this quaint town. A tourist center is now open in the new addition adjacent to the Peterson Station Museum.

More information about Peterson can be viewed at the website www.petersonmn.org.

Root River Inn Formerly ~ Wenneson Historic Inn

“As you enter the front door, you’re instantly surprised.”

This 1904 former hotel is fully restored and renovated and is (center point) for the Root River Trail. Known for its cleanness, it has nine guest rooms all with private baths, two with whirlpools, cozy sitting rooms, A/C, TV, complimentary continental breakfast and more.

425 Prospect St, Peterson, MN 55962

Phone: 507-875-2587 • Email:relax@rootriverinn.com www.wennesonhistoricinn.com • www.rootriverinn.com Owners and Innkeepers, Pat and Linda Kelly

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56

Peterson

The Root River The Root River maintains timelessness as it represents the fine scenic and historic qualities which are characteristic of southeastern Minnesota. The Root River has gentle to moderate flow with a few riffles. The water level varies substantially with rainfall. The river offers wonderful opportunities for family day trips, and towns along the river offer historical sights, services, and hospitality. Those who are more adventurous can take advantage of the canoe campsites for overnight trips.

Water characteristics - The water flow on the Root River ranges from gentle to moderate. From Chatfield to the Mississippi River the river falls 310 feet for an average drop of 3.4 feet per mile. River levels peak in mid-March and once again in June. Though the watershed has many spring-fed clear water tributaries including the South Branch, the Root River is somewhat cloudy due to erosive soil types in the watershed.

Landscape - Formed of two branches in the west, the North and Middle, the Root River winds past towering bluffs topped with oak and hickory. Joined above the town of Whalan by the South Branch, a tributary which flows from Mystery Cave, the river continues its way past bluffs and outcrops until Rushford. There the river straightens as the valley broadens considerably. The scenery then settles into a gentle plain of pastureland and mixed cottonwood and maple with

wooded rolling hills visible in the distance.

Fish and wildlife - There are many species of fish inhabiting the river including smallmouth bass, channel catfish, rock bass, sunfish, crappies, and rough fish. Most of these can be found in the active stretches of pooled areas of the river. Brown trout can be found in the clearer and colder spring-fed streams, as well as the western end of the South Branch. All anglers fishing in the designated trout waters are required to have a current trout stamp. The Root River supports over 40 species of birds. It is quite common to see Continued on page 59

Doggy Day Care 38252 182nd St. Peterson, MN 55962

Boarding • Kennels • Day or Overnight Stays 507-875-2263 or 507-875-3667 Fax 507-875-3666

Patty Highum-Moe Owner

Preston

T

he county seat of Fillmore County is Preston, a scenic village of 1,400 in the Root River Valley. Preston was founded by John Kaercher in 1853. This location was desirable as the river afforded opportunities for a dam, land for houses and access to abundant supplies of timber, water power, stonework and railway service. Preston derived its name from Luther Preston, the town’s first postmaster, a friend and employee of John Kaercher.

Today, as you drive into Preston on Hwy 52, a designated National Scenic Byway, you will be treated to one of the most beautiful panoramas in Historic Bluff Country.

Preston is known as “Minnesota’s Trout Fishing Capital” and is home to the “National Trout Learning Center”.

Downtown Preston, has a number of unique collectible & antique shops built on a square around the County Courthouse.

Visitors to Preston will find overnight accommodations to suit everyone. The 40 room Country Trails Inn & Suites offers an indoor swimming pool; The Historic Jail House Inn is a uniquely remodeled former county jail, now a B&B, where you can choose to spend the night in a cell; The Trailhead Inn is located at the Preston trail head on the Root River State bike trail, and there’s Crestwood Country Cabin, a three bedroom cabin for rent with a corral for your horses.

There’s camping at Valley View Campground, which sits on Watson Creek, the County Fairgrounds Campground, or Maple Springs Campground, which are both adjacent to the

Root River.

Preston offers many excellent dining choices. Guests and locals frequent the Branding Iron Supper Club, where they have a panoramic view of the city and surrounding area while they enjoy good food at a reasonable price. If you are staying at the Country Trails Inn & Suites, you can walk across Highway 16&52 to the B&B Olympic Bowl Restaurant. Or it’s just a few blocks to downtown Preston where you will find Chic’s Pizza Restaurant, and The Sweet Stop & Sandwich Shoppe.

On Wednesday evenings food is served at the Servicemen’s Club.

Preston is also noted for having two apple orchards and convenient access to Forestville State Park & Mystery Cave.

Because of the many Amish communities nearby, you will see Amish buggies frequenting the streets of Preston. The Preston Trailhead is an excellent place to start your biking or hiking outing or cross-country skiing in the winter. The Preston Golf & Country Club on Hwy 16 is open to the public and offers 9 holes of golf.

The Old Barn Resort located on County Road 17 just outside of Preston offers camping, a hostel, an 18-hole golf course, driving range, restaurant and access to the Root River State bike trail and Root River.

Preston’s annual celebration, “Trout Days”, which includes a youth & adult fishing contest, car show, parade, dance, vendors and the annual Chamber Golf Tournament, is celebrated the third weekend in May.

507-765--2100 1-888-845-2100 www.prestonmn.org email preston@prestonmn.org

Farmer’s Market

Every Friday, 11 am, May - Oct. at the Fillmore County Fairgrounds

24th Annual Trout Days

Friday - Saturday, May 14 - 16, 2010

Progressive Feast Friday, June 18, 2010

Fillmore County Fair July 20-24, 2010

Preston’s Big Boy Toy Show & CMA Mudracing Event Saturday, July 31, 2010

Holiday Expo ~ Breakfast w/Santa Lighted Holiday Parade Saturday, December 4, 2010

57

Candlelight Ski • Chili Cook-Off January 15, 2011 at Trail Head

• Root River (finest trout fishing in MN!) • National Trout Learning Center • Root River State Bike Trail • Harmony - Preston Valley State Bike Trail • Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park • Milwaukee Elevator • Fillmore County Airport • Lodging/Campgrounds • Golf Course • Horse Riding Trails • Swimming Pool

National Trout Learning Center

Visit downtown Preston’s National Trout Learning Center.

Discover SE Minnesota’s drift less area, eco systems, and trout angling. Open seasonly at 120 St. Anthony Street S, Preston. Check www.nationaltroutlearningcenter.org

for hours and events. Open May Oct., Thursday, Friday & Saturday

Thinking of living in the Trout Capital?

Up to $3,300 in Housing Incentives on new construction, Spec homes, remodeling & existing purchases. For details: www.prestonmn.org 507-765-2153.Restrictions apply.

Preston

58

APPleS

August - December Bus Tours Welcome

your garden needs: ❖ Garden Seeds ❖ Potting Soil ❖ Perennials ❖ Seed Potatoes ❖ Onion Sets & Plants

StRaWbeRRieS (June - July) RaSPbeRRieS (august) beddinG PlantS (april - May)

❖ Fresh & Frozen Baked Apple Pies ❖ Fresh & FrozenFruit, Pumpkin & Pecan Pies ❖ Schwan’s Ice Cream Pie • Coffee • Ice Cream Cones ❖ Jams & Jellies • Cheese Fresh Baked Goodies From Our Kitchen ❖ Honey ❖ Popcorn ❖ Sorghum ❖ Watkins Products ❖ Maple Syrup ❖ Wild Rice

Pumpkins • Gourds • Fall Mums Squash • Calico Corn Fall Wagon Rides Gift baskets & boxes Poinsettias • Wreaths Christmas trees • Roping OPeN 7 days a week • 9:00Am - 6:00pm

9-Hole Course

Women’s Day Thursday • 12:00pm

Men’s Day

Started in 1930 in Historic Bluff Country

We have available...

•Club Rental •Cart Rental •Lounge Open

Year-round for private parties

507-765-4486 • Hwy. 52 & 16 • Preston, MN www.prestonappleberryfarm.com

St. Paul Street, Preston 507-765-2205 www.prestonservicemen.com

Kitchen Open Wednesdays 6:00 - 8:30pm Fridays 5:00-10:00pm

Tuesday • 2:00pm

EVE RYO N WEL COM E E!

ATM

Ski Ride & Hike, e Root th Trail!

River OPEN: Mon-Fri 4:00pm Sat & Sun 12:00 noon

PrestonGolf.net

Continued from page 56

blue herons, egrets, and wood ducks moving about the river’s edge. Raptors in the area include red-tailed hawks, osprey, turkey vultures, and bald eagles. Wooded shores harbor mammals such as deer, gray fox, red fox, coyotes, raccoons, woodchucks, squirrels, weasels, and badgers.

River otters and beaver can be found in the water. Lizards such as the skink, racerunner, and many species of snakes, including the timber rattlesnake, can be found along the banks and outcrops.

Cultural Information - This area served as a gateway for cultures moving north. The “Mississippian Tradition,” a striking example of cultural development, moved northward about A.D. 900 to 1000. They farmed the fertile bottom land and built terraces above the rivers. In the 1640’s, with the onset of European exploration, France claimed this part of the “New World”. The newly formed United States, in turn, bought it from France as part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. The native Dakota Indians continued to inhabit the land until the 1852 Treaty of Traverse de Sioux forced their removal, thus opening the door for further expansion. Soon hardwood stands were cleared and fields were cultivated. Development of water resources and poor land management led to a negative impact on the area’s environment. Catastrophic erosion gradually led the people of southeastern Minnesota to initiate wiser use of the land. Eventually the state established what is now known as the Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood Forest to restore and prescribe sound multiuse land practices.

Preston

59

Preston

60

Historic Forestville

ExpERiEnCE thE Root RiVER VallEy

By SnowmoBilE! 90 miles of well-groomed trails stretching through Harmony, Forestville State Park, Preston, Fountain, Lanesboro, Whalan and Highland

Snowmobile Safety Training Available

Bluff Valley Riders Snowmobile Club www.mnsnowmobiler.org

By Paula Skaggs Like most modern-day, technology-addicted teens, I was leery of taking a trip to Historic Forestville--a village where life in 1899 is portrayed. Driving down the desolate road, I felt like I was actually going back in time, further proven when my cell phone turned to “searching for service”. I was completely unconnected. It was bound to be an interesting trip.

After my arrival, I was told the history of the town. It’s roots trace back to the Meighen family, who moved there in 1854 and opened a general store.

Forestville was on a stage coach route, making it a hub of activity. At the time of the Civil War, there were between 150 and 200 people living there.

However, a disastrous few years of farming drove many to bankrupcy. The Meighen family started buying up the land and appointed their son Thomas, age 13, full partner.

By 1889, the Meighens owned practically the whole town and almost everyone in it worked for them. But by 1905, Thomas moved to the city of Preston and became president of the bank, and by 1910, the store closed and the town had all but died.

After learning this, I was led into the general store by Martha Healy (Jette Berken) who showed me all the merchandise, pointing out the “high prices” of things.

“And this pair of pants!” she exclaimed. “Why would you pay 60 cents for a pair of pants when it costs 15 cents to make them yourself?!”

Continued on page 62

B & B Olympic Bowl Open 7 Days a Week

Open Bowling

Hwy 52 Preston, MN 55965

1-507-765-2522

Great Fun...Great Food Automatic Scoring & Spacious Bowling Area

Call for availability

Lounge Hours:

Mon-Sun - 9:00 am - Closing

“Happy Hour” Mon-Fri - 4:00 - 6:00 pm

Birt hd Part ay Ava ies ilab le

Restaurant:

Mon-Fri - 6:00 am - 10:00 pm (Breakfast and Lunch Specials) Saturday - 6:00 am - 10:00 pm Sunday - 7:00 am - 10:00 pm

B&B~The Place To Be!

Call for

Dinner Specials

Preston

Maple Springs Campground, Inc. & Country Store

for reservations call

21606 County 118, Preston, MN 55965

Owners: John & Doris Palmer and Lois Vander Plas 507-352-2056 6 miles south of Wykoff next to Forestville or maplecamp@hmtel.com State Park on beautiful Forestville Creek

www.maplespringscampground.com • Large, Level Campsite • (30/50amps) Electric Hook-ups or Primitive • Picnic Tables & Fire Rings at Every Site • Trout Fishing • Fishing Tackle • Nature Trails • Bait • Birdwatching • Convenience Store • Bicyclers Welcome • Airport and Medical Center Nearby Since 1989 Maple Springs Campground continues to be a place where families can spend quality time together while fishing on a beautiful trout stream, hiking on our nature trails and enjoying evenings by the campfire.

Seasonal Enjoy the great outdoors and friendly atmosphere. Let the valley call you Sites back again and again.

Available

61

Apples, Apples Apples!

Apples for everybody. Apples in pies. Apples in doughnuts, rollovers, muffins and bread. Apples in the freshest cider you’ve ever tasted.

Apples for every taste and purpose.

C’mon out...we know there’s an apple to make you smile.

pine tree Apple OrchArd Open August - November Off Hwy 52 on Co. Rd. 17 Preston, Mn • 507-765-2408

Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides and Music

Every Sunday in the fall

Twin Cities Location • pinetreeappleorchard.com

Southeast Minnesota’s Bait & Tackle Headquarters Restaurant & Supper Club Open 6 days a week

Hwy. 52 & 16 • Preston, MN 507-765-3388

Luncheon & Evening Specials Served Daily Tues.-Fri.

evening specials

Includes salad bar or tossed salad

MoNday - CLoSEd TuESday - Prime Rib WEdNESday - Fish Fry Bread basket, cole slaw, potato or salad bar THuRSday - Sirloin Steak dinner FRiday - Top Sirloin or Pike SaTuRday - Prime Rib, Top Sirloin or Pike SuNday - Top Sirloin

Sunday dinner

Catch the Savings at

Curt’s Standard & Sport Shop Live Bait • Licenses • Rods and Reels • Tackle We have everything you’ll need to catch the big one!

Open 7 days a week • 7:00am - 7:00pm

11:00am - 2:30pm CHoiCE oF 3 ENTREES,

w/salad bar, coffee or milk

Happy HOur in Lounge

Gift Certificates

r Supe lS Tues, Thurs & sun nighTs ia Spec Includes salad bar, choice of potato & bread basket

1/4 or 1/2 Chicken - Choice of dark, white, & mixed 1/2 or Full Ham Steak • Batter Fried Cod • 7 1/2 oz. Sirloin Beautiful view overlooking the scenic Preston valley * Reservations accepted*

Curt’s Standard & Sport Shop LocaTed NoRTh of PResToN oN hwy 52

27678 230th St., Preston, MN • 507-765-2106

62

Preston

Continued from page 60

I shrugged and looked down at my own $45 pair of jeans in shame.

Then, I was led into the Meighen’s home, where I was greeted by Mary Meighen--Thomas’s wife. (Vicki Benson.)

She showed me around the home, pointing out the “modern” photos and maps lining the walls.

She even let me sit down and try out my (very rusty) skills on the pipe organ, alternately pumping the pedals and playing a scale on the keys.

Next, Mary led me into the sweltering kitchen, where she told me they fed 15 to 20 people 6 meals per day.

Then I was handed over to Charles Ball (John Black), who showed me a garden growing everything from edible flowers to vegetables, and the grainary.

103.1 FM & 1060 AM 300 St. Paul Street SW, Preston, MN 55965 Phone 507-765-3856

For the Best in Tri-County • Weather • News • Local Sports • Farm Info and Markets

Catch the MN Twins

Root River Hardwoods Kiln Dried Lumber Stores

1300 Energy Dr., Preston, MN • Ph. 507-765-2284 404 Airport Rd., Albert Lea, MN • Ph. 507-377-8781

Toll-Free 888-809-6637

Check out our website for super specials www.rootriverhardwoods.com

Preston, Mn

8:00 - 4:30, M-f 9:00 - 12 noon, sat.

Albert leA, Mn 8:00 - 5:00 M-f 9:00 - 12 noon, sat.

More than just lumber

Specializing in custom made . . .

• Trim • Flooring • Paneling • Stair Parts • Interior Doors

Visit our beautiful new showroom in Albert Lea with over 30 Wood Species displayed!

Skip the middleman and buy direct from the sawmill!

Preston

63

10% DiScount

F & M CoMMunity Bank “We Make Banking Easy!”TM 100 Saint Anthony St. N. 24-7 ATM

Preston 507 765 3823

229 Main St. N.

ChatField 507 867 1605 www.fmcommunity.com

Build your own case of liquor or wine

Weekly Specials Lottery Games

PreSton Liquor, LLc

9:30am - 10pm Mon-Sat Memorial - Labor Day

811 Hwy. 52 North, Preston, MN (Next to Visitor’s Center) Phone 507-765-2565

Dressers • Tables • CabineTs • PanTries

JOANIE’S

s D o C u n f mike odenbrett H f T u r y Preston, MN 55965 e o bl o WoodWorks 507.951.3387 C l r 507.765.2317 V bluffcountrywood@aol.com e s s • • Specializing in: Custom Furniture, Cabinetry, MillT b work and Restoration With 27 Years of Experience. r a Call mike to design, build or restore a project for you! i r by aPPoinTmenT only m s

CAMPING

Small 4-Site Campground with 4 Electrical Hook-ups.

Located on County Road 44 between Harmony & US Hwy 63.

507-937-3534 13638 191st Ave. Preston, MN 55965-5000

TV/enTerTainmenT CenTers • HuTCHes • bookCases • Desks

Omaola Antiques and Collectibles

Located at the Fillmore County Fairgrounds wwwwwwww

Lower LeveL Courthouse square • Preston, Mn A Shop Full Of Memories From Days Gone By From Your Mother’s Kitchen And Of Trips To Grandma’s House. Vintage Collectibles & Antiques Visit our Ebay Store EilEEn AntiquES Robert & Eileen Linden, Proprietors wenchless8@hotmail

Summer Thur 10am-3pm Ph. 507-765-4584 • Cell -507-272-6261 Sat • 10am-4pm

Located minutes from the Root River State and Harmony Preston Bike Trails. ~ 40 Beautifully Decorated Rooms ~ 6 Themed Whirlpool Suites ~ Indoor Pool and Spa ~ Free Continental Breakfast Call us toll free at

888-378-2896

www.countrytrailsinn.com 809 Highway 52 North, Preston, MN 55965

413 E. Fillmore St. Preston, MN 55965 www.fillmorecountyfair.com

*No Reservations...First Come First Serve *Restrooms & Showers *Dump Station *Firewood & Fire Rings *Near the Root River *Some Electric Hookups *Near the Preston-Harmony Recreation Trail

wwwwwwww

Opening April 15th 2010 • 507-765-2370 Closed July 19 - 24, 2010 for the fillmore County fair

64

T

Rushford

he first pioneers pole-boated up the Root River to the junction of Rush Creek, peered through 10-foot tall grasses, and learned what Indians already knew – this was astonishing beauty. The area that is now Rushford was once referred to as “Trail City” because seven Indian trails met there. On Christmas 1854, the first four pioneer families gathered and named the town Rushford.

Today, visitors and residents of Rushford still find themselves surrounded by the beauty of limestone bluffs, rivers, streams, and hardwood forest. Agriculture, business and industry drive the town that has also attracted commuters because of its proximity to Rochester, Winona and La Crosse.

Rushford has plenty of lodging, restaurants, and recreation, including the Rushford Aquatic Center, and Ferndale Country Club, one of the finest nine-hole golf courses in the area. Historical sites are many, with the 1867 Rushford Depot Museum, 1890 restored one-room school, the 1919 jail house, and plenty of preserved or restored buildings made of local limestone.

For a spectacular view of the city and valley below, travel up to Magelssen Bluff Park. Creekside Park provides plenty of picnic shelter space, creative children’s playground, tennis courts, ball fields and walking paths.

Equestrians can ride the Root River Horse trail through Rushford’s scenic river valley on the way to the State Forestry Horse Trail System.

Rushford Days, the local summer festival, takes place the third week in July. Beginning with the queen coronation on Monday evening, the celebration continues through the week with dances, a tractor pull, and children’s activities. The Grand Parade will take place on Saturday evening; festivities conclude on Sunday.

Rushford

65

66

Rushford

Rushford

67

History is alive in Rushford!

By Kirsten Zoellner While the term history can often be saddled with thoughts of dusty memorabilia, the Rushford Area Historical Society has shed itself of that image through countless efforts to bring history to life. Founded in 1985, the society is keenly aware of the need to preserve the past for future generations through the diligent maintenance of literally thousands of vintage pieces, photos, documents, architectural structures, and contraptions of bygone eras.

The jewel of the society, the Rushford Depot, sits prominently along the Root River State Trail in Rushford. The large, two-story museum features items from the early to mid-1800s through the present, accurately capturing the history of the area and the people who settled there.

Coming into the depot, one will be greeted by helpful, knowledgeable staff eager to educate and capture the imagination of visitors of all ages. The waiting room showcases

a current display of vintage boy scout memorabilia as well as offering countless personal notes from the last 10 to 100 years.

A thorough history of Rushford’s architecture, including the newly renovated Tews Mill is also highlighted.

For those who are drawn by the allure of the railroad industry, the Railroad Room displays numerous artifacts from the time when Rushford was a busy railroad shipping, river travel and cultural center. Originally built by the Southern Minnesota Railway in 1867, the depot was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986.

Moving upstairs, visitors will find many themed rooms and displays.

Historically important to the agriculture of the area, equipment used on the farmstead, including small machinery, wood rakes and forks, sickles, and a hay cutter, show visitors not only the strong will of settlers, but the lengths to which they went to call this area home. Visitors will also discover the nearby military room with its carefully preserved uniforms, photos, and treasures.

Continued on page 73

Meadows Inn Bed & Breakfast “Often imitated - never duplicated!”

Nestled in the heart of SE Minnesota scenic bluff country, we are surrounded by pine trees and prairie. Stay with us midweek for great rates, or on the weekend for the full B&B experience.

Meadows Inn Bed & Breakfast 900 Pine Meadows Lane Rushford, MN 55971 507-864-2378 www.meadowsinn.com

Rushford

68

What are you waiting for? www.hammellequipment.com

Hammell Equipment Inc. Chatfield 507-867-4910

harmony 507-886-2255

rushford 507-864-2845

eitzen 507-495-3326

Rushford

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RushfoyRd12h-1o8m, e2c0o1ming jul

0

Saturday, July 17 • 7pm

gRand PaRade • Mutton Busting “n Friday nigh ht • Queen Pageant exT 2 noThint g i N e s g” • Fly-in & Plane Ride Criui • Softball Tournament Sunday day

ES WEdn

y Frida

t

u Burno

ht

ay nig Saturd

noon - 4pm

“Tr

r” Car/Semi e T o o h Show ouBle S

TracTor Pull

JohnnSyunday night holm B and celebrating now & then in 2010

70

Rushford

Rushford Sand Barrens SNA The Rushford Sand Barrens SNA (Scientific & Natural Area) consists of 230 acres located 2.5 miles west of Rushford off MN Hwy 16. Walk the posted field lines, beginning with the row of trees heading south, then east.

Then walk south through the woods and find the metal sign with the showy lady slipper.

Spared by the last period of glaciation, the Rushford Sand Barrens site features a complex of rare natural communities nestled in the Root River Valley within the Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest. At least 13 rare plant species occur here, among one endangered and three threatened natural communities. Because many of these rare species occur at the edge of their ranges, this SNA preserves important genetic, species, and community diversity. The dry-sand oak savanna contains the rare rough-seeded fameflower, clasping milkweed, sea-beach needlegrass, long-bearded hawkweed, old-field toadflax, and others. The jack pine savanna, subject of botanical study since the early twentieth century, supports a number of rare plant species as well as Minnesota’s southern-most population of jack pine. The six-lined racerunner, a small lizard, runs across the sand barrens and through the bluff prairies, among the compass plant, silky aster, downy painted cup, leadplant, blue-eyed grass, and Leonard’s skullcap. The beautiful witch hazel, a species of special concern, occurs in the mixed oak forest.

At Forget-Me-Not, our passion for charming pieces to create a country feel, is reflected in every corner of our shop.

From trinkets to treasures discover the hospitality of our special hometown boutique.

Sample gourmet coffee while you browse through our affordable antiques, vintage and collectible items, home décor and more.

Offering 3000 sq. ft. of unique, handpicked, one-of-a-kind items.

At Forget-Me-Not we also love to:

Spread Joy - Send Love Celebrate Life

Offering an array of greenery and fresh floral. Call us with all of your event needs. Weddings, Funerals, Birthdays, Get Well, and all of those Just Because Days.

Rushford

71

Open EARLY at 4:00 AM 7 Days a Week Fax-copy MachineFree AtM

Check out our ‘Deli Fresh’ Cooler Deli Fresh sandwiches, salads, fruit cups & more

Piccadilly Pizza LARgE PizzAs tO gO tOO!

Home of the

25¢ Fountain Pop

Hunting & FisHing Licenses soLd Here

105 State Road 16, Rushford • 507-864-7949

Serving you better in our LiceNSeS: New Fishing and Location Hunting & Supplies

Outdoor Sporting Goods & Supplies • Bikes & Accessories • RED WING Boots • KEY Clothing

cOmpLete

Garden center

m-F 7-7 Sat 8-5 Sun 10-3

tuBE sAlEs & RENtAls

• Bird Feeders & supplies • Pet Food & supplies

Rushford Hardware Rentals 402 s. MIll stREEt, RushFoRD, MN

Conveniently located by Rushford Foods 507-864-2540

72

Rushford

The Source for your kind of Fun!

www.mmlawnleisure.com

906 Enterprise Drive Rushford, MN 55971

507-864-7781

877-349-7781 Toll Free

Valley Crest Trail 75 Miles of Groomed SE MN Outdoor Wonder

Rushford

Continued from page 67

73

Daily life in bygone times is thoroughly explored at the depot. The barber shop features once-common artifacts, furniture, and an antique permanent machine while the doctor’s office includes antique tools of the trade. Children of all ages will enjoy a stop at the depot’s ice cream parlor, easily imagining themselves sitting at the round table and chairs, enjoying a cool, creamy delight from out of a wooden ice cream holder. This area also showcases vintage items from Rushford’s once popular, but now gone Niggle’s Cafe.

Accurate arrangements of a 19th century home take visitors back to early frontier living. Furniture, a sewing machine, clothes, personal items, and more give a clear vision of early settlers’ homesteads. The kitchen was a focal point of the early home and it remains so at the depot.

Continued on page 75

Established in 1893

Located 25 miles south of Winona, MN , Located 2 miles east of Rushford, MN on Hwy 16.

507-864-7626

Hole #1 at Ferndale

Hole #1 at Ferndale

A mature course that opened in 1931 and is nestled in the hardwoods and bluffs of southeastern Minnesota.

• 9 Holes, Par 36 • Bar & Grill • Practice Green • Driving Range

Open to the Public www.ferndalegolfcourse.com (from Hwy. 43 take Pine Meadows Drive to) 503 Nannestad Lane / PO Box 687 Rushford, MN 55971 Ph. 507-864-7074 (office)

“The Best 9-hole Golf Value

by Minnesota in Bluff Country” Golfer Magazine

74

Rushford Open 7 Days a week Mon.-Sat. 5am-late, Sun. 7am-12pm

Wednesday Pizza Buffet ~ Homemade Pizza ~11am-1pm, 6-8pm

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner ~ Weekday Noon Specials ~ Weekend Dinner Specials

Friday Lunch Buffet

Restaurant & Lounge 1/2 block north of the Depot 122 W. Jessie St., Rushford, MN (507) 864-7156 • www.stumpys.net

Friday All-You-Can Eat Fish ~ 5-10pm includes soup, salad bar & all the trimmings

Ice Cream & Desserts Family Oriented - Kids Welcome

Catering available ask about our Meeting rooMs

The place where fresh is the taste.

Hours: 7:30am-10pm Sun.-Thurs.

7:30am-11pm Fri. & Sat.

105 State Rd. 16, Rushford • 507.864.2522

Rushford

Continued from page 73

The charming display features a modernly uncommon wood cook stove and ice box, as well as a beautiful Hoosier hutch. Numerous hand utensils, a coffee grinder, and tea kettle are also on exhibit.

Perhaps the pride of the depot, items of Norwegian heritage find themselves lining the shelves of a corner cupboard telling of the distinct people who owned them. Still awaiting repair, yet lovely and quite rare, an eight-stringed hardingfele, or hardanger fiddle, reminds visitors of the spirit of those who settled here.

Depot-keeper Ruby Highum enthuses, “We need to keep our depot going for all who have worked to keep the history. There’s so much to reminiscence! Were so proud of it and to have it back to where we were prior to the flood [of 2007]. We invite you to stop in and take your time and look.”

The history of the area doesn’t end inside the depot, but rather begin. Just steps outside, along the trail, sits the Grinde School House. Built in 1890, it accurately shows visitors a time when grades were taught in one class and likely in just one room.

Donated by the local school district, several period items such as authentic pupil and teacher’s desks, an expansive blackboard, pot-bellied stove, books, maps, and more beckon visitor’s to sit and learn.

For those looking for a moment’s rest, the small chapel 26 years in Business

next door offers just the thing. Built in 1867 as the entry to a now gone Episcopal Church, the charming chapel features a bench, kneeling rail, alter, and well-documented history decorating the walls. This quaint setting has even played host to a modern-day wedding.

There are several additions to the premises for 2010. Built in 1913, the limestone city jail was painstakingly disassembled, labeled, and moved in late last year. Truly one-of-a kind, it is eagerly awaiting visitors to take a peek inside, should they dare.

Coming in mid to late 2010, a picturesque cabin has been donated to the society. Courtesy of the Cyrus and Marion Hanson family, the cabin is intended to be situated behind the jail. While a grant from the Arden Falk Foundation has been secured to move the cabin, funds are still needed to complete the transition. According to past society president, Margaret Boehmke, the organization hopes to have fund raisers to further developments at the site.

Forget what you think you know of history and come and be a part of it!

For those wishing to assist the organization monetarily, donations can be sent to Rushford Area Historical Society, Box 98, Rushford, MN 55971. Please specify if there is a particular designation for the funds.

Don’t

SPOIL

your vacation!

Larry Dahl OwneR

We’re here to help

24 hOur tOwIng ServIce • Auto & Lt. Truck Repair • Electrical Diagnostic • Transmission Repair • Car & Truck Tires • Full Brake Service • Full Line of Batteries

Br

Wn

Tire, BaTTery & Transmission 507.864.2969 • 45024 St. Hwy 43 S., Rushford, MN www.browntireandbattery.com

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Dale Rasmussen PaRtS and SeRvice

Over 35 Years of Trusted Sales and Services CERtiFiED MECHaNiC SERviCES CERtiFiED auto boDy REpaiR Car • TruCk • Van REtaiL SaLES Hrs: Mon-Fri 7am-6pm, Sat 7am-Noon 207 S. Elm Street, Rushford, MN

Jim Johnson SaleS MGR

507-864-7711 www.dahlsautoworks.com

Spring Grove

connected

community

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Spring Grove ‌a connected community!

S pring Grove is truly a place that you will want to call home. We are a family-friendly community with a K-12 public school, the Family SWIM Center, a public library and four city parks. Enjoy yourself at the 204-seat digital cinema that shows the newest released movies (this facility is also available for gaming tournaments, parties and conferences)! There are many ways to become involved, for those interested in fitness, the arts, history, agriculture and outdoor activities.

W

e also have a great environment for telecommuters! Along with quality telephone service, Spring Grove Communications offers fiber to every home, delivering broadband Internet with speeds up to 20mbps, and digital cable TV. Residents are provided with the highest-quality customer support, set-up assistance, and reliability. Cellular service also available.

www.springgrovemn.com E-mail: cityofsg@springgrove.coop for your free community information packet

Helping you stay connected

(507) 498-3456 • www.yourlocal.coop

Spring Grove

C

ome and enjoy all that Southeastern Minnesota has to offer. Spring Grove boasts a brand new Aquatic Center, the Bluff Country Artists Gallery and Ye Olde Opera House presents “Lucky Stiff ” in 2009.

Splish Splash at the Spring Grove Family Aquatic Center between the beginning of June, and the end of August 2008.

Open swim hours are 1–5 pm and 7–9 pm daily.

Outdoor enthusiasts may also enjoy the tennis courts, playgrounds, nature park and the Sawmill Horse Trail.

Spring Grove celebrates its Norwegian Heritage with Syttende Mai, which falls on May 16 and 17 in 2008. Bring the entire family for the parade, shopping, demolition derby, figure 8 race and more.

All summer enjoy Music in the Park on Wednesday nights. Music starts at 6:30 pm. Concessions are available beginning at 5:30 pm. When Fall arrives, come back for the UFF DA Fest, Haunted Pop Factory on October 31, Christmas in the Village and the Festival of Trees –

The

ck Porch a B A Blend of Old & New Home Decor & Gifts

Business Hours: Wednesday - Saturday 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Tammy Stadtler Owner 116 Railroad Dr. N.W. Spring Grove, MN 507-498-5998

Experience the Movies like never before in Spring Grove’s Brand New Digital Cinema!

www.sgmovietheater.com 507-498-SHOW 507-498-1234 for show to book parties, times and meetings and ticket prices special events Spring Grove Cinema 167 W. Main St., Spring Grove, MN

77

always the Friday after Thanksgiving.

While in town, enjoy a meal at the traditional Ivy Grove Café or Doc’s Blue Moose soda fountain restaurant. Quick eats and gasoline are available at BP and KwikTrip.

Then, spend the night at the Village House Motel or overnight parking in Trollskogen Park. But, don’t leave town without a Spring Grove pop!

And, of course, there’s shopping yearround at The Back Porch, Blooming Business, Country Attic Primitives, Red’s IGA, Mulqueen’s Hardware, Footwear by Footskins, HIS Business, Ballard House and more. www.SpringGroveMN.com

78

Spring Grove

Spring Grove

y a l p

is your place to live, work &

Open Swim

1-7 pm daily • June-August • 507-498-SWIM 1 2 drop slides, 2 twisty slides, and zero depth area

Private Parties Available

Family Aquatic Center

(507) 498-SHOW

(507) 498-ARTS

www.bluffcountryartistsgallery.org

Musicin thePark Viking Memorial Park

June and July, Wednesday evenings at 6 pm, rain or shine.

Live Music and Great Food!

Ye Olde ld Op per era a Ho Hous use us e

Kiss Me Kate - Summer 2010 Musical July 15-18 at 8:30 at Ye Olde Gray Barn www.yeoldeoperahouse.org

Just a short drive away!

www.springgrovemn.com

Spring Grove

Continued from page 44

by the softball field.

• Rushford: From Highway 16, turn north on Elm Street (State Hwy. 43), go one block west. Parking lot is by old depot.

• Peterson: From Highway 16, turn west onto Highway 25 (Mill St.) into town; turn south on Fillmore St. to city park/campground.

• Whalan: On the streets.

Do not leave valuables in your car.

Nearby DNR recreational areas

Forestville State Park, Beaver Creek Valley State Park, Root River Canoe & Boating Route, R.J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest, Rushford Sand Barrerns S.N.A., Harmony - Preston Valley State Trail

Country Attic Primitives • Primitive Furniture & Shelves • Placemats, Napkins & Runners • Candles, Reed Diffusers • Floral Picks, Wreaths & Room Sprays & Garland • Rugs • Gift Certificates Available

194 West Main, Spring Grove • 507-498-7746 Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10am-5pm

www.countryatticprimitives.com

Area Visitor Centers

Brownsville PO Box 138 Brownsville, MN 55919 507-482-6732 www.brownsvillemn.org

City of Fountain 104 Main St., P.O. Box 115 Fountain, MN 55935 507-268-4923 www.bluffcountry.com/fountain.htm

Caledonia Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 24 214 E. Main Caledonia, MN 55921 877-439-4893 • 507-725-5477 www.caledoniamn.com

Harmony Visitor Information Center Box 141 15 2nd St. NW Harmony, MN 55939 800-247-6466 or 507-886-2469 www.harmony.mn.us

Chatfield Tourist Information Center 16 Second Street SE Chatfield, MN 55923 507-867-3966 www.ci.chatfield.mn.us

Houston Area Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 3 Houston, MN 55943 507-896-4668 www.houstonmn.com or www.houstonmnchamber.com

Decorah Chamber of Commerce 507 West Water Street Decorah, IA 52101 800-463-4692 www.decoraharea.com Dresbach Information Center 33020 Highway 61 LaCrescent, MN 55947 507-895-2005 Eitzen City Hall P.O. Box 110 Eitzen, MN 55931 507-495-3017 www.eitzenmn.com

La Crescent Tourist Information Center 205 N. Chestnut LaCrescent, MN 55947 800-926-9480 • 507-895-2800 www.lacrescent.com Lanesboro Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 348 100 Milwaukee Rd. Lanesboro, MN 55949 800-944-2670 • 507-467-2696 www.lanesboro.com

79

Bluff Country Artists

Gallery

111 West Main St. Spring Grove, MN 507-498-ARTS 2787) ( Toll Free 877-SGBCART 742-2278) ( Email: bcagallery@springgrove.coop Web: www.bluffcountryartistsgallery.org

Featuring over 65 professional regional & local artists, creating high quality original art.

Paintings, bronze sculpting, ceramics, wood, glass, fiber, jewelry, knitted felted wool, copper, stained glass, dyed silk, photographs, pottery, furniture, stoneware, totes, and much more

LeRoy Visitor Information P.O. Box 359 122 W. Main St. LeRoy, MN 55941 507-324-5707 www.visitleroy.com Mabel Tourist Information Center PO Box 311 Mabel, MN 55954 507-493-5350 www.mabelmn.com Preston Area Tourism P.O. Box 657 Preston, MN 55965 888-845-2100 • 507-765-2100 www.prestonmn.org Rochester Convention & Visitors Bureau 111 S. Broadway, Ste. 301 Centerplace Galleria Rochester, MN 55904 1-800-634-8277 • 507-288-4331 www.visitrochestermn.com Rushford Area Chamber of Commerce 116 W. Jessie St. Rushford, MN 55971 507-864-3338 www.rushfordchamber.com

Southeastern MN Historic Bluff Country Convention & Visitors Bureau P.O. Box 609 Harmony, MN 55939 800-428-2030 • 507-886-2230 www.bluffcountry.com Spring Grove (Apr-Nov) Ballard House Antiques & Speciality Shop PO Box 241 507-498-5434 (Dec-Mar) City Hall PO Box 218 Spring Grove, MN 55974 507-498-5221 www.springgrovemn.com Spring Valley Chamber of Commerce 201 S. Broadway Spring Valley, MN 55975 507-346-1015 Visit Winona - Visitor Center 924 Huff St. Winona, MN 55987 800-657-4972 • 507-452-0735 www.visitwinona.com Wykoff Tourist Information Center P.O. Box 205 Wykoff, MN 55990 507-352-4205

80

Spring Valley Cruisin’ since 1956 A&W

Simpson’s

Drive-in

Hwy. 16 & 63 North Spring Valley, MN

now Open Year ‘round!

NEW MENU IT E M S : • Blendrrrs • Limeades • Smoothees • Slushees • 3 New Wraps The Papa W : Chicken andrap, BLT • Ask about our NEW Sw Potato Fries eet

Carside Service, Large Outdoor Picnic Area and NEW Indoor 50’s Dining Room!

A&W uses “Transfat Free” cooking oil.

507-346-7486

Full Service With Carhops

www.AWsomeAWdrivein.com

Don’t Miss our 14th Annual Cruise Night August 19, 2010 Hrs: Mon.,Tues.,Wed., Fri. 9:00am -5:30pm Thurs. 9:00am - 7pm Sat. 9:00am - 2:00pm Telephone: 507-346-2555

Hwy. 63, Spring Valley, MN (Right Next to Kwik Trip)

S

ample the seasons and rediscover the solitude and harmony of nature. Angle for trout, enjoy wild flowers, take up birding, scout for mushrooms – these and more can be enjoyed in the countryside near Spring Valley. Check out the Tourist Info Stop on the main highway for complete information on Bluff Country attractions.

For a taste of history, tour the 1876 Methodist Church Museum on the National Register with its 21 remarkable stained glass windows and its connection with Laura Ingalls Wilder.

A photo and artifact exhibit shows the Wilder family’s involvement with Spring Valley history. Visit the rest of the historical society’s museum complex including the Washburn-Zittleman House with its twelve exhibit areas of turn-of-the-century furnishings, the Ag Building and adjacent History Hall. Also on the National Register is the 1904 Carnegie Library, which now houses the city offices.

Summer can best be sampled through recreation. The City Park offers a solar-heated swimming pool, picnic shelter and tables, children’s playground, ball fields, and tennis and volleyball courts. Tee off on the Root River Country Club’s 9-hole golf course, or check out other relaxing options such as tubing, horseback riding or picnicking at nearby Lake Louise State Park.

For a cool change of pace, tour Mystery Cave where you will see an underground cathedral, beautiful Turquoise Lake and many more unusual and educational sights. Spring Valley still sports a true drive-in restaurant with car hops at the A&W Drive-In on Hwy. 63.

Any time is the right time to visit Forestville State Park located 11 miles southeast of Spring Valley. You can camp, Continued on page 82

Support your Hometown

Join us August 18-22 in Spring Valley for AG Days!

~ Shop Locally

Spring Valley Minnesota

Fireworks, Vintage Baseball, Run/Walk, Soapbox Derby, Parade & More

where your money is invested back into the community! www.springvalleychamberofcommerce.com

$10,000 Grant at the expanded Industrial Park (this institution is an equal opportunity provider)

• Notions • Friendly Service • Books & Patterns • Wide Variety of Fabrics • Classes for all Ages & Abilities

$1,500 New Construction Housing Incentive Available

Older Workers Leading Success!

OWLS!

The EDA of Spring Valley is offering Succession Planning and Skill Set Development for those 45 years and older with a desire to plan for the future.

Employers and Employees can choose Succession planning or to increase the skills of the 45 and older workforce. Call or email us to get more information for you or your business.

This fall, live and on line, classes will be available to assist your local business and our older workforce to develop valuable skills that ultimately lead to continued gainful employment, and succession planning for business transfers.

Tel: 507-346-7367 EDA Director,Cathy Enerson • www.springvalleyeda.org

Spring Valley

81

Visit the Valley City of Spring Valley • 201 S. Broadway 507-346-7367 • springvalley.govoffice.com

Spring Valley is on the western edge of Southeast Minnesota Historic Bluff Country where the prairies meet the bluffs, creating a diverse natural environment. Located on two major Hwys 63 & 16, the town is 30 mins. from either Austin on I-90 or Rochester on U.S. 63.

LocaL MuseuMs

Washburn Zittleman House Exhibit & 1876 Historic Methodist Church Museum. Almanzo and Laura Ingalls Wilder attended this church in 1890-‘91. Now on the National Historic Register. Two floors of exhibits include the Wilder photo display, Conley camera collection, Richard Sears exhibit and more from that era. 507-346-7659, 220-221 West Courtland. www.springvalleymnmuseum.org

ag Days’ ceLeBration aug. 19-22

Spring Valley farmers played an essential role in developing area land into Minnesota’s most important industry. We celebrate their efforts during AG Days with fun for the entire family, including A&W Cruise Night, Soap Box Derby, Grand Parade, Street Dance, Food, Fireworks, Spring Creek Market, Tractor Show, Brave Community Theatre’s “Alice in Wonderland” and more. springvalley.govoffice.com

Deer creek sPeeDway

ForestviLLe / Mystery cave state Park

One of Minnesota’s finest parks.

Home to 13 mile long Mystery Cave and the pioneer town of Forestville, the park is rich in both history and natural resources, trout streams, hiking, picnicking, camping or horseback riding. Historic Forestville is an 1850’s village that was a part of the founding of SE Minn. www.mnhs.org/places/sites/hf/

waLking traiL & sPring creek

Spring Valley has a paved walking trail and trout steam that runs through the heart of the town. springvalley.govoffice.com S&S Bait Shop can help with all your bait, tackle and licenses.

507-346-7121

Late Model, Super Stocks, Midwest Mods and Street Stocks race every Saturday night on the high banked 3/8 dirt oval track, located west of Spring Valley on U.S. Hwy 63.

Visit www.DeerCreek.com for the 2010 schedule.

soaP Box DerBy sat. – aug. 21, 2010

Home of the original SE MN “King of the Hill” Soap Box Derby. springvalley.govoffice.com

root river antique HistoricaL Power assoc.

soMewHere in tiMe B&B

Antique Engine and Tractor Show, July 16-18, featuring J.I. Case tractors and equipment. www.bluffcountry.com/rrpower.htm

Your passage to 1878 begins at this Queen Anne Victorian home, located on the corner of Broadway and U.S. 63. Gift shop, fine chocolates, wireless internet, salon and spa services. E-mail: Somewhereintime@centurytel.net 507-346-1940

root river country cLuB

A beautiful and challenging 9-hole course, 5 miles south of Spring Valley on U.S. Hwy 63.

507-346-2501

soutH Park & sPring vaLLey PooL

Enjoy local recreation. Includes 3-12 ft. swimming pool and baby pool, playground equipment, picnic pavilions, 2 ball diamonds, 2 tennis courts, basketball, sand volleyball and horseshoes.

new caMPgrounD ~ coMing soon ~

Located past trout farm on Cty. Rd. 8.

20 sites w/ electric. 507-346-7367

FiLLMore county veterans’ MeMoriaL Dedicated to those who lost their lives serving our country. springvalley.govoffice.com

Spring Valley

82

Continued from page 80

horseback ride, hike, picnic, fish, birdwatch, snowmobile, or cross-country ski at this lovely forested park. Camping is also available near Spring Valley at Deer Creek Campground.

Motels, a B&B and several restaurants round out the choices for travelers.

As summer draws to a close, enjoy the Ag Days Celebration the third weekend of August. The entire family can participate or be entertained by a multitude of events which include dancing, contests, a parade, a quilt and flower show, an ice cream social with live music, and an exciting fireworks display to climax the weekend.

Fall comes alive when you embark on the Fall Foliage Tour.

Take the scenic drive beginning in Spring Valley, traveling east Continued on page 83

Spring Valley, MN

aG dayS august 19 - 22 thursday - Sunday

SuNday Music in the Park

Saturday Parade • Street Dance

Many activities

Napa auto parts

First State Bank Spring Valley Branch

of spriNg valley

P.O. Box 191, Spring Valley, MN 55975

1010 N. Broadway • Spring Valley, MN Phone - 507-346-7326

“Reach foR youR dReams” Phone (507) 346-9836

Fax (507) 346-9838

Randy Sobotta, Manager/Sales

Fowler’s bp & Food Shop Hwys. 16/63, Spring Valley, MN

507-346-2686

next to Fowler’s bp in spring Valley, Mn

HourS opeN: Mon.~Fri. 4:30am - 10:00pm Sat. & Sun. 6:00am - 10:00pm

We HaVe:

• Snacks • Bait • Ice

24-Hour credIt card puMpS

Large Washers & Dryers

Open

24

hOurs

3 Bay seLF serVice

Cleaned TwiCe daily • hoT, SofT waTer

Continued from page 82

on Highway #16 to Hokah circling west on Highway #44 back to Highway #63, then north to Spring Valley. The trip may take approximately five hours, depending on the number of stops at produce stands or for refreshment breaks.

Winter, of course, means snow activities. Besides cross-country skiing and snowmobiling, you can snowshoe on the delightfully uncrowded trails in the area. The Historical Society also hosts an annual Christmas Open House Tour and Christmas Tea the first weekend in December.

Spring Valley is a year-round destination. While visiting, take advantage of the internet service at the public libary. Enjoy the downtown shops, bowling alley and look for upcoming Braveheart Theater events.

105 Gold St., Wykoff, MN 507-352-4205

us

Ban

N

ift k G Ha

N

• Homemade Fudge • Greeting Cards • Home Decor •Soaps & Lotions • Jewelry • and much more!

• Gourmet Coffees & Teas

Tea Room Best lunch in the county

Gift Haus Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm Tea Room Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-2pm

W

Gateway to Forestville State Park

Nearest town to Forestville State Park

(Gas, Food, Beer, Shopping, Fishing & Hunting Licenses, B&B, Tourist Information)

Historic Wykoff

Jail Haus B&B

ric WykoFF Jail HauS B & B

For reservations call (507) 352-4205

September 24•25•26 For more information call

(507) 352-4205 or 352-4011

83

hen you visit the heart of Bluff Country, take the drive on Minnesota Highway 80 and you will find Wykoff, a little town with a lot of German pride.

The village was founded in 1881 by Cyrus Wykoff, founder of the railroad. Wykoff is the gateway to Forestville State Park, and only eight miles from the Root River Bike Trail.

Good Earth Village, a church camp, is five miles from Wykoff.

The member-owned Wykoff Grocery Store is a convenient place to stop to load up on supplies for that picnic or camping trip.

Have lunch at the Bank Gift Haus & Tea Room or shop in their unique gift store and the Gold Street Pizza is open for dinner. Visit Ed’s Museum, a former Jack Sprat grocery store owned by Ed Krueger, Wykoff’s historian and self appointed collector of Wykoff memorabilia. Wykoff’s School Museum is attached to Ed’s, a great place to reminisce about one’s school years. You will also enjoy a visit to the jail built in 1913, which is now a unique B&B.

Wykoff, MN SPecial eveNtS For 2010

Wykoff

ed’s Museum 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Sat. & Sun. or by appointment call (507) 352-4205 Open from Memorial Day weekend until last weekend of September.

84

Area Map & Scenic Byway

Scenic Byways in Bluff Country The National Scenic Byways Program is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration.

The program is a grass-roots collaborative effort established to help recognize, preserve and enhance selected roads throughout the United States. Since 1992, the National Scenic Byways Program has provided funding for almost 1500 state and nationally designated byway projects in 48 states. The U.S. Secretary of Transportation recognizes certain roads as All-American Roads or National Scenic Byways based on one or more archeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational and scenic qualities.

To

N

Camping

Ro

52

rth

No

Riv

Pleasant Grove

30

Canoeing

Stewartville Mower Co.

County Airport

8

Historic Bluff Country

2

4 63

Austin

Grand Meadow

7

90 3

20

Elkton

Historic Bluff Country 218 Rose Creek National Scenic Byway 4 4 88 mile route on Minnesota Highway 16 Sh oo Adams tin between Dexter and LaCrescent Taopi g Star 7 The Historic Bluff Country Scenic Wildflower 5 7 Byway links together some of the most 19 scenic, historic, cultural, natural and rec6 Johnsburg Lyle reational resources in the area. Traveling through small towns and quaint communities along the byway, visitors find attractions that include restaurants, art galleries, theaters, antique shops, museums, historic homes and sites, state parks, and lodging opportunities from B&B’s to motels and campgrounds.

Visitors also encounter a variety of outLaura Ingalls Wilder door recreational opportunities, including Historic Highway canoeing, kayaking, hiking, biking, cross From Rochester south on US 63 to country skiing, golfing, horse back riding, Spring Valley, follow MN 16 & US 52 and trout fishing. The Root River offers to the Iowa border to Burr Oak water recreation while the Root River & Travel the scenic route that Laura the Harmony-Preston Valley State Bicycle wrote about in the “Little House” series.

Trails offer miles of variety for users.

Almanzo and Laura Ingalls Wilder attended the 1876 church in Spring Valley in 1890 and 1891. See the Wilder photo display, old-time Country Store, and pioneer artifacts. Visit the Masters Hotel in Burr Oak, Iowa, where Charles Ingalls and his family lived and worked in 1876.

This is “the missing link” between the times they lived in Walnut Grove.

This highway links with the other Laura Ingalls Wilder sites in Wisconsin and South Dakota.

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S

Branch

5

16

8

r

1

t

Wykoff

8

80 5

16 5 12

3 Ostrander

8

5

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Ro ut

14

14 1

11 Lake Louise State Park

LeRoy

Etna

Mystery Cave

Cherry Grove

5

63 Chester

Forestville State Park 118

Historic Forestville

14

Greenlea

9

5

44

26 56

8 Fount 80

8

63

ve Ri

7

Fillmore

Spring Valley 63 Roo

101

4 Hamilton

Dexter

2

38

2

Racine

1

State Trails

1

63

Horse Trails

1

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nch

Dodge Co.

� Trails

19

t oo

Bra

State Parks

56

90

er

30

Golfing

3

ter Marion

Cross Country Ski

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es

63

Lodging

Amish Colony

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Iowa

Lime Springs

Shooting Star Scenic Byway 32 mile drive along Highway 56 between Highway 63 at Chester, Iowa and I-90 This byway is one of the state’s first designated wildflower routes. The Minnesota Department of Transportation and Natural Resources collaborate to manage wildflowers and native grasses along the route.

The route passes through rich agricultural regions and small rural towns with historic buildings of national significance, bed and breakfasts, golf courses, swimming pools and city parks. Lake Louise State Park is located on this route.

30

Gran

Area Map & Scenic Byway a To W

leasant Grove

5

63 Chester

Iowa

Lime Springs

30

inon a

23

Ro

21

52

Amherst

uth So Lenora

Henrytown

22

115

23

Harmony 139 Granger

Niagara Cave

To Kendallville and Cresco

30

k

18

8

43 24

Newburg

44

1

Mississippi River

3 Caledonia 249

27

28

Wilmington

27

Winn

ebag

Eitzen

Reno

Reno Trail

14 76

35

Freeburg

�

17

26

o

Cre

ek

26

360th St.

355th St.

Up

4

Hokah

44

12

16

r t Roo Rive

Brownsville

11

State Park

27

7

16

W34

Burr Oak Pine Creek Rd.

8

Mabel

10

Spring Grove

La Crescent

18

Beaver Creek

4

LaCrosse

6

Pine Creek

76

10

11

Newhouse

52 350th St.

pe

er Riv

r Iowa

st

cu

Lo

9

19

Houston

Schechʼs Sheldon Mill

4

Canton

Apple Blossom Scenic Byway 1.5 mi S of I-90 to Main St in La Crescent.

W to Elm St., follow County Highway 29 One of the most beautiful scenic overlooks in Minnesota, this seventeen-mile driving route follows County Highway 29. Accessible from the towns of LaCrescent, Dakota and Nodine, this loop provides spectacular views from bluff tops along the Mississippi River Valley in southeast Minnesota. Apple orchards add a special character to the scenery and many varieties of Minnesota apples are available.

Yucatan

4 Black Hammer

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4

15

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17 22

13

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10

12 14

Highland

TWIN SPRINGS STATE PARK

.

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Tw in

44

Greenleafton

21

16

13

�

90

Mound Prairie

Wetbark Trail

10

10

9

90 1

5 25

21

16

Bratsberg

Lanesboro 17

15

14 9

5

8

Preston

Historic Forestville

25

Whalan

Rushford 26

Houston Co.

Cherry Grove

ot

Etna

Mystery Cave

�

r

26

26

12

New Hartford

11

13 Money Creek

Rushford Village 43

Ro ch

14

12

Forestville State Park 118

Ri

ve

11

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5

6

52

25 Peterson

Nodine

103

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Arendahl

250

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Hart

25

30

Pilot Mound

M

11 7

76

61 Dakota

12

90

Winona Co.

21

Fillmore

16

29

30

5

8

6

Troy

101

4

Ridgeway

43

Fremont Saratoga

Chatfield 2

38

74

Fillmore Co.

10

90

14 G.R. Bluffs

North Winn Rd

52

Olmsted Co.

90

Marion

To W

14 St. Charles 33

248th Av

ter

43

Utica

es

basha

61

To Altura

85

Spring Rd

W38

9

For more information on Scenic Byways visit www.byways.org or www.bluffcountry.com

Amish Byway Along Highway 52 between Highway 16, Preston and Highway 44 at Prosper The Amish community, estimated at about 100 families, is concentrated in the area around Canton and Harmony and they are frequent users of Highway 52 between Preston and Prosper.

Because the Amish drive only slow moving horse drawn buggies or wagons, and Highway 52 has a 55 mile per hour speed limit, the Amish Byway designation is primarily a safety issue.

Most of the Amish farmsteads are located off the highway on country roads.

Drive carefully and please, take no photographs of the buggies that would include Amish faces. (Amish do not like photographs taken of their faces.)

86 3 3 16-18 17 17 17 17 23-25 24-25 30-May 1 30-May 2 30-May 1 30-May 1 E very Thurs.

Every Fri. Every Sat. Sundays Apr. 30-1 1 1

7 8 14-16 14-16 15 15 16 17-18 20-23 22 22 31 31 31 31

Calendar of Events April 2010

City Wide Rummage Sale.................................................................. Houston Easter Egg Hunt..........................................................................Spring Valley Ibsen Festival..................................................................................Lanesboro Military Ball................................................................................Spring Grove MN Trout Fishing Opener.............................................................. State Wide Mystery Cave Opens for Tours............................................................ Preston 26th Annual Trout Classic.................................................................Chatfield 10th Annual Bluff Country Studio Art Tour.................. Historic Bluff Country Iowa Wine Trail Event at Winneshiek wildberry Winery............. Decorah, IA City Wide Garage Sale........................................................................... LeRoy 100-mile Garage Sale......................................................................... Winona City-wide Garage Sales and Antiques..............................................Harmony City-wide Garage Sales...................................................................Caledonia

May 2010

18-19 20 26-27 27 30-July 4

Caledonia City Fest..................................................................... Caledonia Art in the Park........................................................................... Lanesboro Laura Ingalls Wilder Days . ......................................................Burr Oak, IA Houston County Flyers-In Breakfast............................................ Caledonia Riverfest................................................................................ La Crosse, WI

E very Sun. Every Tues.

Every Wed.

Every Thur.

Every Fri. Every Sat. Every Sat. 3-4 3-4 4 6-10 10 11 12 13-14 15-18 16-18 16-18 16-18 18 20-24 22-24 23-25 23-25 31

“Over the Back Fence”, St. Mane Theatre, 7 p.m......................... Lanesboro Music in Gazebo Park, 7 p.m. . ........................................................Caledonia Farmer’s Market, Sylvan Park, 4 p.m.-6 p.m..................................Lanesboro Music in the Park, 6:30 p.m........................................................ Spring Grove Music in the Park, 7 p.m., Selvig Park..............................................Harmony Growers’ Market, 3-6 p.m., City Park...............................................Chatfield Band Concert, 7:30 p.m., City Park...................................................Chatfield Farmer’s Market, Trail Head, 11 a.m................................................... Preston Farmer’s Market, Sylvan Park, 9:00 a.m.-Noon..............................Lanesboro Amish Farmer’s Market....................................................................Harmony Old-Fashioned 4th of July.................................................................Harmony Eitzen Family Fun Fest......................................................................Eitzen Independence Day at Forestville....................................Historic Forestville Great Winneshiek County Fair...................................................Decorah, IA Shooting Star Trail Bike Ride............................................................. LeRoy Lidtke Mill Ice Cream Social.............................................. Lime Springs, IA Aquatic Center Annual Big Splash, 1-3 p.m.............................Spring Grove Yucatan Jam, Outback Ranch........................................................ Houston Ye Old Opera House “Kiss Me Kate”.........................................Spring Grove 28th Annual Root River Antique Engine & Tractor Show........ Spring Valley Rushford Days...............................................................................Rushford Summerfest..................................................................................... LeRoy Fillmore County Pork Producers Fly-In Drive-In Breakfast..............Preston Fillmore County Fair........................................................................Preston 44th Annual Nordic Fest...........................................................Decorah, IA 6th Annual Men’s Fast Pitch Tournament.......................................Preston Houston Hoedown Days............................................................... Houston Preston’s Big Boy Toy Show & CMA Mudracing...............................Preston

Growers Market City Park,................................................................Chatfield Farmer’s Market, Trail Head, 11 a.m. ....................................................Preston Farmer’s Market, Sylvan Park, 9-noon...........................................Lanesboro Over the Back Fence, St. Mane Theatre 7 p.m................................Lanesboro City-wide Garage Sales and Antiques .............................................Harmony Bird and Wildflower Walk at Seed Savers.................................... Decorah, IA City Wide Garage Sales & Chicken Barbeque...................................Chatfield Apple Blossom Time - Usually Around Mother’s Day Sample Spring Valley............................................................. Spring Valley Syttende Mai Queens Banquet...............................................Spring Grove Trout Days.......................................................................................Preston Syttende Mai Fest...................................................................Spring Grove Root River Triathlon Go to www.houston.govoffice.com.............. Houston Stand-Still Parade......................................................................... Whalan Riverside Family Fun Fair....................................................... La Crosse, WI Aquatic Center Swim Lesson Sign Up......................................Spring Grove Bluff Country Gathering............................................................. Lanesboro City-wide Garage Sales.......................................................... Spring Valley Opening Day at Historic Forestville................................Historic Forestville Memorial Day Veteran’s Program................................................ Caledonia Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony.............................................. Chatfield Memorial Day Programs........................................Harmony, LeRoy, Mabel Memorial Day Program.............................................................. Lanesboro Every Sun. Every Wed.

JUNE 2010 Every Sun. “Over the Back Fence”, St. Mane Theatre, 7 p.m............................Lanesboro Every Thur.

Every Wed. Farmer’s Market, Sylvan Park, 4 p.m.-6 p.m..................................Lanesboro

Music in the Park, 7 p.m., Selvig Park..............................................Harmony Every Fri. Every Thur. Growers’ Market, 3-6 p.m., City Park...............................................Chatfield Every Sat.

Band Concert, 7:30 p.m., City Park...................................................Chatfield Every Sat. Every Fri. Farmer’s Market, Trail Head, 11 a.m. ................................................. Preston 5-8 Every Sat. Farmer’s Market, Sylvan Park, 9:00 a.m.-Noon..............................Lanesboro 6-8 Every Sat. Amish Farmer’s Market....................................................................Harmony 12 1 Aquatic Center Opens.............................................................Spring Grove 11-15 4 Basket Social at Sweet’s Hotel.......................................................... LeRoy 13-14 5 Rhubarb Festival........................................................................ Lanesboro 13-15 5 Lidtke Mill Buckwheat Pancake Day................................. Lime Springs, IA 14 18-22 11-12 St. Jude Children’s Hospital Benefit Trail Ride & Dance;

Outback Ranch............................................................................. Houston 19-21 12 Fountain Trail Days.......................................................................Fountain 20-22 12 “Bread & Butter Day”.....................................................Historic Forestville 21-22 16-20 Steamboat Days.............................................................................Winona 21 18 Preston’s Progressive Feast.............................................................Preston 28 18 Historical Society’s Ice Cream Social....................................... Spring Valley 28

JULY 2010

AUGUST 2010

“Over the Back Fence”, St. Mane Theatre, 7 p.m............................Lanesboro Farmer’s Market, Sylvan Park, 4 p.m.-6 p.m..................................Lanesboro Music in the Park, 7 p.m., Selvig Park..............................................Harmony Growers’ Market, 3-6 p.m., City Park...............................................Chatfield Band Concert, 7:30 p.m., City Park...................................................Chatfield Farmer’s Market, Trail Head, 11 a.m. ................................................. Preston Farmer’s Market, Sylvan Park, 9:00 a.m.-Noon..............................Lanesboro Amish Farmer’s Market....................................................................Harmony Great River Jazz Festival.......................................................... La Crosse, WI Buffalo Bill Days...............................................................................Lanesboro Aquatic Center Annual Big Splash 7-9pm................................Spring Grove Western Days................................................................................ Chatfield Yucatan Jam................................................................................. Houston Lime Springs Corn Days.................................................... Lime Springs, IA 50’s and 60’s Day..............................................................................Mabel Houston County Fair................................................................... Caledonia Dobie Days . ................................................................................ Harmony Spring Valley Ag Days............................................................ Spring Valley Money Creek Junction Bluegrass Festival...................................... Houston Pickle it Day, 11am-5pm................................................Historic Forestville Apple Annie Follies...................................................................La Crescent Demolition Derby.....................................................................La Crescent

Calendar of Events Every Sun. Every Wed. Every Thur.

Every Sat. Every Sat. 4 4 4 4 8 7-10

10-12 11 16-19 18 18 24-26 24-Oct. 2

SEPTEMBER 2010

1-15

1-2 1-3 2 2 2 2 2 2 9 9 9 22-23 23 27 29-30 30 31 31

1 3-5 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4-5 4-5 4-5 5 5 5 11 October 2010 11 Amish Farmer’s Market................................................................ Harmony 11 LEAVES TURN BEAUTIFUL SHADES OF RED, ORANGE, AND YELLOW ADDING . 11 TO THE SCENIC BEAUTY OF HISTORIC BLUFF COUNTRY 11 LeRoy Garage Sales........................................................................... LeRoy Fall Foliage Days.......................................................................... Harmony 11 Dollars for Scholars Apple Pie Sale, 11am-1pm......................Spring Grove 25 Fountain Lutheran Lutefisk & Meatball Dinner.............................Fountain 31 Fall Harvest Celebration at Seed Savers Exchange....................Decorah, IA Harvest Moon Festival.................................................................. Houston City Wide Rummage Sale............................................................. Houston 15 Dinner at the Depot..................................................................La Crescent 22 Harvest Moon............................................................................ Lanesboro Harvest Day, Historic Forestville.....................................Historic Forestville Firefighters’ Talent Show, Lions Club Beer & Brats........................ Chatfield 5-6 Haunted Barn...................................................................................Mabel Apple Butter Making, Historic Forestville.......................Historic Forestville Turkey Supper & Country Store.........................................................Eitzen Mid-April Haunted Barn...................................................................................Mabel Great Pumpkin Fest........................................................................Preston Halloween Party & Open House............................................. Spring Valley Haunted Pop Factory..............................................................Spring Grove

6 6-7 6-7 19-21 20 20 21 21 26 26-28 26-28 27 28

Craft Fair....................................................................................... Houston Iowa Wine Trail Event at Winneshiek Wildberry Winery............Decorah, IA Old Time Radio Theatre .................................................................... LeRoy Holiday Fest................................................................................. Harmony Fine Arts Festival.......................................................................... Houston Holiday Open House.................................................................. Lanesboro Ecumenical Church Service...........................................................Fountain Traditional Thanksgiving Day Dinner, United Methodist Church.Lanesboro Victorian Gala...................................................................................Mabel Ye Olde Opera House - Holiday Production.............................Spring Grove Festival of Trees at Spring Grove Fest Building........................Spring Grove Christmas in the Village Family Day, ......................................Spring Grove Wine Tasting Party...................................................................... Caledonia

Every Sat.

“Over the Back Fence”, St. Mane Theatre, 7 p.m......................... Lanesboro Farmer’s Market, Sylvan Park, 4 p.m.-6 p.m..................................Lanesboro Growers’ Market, 3-6 p.m., City Park...............................................Chatfield Farmer’s Market, Sylvan Park, 9:00 a.m.-Noon..............................Lanesboro Amish Farmer’s Market....................................................................Harmony Heirloom Tomato Tasting & Workshop at Seed Savers...............Decorah, IA Applefest Style Show................................................................La Crescent Krazee Daze & Community Wide Rummage Sale......................La Crescent

By The Light of the Lantern, Historic Forestville.............HIstoric Forestville Root River Wagon Rides................................................................Rushford Minnesota Quarter Horse Association Trail Ride & Dance; Outback Ranch............................................................................. Houston Hesper-Mabel Steam Engine Days....................................................Mabel City-Wide Garage Sales............................................................... Chatfield Applefest..................................................................................La Crescent Fall Fest..........................................................................................Preston City Wide Garage Sales & Preston Servicemen’s Chicken BBQ.........Preston Fall Fest...........................................................................................Wykoff Oktoberfest........................................................................... La Crosse, WI

87

DECEMBER 2010

Lutefisk & Lefse Dinner................................................................ Chatfield Holiday Weekend & Christmas Inn Tour..................................... Lanesboro.

Lighted Christmas Parade; Rotary Soup Supper.......................... Caledonia Lunch with Santa........................................................................ Chatfield Christmas in LeRoy........................................................................... LeRoy Breakfast with Santa & Holiday Expo..............................................Preston Lighted Holiday Parade (evening)..................................................Preston Breakfast with Santa................................................................... Harmony Breakfast with Santa.................................................................. Caledonia Quilt Show.................................................................................. Caledonia Lion’s Club Euchre Tournament................................................... Caledonia Holiday Dinner Dance, Lanesboro Community Center................ Lanesboro Hot Air Balloon Rally.................................................................. Caledonia Winter Wonderland Celebration................................................. Caledonia Christmas Art Walk........................................................................ Winona Christmas Tea & Holiday House Tours..................................... Spring Valley Brass Band Holiday Concert......................................................... Chatfield Christ Lutheran Norwegian Buffet & Gift Shop...............................Preston Candlelight Christmas House Tour................................................. Winona Christmas on Historic Broadway............................................ Spring Valley Tapestry Dinner..............................................................................Preston Santa comes to Fountain, bake & craft sale and luncheon............Fountain Parade of Lights............................................................................Rushford Fountain United Methodist Women’s Bake & Craft Sale & Luncheon; Fountain Community Center.........................................................Fountain Santa Visits with Kids in Santa’s House......................................LaCrescent Christmas Day Complimentary Dinner............................................Preston New Year’s Eve Owl Prowl............................................................. Houston

january 2011

Preston’s Candlelight Ski & Chili Cook-off.......................................Preston Chill Fest Celebration................................................................... Chatfield

February 2011

Winter Weekend, Candlelight Ski..................................Lanesboro/Whalan

april 2011

Ibsen Fest, Commonweal Theatre.............................................. Lanesboro

NOVEMber 2010

All dates are subject to change.

1/2007

Paralell Horse Trail

Horse trail being developed 2007

88

Bike Trail Map

Historic Bluff Country....for all the seasons!

H

HISTORIC

SOUTHEASTERN MINNESOTA

LUFF B COUNTRY

INC.

• Bike • Hike • Canoe • Camp • Golf • Fish • Art Galleries • Cave Tours • Shop • Eat • Stay in a Bed & Breakfast • Relax • Hike • Go Antiquing • See a Play • More

www.bluffcountry.com

1-800-428-2030

hbc@harmonytel.net National Scenic Byway Minnesota Highway 16 Partially Funded by the National Hwy Dept

SE Minnesota ~ NE IOWA Visitor’s Guide 2010-2011

| C-9

• A Full Service, Casual Dining Resturant & Bar • Serving Italian/American Cuisine • Appetizers, Sandwiches, Pasta Dishes, Seafood, Steaks, Wonderful Desserts, Award-winning Pizza Breakfast Lunch Dinner

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A Full Service Hotel Kids under 10 stay & eat • Whirlpool Rooms • Fitness Center • Large Kiddie Pool • 2-Room Suites free!

• Meeting Rooms

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All rooms include refrigerator, microwave, cable TV & HBO

507-453-0303 Intersection of Hwys 43 & 61 1025 Hwy 61 E, Winona, MN 55987

Next to the Plaza • Intersection of 43 & 61 1025 Hwy 61 E, Winona, MN

www.plazawinona.com

507-452-5400 • www.greenmill.com

Enjoy the Trails ~ Stay with us in Winona, MN

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Express “Free” Hot Breakfast 2-Room Suites Whirlpool Rooms Extended Stay Rooms

• Refrigerators & Microwaves in all rooms • 37” Flat Screen TV • Meeting Facilities • Indoor Pool • Sauna • Kiddie Pool

LocAtED juSt oFF HWyS 43 & 61

900 Bruski Drive, Winona, MN

507-452-0606 www.riverportinn.com

C-10 |

SE Minnesota ~ NE IOWA Visitor’s Guide 2010-2011

1128 Homer Road, Winona, MN

507-474-1700 • www.hiexpress.com LocatEd just off HWys 43 & 61

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| C-11

“We Design Your Success” in Bluff Country and beyond...

The Preferred Package

Includes: •domain registration •hosting services •website design • Blogging • • Video • • Photogalleries • • Slideshows • • E-commerce • • Unlimited e-mail • • webmail • • And much more • •web analytics with AW Stats & Google Analytics •Search Engine Optimization •Social Media Management •Facebook •YouTube •Flickr •LinkedIn •Twitter •And many more

All of this for only

$300/year*

SMG Web Design We Design Your Success www.smgwebdesign.com

Contact SMG Web Design for more information 1-507-765-2151 or 1-507-251-5297 C-12 |

SE Minnesota ~ NE IOWA Visitor’s Guide 2010-2011

*Rates subject to change.

SE Minnesota ~ NE IOWA Visitor’s Guide 2010-2011

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The Inn at Sacred Clay Farm Bed and Breakfast

www.sacredclayfarmbandb.com 507-467-9600 • 866-326-8618 (toll-free) 23234 Grosbeak Rd. • Lanesboro, MN 55949 * Choose from five guest rooms, each with private bath and queen-sized bed, some with massage tub and old-fashioned gas stoves. * Guests are invited to enjoy the dramatic great room, reading/game room in the second floor turret, peaceful meditation room and lovely sitting areas overlooking the great room. * Take in a summer sunset from the porches or relax in our formal gardens surrounded by the aromas and colors of seasonal flowers and local birds. Hike the woodland trails and then rest by the trout stream with fishing gear or a picnic! * A full breakfast is served featuring organic and/or locally grown foods and fair trade coffees and teas.

The Inn at Sacred Clay Farm Bed and Breakfast is a graceful four-story post-and-beam structure in a stunning, yet peaceful, country setting just two and a half miles from charming, historic Lanesboro. Extraordinary artwork, rugs and accessories from many different countries adorn the Inn - giving it an appealing international flavor.

The Inn is decorated in warm, pleasing colors, offering a relaxing, peaceful retreat from the hectic pace of everyday life.

Southern Minnesota’s Premier Bed & Breakfast Treat yourself to a stay in this 1897 Victorian home which boasts of an elegance and romance unsurpassed in our modern times. Enjoy the library, fireplaces, porches, many collections and extravagant dining room. Take home with you memories and friendships for a lifetime…

90 minutes from the twin Cities, 20 minutes from roChester and Lanesboro Six Suites, each with a private bath Full Breakfast / Free Wireless Internet No Pets / Children age 12+

www.oakenwaldterrace.com • 218 Winona St, Chatfield, MN 507-867-3806

“I have never seen anything like it, the house, the food, the hospitality…remarkable…”

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SE Minnesota ~ NE IOWA Visitor’s Guide 2010-2011

eatured in Minnesota Monthly as “One of the ten most remarkable retreats” and in Outside Magazine, which said “You can hardly go wrong with the Habberstad House, a century-old Queen Anne that’s painted in umteen shades of green and red…”; this historic, restored 1897 Queen Anne Victorian home features six guest rooms, all with private bathrooms, some with two person whirlpools and private second floor porches.

Choice of rooms with king, queen or two double beds. WIFI, secure indoor bike storage, complimentary beverages upon check-in. A full, home-cooked breakfast is served in our dining room. Located 6 blocks from downtown and bike trail. Rates from $125-$200 per night.

706 Fillmore Avenue South, Lanesboro, MN 55949 507-467-3560 e-mail: habrstad@acegroup.cc

www.habberstadhouse.com SE Minnesota ~ NE IOWA Visitor’s Guide 2010-2011

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Imagine...

708 Parkway Avenue South , Lanesboro, MN 55949

1-800-944-2158 or Local - 507-467-2158 www.ScanlanHouse.com • ScanlanBB@aol.com

A much needed getaway, being pampered, surrounded by affordable luxury, soaking your stress away in an aromatic whirlpool bath, sipping champagne, watching the flicker of flames all to the tune of a romantic melody.

This shouldn’t be your imagination ... …………It should be your reality!

Recognized as: • • • •

Top 10 Place To Wake Up In State of Minnesota Top 15 B & B in USA With Friendliest Staff A Most Romantic B & B (Fodors) A Top 10 Great Place to Relax & Recharge

Gift CertifiCates and PaCkaGes available All Guest Rooms And Suites Include: • 2-Person Whirlpools and or Fireplaces • TV w/ Cable • AM/FM/CD Radio • Hairdryer • Private Bath • Wireless internet access available • 24 Hour Coffee and Tea Service • Unique Victorian Accommodations

Searching for exquisitely appointed guest rooms and suites, inspired architecture, luxurious ambience and personal service par excellence: Let us Take You There!

Open Year Round!

ComPlimentary Gourmet multi-Course breakfast