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Se Minnesota • Ne iowa • SW Wisconsin • NW Illinois | Visit Bluff Country 2018-2019

Welcome to Bluff Country I 1 contents MINNESOTA

Bluff Country A Land of Unspoiled Beauty

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 and Iowa. Scenic river towns that once powered the mills that ran the agricultural commerce of the new territories and housed the railroad depots now beckon the traveler to enjoy quaint country charm and breathtaking vistas. The trains have disappeared, but an old rail bed has been developed into a hiking and biking trail system, the Root River State Trail and Harmony-Preston Valley Trail (MN), which provide over 60 miles of biking, hiking and in-line skating, as well as groomed cross-country ski trails in the winter. The newest addition to the Trout Run Trail in Decorah, Iowa is now open. 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 superb 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 from which to choose. 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. 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, Southeast MN, Northeast IA, and Southwest WI, is an ideal place for a getaway.

Adams........................................................................... 7 Austin............................................................................ 8 Caledonia............................................................... 9-14 Canton................................................................... 14-15 Chatfield...............................................................16-19 Fountain...............................................................19-21 Harmony...............................................................22-31 Historic Bluff Country............................................ 42 Houston................................................................32-33 Kellogg................................................................. 56-57 Lanesboro........................................................... 34-42 LeRoy.................................................................... 46-49 Mabel.....................................................................49-52 Millville..................................................................52-53 Minneiska...................................................................54 Peterson.............................................................. 58-60 Plainview....................................................................54 Preston.................................................................. 61-70 Reads Landing...................................................57-58 Red Wing.................................................................... 70 Rushford...............................................................71-77 Rushford Village...................................................... 78 Spring Grove...................................................... 79-83 Spring Valley...................................................... 84-87 St. Charles........................................................... 88-89 Wabasha.............................................................. 54-55 Whalan................................................................. 44-45 Winona................................................................. 89-94 Wykoff.................................................................. 94-95

IOWA

Burr Oak....................................................................100 Charles City.............................................................101 Clermont..................................................................102 Cresco............................................................... 102-105 Decorah............................................................105-113 Dubuque.................................................................. 114 Dyersville.........................................................114-115 Elkader...................................................................... 116 Fort Atkinson.......................................................... 117 Froelich............................................................. 117-118 Guttenberg............................................................. 118 Hawkeye................................................................... 119 Kendallville.............................................................. 119 Lansing......................................................................120 Lawler........................................................................122 Lime Springs...................................................121-122 McGregor/Marquette................................. 122-123 Osage................................................................ 123-124 Protivin......................................................................123 Riceville.....................................................................125 St. Ansgar........................................................ 125-126 Spillville....................................................................127 Waukon.....................................................................127

WISCONSIN

Alma...........................................................................135 La Crosse..........................................................135-137 Platteville.................................................................137 Tomah........................................................................138 Viroqua.....................................................................138 Warrens.....................................................................139

ILLINOIS

Galena.......................................................................139

MAPS & INFORMATION

Area Map, MN.................................................... 98-99 Area Map, IA................................................... 130-131 Business Directory................................................ 3-5 Calendar of Events....................................... 142-144 Farmers Markets........................................................ 6 IA Bike Trail Maps..................................................129 La Crosse Area Bike Map........................... 140-141 Root River Bike Trail Map, MN............................ 43 Shooting Star Bike Trail Map, MN........................ 47 Trout Fishing Map, MN................................... 96-97 Trout Fishing Map, IA...................................132-133 Visitor Centers, MN...............................................100 Visitor Centers, IA..................................................134 Visitor Center, IL.....................................................139 Visitor Centers, WI.................................................134 © 2018 Sethre Media Group, Inc. P.O. Box 496, Preston, MN 55965 507-765-2151 • www.visitbluffcountry.com

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Antiques Banking Services Camping and Services Convenience Stores Eating/Drinking Establishments Food General Stores Gifts Shops Golf Courses

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Business Directory I 3

Minnesota Antiques Evangeline’s New Generations of Harmony Proud’s Bridgeside Antiques Treasures Under Sugarloaf

Mabel Harmony Wabasha Winona

p. 51 p. 29 p. 55 p. 94

apparel E2 Boutique Footwear by Footskins HIS Business Hoffman’s Stables/Tack Shop Little River General Store The Clothes Shop Trailhead Inn

Lanesboro p. 40 Spring Grove p. 79 Spring Grove p. 79 Preston p. 65 Lanesboro p. 38 Winona p. 92 Preston p. 67, C-7

High Court Pub Il Luigi Italian Restaurant Ivy Grove Cafe Jessie Street Java Los Gables Norsland Lefse Peterson American Legion Root River Saloon Shari’s Sports Saloon Shawnee’s Bar & Grill Staghead Gastropub Stumpy’s Restaurant & Lounge Sweet’s Hotel & Restaurant The Club The Creamery/Nordic Lanes Village Square Restaurant Whiskey Dicks

Art Galleries Minnesota Marine Art Museum The Black Crow

Winona Lanesboro

p. 91 p. 41

BANKING SERVICES F&M Community Bank First State Bank of Fountain Rushford State Bank

Chatfield,Preston p. 18, 67 Fountain p. 21 Rushford p. 73

Beer/Wine/Spirits Garvin Heights Vineyards/Event Center Granny’s Liquor Karst Brewing Nordic Lanes & Lounge Pam’s Off-Sale Liquor Peterson American Legion Reads Landing Brewing Company Shari’s Sports Saloon Shawnee’s Bar & Grill Stumpy’s Restaurant & Lounge The Club TJ’s Liquor

Winona p. 90 Lanesboro B. Cover Fountain p. 20 Rushford p. 74 Rushford p. 75 Peterson p. 60 Reads Landing p. 58 Chatfield p. 19 Rushford p. 72 Rushford p. 75 Preston p. 63 Spring Valley p. 86

CAMPING/SERVICES Bluffview Campground Eagle Cliff Campground Good Earth Village Lazy D Campground Maple Springs Campground Outback Ranch

Rushford Lanesboro Spring Valley St. Charles Preston Houston

p. 72 p. 37 p. 85 p. 89 p. 67 p. 33

CONVENIENCE STORES Pam’s Corner Convenience Store

Rushford

p. 75

EATING/DRINKING ESTABLISHMENTS A&W Restaurant B&B Olympic Bowl and Restaurant Branding Iron Supper Club Burdey’s Cafe Elsie’s Bar & Grill Estelle’s Eatery & Bar Good Times Restaurant & Bar Green Mill Restaurant & Bar Harmony House

Spring Valley Preston Preston Peterson Caledonia Harmony Caledonia Winona Harmony

p. 85 p. 63 p. 65 p. 60 p. 12 p. 22 p. 9 p. 93 p. 29

Lanesboro Rushford Spring Grove Rushford Fountain Rushford Peterson Lanesboro Chatfield Rushford Red Wing Rushford LeRoy Preston Rushford Harmony Millville

p. 41 p. 76 p. 83 p. 75 p. 21 p. 74 p. 60 p. 39 p. 19 p. 72 p. 70 p. 75 p. 49 p. 63 p. 74 p. 25 p. 53

Harmony Fountain Minneiska Harmony Harmony Plainview Harmony Preston

p. 30 C-3 p. 54 p. 27 p. 26 p. 53 p. 28 p. 69

furniture Countryside Furniture Drury’s Langseth Wood Carving Looking Glass Prairie Furniture Store RJ Amish Furniture The Woods Triple M Furniture Urban Artifacts

Garden/floral Oak Hill Farm Daylilies Preston Floral & Gift

Preston Preston

p. 68 p. 66

GENERAL STORES Little River General Store Rushford Hardware Rentals

Lanesboro Rushford

p. 38 p. 72

GIFT SHOPS Amish Experience Countryside Furniture Evangeline’s HIS Business Hoffmann Tack Shop Krazy Kwiltz Langseth Wood Carving Lark Toys Little River General Store Minnesota Marine Art Museum New Generations of Harmony Niagara Cave Norsland Lefse RJ Amish Furniture SVJ Creative Designs Stone Mill Hotel & Suites The Black Crow The Turquoise Tomato The Village Depot The Village School Quilt Shop Triple M Furniture Winona County History Center

Lanesboro p. 40 Harmony p. 30 Mabel p. 51 Spring Grove p. 79 Preston p. 65 Mabel p. 51 Minneiska p. 54 Kellogg p. 56 Lanesboro p. 38 Winona p. 91 Harmony p. 29 Harmony p. 24 Rushford p. 74 Harmony p. 26 Kellogg p. 56 Lanesboro p.40, B. Cover Lanesboro p. 41 Spring Grove p. 83 Harmony p. 26 Harmony p. 26 Harmony p. 28 Winona p. 91

GOLF COURSES Cedar River Golf Course

Adams

p. 7

4 I Business Directory

Minnesota

Ferndale Country Club Harmony Golf Club Preston Golf & Country Club Rivers’ Bend at the Old Barn Resort

Rushford Village Harmony Preston Preston

p. 78 p. 22 p. 67 C-4

Grocery/specialty food Abby’s Concessions Trailer Blossom Hill orchard & farm Harmony Foods Norsland Lefse Ody’s Country Meats Pam’s Corner Convenience Pine Tree Apple Orchard Preston Foods Rushford Foods Sno Pac Foods Sunshine Foods

Canton p. 15 Preston p. 64 Harmony p. 29 Rushford p. 74 Spring Valley p. 86 Rushford p. 75 Preston p. 69 Preston p. 64 Rushford p. 71 Caledonia p. 14 Chatfield/Spring Valley p. 18, 87

HUNTING, FISHING, CAMPING SUPPLIES Cedar Valley Outfitters Little River General Store National Trout Center Root River Outfitters Rushford Hardware Rentals The Driftless Fly Fishing Co.

Whalan Lanesboro Preston Lanesboro Rushford Preston

p. 44, C-2 p. 38 p. 64 p. 39 p. 72 p. 62

LOcal community services Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau Austin Caledonia Area Chamber of Commerce Caledonia City of Chatfield Chatfield City of Fountain Fountain City of Peterson Peterson City of Rushford Rushford City of Rushford Village Rushford Village City of Whalan Whalan City of Wykoff Wykoff Harmony Area Chamber of Commerce Harmony Lanesboro Area Chamber of Commerce Lanesboro Mabel Business Association Mabel Prairie Visions LeRoy, Adams, Rose Creek, Taopi Preston Tourism & Chamber of Commerce Preston Spring Grove Communications Spring Grove Spring Grove EDA Spring Grove Spring Valley Chamber of Commerce/EDA Spring Valley Spring Valley Spring Valley Tourism

p. 8 p. 10 p. 17 p. 19 p. 59 p. 77 p. 77 p. 45 p. 95 p. 23 p. 34 p. 50 p. 47 p. 61 p. 80 p. 80 p. 86 p. 84

LODGING Amish Valley Cabin Asahi Loft Betsy’s B&B Big River Resort Caledonia Inn Cedar Valley Resort & Outfitters Country Trails Inn & Suites Cottage House Inn Crest Inn Days Inn Good Earth Village Historic Scanlan House B&B Holiday Inn Express & Suites Oakenwald Terrace B&B Old Barn Resort River House Inn

Canton p. 14 Harmony p. 26 Caledonia p. 10,12 Wabasha p. 55 Caledonia p. 10,12 Lanesboro/Whalan p. 44, C-2 Preston p. 66 Lanesboro p. 35 Caledonia p. 13 Winona p. 90 Spring Valley p. 85 Lanesboro p. 36 Winona p. 93 Chatfield C-7 Preston C-4 Peterson p. 60

Riverport Inn & Suites Stone Mill Hotel & Suites Sweet’s Hotel & Restaurant The Plaza Hotel & Suites Trailhead Inn & Suites

Winona p.93 Lanesboro p. 40, B. Cover LeRoy p. 49 Winona p.93 Preston p. 67, C-7

Museums Houston County Historical Society Museum Lark Toys Minnesota Marine Art Museum Polish Cultural Institute and Museum Pope & Young Club Winona County History Center

Caledonia Kellogg Winona Winona Chatfield Winona

p. 13 p. 56 p. 91 p. 91 p. 16 p. 91

RECREATION/ENTERTAINMENT B&B Olympic Bowl and Restaurant Preston p.63 Chatfield Center for the Arts Chatfield p. 16 Commonweal Theatre Company Lanesboro p. 35, B. Cover Great River Shakespeare Festival Winona p. 92 Hammell Equipment, Inc. Harmony, Rushford p. 30,78 Lanesboro Arts Lanesboro p. 35 Lazy D Campground & Trail Rides St. Charles p. 89 Lost Creek Hiking Trail Chatfield p. 16 Niagara Cave Harmony p. 24 Nordic Lanes & Lounge Rushford p. 74 Outback Ranch Houston p. 33 Prairie Visions LeRoy, Adams, Rose Creek, Taopi p. 47 Root River Saloon Lanesboro p. 39 Shari’s Sports Saloon Chatfield p. 19 Spring Grove Cinema Spring Grove p. 80 Spring Grove Fitness Center Spring Grove p. 80 Spring Grove Family Swim Center Spring Grove p. 83 The Old Barn Resort & Rivers’ Bend Golf Lanesboro p. 61, C-4

rentals Camp Creek Farm & Rentals Cedar Valley Resort & Outfitters Garvin Heights Geneva’s Canoe, Tube & Kayak Rental Little River General Store Rushford Hardware Rentals Serenity Hills

Preston Whalan Winona Peterson Lanesboro Rushford Preston

p. 63 p. 40, C-2 p. 90 p. 53 p. 35 p. 72 p. 69

SPECIALTIES & SERVICES Bluffview Quilt Shop Brown’s Tire, Battery & Transmission Coldwell Banker Burnet - John Nelson Darr Auctions & Realty Doggy Day Care Doubletree Leatherworks EDP Renewables Harmony Telephone Company/Computers Hoffmann’s Stables/Tack Shop Krazy Kwiltz National Trout Center Pine Tree Apple Orchard ReMax - Roxanne Johnson Root River Hardwoods Spring Grove Communications Spring Valley Senior Living SVJ Creative Designs Chad Weiss Realty Whitetail Properties

Winona Rushford Village Lanesboro Rushford Peterson Wykoff LeRoy Harmony Preston Mabel Preston Preston Harmony Preston Spring Grove Spring Valley Kellogg Preston Caledonia

p. 92 p. 78 p. 39 p. 74 p. 60 p. 94 p. 46 p. 27 p. 65 p. 51 p. 64 p. 69 p. 25 p. 65 p. 80 p. 87 p. 56 p. 68 p. 11

Business Directory I 5

Minnesota/Iowa/Wisconsin TOURS Amish Tours by R&M Amish Tours of Harmony Bluffscape Amish Tours Historic Scanlan House B&B Niagara Cave

Lanesboro p. 36 Harmony p. 28 Lanesboro p. 37, B. Cover Lanesboro p. 36 Harmony p. 24

vehicle Sales & Service Brown’s Tire, Battery & Transmission Rushford Village p. 78 Preston p. 66 Preston Service Plus Spring Valley Chevrolet Buick Spring Valley p. 42, 49, 69, 87,88

LOcal community services Allamakee County EDA Charles City Chamber Dyersville Area Chamber of Commerce Guttenberg Development & Tourism Howard County Business & Tourism Lime Springs Community Club Mitchell County Conservation Board Osage Chamber of Commerce St. Ansgar Chamber of Commerce

Waukon Charles City Dyersville Guttenberg Cresco Lime Springs Osage Osage St. Ansgar

p. 125 p. 101 p. 115 p. 118 p. 104 p. 121 p. 124 p. 124 p. 126

Decorah Dubuque Decorah Decorah

p. 107 p. 114 p. 107 p. 111

Spillville Froelich Decorah

p. 127 p. 118 p. 109

LODGING Fairfield Inn & Suites Four Mounds Hotel Winneshiek Quality Inn & Suites

Iowa Antiques Heaven’s Hill Antiques, Collectibles & More Tri-City Antiques Turkey River Mall

Guttenberg p. 118 Marquette, McGregor, Prairie du Chien p. 123 Elkader p. 116

RECREATION/ENTERTAINMENT

apparel Amundson’s Clothing for Men Fisk’s Farm & Home

Decorah Cresco, Decorah, Monona

p. 106 p. 105

BEER/WINE/SPIRITS Eagles Landing Winery Empty Nest Winery The Ox & Wren Spirits & Gifts Winneshiek Wildberry Winery

Marquette Decorah Cresco Decorah

p. 123 p. 111 p. 104 p. 109

CAMPING/SERVICES Chimney Rock Campground Hruska’s Canoe Livery & Campground Kendallville Campground Lake Meyer Park & Campground

Decorah Decorah Kendallville Fort Atkinson

p. 106 p. 113 p. 120 p. 117

EATING/DRINKING ESTABLISHMENTS Don Jose Mexican Restaurant Good Times Grill Rubaiyat Stone Hearth Inn

Decorah Decorah Decorah Decorah

p. 113 p. 112 p. 110 p. 106

furniture Jane’s Consulting of Amish Furniture The Rustic Corner

Decorah Charles City

p. 112 p. 101, C-5

Hawkeye Decorah

p. 119 p. 110

GENERAL STORES Fisk’s Farm & Home Lansing Hardware & Service

Cresco, Decorah, Monona Lansing

p. 105 p. 120

GIFT SHOPS 2 Chicks in a Barn Turkey River Mall

Cresco Elkader

p. 103 p. 116

Grocery/specialty food Oneota Food Coop WW Homestead Dairy

Decorah Waukon

Cedar Summerstock Theater Charles City Whitewater Field of Dreams Movie Site

p. 112 p. 127

Osage Charles City Dyersville

p. 124 p. 101 p. 115

Decorah

p. 113

rentals Hruska’s Canoe Livery & Campground

SPECIALTIES & SERVICES Alum-Line Trailers Fisk’s Farm & Home Gansen Auto & RV Sales KDEC Radio Lime Springs Medical Clinic Regional Health Services

Cresco Cresco Riceville Decorah Lime Springs Cresco

p. 105 p. 105 p. 125 p. 108 p. 122 p. 102

Wisconsin Antiques & GIFT SHOPS Antique Center Cranberry Country Mall, Art Gallery and Tomah Antique Mall

La Crosse

p. 137

Tomah

p. 138

BEER/WINE/SPIRITS Pearl Street Brewery

Garden/floral K & K Gardens Pinter’s Gardens

Museums Bily Clocks Museum Froelich 1890s Village Museum Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum

La Crosse

p. 137

Alma La Crosse

p. 135 p. 137

MUSEUMS Castlerock Museum Veterans Hall of Honor

RECREATION/ENTERTAINMENT Fun in the Sun Houseboats La Crosse Queen Cruises Warrens Cranberry Festival, Inc.

Alma La Crosse Warrens

p. 135 p. 136 p. 139

illinois tours

Amelia’s Galena Ghost Tours

Galena

p. 139, C-6

6 I Farmers Markets

Austin

Local

Flavor

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

Maximize your farmers market trip

Community-based farmers markets can introduce shoppers to an array of foods they may otherwise never experience. Farmers markets are great places to find fresh, locally grown foods, and many market customers are happy to know they’re benefitting both the environment and local businessess with every dime they spend. Farmers markets can range from the very large to the relatively small, and first-time visitors may not know where to begin. The following are a handful of ways to maximize your visit to farmers markets of all sizes. • Take time to explore. Farmers markets tend to have many of the same fruits and vegetables you can find at the local chain grocery store, but farmers markets also are known for offering more than what you may find in the produce aisle. Take time to explore the market and you may just find foods you typically only find at your favorite restaurant. Exploring also may introduce you to new foods you may otherwise never have tried. • Consider the timing of your visit. The popularity of farmers markets has increased dramatically as

more and more people embrace the concept of buying locally grown foods. While that’s great news for the planet and local farmers, shoppers should keep that in mind when planning their visits. If you love trying new foods, arrive early to the farmers market before the more unique offerings have been snapped up. Foods that have small yet devoted followings may not be available in abundance, and you may end up leaving empty-handed if you arrive late. If it’s a bargain you want, then visit later in the day when farmers with substantial remaining inventory may be more inclined to lower their prices. • Speak with the sellers. First-time farmers market shoppers may feel like they’re lost in the woods while everyone else seems to know exactly what they want and where to get it. If you find the farmers market somewhat intimidating, speak with the sellers. Shopping at the local farmers market tends to be more intimate than shopping at the chain grocery store, and many sellers would be happy to offer you some tips and make some suggestions based on the meals you like. Farmers markets are great places to support local businesses and find fresh foods.

MINNESOTA

IOWA

Lanesboro Farmers Market: May through October Saturdays 9-12 • Sylvan Park LeRoy Farmers Market: May 24 through October 4 Thursdays 4-7 • Hwy 56, downtown LeRoy Simple Living Farmers Market: Late April to late October Saturdays 8:30-11:30 • 1/4 mile west of Hwy 44/43, Mabel Preston Farmers Market: May through October • Saturdays 11-2 Trailhead parking lot on Fillmore Street Rushford Peterson Valley Farmers Market: June through early October Wednesdays 4-6:30 • East end of Rushford Depot St. Charles Farmers Market: May 15 - October Tuesdays 3-6 • 830 Whitewater Ave. Wabasha Farmers Market: End of May through October Wednesdays 3-7, Saturdays 9-12 • Main St. W and Alleghany Ave. Winona Farmers Market: May through October Saturdays 7:30-12 • 126 E. 5th St.

Charles City Farmers Market: May 5 - October 13 Saturdays 9-12, Wednesdays 3:30-6 • Central Park Cresco Farmers Market: May through October Tuesdays & Fridays 2-5:30 • Grube’s north lot, west of Beadle Park Winneshiek Farmers Market, Decorah: May through October Saturdays 8-11, Wednesdays 3-6 • Oneota Food Coop parking lot AND Indoor Market, November and December • Saturdays 8:30-11:30 (updates at winneshiekfarmersmarket.com) • Fairgrounds Dubuque Farmers Market: May through October Saturdays 7am-12 • City Hall Dyersville Farmers Market: May 24 through October Thursdays 2-5:30 • Commercial Club Pavillion, 225 11th St. SE Elkader Farmers Market: Saturdays May through October Saturdays 9am-12pm • Keystone Park Guttenberg Farmers Market: May 19 to end of October Saturdays 8-12 • City Park Lime Springs Farmers Market: End of May through October Saturdays 9-12 • Brown Park Marquette Farmers Market: May 25 through Mid-October Fridays 4-7 pm • Driftless Area Wetlands Centre, 509 Hwy 18 Osage Farmers Market: First Saturdays June-Sept., 8 am-12 pm Last Thursdays May-Aug. plus Sept. 15, 3-6 pm • 7th St. & State Protivin Farmers Market: End of May through October Wednesdays 2-5:30 • City Park Riceville Farmers Market: End of May through October Saturdays 9-11:30 • 203 Main St. & Hwy 9 St. Ansgar Farmers Market: June through September Thursdays 4-5:30 • White Deer Park, 4th & Mitchell Waukon Farmers Market: June-September Mondays 3:30-6 • Allamakee County Fairgrounds

illinois The Territory Farmers Market: May-October Sundays 7:30-12:30 • 2000 Territory Dr., Galena

Wisconsin La Crosse Farmers Markets: Various days, times & venues see explorelacrosse.com Tomah Farmers Market: May-October Wednesdays 11-6 and Saturdays 6-1 • Gillett Park, E. Holton St. Viroqua Farmers Market: May-October Saturdays 8-12:30 • 220 S. Main St.

Adams, MN I 7

www.visitbluffcountry.com

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dams, Minn., is a vibrant community of 800 people on the prairie, 5 miles north of the Minnesota-Iowa state line and about 15 miles southeast of Austin, 30 miles southwest of Rochester, and 100 miles south of Minneapolis-St.Paul. Adams is on the Shooting Star Scenic Byway (MN Hwy 56 mile post 1-30) with a 20+ mile bicycle & hiking trail, the Shooting Star Recreational Trail, which mostly follows abandoned railroad tracks along Hwy 56. Slow down and enjoy native tall-grass prairie flowers, grasses, and herbs the pioneers encountered 100 years ago when they settled in this area. Adams is one of four cities cooperating in an unusual joint-powers multi-community entity called Prairie Visions, which been very active in encouraging the construction of the recreational trail, the scenic byway designation and in conversation of the area native flora and fauna. Find the 40-acre Adams City Park and Campground on the west side of town, with a large cabana with covered picnic tables, fireplaces, restrooms, basketball and volleyball courts, a playground and much more. A campground of six sites with electricity and water is open for short-term camping. At $14 per night, camping is on a first come basis, with no reservations and a sewer dump site available. While in Adams, you can also spend an afternoon at the pool, try your hand at the public golf course, and take advantage of the many services offered throughout the town.

8 I Austin, MN

ou are invited to Discover Austin, Minn.! From the fast moving lanes of I-90, take one of seven exits to enjoy a charming and relaxing getaway for the day or longer. Austin has many comfortable, welcoming lodging facilities and restaurants that take the “Minnesota Nice” reputation for customer service seriously. Recharge at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center, with trails through over 500 acres of hardwoods, pine forest, restored prairie and along Dobbins Creek. Make sure you experience our new and exciting Interpretive Center, opened in 2017, featuring many unique and interactive exhibits, including two red-tailed hawks. Speaking of unique, have you been to the one and only SPAM® Museum? A brand new SPAM® Museum was built in downtown Austin in 2016, and within a few months welcomed over 100,000 visitors. FREE admission introduces you to a World Market, Can Central, Kids Can Play area, SPAM® Brand 101, and 1891 and Beyond. And while you are downtown, be sure to stop at a new book store that that offers books, ice cream, old fashion candy and the world’s largest known collection of Berenstain Bears memorabilia. Your trip downtown would not be complete without a stop at the bike shop. This is not your ordinary bike shop - they have over 80 historical bikes including the 1868 “Boneshaker”; new to the collection in 2017 was a bike owned by the late Robin Williams. Just a couple blocks from downtown you will find the Hormel Historic Home. This home was built in 1871 and a visit will

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

give you an insight to the life of the George A. Hormel Family (founder of Hormel Foods). A couple of blocks the other direction you will find the Historic Paramount Theatre, built in 1929 and one of a few “Atmospheric” theatres remaining in Minnesota. The theatre affords a fully functional venue for films, live theatre and musical entertainment, and now offers the pre-arranged group tours to learn about the history and restoration, so be sure to make your arrangements today! Outside of the downtown area, you can find a produce/bakery/garden center. They are famous for having the state’s largest daily donuts, but also offer other specialty foods and produce as well as garden decorations, supplies and plants. You can also find a distinctive collection of “justwhat-you’re-looking for” clothing, giftware and food at one of Minnesota’s original strip malls. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate the many options Austin offers: two amateur baseball teams (Greyhounds and Blue Sox), an amateur hockey team (Bruins), a 9-man football team (SE MN Warhawks), a women’s roller derby club (Minnesota Southbound Rollers). Plus, Austin has an extensive biking and hiking system, with miles of well-marked hard-surface trails around and through the city. Access to local waterways provides the opportunity for canoeists and kayakers to enjoy the Cedar River Water State Water Trail and East Side Lake. During the winter, you can take advantage of snow shoe and snow ski trails, plus over 200 miles of snowmobile trails. Discover Austin, Minn., soon!

Caledonia, MN I 9

www.visitbluffcountry.com

aledonia has a unique combination of old-fashioned fun and new creative adventures in store for visitors. Caledonia, population near 3,000, is the Wild Turkey Capital of Minnesota and the heart of Quilt Country. Start your visit in Caledonia with any number of seasonal activities. The Founder’s Day festival in June, the Houston County Fair held every August, the October Caledonia Balloon Rally & Turkey Fest, and the Winter Wonderland Celebration & Balloon Rally in December celebrate Caledonia’s motto: A City for All Seasons. Our 4-H fair is the largest rural county fair in Minnesota, with bandstand entertainment, farming exhibitions, and midway. After a local shopping experience and a meal, take the time to wind your way through some or all of the following: our historic downtown walking tour, the community swimming pool, biking, nine holes of golf, a tour of the local stave mill or Schech’s Mill, hiking, fishing, hunting, groomed snowmobile trails. A visit to the new history museum/complex adjacent to the Houston County Fairgrounds is a “walk back in time.” History Lane includes these historical buildings: an old school house, pioneer cabin, church and town hall. Caledonia can accommodate overnight visitors with our bed and breakfast, inn and motels. We are also home to Beaver Creek Valley State Park with primitive and modern campsites. Caledonia boasts beautiful bluffs and scenic vistas, and we are just 15 miles west of the mighty Mississippi. For a current calendar of events and a business directory, please contact the Caledonia Chamber of Commerce at (507)

725-5477 or visit us at our website: www.caledoniachamberofcommerce.com. Caledonia’s claim to fame: • We are the Houston County seat. • Largest Pin Oak in Minnesota, located in the Evergreen Cemetery. • Birthplace of the Kunst brothers, known as the “Earthwalkers.” • Historic district includes the Williams Hotel and the Sprague Block - which are part of the Downtown Historic Walking Tour. • Proclaimed the Wild Turkey Capital of Minnesota. • Proclaimed the Heart of Quilt Country in 2008, with over 60 barns on the current self-guided barn quilt tours.

Enjoy Historic Bluff Country

ore Historic l p x E Bluff Country

visitbluffcountry.com

www.visitbluffcountry.com

GOOD TIMES RESTAURANT & BAR HOURS:

Mon-Fri Open at 11am Sat & Sun Open at 4 pm

118 Bissen Street Caledonia, MN 55921 507.725.3839

Restaurant has Full Menu • All Homemade Food

CAteRing on And oFF pReMiSeS. (Banquet Room on lower level with full bar)

FAMOUS FOR OUR pIzzA

All Homemade ingredients • 5 Blend pizza Cheese

DAIly Lunch & Dinner SpEcIAlS

Largest display of wildlife prints in Se Minnesota

eMAil: goodtiMeSCAledoniA@outlook.CoM weBSite: gtCAledoniA.CoM

BEST BURGERS AROUND Sandwiches • Soup • Salad Bar

10 I Caledonia, MN

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

Welcome to Caledonia We Have What You Need!

Caledonia CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Sponsored by Caledonia Area Chamber of Commerce • 507-725-5477 • caledoniacoc@gmail.com • www.caledoniacahmberofcommerce.com

Ellingson Motors 205 N. KiNgstoN, CaledoNia, MN 55921

Chevrolet - BuiCK toll Free 1-800-808-3098 www.ellingsonmotors.com

Country Charm Crafts 102 S. Kingston Street, Caledonia, MN (At the stoplights - downtown Caledonia, MN) Hours: Tue-Fri 9am-5:30pm; Sat 9am-4pm

507-725-2906 608 ESCH DRIVE CALEDONIA, MN 55921 Open 24 hours a day 7 days a week

Yard Yahtzee and other summer games are among the many unique, one-of-a-kind locally handcrafted items that fill four rooms. Also carry fabric, sewing notions and scrapbooking supplies. Call Penny at 608-397-0267

Start a Family Tradition of Old Fashion Memories at

Betsy’s

Bed & Breakfast

135 East Main St. • Caledonia, Minnesota 507-724-1212 • caledoniainn.com 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 520 S. Hwy. 44/76, Caledonia, mn 55921 Ph: 507-725-3381

Crews Available

Est. since 1896

6 rooms available: queen size beds, private baths; personalized breakfast. David & Betsy Pieper Farm

Kelly meyer, REALTOR®

507.450.9395 105 South Kingston St., Caledonia, MN E: kellymeyer@kw.com W: www.kellymeyerrealestate.com

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

The Farmhouse Eatery & Gifts

Patio Seating

Open Tues - Sat ~ 8 am - 4 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

FOUR SEASONS Community Center

900 Kingston St, Caledonia • 507-725-4000

Full Service Grocery Store

510 vista dr., Caledonia, MN • 507-725-5276 open 7 days a week 7am-9pm 24-hour pay at the pump gas

Wedding Central

We offer dance floor, dinnerware, liquor service, sound system, licensed kitchen for the caterer of your choice, linen service & stemmed glassware rental. Up to 400 guests! • Email: 4seasons@acegroup.cc • Web: www.4seasonscc.com

The

Licensed in MN, WI & IA

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 DaviD P. PiePer Financial Advisor 137 East Main Street Caledonia, MN 55921 507 724 3863 fax 507 724 1274 Financial cell 507 272 4864 advisors david.pieper@mutualofomoaha.com mutualofomaha.com chairman’s council

Mary Ann's Floral & The Pine Cone Place 308 East Main St, Caledonia, MN 507-725-2621 • maryannsfloral@outlook.com Fresh flowers • Plants • Memorials • Gifts-baby, kids, wedding, any occasion • Home Décor • Dinnerware • Willow Tree Collectibles • Kodak Picture Kiosk • And so much MORE

Danielson insurance agency 112 east grove st. Caledonia, MN 55921 (507) 725-3344 tom danielson - agent

Insurance is our specialty - service is our business

Mon - Fri 8:30-5:30, Sat 9-4

Caledonia, MN I 11

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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 maplebasswood and oak forest. Campers are lulled to sleep by the murmuring stream. Wildlife The great diversity of plant species contributes 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. 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, 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.

WE SELL LAND

BOB SELLS A PROPERTY EVERY 10* DAYS (*on average the past two years)

Experienced in: • 1031 Exchanges • Exit strategies for farmland owners • Hunting land • Farmland • Hobby farms • Rural homes • Recreational land • State & government programs • Surveys • Land splits • Local building site requirements

Bob Stalberger Minnesota Whitetail Properties Certified ALC - 2016-2017: Transactions: 74 • Acres: 5,391 • Sales over: $39 Million BOB STALBERGER, ALC AGENT, LAND SPECIALIST

(507) 884-4717 Bob Stalberger

bob.stalberger@whitetailproperties.com

WHITETAILPROPERTIES.COM Whitetail Properties Real Estate, LLC | dba Whitetail Properties | Nebraska & North Dakota DBA Whitetail Trophy Properties Real Estate LLC. | Lic. in IL, MO, IA, KS, KY, NE & OK - Dan Perez, Broker | Lic. in AR, CO, GA, MN, ND, TN & WI - Jeff Evans, Broker | Lic. in OH & PA - Kirk Gilbert, Broker | Lic. in TX - Joey Bellington, Broker | Lic. in IN - John Boyken, Broker | Lic. in LA, MS & AL - Sybil Stewart, Broker | Lic. in TN - Chris Wakeﬁeld, Broker | Lic. in TN - Bobby Powers, Broker | Lic. in AR - Johnny Ball, Broker | Lic. in SC - Rick Elliot, Broker | Lic. in NC - Rich Baugh, Broker | Lic. in MI - Brandon Cropsey, Broker

12 I Caledonia, MN

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

Start a Family tradition of old Fashion Memories at Betsy’s Bed & Breakfast

Betsy’s

Bed & BreakFaSt inn Est. 1896

one of the original stops on the Caledonia Barn Quilt tour! Call today to make your reservation! 507-724-FarM (3276)

10672 Cty 249 Caledonia, Mn 55921

Beautifully restored to its original country elegance, the Historic Caledonia Inn offers two, two-room suites and two single rooms

135 East Main St. • Caledonia, Minnesota 507-724-1212 • caledoniainn.com

Pre-booking is required for all visits

available for whole house visits – 6 bedrooms with private baths

www.betsysbedandbreakfast.com

The 300 acre Pieper Farm was established in 1896 and is currently being operated by David & Betsy, along with their five children, the fifth and sixth generations of the Pieper family!

Off-site catering, bar & barbeque service for all types of events www.elsiescaledoniamn.com

226 E. Main St. • Caledonia, MN 507-725-3313 • Lee & Elsie Babler

Restaurant & Bar

• Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner RESTAURANT HOURS Sunday-Thursday 6a–9p Friday-Saturday 6a - 10p

Hungry for Breakfast, Burgers, Broasted Chicken, Pizza, Seafood, or Steak? We have it all!

BAR HOURS Sunday-Thursday 10a–12a Friday-Saturday 10a - 2a

Banquet Hall to seat 75 • Great Food • Great Drinks • Great times

Caledonia, MN I 13

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Crest Inn

“Enter As Strangers, Leave As Friends”

& ApArtments

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

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 10am-4pm (additional hours June - August) Other times available through appointment

Flatten-Swenson Log Home • Sheldon Presbyterian Church Daley School • Agriculture Building • Mayville Town Hall Other displays of Houston County in the new museum

oLd Fashioned CHristmas

Brownsville

eitzen Christian Bunge, Jr. Store (Restored Country Store in Eitzen, MN)

The Church of the Holy Comforter, Episcopal (Church with original furnishings)

Open by appointment

from sunri

Open by appointment

Two weekends

Caledonia HoT air

su n t se at

Redwood Cafe

. the..

ea lw ay

3RD Weekend in March 2019

The Christian Bunge, Jr. Store in Eitzen and The Church of the Holy Comforter, Episcopal in Brownsville are both listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Overlooking Golf Course Located on Snowmobile Trail

You’r

Used book sale

December 8 & 9, 2018

www.crestinncaledonia.com

Visit Our Research Center & Library!

Saturday and Sunday 1-4pm

Toll Free Reservation Hotline: 1-800-845-0904

Located by Houston County Fairgrounds, caLedonia. Open year round!

• 19 Motel Rooms w/2 beds • Free 120 Cable Stations • Free Wireless • Free Continental Breakfast • Microwaves • Fridges • No pets • No smoking • 24 hour cancellation policy

me co l e

104 History Lane • Caledonia, MN • 507-725-3884 • 507-896-2291 • 507-495-3265 hchs@acegroup.cc • houstoncountyhistoricalsociety.org

balloon rally Caledonia, MN

October 20 & 21, 2018

launCHing aT Caledonia HigH sCHool

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Specials

Mon-Fri 5:30am-7:00pm Sat 5:30am-2:00pm Sun 6:00am-1:00pm 117 N. Hwy 44 & 76, Caledonia 507-725-2270

weaTHer PermiTTing

Launching Sat., October 20 7:30am & 4:30pm Sun., October 21 7:30am December 8 & 9, 2018 Launching Sat., December 8 7:30am & 2:30pm Sun., December 9 7:30am

For more information contact Ann at 507-514-0961

14 I Caledonia, MN

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

Visitors Guide A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

Sno Pac FoodS, Inc 521 W. EntErPrISE dr. calEdonIa, Mn 55921 Ph: 507-725-5281 WWW.SnoPac.coM

Canton, MN

anton, located along U.S. Highway 52, is the first Minnesota city along this major north-south route. The area farmland, with its rich soils, was the first area of choice by the local Amish community, which began to settle just north of the city in 1974. That community has grown, now encompassing many acres. Buggies are a common sight in the area, and U.S. Hwy. 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. Cantonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s population has remained consistenly small. For many years its economy was based on agriculture. This has changed, however, as increasingly more of its citizens are young families, who like the small town flavor of Canton, the affordable housing, closeness to various larger cities that offer employment and easy access to a major highway. The oldest church in Fillmore County, the 1856 Lenora Methodist Church, is just four miles north of Canton. It is worth a visit to see the structure, constructed from locally quarried stone. Inside are hand carved pews, a pot belly stove, an old pump organ, as well as kerosene lamps. Abundant wildlife and great trout streams make hunting and fishing a major attraction. Groomed snowmobile trails run through the area and city.

www.visitbluffcountry.com A special publication by Visit Bluff Country

Canton, MN I 15

www.visitbluffcountry.com

Let the good times roll!

August 17 & 18 Canton Day Off • Boomer BBQ Contest • Bingo • Bean Bag Tournament • Bloody Mary Contest • & MORE!

TWO DAY BUCKET RAFFLE TICKET SALES Begins at 6:00pm • Aug. 17

Collectibles Furniture Gifts Primitives Art

105 Main Street, Canton, MN 507-438-5333 or 507-438-9142 OPEN Wednesday - Saturday 11a.m. --- 5p.m.

T A Z Z P

On & Off Sale

Open: Tues - Fri at 3pm • Sat-Sun at 12

200 N. Main Canton, MN • 743-8311 Bar Bingo every Tuesday night at 7pm

Mitson House MuseuM 307 North Main Canton, MN

Free Guided Tours

RAFFLE TICKET Drawing

Saturdays • 1-4pm

10:00pm Fest Tent • Aug. 18

For oTher Tour Times Call 507-743-8338

BAck By populAr demAnd for the 5th yeAr!

Aug. 18 Bingo every Tuesday night @ 7pm - ZZ TAP Canton Day Off • www.cantondayoff.com

A real step into the past.

16 I Chatfield, MN

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

hatfield, the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Chosen Valley,â&#x20AC;? is just 20 minutes from the bustle of the city, Rochester International Airport, and Mayo Clinic. A state safety and health award winner, the attractive city sits along the Root River and Mill Creek, a series of pools ripe for trout fishing. Mill Creek Park, a 47-acre amenity-filled commons offers picnic areas, ball fields, sand volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, biking, skateboarding, and a horse arena, as well as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and a hockey and skating rink in the winter. Wildlife abounds, which makes its pristine hiking trails a draw. The Lost Creek Hiking Trail is maintained by the Bluff Country Hiking Club and offers 6.35 miles of ranging terrain and ecosystems of forest, prairie, and pasture. The trail hosts several events annually, including the Fall Trail Run, the last Saturday of October. For a bit faster pace, the 16-mile Chatfield ATV Trail sits east of town and is open to the public May through October. Following the rise and fall of the bluffs and valleys, and winding through woodlots, pastures, and along streams, the trail is geared for all ages and experience levels. A scramble area is available for more experienced riders.

Pope & Young Club/St. Charles Museum of Bowhunting In the rolling hills and farmland of southeastern Minnesota, just minutes off of Interstate 90, lies the singular, crowning testimony to North America's rich bowhunting heritage... a place to learn about bowhunting's history, a place to appreciate bowhunting's "rediscovery," a place to understand bowhunting's place in wildlife conservation and in our culture.

273 Mill Creek Road Chatfield, MN. (507) 867-4144 M-F: 8:00AM to 4:30PM Saturday: 10:00AM to 5:00PM

Continued on page 18

chatfield center for the arts

& the historic Potter Auditorium

Natural Unpaved Trail

www.bluffcountryhikingclub.org

Where All Ages Sing & Play

Where Theater Comes to Life

Where the Music is Intimate

405 Main St S | 507.884.7676

chatfieldarts.org

Lost Creek Hiking Trail is about 6.35 miles long one way. It is located West of Chatfield with parking access at Groen Park Trailhead (Co. Rd. 2) and at the Ninebark Road Trailhead (Co. Rd. 101). Hiking & Snowshoe Only

CONCERTS, CLASSES & EXHIBITS— WWW. CHATFIELDARTS. ORG

WWW. CI. CHATFIELD. MN. US

J ANUARY— C HILL F EST, A PRIL— T ROUT C LASSIC, MAYO CTOBER G ROWERS M ARKET, J UNE- J ULY M USIC IN THE P ARK, A UGUST— C HATFIELD W ESTERN D AYS C ELEBRATION

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES—

www.visitbluffcountry.com Chatfield, MN I 17

18 I Chatfield, MN

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

Continued from page 16

For a quieter pace, the golf club offers a fun, 9-hole regulation course of 5,866 yards for a par of 35. Not a golfer? Take a few relaxing laps at the swimming pool or play a few matches at the city tennis courts. Chatfield is also widely known for its arts and unique historical offerings. Dubbed “Bandtown, USA,” the city boasts a music lending library, the only one of its kind in the world today. Dedicated to the preservation of musical heritage and utilized by musicians worldwide, the library has collected and cataloged more than 30,000 pieces, many of which are no longer in print. The city is home to the Chatfield Brass Band, a harmonic tradition for nearly a half century. Its more than 30 members, of all ages, play a variety of music in an effort to provide opportunities for amateur musicians to perform and grow musically and to continue the city’s proud custom. The Chatfield Center for the Arts furthers the progress of arts in the area through both music and drama. Thursday evenings in the summer, the city hosts the Music in the Park Concert series in the city park, highlighting the impressive bandshell. The square also plays host to an interactive and engaging custom playground. Folk and other concerts are held throughout the year, across the street at the center for the arts, and showcase the musical styling of various artists and open jam sessions. As part of the center for the arts is the Potter Auditorium. Built in the 1930s, the landmark has been fully restored. History enthusiasts won’t want to miss touring the two museums offered by the Chatfield Historical Society or the legendary Haven Stone Wall. Bordering on Old Territorial

Road on Winona Hill, the wall, which began in 1927, taking 37 years to complete, features 157 notable artifacts and geological phenomena from around the world, all embedded within the limestone wall. Several community celebrations are held annually, including Chillfest, the fourth Saturday in January, Veteran’s Ice Fishing, the fourth Saturday in February, Trout Classic fishing tournament, the Saturday closest to April 15, and the Fall Festival of Color, the first Saturday in October. The granddaddy of them all is Western Days on the second weekend in August, with a market, carnival, parades, concerts, dances, fireworks, a horse show, trail rides, and the Wit’s End Theatre’s Western Days Show.

CUSTOM APPAREL 203 Main St S. Chatfield, MN 55923

1-507-867-0111 Embroidery Screen Printing Heat Transfer Logo Design Apparel

Threads Custom Apparel provides high-quality custom apparel that will make you stand-out from the crowd. Custom clothing that catches the eye with your personalized logo or design. Perfect for corporate events, family occasions, fundraisers, sport teams and so much more.

www.threadscustomapparel.com

Open Daily 7:00am - 9:00pm

507-867-4272 237 main St. north Chatfield, MN

Full Service GrOcery StOre

www.sunshinefoodstores.com

Chatfield, MN I 19

www.visitbluffcountry.com

Todd Hadoff, GRI Cell: 507-259-5454 Email: homes@toddhadoff.com Website: www.ToddHadoff.com

REMAX Results

Banking hours:

oPEn Bowling

BurgErs & FriEs

call for availability

BattErEd Fish & FriEs

Enjoy our outsidE Patio

available on friday nights

oPEn 7 days a wEEk

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

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

FoUnTAin ToWn CelebRATionS June 22 & 23 September 15 October 6 December 8 December 8 For more information, call or write:

60 Mile Garage Sales Taste of the Trail Fountain Lutheran Church Lutefisk & Meatball Dinner Fountain United Methodist Women’s Bake & Craft Sale & Luncheon, Fountain Community Center Santa comes to Fountain & Children and Adult Drawings Fountain Community Center

City of Fountain, P.O. Box 115 • Fountain, MN 55935 507-268-4923 • http://fountainmn.org

Serving you since 1856 www.rrsbchatfield.com

Main Lobby: Monday-Thursday 8:30 am - 3:30 pm Friday 8:30 am - 4:00 pm East Lobby: Monday-Thursday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Friday 8:00 am - 6:30 pm Saturday 8:30 am - 12:00 pm Drive-up: Monday-Thursday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Friday 8:00 am - 6:30 pm Saturday 8:30 am - 12:00 pm

24 Hour FastBank ATM Cash Machines!

Fountain, MN

ountain is the western gateway to the Root River State Trail, a 60-mile route that encompasses 42-miles of former Milwaukee Railroad bed, winding along the Root River. The quaint town not only marks the beginning of the number one rated trail in Minnesota, but is hailed as the “Sink Hole Capital of the USA.” This prevailing geographical feature, created by the karst topography, lends to rolling hills and deep-cut valleys of the area, on which this unique trail system resides. Sitting atop the valley, the Fountain sink holes are revealed in numerous caverns and underground waterways, carved throughout the limestone bedrock. Just as the bedrock has formed the landscape, the history of the area culture was formed by the colorful people who settled here. The Fillmore County History Center and The Emery & Almeda Eickhoff Genealogy Library highlight the heritage, long-held economics, and occasionally the peculiarities of the area. Comprised of four buildings, an 1860s log cabin, and a restored one-room schoolhouse, the complex is simply astounding. “County museums can be dull, but not this one,” states travel site Roadside America. Over 15,000 antiques, collectibles, and memorabilia are preserved within and each with a story, including an iron padlock over a thousand years old, which legend has it belonged to Leif Ericson the Viking. Continued from page 20

20 I Fountain, MN

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

Continued from page 19

Another notable exhibit include the 1932 Model T Sky Scout and a 1947 Air Camper, both built by famed aviator Bernard H. Pietenpol, the “Grandfather of Experimental Aircraft.” The museum’s extensive collection is also comprised as one of Minnesota’s largest collections of antique agricultural equipment, showcasing a restored collection of 36 Oliver tractors, rare handmade wooden tools, automobiles, and oddities. The Bue Photography Collection, by 1900s Fillmore County Photographer Mathias O. Bue, is another museum treasure. Bue’s work is “a virtual historical picture book that provides a glimpse of a period, places, and people that exist now only in memory and literature.” The comprehensive genealogy library is acclaimed as one of the best organized and extensive local history libraries in the State of Minnesota. City Park is just a stone’s throw from the museum complex. Here visitors will find picnic shelters, restrooms, ball fields, basketball and volleyball courts, and a playground. Abundant family farms fill the landscape surrounding Fountain and are a sustaining feature of the community. Such farms have been a key feature of the local mexican restaurant - a colorful, authentic Mexican cuisine experience, which uses locally grown produce when available and exclusively grass-fed ground beef. The restaurant also provides a variety of vegetarian choices if requested, and is a good selection for gluten-free menu options. Other dining options include homemade pizza and pie in a cozy, café atmosphere and a bar & grill serving American cuisine and entertainment.

The Fillmore CounTy hisTory CenTer tart Near the Siver of Root R l Bike Trai

Now SaTuRopeN dayS! useum enealoGy ibrary - Willie’s grocery Exhibit - oliver Tractor Collection - Country School House - antique agricultural Equipment - pietenpol Hangar & aircraft - Sinkhole Exhibit

HoURS: TUESday THRoUgH SaTURday 9aM - 4pM US #52 & County Road #8, Fountain, MN (507) 268-4449

EMail: fchc@frontier.com • WEb: http://fillmorecountyhistory.wordpress.com/ please check our website calendar for summer events!

Pie & Ice Cream

2 Medium, 2 Topping

PIzzas

and a 2 Liter Pop

Made from scratch

soup specials Phone: 507-268-4406 • Corner of 1st & Main ~ 99 Main St., Fountain, MN Sunday 11-8, Monday Closed, Tues.-Thurs. 11-8; Fri. & Sat. 11-9 STop in For noon SpecialS! Tuesday: Turkey Dinner • Wednesday: Roast Pork Dinner Thursday: Hot Beef or Meatballs • Friday: Pizza by the Slice Saturday: Chicken-n-Biscuits

Karst Brewing 315 1st Street I Fountain, MN

Hours: Friday 3pm-10pm Saturday 12pm-10pm Sunday 12pm-5pm www.karstbrewed.com 612-747-6367 Owners: Eric and Sandy Luoma

Check our FB or website for extended holiday hours/special events

Karst Brewing @KarstBrewed

There's always a reason to stop at Karst - to relax after biking, grab a growler for the campfire, or just for some fun!

Fountain, MN I 21

www.visitbluffcountry.com

SAVE WITH SAFETY and BANK WITH THE LEADERS

AUTHENTIC MEXICAN RESTAURANT Breakfast (American) Saturday & Sunday Lunch • Dinner Full Service Bar

We use locally grown produce when available and exclusively grass-fed ground beef.

Dine In Thru - P- Drive ickup

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

8 52

“Your Community Banks for Generations!”

Mon - Thur 4:00 - 8pm 52 80 Fri 11:00am-8pm Sat & Sun 6:30am - 8pm Intersection of Hwy 52 S & Hwy 80 • Fountain, MN 507-268-1020 • www.losgables.com

Bike rides on the Root River State Trail 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 that 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 Grantsin-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 sun-

Serving you since 1856 www.rrsbchatfield.com

24 Hour FastBank ATM Cash Machines at each Bank!

ning themselves on the trail. They should be left alone. Historical buildings and rural communities along the trail provide sites of interest to trail users. They also provide many services. Campgrounds, bed and breakfasts, inns, resorts, 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, at the parking lot by the Community Center and Sylvan Park. Overflow parking is at the Bass Pond. • 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 downtown near the Whalan City Park. 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.

22 I Harmony, MN

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

he first thing people notice about the city 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 communities. The symbolism of the town’s name took on new meaning with the arrival of Amish families to the area in 1974. Today the Amish community consists of over 100 families and is concentrated in the areas around Harmony and Canton. 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. Visit the homes and farms of the Amish families living around Harmony. A local business offers car and group tours of the Amish settlement. View fine Amish craftsmanship and purchase Amish goods, such as baked goods, baskets, wood crafts, candy, quilts, and more. While traveling through the beautiful farm country, learn about the history and beliefs of the Amish

Chef/Owner Matt Brown, previously chef at Travail Kitchen & Amusements and Pig Ate My Pizza

Outdoor seating & Private party room available. A neighborhood eatery featuring: • craft beers • farm to table • wine and cocktails, as well • scratch kitchen • seasonal fresh menu • handmade pasta “...freshness is evident in every qualityladen, deliriously delicious bite.” – Rick Nelson, Mpls. Star Tribune - Burger Friday Column, Oct. 2015

121 Main Ave N. • 507-886-1234 Hours:

Tues-Thurs: 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat: 11am-10pm, Sun: 11am-8pm

community and how their lifestyle differs from modern ways, while giving us all a glimpse of how our own ancestors lived and farmed in bygone days. The area is blessed with rolling hills and valleys, fertile soil for growing crops, and plenty of water in springs and brooks. Niagara Cave, a natural result of the area’s karst geology, is an underground wonderland, millions of years in the making. It was discovered under a sinkhole and was explored and developed over the years as local residents turned the cave into a wellknown tourist attraction. Niagara Cave has been in continous development and operation for 75 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 that took millions of years to form, all far below the earth’s surface. The cave stays a constant 48 degrees year round and offers a 10-acre picnic ground and a miniature golf course. The Harmony Area Historical Society has developed a karst geological interpretive site as an educational tool for both local residents and visitors to the area. An observation deck with interpretive signage allows visitors to view a sinkhole, learn about how it was formed, and why it is important to our environment. The area has some of the finest trout streams in the state, river canoeing with rentals available, snowmobile and cross-country trails, and outsanding hunting for wild turkey, upland game birds, deer, and small game. The Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail connects Harmony to the Root River Trail System, and encompasses over 60 miles of recreational trail. The trail leaves Harmony and passes a variContinued on page 25

Harmony Golf Club

507-886-5622 • Harmony, MN

9-Hole Golf Course No tee times required Check out our website for more information!

www.harmonygolfclub.com

JoiN Here!

TuesdAy Women’s day 12:00pm - 6:00pm

(Cart rental required)

THursdAy Men’s day 12:00pm - dark

Play 12 Area Golf Courses for free

Special rates for first year members!

www.visitbluffcountry.com

Harmony area cHamber of commerce 2018 events root river trail toWns 60 mile GaraGe sale Friday June 22, Saturday June 23 more info at rootrivertrail.org

Harmony sinGs youtH amateur vocal competition Sunday, July 1 Harmonyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 4tH of July celebration Wednesday, July 4

Harmony, MN I 23

Welcome to Harmony! Tours, shopping and recreational opportunities await you in this active Southeastern Minnesota town. Tour our local Amish Community or Niagara Cave. Enjoy excellent restaurants, antiquing, unique gift shops, comfortable lodging and 60 miles of paved Bike Trail. Enjoy beautiful city parks, and a wide array of great service businesses ready to serve your every need. Contact us for your FREE Harmony Guide at 1-877-886-2469 or on the web at www.exploreharmony.com

customer appreciation supper & national niGHt out Tuesday, August 7 ladies niGHt out Thursday, September 13 Harmony's taste of tHe trail Saturday September 15 More info at rootrivertrail.org

fall foliaGe Weekend Friday, Oct 5-Sunday Oct 7 Haunted Harmony Weekend Thursday, Oct 18 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sunday, Oct 21 monster basH Haunted House Oct 18-21, Oct 25-28, Oct 31 Holiday fest art, craft & Gift expo Saturday, November 17 tree liGHtinG ceremony at selviG park small business saturday Saturday, November 24 breakfast WitH santa Saturday, December 1

WWW.exploreHarmony.com

24 I Harmony, MN

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

Harmony, MN I 25

www.visitbluffcountry.com

Continued from page 22

ety of wooded areas and large panoramic views of rolling hills, spring-fed creeks and farm sites. The Harmony Trailhead features a park area complete with picnic shelter, playground, a disc golf course, and visitor information center. Bike rental is available in the area. A Hobo Camp consisting of life-sized, wood-carved figures is located at the trailhead park. Interpretive signage has been provided by the Harmony Area Historical Society. Also enjoy the carved musicians now dotting the Harmony business district. 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, period antiques, and gifts for the spirit, you need go no further than Harmony’s business district. On Harmony’s north edge you will find an antique mall with over 100 vendors, an Amish furniture store, and a floral and greenhouse business. Another claim to fame for Harmony is that it is home to Fillmore County’s only movie theater, which shows current movies and serves delicious popcorn with real butter.

Select Properties

Servicing all of

SoutheaSt MinneSota & northeaSt iowa!

The fastest & easiest way to find the perfect property in Historic Bluff County is to call on the local experts! Roxanne & Kelsey offer you the professional advice & tips as your local resource. We can show all properties listed with all companies. Residential, Homes on Acreage, Recreational, New Construction, Commercial, & Ag Land.

Roxanne Johnson ABR, CRS, GRI 507-458-6110 RoxanneJohnson@remax.net

Kelsey Bergey GRI 507-251-0281 Kelsey@harmonytel.net

RE/ MAX Select Properties 25 W. Center St Harmony MN 55939 Open week days, call our cell phones for evenings and weekend appointments. Each office independently owned & operated.

Office: 507-886-4221 • www.SEMNrealestate.com

Fast Friendly Service

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507-886-4406 Main Street, Harmony, MN

26 I Harmony, MN

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

The tranquility of Japan in a private luxurious accommodation...

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School Quilt Shop Largest selection of Amish-made Quilts & Quilted Items in Minnesota! 507-886-2409 Clothing • Tableware

• Amish Backroads Tour • Table Linens • Amish Gifts & Furniture • Furniture • Curios • Scarves • Bags • Gourmet Foods • Cabin Decor • Baby Gifts • Jewelry • Children’s Books • Christmas Year-Round • Willow Tree 103 Main Ave N., Harmony

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Harmony, MN I 27

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Experience

Life As It

Marty & Wilma Hochstetler

Quality Furniture in Marty Handcrafted & Wilma Hochstetler 1/4 sawn White Oak - Red Oak Should Be Quality Handcrafted Furniture Cherry - Walnut- Maple and in Marty & Wilma Hochstetler Mailing Address: Marty &White Wilma Hochstetler 1/4 sawn Oak - Red Oak other Wood Species 21476 10th St. Cherry - Walnut- Maple and in Quality Handcrafted Furniture Handcrafted Furniture in Klondike Road • Harmony, MN 55939 Mailing Address: Lansing, IA 52155 24852Quality other Wood Species 1/4 sawn White Oak - Red Oak 1/4 sawn White Oak - Red Oak 21476 10th St. 24852 Klondike Road • Harmony, MN 55939 Cherry - WalnutMaple and Cherry - WalnutMaple and Lansing, IA 52155 Mailing Address: Mailing Address: Completely Amish Owned & Operated other Wood Species other Wood Species 21476 10th St.St. 21476 10th Klondike Road • Harmony, MN 55939 24852 Klondike Road • Harmony, MN 55939 Lansing, IAIA 52155 Lansing, 52155 24852

Lived

“After 15Completely years of building furniture at our old locaAmish Owned & Operated tion, we have moved just ten minutes southwest of “After 15 years of building furniture at our old locaHarmony. Located just onOwned the west side of Granger, Completely Amish & Operated Completely Amish Owned & Operated tion, we have moved in justa ten minutes southwest of MN, are nestled beautiful spot along the Harmony. Located just on the west side of Granger, Upper Iowa River. Enjoy furniture the scenery and take a “After 15 years ofofbuilding atatour old loca“After 15 years building furniture our old locaMN, we are nestled in a beautiful spot along the step back in time as you shop furniture in many tion, wewehave moved just ten minutes southwest ofof tion, have moved just tenfor minutes southwest Upper Iowa River. Enjoy the scenery and take a styles & wood species, for all areas of the home.” Harmony. Located just on the west side of Granger, Harmony. Located just on the west side of Granger, Bluff Country step back inare time as you for furniture in many MN, weweare nestled ininashop spot along the MN, nestled abeautiful beautiful spot along the www.visitbluffcountry.com styles & wood species, for all areas of the home.” Upper Iowa Enjoy Upper IowaRiver. River. Enjoythe thescenery sceneryand andtake takea a Specializing in step stepback backinintime timeasasyou youshop shopfor forfurniture furnitureininmany many Bedroom & Dining styles & wood species, for all areas of the home.” styles & wood in species, for all areas of the home.” Specializing

Chairs, Rockers & Gliders other Wood Species Coffee & End Tables Benches • Shelves 24852 Klondike Road • Harmony, MN 55939 • Dining && Bedroom Furniture • Dining Bedroom Furniture Chairs, Rockers & Gliders Plant Stands Cedar Chests • Hutches Cedar Chests • Hutches Benches • Shelves Completely Amish Owned & Operated Quilts • Gift Items Coffee && End Tables Coffee End Tables Plant Stands Much More - Gliders Rockers & Gliders Rockers “After 15 years of building furnitureChairs, atChairs, our old location, we& Quilts • Gift Items * Custom & Special Orders have moved just ten minutes southwest of Harmony. Located Benches • Shelves Benches • Shelves just on the west side of Granger, MN we are nestled in *a - Specializing -Plant Much More Available Stands Stands beautiful spot along the Upper Iowa River. EnjoyPlant theSpecial scenery * Custom & Orders in 1/4 sawn Quilts • Gift Items and take a step back in time as you shop for furniture inItems Quilts • Gift Available * many styles & wood species, for all areas of the home.” - Much More - -white oak - Much More * Custom && Special Orders * Custom Special Orders in 1/4 - Dining & Bedroom FurnitureSpecializing Available * Available * Cedar Chests • Hutches Specializing in

sawn white Specializing inoak 1/4 & Dining Room Furniture sawn Bedroom white oak Specializing Specializinginin1/4 1/4 sawn sawnwhite whiteoak oak

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Hwy 63

Mailing Address: 21476 10th St. Lime Springs, IA 52155

Room Furniture Bedroom & Dining Specializing Specializinginin Room Furniture Marty & Wilma Hochstetler • Dining & Bedroom Furniture Bedroom & Dining Bedroom & Dining Quality Handcrafted Furniture Cedar Chests • Hutches in 1/4• sawn White Oak - Red Oak Dining & Bedroom Furniture Coffee & End Tables Room Furniture Room Furniture Cherry - WalnutMaple and Cedar Chests • Hutches

Hwy 139

Visit

28 I Harmony, MN

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

Amish Tours of Harmony Located in the Sugar Plum House at the Village Green 94 2nd St. NW

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

• 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.

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 1850s, 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.

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

Triple - M - Furniture Emma Miller

Open Year d n Rou

you will find solid hardwood kitchen -n- dining room furniture, including tables, chairs, benches, barstools, hutches, buffets, plus occasional tables, gliders, mixed wood cutting boards and lazy susans, plaques, and much more! 13222 us 52 | Harmony, MN 55939 Located: 2-1/2 miles E. of Harmony on Hwy 52

Quality Hardwood Furniture siNcE 1985

Hours: Monday - Saturday: 8 aM - 6 pM | CloSed Sunday

Harmony, MN I 29

www.visitbluffcountry.com

Family Dining

Open

RMON Y Daily A H H OUS E RESTAURANT

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

Serving Breakfast & Lunch

Antique Mall Over 130 Booths & 10,000 square feet: Antiques • Collectibles Locally-made Amish Goods Primitives • Farm Toys & Tools Glassware & Dishes • Vintage Fabrics & Notions Books and much more!

Homemade Rolls, Pies & Pastries

FREE PIE Wednesdays

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

Check us out at www.eatatharmonyhouse.com

50 Industrial Blvd. NE Harmony, MN 55939

507-886-6660 Open Daily 10am - 5pm Handicap Accessible www.generationsofharmony.com

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Eat I RElax I Enjoy you’RE always wElcomE! 55 center st. w Harmony, mn 507-886-2225 monday-saturday 7am-9pm sunday 8am-7pm

30 I Harmony, MN

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

507.886.7469 (SHOW)

JEM

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Harmony, MN I 31

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love

Check out what Cindy Ofstedal from Asahi Loft has to say about advertising in the Visit Bluff Country Magazine! Electronic edition available at www.visitbluffcountry.com

201 8-2 019

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A p u b l i c At io

Private Bed & Breakfast Accommodation Inn Keepers: Cindy & Doug Ofstedal

n by

“When guests check into the Asahi Loft of Harmony, I have the Visit Bluff Country Magazine open on the hibachi (Japanese antique table) and direct them to the many useful maps that it contains. If they ask about a destination I can usually find the ad quickly within this publication.

Many travelers are reluctant to pick up numerous brochures/folders/ and PAPER, but this one publication covers the Driftless area so well including three states. As far as my business Asahi Loft of Harmony, I love getting my first copy of the latest edition to find my ad. Love how it looks amongst the other Harmony businesses and am proud to be a part of your publication.”

Cindy Ofstedal

Innkeeper at The Asahi Loft of Harmony, MN To advertise in the 2018-2019 Visit Bluff Country Magazine, call 507.765.2151 or email ads@visitbluffcountry.com

32 I Houston, MN

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

mid the valleys in Bluff Country lies Houston, the eastern trailhead of the Root River State Trail. Whether biking, in-line skating, or cross-country skiing on the trail, or canoeing, tubing, or swimming in the river, the area is teeming with adventure. Houston is also home to the International Owl Center, featuring Alice the Great Horned Owl and other live owls and educational programming. Held the first full weekend of March each year is the International Festival of Owls, an impressive celebration that includes live owl presentations, birding trips, contests, activities, and classes. At Trailhead Park, a wetland and levee planted in nature grasses and flowers invites visitors to explore the beauty of nature. The park also offers a picnic shelter, primitive campsites, public restrooms and showers, a band shell, and a creative and inspiring playground featuring a sand play area with buried fossils, hand water pump and log sluice, and stone tunnels and caves. The park is also home to the Houston Nature Center, where you’ll find a wide array of nature exhibits and educational programming for all ages. Houston boasts two ball fields, a public archery range, and full 18-hole courses surrounded by scenic bluffs. The Oak Ridge/Wet Bark DNR Recreation Area encompasses miles of hiking and horseback riding trails, mountain biking trails, and camping. Trails transform in winter for

110 N. Grant Street Houston, MN

Coffee & Espresso Drinks, Baked Goods, Sandwiches, Wraps & Salads, Fruit Smoothies, Gifts, CD’s, WiFi & Used Books PRIVATE GARDEN 507.896.JAVA

cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. Just south of town, you can take in a stone church built in 1855 by natural stone quarried off nearby hills. Further down Highway 76, visitors can marvel at Schech’s Mill, a working three-story mill of native stone, built in 1876. It is the only original water-powered mill in Minnesota and still boasts original equipment. North of town, visitors can tour two impressive big game farms by appointment; an elk farm and the ranch home of Cody the Buffalo II, where visitors can purchase bison, Scottish Highlander, and wild boar meat, and oneof-a-kind collectibles. Houston boasts several other distinctive shops, including a beautiful wheel-thrown and hand-created functional stoneware and porcelain pottery shop. Houston hosts several festivals: the Root River Triathlon, two Southeast Minnesota Bluegrass Association Festivals, the Apollo Music Festival, outdoor summer concerts, and on the last full weekend of July, Houston Hoedown Days transforms the town into a celebration filled with trail rides, tractor pulls, the Minnesota State Horse Pull, nightly dances, and more! Dining opportunities include a charming coffee house, authentic German cuisine, pizza and ice cream, a bar and grill, and a food co-op. Staying in Houston? Lodging is available, ranging from spirited and western to scenic and secluded to a more traditional inn.

Houston, Minnesota 507-896-OWLS (6957) InternationalOwlCenter.org

Hours

Fri/Sat/Sun/Mon: 10 AM–4 PM Call or check our website for extended summer hours and live owl programs

EXPERIENCE OWLS

UP CLOSE

Admission

Adults: $5 / Ages 4–17: $3 Ages 3 and under: Free

AND PERSONAL

Convenience & Service all through the Root River Valley

Houston bp Food Shop • • • • • • •

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

Hunting/fishing license & Game Registration

on Highway 16 East, Houston (507) 896-3000

Locally owned and operated by S&A Petroleum

●Daily Food Specials & Salad Bar Monday-Friday ●Award Winning Burgers! ●On & Off Sale Selections ●Wi-Fi Available 125 E Cedar St. Houston MN 507.896.3232

Houston, MN I 33

www.visitbluffcountry.com

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

Miles of well-groomed trails to ride or walk

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 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 multi-use land practices.

Casa de outbaCk

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12’x20’ Bunkhouse with queen bed & full kitchen & bath

Morning Ridge Cabin

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Nestled in the beautiful bluffs of Southeastern Minnesota

Daily trail use is available for those who are close by or traveling through the area Country Wedding venue for parties, reunions, receptions & more! 300’x147’ outdoor arena Limited stalls with turnouts, Pens & Individual Pastures 2,500 acres of pristine Trail Riding 40 miles of private & State Trails Connected to 100 miles of Grant-In-Aid State Snowmobile Trails Horse Trails, Hiking Trails, Snowmobile Trails OUTDOOR EXPERIENCE OF THE WEST

overnigHt CamPing With electrical hookups

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34 I Lanesboro, MN

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

ucked along the banks of the Root River in Southeast Minnesota, you’ll find a hidden gem – Historic Lanesboro, the Heart of Bluff Country. Take relaxing a drive on Highway 16, a National Scenic Byway, turn north on Highway 250, and you’ve arrived at the main street of Lanesboro, population 754. Park your car in the Poetry Parking Lot, next to the Art Car, and walk into town over a restored railroad bridge, the Coffee Street Walking Bridge. The parking lot is by the bass pond, which is fully-stocked by the DNR fish hatcheries nearby. Strolling down Lanesboro’s main street, Parkway Avenue is like a walk-through time. Well-preserved, it’s a snapshot of rural America a century ago. Architecture gracefully combines the old and new. Buildings built just a few years ago are neighbors with buildings over a hundred years old. Downtown is a landmark on the National Register of Historic Places. This town is alive with the arts, good food, easy access to the outdoors whose beauty rivals anywhere else, and history. In fact, you may even see a History Alive! Pop-up play - reenactments of Lanesboro history. You just never know what you’ll see in town. At the north end of town, the Commonweal Theatre, home to a professional theatre which, from March through December, entertains thousands of people every year with a rotating repertory of comedies, dramas, musicals, classics and contemporary plays. Next door to the state-of-the-art Commonweal Theatre, is the St. Mane Theatre, run by Lanesboro Arts. This theater, one of the oldest buildings in town, provides a venue for the Lanesboro Community Theater, concerts, classes and Over the Back Fence, a variety show which has been in operation since 1994. On the second Friday, from March through November, Over the Back Fence showcases talented local cast, musicians and other guests. Each month features a new

theme with music, skits, jokes, comedy, poems, and more. In addition to live theater, the recently renovated St. Mane Theatre presents the movies of local and regional independent filmmakers. Both theaters are part of the Lanesboro Arts Campus, a layered and memorable arts experience integrated into the fabric of Lanesboro that builds on, and is designed to enhance and connect, existing assets—the river, scenery, recreation, history, and downtown—while extending art into the community. By utilizing art, design, and history to maintain, strengthen, and link what’s unique and authentic about Lanesboro, stimulating economic growth and improving quality of life. Imagine shopping in the places where people have been shopping for generations. While the locally-owned shops don’t house a cobbler, they do still offer unique products and services, housed in the warm, welcoming Lanesboro downtown shops Lanesboro is conveniently located in the middle of the nationally acclaimed Root River State Bike Trail, so it doesn’t matter which direction you choose to go. Ride on 60 miles of paved trails, following the river winding its way through woods, bluffs, farms and tiny towns. The trail runs right through the middle of town. After an enjoyable day of biking through Bluff Country, ride over to the shops and grab some gourmet cheese and a bottle of wine to enjoy at a splendidly restored bed and breakfast while you get ready to go out for dinner and the theater. Lanesboro is well known for its many lodging choices. You can choose to stay at a bed and breakfast, a cabin or an inn - practical, charming, historic, secluded, on the river. No matter where you stay, though, you will enjoy generous hospitality, and relaxing comfort. Continued on page 37

anesboro THE HEART OF BLUFF COUNTRY

2018 Entertainment & Events

MORE information & events at lanesboro.com!

Visitors Center  100 Milwaukee Rd, Lanesboro  507-467-2696

APRIL 14

MAY – OCTOBER

JUNE 16

SEPTEMBER 22

APRIL 27-29

MAY 12

JUNE 22-23

OCTOBER 6

MAY 17-20

AUGUST 3-5

NOVEMBER 24

MAY 19

AUG, SEPT, OCT

DECEMBER 1

GET SQUIRRELLY WITH SURLY BLUFF COUNTRY STUDIO ART TOUR

LANESBORO FARMERS MARKET GIRLS DAY OUT BLUFF COUNTRY GATHERING WHALAN STAND-STILL PARADE

MAY 28

MEMORIAL DAY PROGRAM

JUNE 2

RHUBARB FESTIVAL

ART IN THE PARK

GIRLS DAY OUT

60-MILE GARAGE SALE

FALL INTO LANESBORO

BUFFALO BILL DAYS

EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC

LANESBORO AREA ART TRAIL Aug 17-18, Sept 14-15, Oct 5-6

HOLIDAY DINNER DANCE

SEPTEMBER 8

FALL CRAFT BEER FEST

SEPTEMBER 8

TASTE OF THE TRAIL

Create your own

#LanesboroMN story!

www.visitbluffcountry.com

For reservations call

507-467-2577

209 Parkway Ave N, Lanesboro Â&#x152; chinn@acegroup.cc

Lanesboro, MN I 35

36 I Lanesboro, MN

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

imagine...

708 Parkway Avenue South Lanesboro, MN 55949 1-800-944-2158 or 507-467-2158 www.ScanlanHouse.com ScanlanBB@aol.com

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Lanesboro, MN I 37

www.visitbluffcountry.com

Continued from page 34

Some visitors would rather take a more leisurely trip down the river. Canoes, kayaks and tubes are available to rent in town. Top off your afternoon with some ice cream. At the center of town is the jewel of Lanesboro, green, tree-laden Sylvan Park. With a brand-new, kid-approved playground, seven picnic shelters, tennis and basketball courts, two spring-fed ponds, a gazebo; this 12-acre park is the place to spend an hour or a whole day. The park is within sight of a waterfall flowing over the 1868 dam, providing the power for the electric power plant which has been generating power for almost 150 years. Countless activities are held here. On the first Saturday in June, the park hosts the famous Rhubarb Festival commemorating our status as the Rhubarb Capital of Minnesota as designated by the Minnesota state legislature. Later in the month, Art in the Park, southeast Minnesota’s longest running art festival, features 80+ art exhibitors, pie (including rhubarb, of course), music all day, all taking place in the dappled shade of the park’s stately trees. Once a year, the first weekend in August, the town celebrates Buffalo Bill Days, in recognition of the times when Buffalo Bill brought his famous Wild West show to town. The festival is so big, with so many activities, it takes three days to do it all. From volleyball tournaments to dancing, picnics to beer and brats, fireworks to the Grand Parade, this event has something for the whole family. Come visit! Discover a slower pace of life with no chain stores or fast food franchises, and the closest stoplight is 20 miles away. This quaint town site offers invigorating outdoor adventures, breathtaking views, rich artistic and cultural experiences, unique shopping, locally grown foods and find dining. Come see why visitors love Lanesboro and return year after year!

Bluffscape Amish Tours Tours Daily April - October 10am & 1:30pm No Sundays or Religious Holidays Saturdays only in November

“A stunningly beautiful campground in the heart of bluff country.” u

226 Sites (Tent, RV, Permanent)

RV sites with Full Hookups (electric, water & sewer)

Seasonal Sites with Full Hookups

5 unit hotel sleeps up to 22 guests

Tubing, Canoeing and Kayaking

Access to bike trail

On the Root River

Banquet Facility: seats 80 plus

35455 State Hwy 16 E, Lanesboro

507.467.2598 www.eagle-cliff.com

ReSeRvATiONS AT: Stone Mill Hotel & Suites 102 Beacon St. e, Lanesboro, MN

(507) 467-3070 bluffscape@hotmail.com

www.bluffscape.com

38 I Lanesboro, MN

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

DOWNTOWN LANESBORO

LiTTLE RivER GENERAL STORE Bike Retail • Rental • Repair Fuji CRoSStoWN BikES

NEW BikES AT BEGiNNiNG oF EaCh SEaSoN E-aSSiSt Fat tiRE BikE!

cELEBRATiNG 31 yEARS iN LANESBORO!

507-467-2943 TuBE, REcumBENT & BicycLE RENTALS

BiRia StEp thRouGh BikE!

BicycLE REpAiR/RENTAL • BiCyCLE SuppLiES

Bags, Speedometers, Racks, Tubes, Tires, Etc....

• RECuMBENt (SiNGLE & DouBLE) SALES, RENTAL & AccESSORiES • ELECtRiC-aSSiSt BikES • tERRa tRikE RECuMBENtS • Fat tiRE BikES • Fat tiRE tRipoDS • WoRMS SoLD hERE • ChiLDRENS tRaiL-a-BikES / kiDDiE kaRtS / BikES • WatER ShoES, t-ShiRtS, BikE ShoRtS aND aCCESSoRiES

TuBE RENTALS

105 Coffee St. E, Lanesboro, MN • www.LRGeneralStore.net

Lanesboro, MN I 39

www.visitbluffcountry.com

Come and Explore Bluff Country in God's Country in Southeast Minnesota! I grew up in Lanesboro and know the Bluff Country areas very well. If you are looking to buy or sell in this beautiful area, I would love to help you! I specialize in Residential, Commercial, Recreational, and Ag Land. I am a Veteran of the U.S. Navy serving in the Persian Gulf War and I promise to give the same commitment when you are ready to buy, sell or just need information on properties.

Root River

Outfitters FAmILy OwNEd & OpERATEd FOR OVER 20 yEARS!

www.rootriveroutfitters.com 101 Parkway Ave. S., Lanesboro, MN 55949 507-467-3400

John nelson Cell 507.216.1140 John.nelson@Cbburnet.Com

Root River

Saloon

TwO-FOR-TUESdAyS

Two tubes for the price of one, every Tuesday!

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

• On/Off Sale • Pull Tabs & E-Tabs • Minnesota State Lottery

Stop iN & JoiN the FuN! Open Daily: Mon-Sat at 10 am and Sun at Noon

CALL FOR RESERVATIONS! DAiLY hAppY houR

We Rent

Canoes • Tubes Kayaks • Bikes Find us on facebook.com/rootriveroutfitters

40 I Lanesboro, MN

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

507-467-2202

100 Beacon Street w. LaneSBoro mn

Open 7 days a week! SPECIALTY COFFEE - SMOOTHIES WINE - BEER - ICE CREAM CHEESECAKE www.thegranarycoffeeandwine.com

E2 BOUTIQUE

Gourmet Foods | Jams & Jellies | Jewelry

117 Parkway Ave N, Lanesboro

507-467-2994

105 Parkway ave n, lanesBoro, mn 507-886-2409

Affordable Trendy Fashions for all Ages

Lanesboro, MN I 41

www.visitbluffcountry.com

HABBERSTAD HOUSE Bed and Breakfast njoy a most relaxing retreat in this 1897 Queen Anne Victorian. Comfortable, quiet rooms, with scrumptious breakfasts.

706 Fillmore Ave. S., Lanesboro, MN 55949 507-467-3560 â&#x20AC;˘ habrstad@acegroup.cc

Open:

Mon.-Sat.: 6 am - 3 pm Sun.: 7 am - 2 pm

www.rootriverrodco.com Guide Service-Wade or drift Boat fly fiShinG expertS i apparel i BamBoo rod maker neW & vintaGe Gear i rod repair i fly tyinG 116 Parkway avenue north Lanesboro, Minnesota 507-467-2101

The Black crow Gallery and Gifts

Restaurant

701 Parkway Ave S. Lanesboro, MN 507-467-3444

www.TheCrackedEggLanesboro.com

High Court

Pub Enjoy amazing craft beers on tap, great cocktails, in-house flat breads, and the best live music in southeastern Minnesota!

109 North Parkway Ave Lanesboro MN, 55949 507-467-2782

Featuring decorative, functional and wearable art made by regional artists and consigned clothing, collectibles and household goods.

110 coffee Street, lanesboro

www.highcourtpub.com OPEN DAiLy tiL LAtE Trivia Tuesdays @ 7:30 PM and Open MIC Thursdays 7:30 PM til late

Kitchen Always Open

Rent our 3rd floor loft go to www.highcourtpub.com to make reservations.

We have two outdoor decks one overlooking the Root River.

42 I Lanesboro, MN

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

Lanesboro stage Line

LLC

Insured • 507.896.3337 • lanesborostagecoach.com

Spring Valley CheVrolet BuiCk

Sales • Service • Parts • Body Shop • Towing

Home of the Original New Big 10

Convenience & Service all through the Root River Valley

Lanesboro bp Food Shop • • • • • • •

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

Locally owned and operated by S&A Petroleum

Hunting/fishing license & Game Registration 100 Sheridan St. on Highway 16 West, Lanesboro (507) 467-2121

507-346-7337

120 E. GranT STrEET • SPrinG VallEy, Mn 55975

www.SPrinGVallEychEVyBuick.coM

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 HarmonyPreston 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 spelunking tours through more remote and challenging sections of the cave. Above Mystery Cave 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.

www.visitbluffcountry.com

MN Area Map & Scenic Byway I 43

44 I Whalan, MN

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

heltered by towering 300-floot bluffs and laid out along a hairpin turn in the Root River lies the village of Whalan. Included in Midwest Living’s Ways to Play in the Root River Valley, the community affords fun and adventure at every turn. While much of the sightseeing in Fillmore County requires exertion on the part of the participant, several tours exclusive to Whalan allow for viewing the sights, wildlife, and nature while at complete rest. Take a tour through the 100 acres of private woodlands, around and overlooking the river, with horse drawn wagon or sleigh rides. For those looking for a bit more adventure, try a Jeep tour, up the bluff along switchback trails to a towering overlook. The town is a bustling destination for lodging and fun due to a number of established accommodations. Settle into a resort offering 11 cozy, log-sided cabins of various sizes. Winning the distinction of the Minnesota Resort and Campground Association’s 2013 Operators of the Year, the resort is full of amenities, including a retail area, frisbee golf course, sand volleyball, bocce ball, basketball court, three playgrounds, and vast green space for whatever your heart desires. In addition, bikes, canoes, kayaks, and tubes are available for rent, as are cross-country skis and snow tubes in the winter. Find the ultimate in relaxation at the resort with on-site massage, energy and Ayruveda therapies. Or, let your group check into a river front property just 100 feet from the Root River State Trail, offering whole house rental.

Treasures on the Trail

•

An Artisan Boutique 431 Half St., Whalan MN

507-467-2015 651-233-7688

Adjacent, the miniature golf is a challenging and amusing lighted sculpted 9-hole course, the best in the area. Also available for lodging are a guest house, inn and campground. When it’s time for a quieter pace, visitors can kick back in the striking city park under the gazebo or stop in at the famous pie shop, serving mouth-watering, homemade pies for over 25 years. History buffs will enjoy the Whalan Museum, located in the restored 1898 village hall, complete with performance hall and community center, and Ernie’s 1917 Filling Station, a restored (nonoperative) landmark. Gardeners will revel in the greenery and ponds at a greenhouse just south of town on the scenic byway. Several festivities add to the fun in Whalan, and none is more popular that the world-famous Stand Still Parade. Held the third Saturday in May, the day-long celebration showcases the only non-moving parade. Here, “the parade doesn’t move, the spectators do!” The day is filled with artists, crafters, demonstrators, live music, Scandinavian lefse and rommegrot, a pieeating contest, petting zoo, and laugh-inducing bed races. In July, the city hosts the three-day Fourth of July Fast Pitch Softball Tournament, while August provides an opportunity for an outdoor movie at the village hall. In September, the city hosts the Taste of the Trail, a celebration of life and culture along the Root River Trail. Even winter on the trail is exhilarating, as the city hosts a Candlelight Ski each year on the first Saturday in February. Participants will enjoy local food and a bonfire at both ends of the trail route.

Cedar valleYutfitters resort & O Quality Items at Affordable Prices

Open Year-Round!

2015 Best Of Minnesota-Star Tribune

Sunday, Noon - 4 pm Monday, 10 am - 5 pm Tuesday & Wednesday - Closed Thursday, 10 am - 5 pm Friday, 10 am - 6 pm Saturday, 10 am - 5 pm

Enjoy Historic Bluff Country

ore Historic Expl Bluff Country

visitbluffcountry.com

www.visitbluffcountry.com

CedarValleyResort.com 507.467.9001

See full page ad inside front cover

Whalan, MN I 45

www.visitbluffcountry.com

Welcome to Whalan Ernie’s 1917 Station 500 New St., Whalan, MN

RestoRed FILLING stAtIoN

Todd Hadoff, GRI Cell: 507-259-5454 Email: homes@toddhadoff.com Website: www.ToddHadoff.com

REMAX Results

WHALAN STANDSTILL PARADE Saturday, May 19, 2018

• Non-Operational • For your visual enjoyment

City of Whalan

Welcomes You!

Whalan MuseuM

651 202 1845 Located on the Root River Bike Trail, Whalan Open Thursday thru Monday 11-5.

Ask about Jeep Tours & Horse Drawn Rides!

A charming 19th Century Village nestled in a valley surrounded by Limestone Bluffs.

224 2nd Avenue, Whalan

507.467.2344 Thursday: 11-5 • Friday - Sun: 10-5 Monday: 10-3

BLuff VIEW GuEST HouSE Whole House Rental 507-459-3314

• Opens 2nd weekend in May (weekends only in May) • Open 5 days a week Memorial weekend through Labor Day • October - limited days

Open Saturday & Sunday, May 20-October 15, 11am-4pm or by appointment, call 507.867.3746 whalanmuseum@gmail.com

whalanmuseum.com

46 I LeRoy, MN

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

eRoy is known as the western gateway to Historic Bluff Country. A progressive community, in addition to its proximity to Lake Louise State Park’s recreation, LeRoy boasts an indoor swimming pool, bowling alley, two city parks with picnic shelters and playgrounds, ball diamonds, basketball courts and more. It is home to 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, 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, also 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. 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 along Highway 56, which is also known as the Shooting Star & Historic Route Scenic Byway. The trail goes through Taopi, Adams, Rose Creek, and heads toward Austin, allowing trail users to experience a rural landscape. The native wildflowers and grasses are a highlight of this byway and trail. Leroy is also home to the Pioneer Prairie Wind Tower Lookout and Interpretive Center.

Advertise With Us! Call 1-800-599-0481

Stop in and test drive one today.

CountryClipper.com

Point N’ Go Mowing

11 miles South of Spring Valley on Highway 63

Discover the benefits of wind energy at EDP Renewables Energy’s Pioneer Prairie Lookout

Sit Back, 507-561-2282

Point Sit Back, Point & Relax

& Relax www.harringtonenterprisesmn.com

Features:

Stroll through our 2 acres of display gardens and visit our gift store.

• Patented Stand-Up Deck • Easy, Point & Go Joystick Steering The Area’s Largest • Traditional Twin Lever Steering Option •Selection Pivoting Front Axle & Deck of Annuals, • Heavy-Duty Spindles Perennials, Trees & Shrubs! • Welded Steel Deck and much more!

For More Information:

Call today for a free laNdSCaPe eStimate

Hwy 63 N., Chester, IA. • 2 miles North of Chester on Hwy 63 Hours Open: Mon-Sat 9:00am-5:30pm • Sun 11:00am-4:00pm

507-561-3785 Find us on Facebook

E: toddi@treehouselandscaping.com • W: www.treehouselandscaping.com

Our FREE, unique, and educational wind farm lookout is located on the south side of LeRoy, northeast of Pioneer Prairie Wind Farm.

LeRoy, MN I 47

www.visitbluffcountry.com

Prairie Visions Shooting Star Scenic Byway & Shooting Star Regional Trail

Shooting Star Scenic Byway

20 miles oF gArAge sAles Along the shooting stAr sCeniC bywAy June 8 & 9, 2018 leroy to rose Creek

lake louise state Park www.visitleroy.com/lakelouise.html Trails for: • Hiking • Biking • Horseback Riding • Skiing • Snowmobiling

Water recreation includes: • Swimming • Boating / Canoeing • Fishing • Shaded picnic grounds

2018 scheduled Programs

Campground: Opens Memorial Day Weekend Open House: Saturday, June 9, 2018 Candlelight Walk: 5:30-8:00pm • Oct. 7, 2018

20 Annual

Prairie Visions Presents

shooting star trail bike ride saturday, June 23, 2018 Austin’s todd Park is the starting point

Check out businesses in the Prairie Visions Communities for dining, recreation, gas & Convenience, hardware, groceries, lodging, Antiques, gifts & more!

Prairie Visions Community Events AdAms 150th yeAr CelebrAtion (sesquiCentenniAl)

June 8, 9, & 10, 2018

rose Creek dAys July 13, 14, & 15, 2018

leroy summer-Fest July 20, 21, & 22, 2018

48 I LeRoy, MN

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

Gift to Gab

424 W. Main (Next to School) LeRoy, MN • 507-324-1436

• Fresh Flowers For All Occasions • Green & blooming plants, Silks • Antiques

• Repurposed Furniture • Homemade Signs • Hand Poured Soy Candles • Handbags & Jewelry

TRAVEL LANES

& Supper Club

101 W. Main St., LeRoy, MN (507) 324-5211 Hrs: Mon-Sun 11:00am to Close

Full line of groceries, fresh meat and bakery.

J&B Liquor Off Sale: Mon-Sat 10am-10pm Restaurant/Bar

Bowling: 11:00am-Closing

Weekly Specials Banquet Room: Full Bar Wednesday & Food Available Mexican Night Thursday Ribs, Fries, & Coleslaw Catering: No party too Friday small or large! Fish Special (With Salad Bar)

Saturday Steak & Walleye (With Salad Bar)

HOMEMADE PIZZA

Thick or Thin Crust! Try Our New Chicken Alfredo & BBQ Garlic Chicken Pizza

Expanded produce and frozen food sections. 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.visitbluffcountry.com

SWEETS HOTEL EST.. 1898 1898

HISTORICAL HOTEL, RESTAURANT & LOUNGE est

CheCk Out Our COlliSiOn Center!

ROOM RESERVATIONS Room Reservations 507.467.3466 507.467.3466 Good Old Fashioned Breakfasts! Daily Lunch Specials!

4-9pm • 7 Days A Week

Spring Valley CheVrOlet BuiCk

Sales • Service • Parts • Body Shop • Towing

8 8Themed ThemedSuites Suites & & Rooms Rooms Including 5 Jacuzzi Including 5 Jacuzzi Suites Suites

Nightly SpecialS

LeRoy, MN I 49

Restaurant Hours:

Oh, Deer! neVer fear... We Can fix it!

Mon-Fri 6am-9pm Sat & Sun 8am-9pm Bar Hours: 8am-Closing Happy Hour 4-6pm

thursday Mexican Night Friday All-U-Can Eat Fish Saturday All-U-Can Eat Prime Rib All Specials Include Full Salad Bar With Soup 128 W. Main St., LeRoy, MN Restaurant 507.324.9546 Open 7 Days a Week! www.sweetshotel.com

Expires August 1, 2018

www.SPrinGVallEychEVyBuick.coM

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 Line 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 young 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, and one of the best ball diamonds in the area. The annual ‘50s & ‘60s Day is held the second Saturday in

One If you need supplies... StOp check our list! • Clothing: Tingley & Northerner Footwear, Red Wing Work Shoes, Rainsuits, Gloves, Carhartt Clothing, Sweatshirts, Socks, & much more • Rubbermaid, Brooms, Coolers, Paper Towels • Garden Shop • Toys: Games, Dolls, Wagons, large Ertl Selection

Swap a Tank

20lb & 30lb cylinders

11748 State Hwy 43• MABEL, MN

507-493-5217

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

507-346-7337

120 E. GranT STrEET • SPrinG VallEy, Mn 55975

Available Year Round

Mabel, MN August. Classic cars line Main Street for all to view on Saturday afternoon. After the car show is the awarding of trophies. 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 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. The weekend winds down with drawings held by various community organizations, with the grand prize being a new vehicle. Mabel’s business community includes a bank, farm store, thrift store, hardware store, medical clinic, flower & gifts store, antique shop, a hotel, 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.

50 I Mabel, MN

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

MABeL

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

For more info visit Mabel’s website www.cityofmabel.com • City offices: 507-493-5299 Citywide Rummage Sale

May 10-12

MAbEl-CAntOn COMMunIty nIght Out August 7, 2018

Customer Appreciation Supper at Steam Engine Grounds Kids Games, Music, & More!

Hesper-MABeL steAM engine dAys

Saturday & Sunday September 8 & 9, 2018

• Antique Shows • Parades • Exhibitions • Food • Crafts • Threshing • Tractor Pull • Quilts • Model Railroad Show • Jolly Jumps Amusement • Many, Many Activities

The Mabel Business Association welcomes you to our community. Enjoy your time in our town and visit the foIlowing sites: • Hesper-Mabel Historic Barn • Steam Engine Park • Mabel MemoriaI Park • Mabel Sportsmen Park • Mabel-Canton K-12 school

Our business community is here to serve you, check out: • Dining • Gas • Hardware • Gifts • Lodging • Farm & Home Shopping • FIowers • Quilts • Clothing and More!

Mabel Area Community Center 201 Main St. S • Mabel, Minn. • www.cityofmabel.com Call 507-493-5299 to book your event today! From a small shower to a reunion, an employee meeting to a large wedding reception, the Mabel Area Community Center is your answer!

Mabel, MN I 51

www.visitbluffcountry.com

BBG’s

Mabel ’50s & ’60s Day

Saturday, August 11, 2018 Main St. • Mabel, MN

• Car Show - Registration 8am-11am Trophies at 2:30pm • 5K & 10K Run from the Sun • Live Music: Chris Von Arx Band1-2pm • Food available in the Legion

Cruise in for a rockin’ good time!

General info: Gary 507-269-9597

www.mabel5060.com •

‘50s-’60s Classic Car Show

101 N. Main, Mabel, MN • 507.493.5800 Open Mon-Fri 6am-4pm • Closed Saturday & Sunday

24 Hour ATM

Mabel Liquor Store 106 North Main, Mabel, MN 55954

507-493-5544 ON & OFF SALE

101 E. Newburg, P.O. Box 367, Mabel, MN Phone (507)493-5426 www.bankofthewest.com

Open Monday-Saturday at 10:00 AM

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

Krazy Kwiltz Quilt & Fabric Shop

Fabric, Quilting Supplies, Notions, Floss, Yarn, Hooks and so much more!

Evangeline’s

Home & Garden Décor Offers a mix of new, vintage & antique merchandise, handmade/hand sewn along with reinvented items!

Now under NEW management

Doll Clothes for 18” & 16” dolls, Fabric Purses & Diaper Bags

We now do mending, alterations & replace zippers. Handicap Accessible Open M-F 11-4pm; Saturdays 10am-4pm

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

52 I Mabel, MN

we have the inventory.

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

Convenience & Service all through the Root River Valley

Mabel bp Food Shop

we have the experience.

• • • • • • •

We Deliver! Candles • Cards • Gifts • flowers • Plants

MABEL FLOWERS & GIFTS

Mabel

Saturdays 8:30-11:30 a.m. Late April to late October ¼ west of Jct Hwy 44/43

Caledonia

Highway 44 & Locust, Mabel (507) 493-5924

Enjoy

e Historic r o l p Ex Bluff Country

, Historic Bluff country

Wednesdays 3:00-6:00 p.m. Late April to late October Redwood Cafe parking lot, Hwy 44 Fresh produce, baked and canned goods, crafts, and more!

visitbluffcountry.com

www.visitbluffcountry.com

For information, contact Walter “Mac” Macomber 507-760-0198

illville, a city on the Zumbro River, was incorporated as a village in 1899. It was founded by Charles F. Read, for whom Reads Landing was named, on a site selected for its good gristmill possibility, although none was built. When the post office was established in 1867, Read was the first postmaster in his home. Millville is home to the Spring Creek National. This legendary motocross race is sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing. When in town for the the race, stop at the saloon and grill for a tasty meal in their outdoor eating area, or rent a kayak to get the best view of the Zumbro! August brings out the best of the town with their August Millville Valley River Days celebration, which began with just a band and only was supposed to be one day, but soon grew into a full-blown festival, with old and new attractions and activities. One tradition being brought back from the festival in the 1990s is the rubber duck races, in which thousands of rubber ducks are released into the river, with the owners of the first three ducks to cross the finish line winning a prize. Among other activities, the festival ends with fireworks at dusk on Sunday night.

Advertise With Us! Call 1-800-599-0481

SMG Design

Web

Millville, MN

Locally owned and operated by S&A Petroleum

Hunting/fishing license & Game Registration

105 S Main Street, Mabel, MN 507-493-5400 www.mabelflowers.com

Simple Living Farmers’ Market

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

We Design Your Success We specialize in customized website design and development to meet the online marketing needs of clients all throughout the United States.

Check out the City of Mabel website created by SMG Web Design. http://www.cityofmabel.com/

On your Smart Phone

507-765-2151 • michelle@smgwebdesign.com www.smgwebdesign.com • www.facebook.com/SMGDesign

Millville, MN I 53

www.visitbluffcountry.com

Whiskey Dicks Eatery & Saloon

411 Division St • Millville, MN • 507-798-2424 www.facebbook.com/Whiskey-Dicks

Restaurant:

Monday: Closed Tuesday-Thursday: 10:30am - 10pm Friday: 10:30am - close Saturday: 11am to close Sunday: 11am - 9pm Party Packages available

Fridays

All you can eat fish and chicken buffet! Famous for The fresh delicious half pound burgers

ON aND Off Sale • Happy HOur TueSDay THrOugH friDay 3 - 6pM

Plainview, MN

g “Goin

to The Woods is Going Home ”

INspIred style, lastINg QualIty, aNd IrresIstIble value are our passIoNs at the woods. vIsIt our spacIous showroom.QualIty amIsh FurNIture & home acceNts! Please call, email, or stop by. 435 West Broadway, Suite 1 • Plainview, MN 55964 (507) 710-4110 • (866) 861-1830 amishwoods@woodsamishfurniture.com

Visit us at http://woodsamishfurniture.com/

lainview is a progressive, small town in southeastern Minnesota located 21 miles from Rochester, with a population of 3,340. Plainview is 14 miles from hunting, fishing and boating on the Mississippi River. The Whitewater and Zumbro River Valleys are less than five miles from city limits. And two state parks are within 15 minutes of Plainview! The city is also located at the edge of the 2,000,000 sq. miles Richard J. Dorer Hardwood Forest, which covers parts of seven counties. Plainview residents are 15 minutes away from four recreational areas within the Forest. “Quality of life” and 21st century amenities rate high in Plainview! The Jon Hassler Theater offers the region a variety of professional productions throughout the year. The Rural America Writers’ Center is a regional hub for aspiring writers and playwrights. Plainview’s eight parks offer residents picnic areas, play equipment, tennis courts, softball diamonds and an archery range. Golfers can enjoy a 9-hole regulation length golf course. From the community pool, library, restaurants and more, everyone can take advantage of the small town feel of the area with the convenience of being within driving distance to larger cities and amenities. Our area also offers multiple parks and valley access points for the Whitewater State Park, Carly State Park, the Richard J. Dorer Hardwood Forest and the Zumbro River Valley, which are all within 15 minutes of the area! Not into the sporty options? Don’t miss the beautiful bluebell flowers that bloom in the spring.

54 I Minneiska, MN

inneiska, meaning “Water White,” was named by the Sioux Indians. The Whitewater and Zumbro joined the Mississippi, causing turbulence that appeared white. The Indians loved the area for water travel, and the high bluffs above the river allowed a lookout for game and enemy tribes. Close to the 2,800-acre Whitewater Management Area and numerous state forest lands, Minneiska has a great 3-mile wide view of the great Mississippi. Eagles nest in the summer and can be seen fishing almost year-round, pelicans are seen soaring, and In the fall, tundra swans feed and rest. A fish weather vane high on the bluff above Minneiska was originally made of wood and erected in the mid-1800s, giving log rafters a clue to wind direction, and is now replaced with a tin fish. Just south of town, on the river, Putman Gray built from driftwood what is known as “Crazy Man’s Castle.” Decorated with a tower, steeples, verandas, and pagodas, it was advertised in St. Louis and when steamboat lights flashed across the castle at night, Gray’s daughters danced with white sheets covering themselves. Putman also invented an amusement ride that was purchased by a man named Ferris, becoming the Ferris Wheel that is still enjoyed today. With the most woodcarvers per capita, two shops are open to the public; one carving carousel animals, trolls and gnomes and, next door, a carver works on Kubblstoles and Scandinavian furniture. A third carver makes signs that are seen throughout the city.

Wabasha, MN

ocated 70 miles southeast of Minneapolis/St. Paul, Wabasha, Minn., is a hotspot river town on the Mississippi River rich in history and attractions. Enjoy outdoor activities, artistic experiences, unique shopping, fine dining and lodging. Our historic district has more than 50 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. The cities of Wabasha and Kellogg are committed to preserving the heritage each community embodies, while planning for the future. Whether you’re planning a Mississippi River vacation, considering a weekend getaway to

Open for Garden Tours, Church Groups, Senior Groups, Garden Clubs & More!

The

Anderson Gardens Vern & Shirley Anderson (651) 565-3213

64784 141st Ave. Wabasha, MN 55981 June 23-24 Open Gardens • Saturday June 30, 8 am- 12pm pancake breakfast

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

Langseth Wood Carving

Beautifully Handcrafted furniture

Specializing in traditional norwegian designs. Working with clients to create one-of-a-kind pieces.

M.H. Langseth

Wood Carver 514 Bennett Ave, Minneiska, Minnesota 55910 (507) 429-9981

Minnesota, looking to relocate, starting a new business or just out to explore, we invite you to enjoy the many year-round activities that the Wabasha-Kellogg area has to offer. Take your pick of annual festivities in which to join: the Riverboat Days, SeptOberfest, Grumpy Old Men Festival or on March weekends, SOAR with the Eagles. Take your pick from among Wabasha-Kellogg’s eight exciting year-round Traveler Bundles. Choices include boating on the beautiful Mississippi River, golfing, skiing, shopping, bald eagles, and more! Packages also come with “extras” like shopping specials, dining treats, and admission tickets, depending on which package you choose! Simply call the hotel of your choice, and tell them the package you want. They’ll take it from there, setting your reservations for sailing on Lake Pepin, riding a carousel at an award winning toy store, viewing bald eagles, enjoying a spa experience, skiing or golfing! As your host, Wabasha-Kellogg wants you to have a fun and memorable experience.

www.visitbluffcountry.com

SMG

Web

Design

We Design Your Success

We specialize in customized website design and development to meet the online marketing needs of clients all throughout the United States. 136 St. Anthony Street, Preston, MN 55965 Phone: 507-765-2151 • E-mail: michelle@smgwebdesign.com www.smgwebdesign.com • www.facebook.com/SMGDesign

Explore Historic

Bluff Country

visitbluffcountry.com

Proud’s Bridgeside Antiques 234 Main St. West, Wabasha, Minnesota (651) 560-4925

Sunday - Thursday 11am - 4pm Friday & Saturday 10am - 5pm Open Every Day After March 1 - Dec. 16

Wabasha, MN I 55

56 I Kellogg, MN

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

Minnesota’s Largest Concrete Statuary Producer & Retailer Open year rOunD. See webSite Or fb fOr hOurS.

SVJ Creative Designs

62099 Hwy 42 • Kellogg, Minnesota 55945 • 507-767-3039 www.svjcreativedesigns.com email: info@svjcreativedesigns.com • www.facebook.com/svjcreativedesigns

Concrete memorial benches & stones as unique and special as your loved one.

Nationwide shipping available. STATUES MADE RIGHT HERE, TWO MILES OUTSIDE OF KELLOGG, MINNESOTA, USA. Over 2,400 concrete statues, benches, birdbaths, memorials and more created on site from start to final paint finish.

Kellogg, MN I 57

www.visitbluffcountry.com

elcome to the City of Kellogg, Minn., and the picturesque scenic surrounding area. Kellogg is home to a recently constructed Heroes Memorial located in their down town park. Life-size concrete statues are displayed, including a fireman, soldier, paramedic and police officer along with a huge central granite engraved wall. Engraved bricks with community heroes’ names make up the walking area. The Heroes Memorial is also lit up at night, which is a spectacular site. The concrete statues were created by a local statuary producer. The memorial area’s landscape design was also created locally. The Kellogg area offers fishing, hunting, camping, snowmobiling, atv, and horseback riding in nearby state parks, restaurants, hairstyling, landscaping, attractions and shopping. The first weekend of May brings the area’s 100-Mile Garage Sale, with Kellogg as one of the participating towns. The first weekend after Labor Day, Kellogg celebrates with their annual Watermelon Festival. A weekend full of fun, with softball tournament, tractor ride, carnival, burnout, watermelon crawl, and more! Enjoy family fun for everyone with a parade on that Sunday! To learn more about Kellogg, visit http://www.cityofkellogg.org/ and www.wabashamn.org.

Visitors Guide A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

www.visitbluffcountry.com A special publication by Visit Bluff Country

Advertise With Us! Call 1-800-599-0481

Reads Landing, MN PErFECt

gloSSY

Perfect Glossy

Printing SolutionS

• Explore •

Old Barn Resort Full Restaurant, Resort nBend Rivers’ Bar Old rant, WHO WHAT Bar and Catering WHO Bend lf Rivers’WHA Full Restau ering WE AREGolf ’ Course d GoAppointments T Golf BenDO Appointments Fun!WE ARE ers‘BluffWE Cat Great Meals, Cold Drinks, Good RivVoted & contact scheduling Country’s Bar and Pick WE DO (507-765-4700) email for the fun! Open the food andorstay Come for + to toPlease provides hands-on activities Find the Time 6 years Play! the NTC by telephone Course’ The National U&to Play! Golf Best(NTC) , Good Fun! The National Trout Center

Enjoy

Har mony Shop • Dine

2014 HARmony

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Community EvEnts

scheduling

erries Strawb

Trout Center (NTC) Time info@nationaltroutcenter.orgApril-Thanksgiving, enjoy to be added to the contact list.the rustic charm of our Cold Drinks Find the engage the public in awareness of the environment and coldengage the public in awareness provides hands-on activities to ‘nationally Great Meals, IntheJune banquet NTC hours of operation and restaurant, program scheduling are also hosted rooms in of the environment and for the fun! Open our water fishery resources of the driftless bar and region the artsFacilities and 70andGolf water coldof food and stay 18-Hole, Par ’s barn. Our full menu for lunch fishery resources of the driftless region and the on our website.isThe NTC willregistered’ assist in findinghistoric lodging/camping Come for the the rustic charm ‘nationacrafts and groups meet at lly related to trout fishing. Students Resort arts and crafts related to trout fishing. Voted ‘Bluff Country nksgiving, enjoy in the + Rivers Bend Golf Course at the Old Barn accomodations for your group. yearsCountry Students and and dinner includes good quality, all-Americanfield sites where experienced instructors will lead April 25 Course’ - 27 –6Bluff studio Art tourApril-Tha nt, bar and banquet roomsmenu for lunch field sites or the NTCbeautifully or the NTC where experienced groups meet at situated in the valley along rivers, trees homemade Best Golf restaura food reasonably priced with delicious instructors will lead The NTC also offers seminars, barn. Our full a driving activities of various durations. ies www.bluffcountrystudioarttour.com ican activities of various durations. ribs, pork and rolling hills. The golf facilities include smoked registered’ historic good quality, all-Amer TheisNTC also offers seminars, 70 Golf Facilit Gator Greens touches. Try our famous home The is de lectures, and workshops on-site at the NTC or prearranged lectures,Mini Golf and More clubs, carts and full 18-Hole, Par

Minnesota

SUPPORT

Resort sauces.and workshops on-site at homema andthe rubson range, practice greens, rental and dinner includes the NTC located Root River State Bicycle Trail, on or prearranged the Niagara at the Old Barn with delicious and brisket prepared with our own full at schools, community haveonalocation alsoRiver WeRoot centers, or other public Oh yeah, you’ll be back for more!the meeting sites. The NTC provides front nine is inviting So stop touches. Try beautifully situatedgolf facilities include withinin aoff the our own rubs bar with wine, beer and spirits.and our mission through website sales and in our gift shop. avid golfer. our mission through website retail merchandise related to The and full prepared with also have a full youofcrave! challenging back nine appeals to the July 4-6 –hills. Harmony Fourth of July Celebration clubs, carts block two sales and in our gift shop. and brisket and rolling trail, road or river and enjoy what for more! We Our the The NTC liesaccommodate and groups on our greens, rental tournaments of the you’ll be back practice Band We in the heart So stop in off city parks, dinner or events. Parade, Concerts, ice Cream social, Games, Oh yeah, Become A friend The NTC lies in the range, bar for lunch, beer and spirits. you crave! the more heart of the nt andand and will customize four-statecourse unglaciated region:your event!Your donation can be designated for any of the following: and the bar with wine, what restaura skill level, while Dances Fireworks. four-state unglaciate river and enjoy inviting for any to the avid golfer. d region: Cyclin-Inn. • Program Support trail, road or front nine is appeals • Cultural Heritage/Trout & the Arts ing back nine groups on our and challeng ents July 5 – Harmony Hustle tournam • Educational Field Trips of the upper Midwest. accommodate We10K your event! 1K Kids Challenge. of the upper Midwest. • Endowment Run and 5KzeRun/Walk, customi course and will • Stream Ecology/Environment Cave

on location at schools, community centers, or other public trees Home of – Amish Golf Course and bar for lunch, dinner or events. Our June-October, Saturdays markets reasonably priced home smoked ribs, porkmeeting sites. The NTCrestaurant along rivers, Farmers’food Rivers Bend provides retail merchandise related to level, while the more in the valley skill our famous for any a driving and sauces.

200 Acres of Fun Preston Lanesboro & Nestled between ast Minnesota In Scenic Southe

Driftless Area

What We Offer

the ntc

• Educational Programs

OUR MISSION

Preston is the “ Trout Capital of Minnesota”

ny.com loreHarmo .ExpDay Decemberwww 6 – santa

ort.c www.barnres

For more information .2512 on events please visit.552 www.exploreharmony.com 800

SE Minn esota

~ NE Iowa

~ SW Wisc onsin

| 2014 -201

5 | Visito

r’s Guid e

FREE

Membership Share Options and Prices

www.barnresort.com

Membership Share Options and Prices

Visitor’s

group drop locations.

• Canoes, Tubes, Bikes 507.272.2149 • Excellent Trout Fishing

“The National Trout Center seeks to conserve our natural and cultural 507-272heritage2149 of trout 439 andHalf theirStreet cold-water environmen ts Whalan,by MN 55949 engaging the public through Tour the beautiful education, bluffs surrounding practice and P: 507.251.5101 the Root River ” awareness. Valley, via a Jeep or upon a horse info@Cyclin-Inn.com

OUR MISSION

drawn wagon. Available year around, weather dependent. Schedule www.Cyclin-Inn.com yours today.

• Indoor Heated Pool • Gorgeous Scenery

National Trout Center 507.765.4700 PO Box 512 Preston, MN 55965 www.nationaltroutcent er.org

B luff c ount

www.barnresort.com

www Sun.-Thurs.

Fri.-Sat.

for prices Fall Share ............................... See website

Egg Share ....................... $80.00 A pu b licA

A pu b tion li c Ati by o n by

sitbl uffc

Earth Dance Farm Norm Gross/Laurie Nelsen 27842 141st Ave. Spring Valley, MN 55975

Phone: 507-378-4252 Email: info@earthdancefarm.net www.earthdancefarm.net

Go to our website at www.earthdancefarm.ne fill in the registration form and submit.

ountry.c

Community Supported Agriculture

Local Food Naturally Grown Delivered to You Norm Gross/Laurie Nelsen 27842 141st Ave. Spring Valley, MN 55975 info@earthdancefarm.net

www.earthdancefarm.net

Local Food Naturally Grown Delivered to You

Whole House Renta

Located on the Root River Bike Trail, Whalan Open Weekends Memorial Day - Labor Day Call for after-hours or group reservations

507.272.2149

www . nationa

ltroutce nter

. org

Directions to the “World Famous”

“World Famous” Trailhead Resort - Preston

Fun Fishing Fact

Trailhead Resort - Preston Resort

Resort

Trailhead Suites (5/1-10/31) talwas named $139.95 and ESPN -Capi $89.95 Adventures Jacuzzi Suite s Trout TV, andFrom $119.95 sota’ Destinations $89.95Minne by Midwest Outdoor Life Magazine as one of West: 1 Bedroom Suite $139.95 $89.95 the “Top 90 to Dexter Exit 10 Trout Waters in theInterstate Midwest.” 2 Bedroom Suite

2014

(Highway 16 East to Preston)

$194.95 $114.95 Preston has some of the finest Trout Streams in the state, it was (6/1-10/31) Cabins Since

branded in 2011 by state officials as “Minnesota’s TroutFrom Capital.” weekends on select Destinations East:

We have a two-night minimum stay

90 to Rushford Exit Interstate will cancellation be pleasedpolicy. to know that the Root River supports We have a 48 hour NOTE: Birdwatchers 48 hours in Preston)

16 West (Highwaylove Hunters the to farmland harbor South: Destinations other large and small animal game such as white From tail deer, wild turkey, pheasants, fox, and coyotes. Either Highway 52 North to Preston AMENITIES or Interstate 35N to I90 East to Highway 16 East (Dexter Exit)

cancelledof birds, including bald eagles. overmust 40 be species Reservations to avoid being charged half of the advancewooded hilly region as the wooded shores and room rate. Sun mornings • Continental breakfast on Sat and NEW WAFFLE MACHINE • Check-in at 3:00pm • Check-out at 11:00am • In-room cable TV (up to 70 channels) • Refrigerator in all rooms Main Ofﬁce • Microwave in select rooms and room) • Ice available (one bag per day per Valley • Quiet location - located on the Harmony-Preston

MAP OF PRESTON, MN

State Trail and clothing available • Beverages, snacks, ice cream, for purchase in Main Ofﬁce rooms • Wireless internet available to select in the Trailhead Inn • Free local calls to those staying have phones but • The Trailhead Suites do not currently Main Ofﬁce local calls can be made from the

Call 507-765-2460 for reservations HOURS

Day Open daily, Memorial Day to Labor Ofﬁce hours: Mon-Fri 9am-9pm. During peak season (5/1-10/31) Sun 7am-9pm Fri 9am-10pm, Sat 7am-10pm, &

Fri, Sat & Sun. Labor Day - Oct. 31 office is open 10 only www.prestonmntourism.com Nov - April, office is open by appointment Fri, Sat, & Sun. May 1 - Memorial Day, office is open

Are your marketing materials PRETTY GOOD or PERFECT Glossy? 136 St. Anthony St. • Preston MN 507.765.2151 • www.perfectglossy.com

Trailhead Resort

507-765-2460 �

Located on a segment of the Root River State Bike Trail system in Preston, MN.

Inn, Suites & Cabins � MN 112 Center Street, Preston,

(507)765-2460

www.trailhead-inn.com

439 Half Street Whalan, MN 55949 P: 507.251.5101

info@Cyclin-Inn.com www.Cyclin-Inn.com

“All Things Trout”

From Destinations North: Highway 52 South to Rochester to Preston Highway 52 The Root River offers exceptional trout map of Preston) (seeNorthland fishing and has been featured on

box There are 3 deliveries of a ½ bushel way to satisfy May and early June. It is a great early in your craving for fresh local vegetables early. the season. Limited shares, sign up we In late October through Thanksgiving of storage offer 3 biweekly bushel deliveries greens, veggies, root crops, herbs, hardy the season apples and more. Perfect to extend and eat local during the holidays.

Community Supported Agriculture

of Whalan

The go-to place for

Rm. StandardRoot River Fish & Wildlife $94.95 $69.95 w/Double Queen Beds

Guide

for prices Spring Share ....................... See website in

ww w.vi

Located on the Root River Bike Trail, Whalan • Events & Banquets Open Weekends Memorial Day - Labor Day Trail StateforBike • Call after-hours or group reservations

There are 30 separate coldwater streams Trailhead Inn (5/1-10/31) within a 20 mile radius of Preston! Standard Rm. $84.95 $59.95 w/Single Queen Bed

crops in each delivery. Individual delivery …….. $600.00 Dropped by your home or workplace Email to confirm areas. Minn available in limited Se eSotA ~ ne iowA availability to your address. ~ Sw wiSc onSi Group site pick up ……. $550.00 n it up there. Dropped at a host site and you pick Check our website for drop locations.

How do I sign up?

• Memorial Honorarium

om fishing & wildlifentourism.cDirections to the RATES .prestonm

Accomodations:

¾ bushel This is our 18-week delivery of a family or a box. This size is meant for a small seasonal vegetarian couple. There are 8-13

We offer one dozen eggs with your summer produce boxes. These are extremely popular and sell out quickly.

“All Things Trout” 800.552.2512

Summer Share

Half share ………………… $425.00 G uidesingle A smaller, 5/9 bushel box for aAcouple, to at H istor person, or a new member. Only available

U-Pick ries Strawber

l Field Trips

• Endowmen

• 18-hole Golf Facility • Restaurant & Bar

events

2 800.552.251 ort.com www.barnres 12 800.552.25

Become

Campgroundt • RV & Tent • Stream Eco logy/Environment 38 • Educationa Bed Hostel • 4 Room, l Programs

Parties • Weddings • Reunions! The go-to place for

events

ings • Reunions!

Parties • Wedd

the ntc

In June

The Gator Greens Mini Golf and More is located on the Root River State Bicycle Trail, on the Root River and within a block of two city parks, and the Cyclin-Inn.

A friend Your donation can be Whole House Rental Driftless Area designated for any of • Program Support the following: • Cultural Heritage/Trout & What We Offer At A Glance: the Arts • Educationa

At A Glance:

SUPPORT

200 Acres of Fun Nestled between Lanesboro & Preston In Scenic Southeast Minnesota

“The National Trout Center seeks to conserve und • Memorial Honorarium • RV & Tent Campgro our natural and cultural heritage of trout Bed Hostel • 4 Room, 38 and their cold-water environments Facility by engaging the public through • 18-hole Golf 507-272-2149 & Bar education, practice and • Restaurant s awareness.” September 6 – Root River trail towns • Events & Banquet Tour the beautiful “A taste of the trail” Trail bluffs surrounding • State Bike taste the flavor of Harmony at Harmony trail Head Bikes the Root River Tubes, Lectures, traveLogues,• Canoes, 10am-3pm Valley, via a Jeep or upon a horse drawn Lectur Fishing es, traveLogues, wagon. Available year around, weather seminars, & cuLturaL • Excellent TroutPool semina rs, & cuLtur dependent. Schedule yours today. October – Fillmore Central monster Bash Haunted House aL • Indoor Heated reunions, Harmony Community Center-Fillmore Central Band & • Gorgeous Scenery Our party rooms are great for weddings, celebrating! Nationalbirthdays Trout Center Choir Fundraiser Are also scheduled by the NTC at regular intervals throughout or whatever reason you’re Are , also scheduled reunions of by the NTC at regular intervals for groups weddings, the 507.765.4700 year. Our newsletter and website will inform visitors of the throughout We’ll customize your special occasionthe year. Our newsletter are great for celebrating! and website will ideas at www. Our party rooms PO Box2-250. 512 More information and menucalendar October 3-4 – Fall Foliage calendar of events for talks, art exhibits, book signings and r reason you’re of events for talks, art exhibits, inform visitors of the for groups of s or whateve birthday book signings and Preston,barnresort.com. MN 55965 otheratactivities Fall foliage tours, apple treats, niagara Cave, Amish ze your special occasionideas other activities of interest www. of interest to fishers, residents and visitors to to fishers, residents and. org We’ll customi and menu the driftless area. www.nationaltroutcenter.org www . nationaltroutcenter visitors to tours and more the driftless information area. 2-250. More barnresort.com.

July 11 – American Cancer society’s Relay For Life of Fillmore County www.relayforlife.org/fillmoremn

Cyclin-Inn of Whalan

Please contact the NTC by telephone (507-765-4700 ) or email info@nationaltroutcenter.org to be added to the contact NTC hours of operation list. and program scheduling are also hosted on our website. The NTC will assist in finding lodging/campin accomodations for your g group.

eads Landing, Minnesota, is a small town on the Mississippi River, just a few miles north of Wabasha, on The Great River Road, Hwy 61. It is one of the best places to watch bald eagles in the midwest. Cyclin-Inn The flow of the nearby Chippewa River emptying into the Mississippi River helps keep the waters open in winter. You’ll find eagles congregating over the open water to feed on fish and waterfowl. While here, also keep an eye out for wintering rough-legged and red-tailed hawks, common goldeneyes and common mergansers. The best eagle viewing is November through March. A two-story brick schoolhouse in Reads Landing was the second built in Minnesota. Ground was broken for the school in 1870 and it served as a school until 1965. Now it serves as the Reads Landing Museum. Visit it to learn more about the local history. The town offers a pub in a building constructed in 1870, which originally opened as a dry goods store. There you can enjoy a locally crafted brew on the patio overlooking the mighty Mississippi. There are also three MnDOT pulloffs north of Reads Landing on Hwy 61 that offer scenic overlooks of Lake Pepin.

Inn, Suites & Cabins (507)765-2460

www.trailhead-inn.com

58 I Reads Landing, MN

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

Reads Landing BRewing Company 70555 202nd Avenue Reads Landing, MN 55968 651-560-4777 Wed. & Thurs.: 11am– 9pm Friday–Saturday: 11am–10pm Sunday: 12pm–9pm Monday & Tuesday: Closed

Check out our website: www.rlbrewingco.com

Great Brews.river views Peterson, MN

ounded in 1867 amid a winding National Scenic Byway, the Peterson community has a proud legacy and bright future as a bicycling and fishing hub in the Rushford Peterson Valley. Sitting on the number one ranked trail in Minnesota, The Root River Valley State Bike Trail, the town was one of two Fillmore County towns chosen for the 2014 Bicycle Around Minnesota tour for its rolling bluffs, serene valleys, and breathtaking prairies. For anglers, the area watershed is prime trout water, with 12 designated area trout streams, as well as high quality smallmouth bass streams, thanks to private organizations and the DNR Peterson Fish Hatchery. The hatchery relies on the crisp, clear water to produce 100,000-130,000 trout annually. Tours of the hatchery are available. A Natural Resources boat landing and launch sits near the base of the bridge crossing into Peterson. Crossing the bridge from the byway, the quaint town opens up before you, tree-lined and like days gone by. The town has a rich history, including as the former site of the Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul Railroad Depot, built in 1877. It has since been restored and converted to the Peterson Station Museum & Tourist Center, where visitors will discover interesting local memorabilia, art, artifacts, and photographs of events and points of interest. For those of Norwegian decent, the museum also has a comprehensive genealogy center, as part of their new annex. During June’s Gammel Dag celebration, the town offers everyone the chance to be Norwegian for a day. Norwegian artisans

demonstrate their talents as visitors enjoy folk dancing, authentic Scandinavian foods, a 25-mile tractor ride, storytelling, music and dancing, and a grand parade. In September, a Taste of the Trail presents a taste of farm life and wildlife, including live animal displays, artisan vendors, and a scrumptious taste of foods from the community. Welcoming the holiday season, Christmas in Peterson, a festival of seasonal displays, art, music, and food, is held the second Saturday of December. The town’s city park is home to a restored bandstand that hosts a summer concert series. Down the street, another park rests atop a sloping hillside and offers softball fields, a playground, volleyball court, horseshoe pits, and large pavilion. In the heart of downtown, Veterans Park is less than one block from the trail, tucked in a grassy setting along with the east side of the former 1875 and 1901 historic Quickstad Farm Implement Company buildings. Down the block, visitors will find artisan works of turned wood pens and bowls, a place where you’ll also find art and craft items made by other local artisans. To quench your thirst or appetite, Peterson offers many treats and a local café, operated by Kristin and Chef Steve Burdey (a 2013 ExpoCulinaria competition chef and 2014 competition judge), famous for its homemade pies and creative menu. For unique lodging, across from Bandstand Park lies a 1904 historic inn, built along the tracks of the Southern Minnesota Railroad, and a B&B located at the original site of the 1877 Peterson Train Depot. A hotel near the museum offers rooms with fully stocked kitchens, and large living rooms. In additon to these lodging options, camping is available at the city RV park and includes full water, sewer, and electrical hook-ups at each site, as well as public restrooms.

www.visitbluffcountry.com

Peterson, MN I 59

www.RushfordPetersonValley.com

EXPERIENCE THE ROOT RIVER 2018 Events

May 18-20—SEMBA Bluegrass Festival June-Oct.—Farmers Market, Wednesdays June 16—Peterson Gammel Dag Fest June 22-23—Root River Trail Towns 60-Mile Garage Sale July 8-July 29—Music in the Peterson Bandstand, Sundays July 16-22—Rushford Days July 17-22—RASA Theater production Aug. 16-19—SEMBA Bluegrass Festival Sept. 8—Taste of the Trail: Peterson, Whalan & Lanesboro Sept. 22—Taste of the Trail: Rushford area & Houston Oct. 13—Bluff Land Tri: Run, Bike, Hike triathlon Oct. 20—Rushford Arts & Crafts Fair Dec. 8—Christmas in Peterson and Parade of Lights

www.RushfordPetersonValley.com www.petersonmn.org

BY TRAIL OR BY WATER

So much to do and see. Excellent variety of restaurants. Motels & Inns—Andor Wenneson Inn •

Geneva's Hideaway • Loken's Rushford Inn • Windswept Inn

B&Bs—The Crossing • Sweet Dreams Campgrounds—Bluffview • Cushon's Peak • Peterson City • Rushford City • Trailside

60 I Peterson, MN

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

“Whole House Rental” Vacation Rental in rural Peterson, MN Owners: Bill & Patty Moe

38231 182nd Street Peterson, MN 55962 Custom-built house, large yard, PETS WELCOME Rent year-round: events, parties, friends, family weddings

RIVER HOUSE INN

Located in Downtown Peterson, MN

507.875.2424 Mon-Thur 6 am-3pm Fri 6am-9pm Sat 7am-3pm BANQUET FACILITIES AVAILABLE

Reservations: 507-875-3667 e-mail: theriverhouseinn@gmail.com Website: VRBO.com (vacation rental by owner)

■ Breakfast - Traditional & Featured Selections ■ Daily Lunch Specials ■ Homemade Soups, Salads, Sandwiches ■ Homemade Pies & Sweet Delights ■ Friday Fish Fry

Planning a party? Give us a call to set up your next event. 507.875.2235

Visit and enjoy our Veterans Memorial Park just off the Root River Bike Trail. Pool and darts, pull tabs, pizza and hot sandwiches plus your favorite cold beverages.

OFF-SALE AVAILABLE DURING BUSINESS HOURS For more information and hours of business:

www.americanlegion526.org LIKE US ON FACEBOOK

GILBERTSON –RUDE POST 526 Downtown scenic Peterson, MN

We have Wi-Fi

Preston, MN I 61

www.visitbluffcountry.com

reston is settled in the heart of the driftless area of southeastern Minnesota. The topography sets the stage for astounding vistas and the winding river valley. Minnesota’s Trout Capital, Preston offers an abundance of waterways, wildlife, farmland and forests. The Root River watershed, dubbed “arguably the best” by Fly Fisherman, is part of one of the largest collections of freshwater springs in the world, easily luring the angler. Seizing an opportunity for an environmental learning center at the heart of these prime waters, Preston’s National Trout Center is aimed at connecting visitors to the experience. While still in its infancy, the center plans a permanent, year-round facility with outdoor spaces for learning and handson demonstrations and indoor spaces for classes, exhibits, and retail space, all with access to the pristine Root River. Take advantage of a fly fishing shop now open in Preston on St. Paul Street. Mystery Cave, the longest cave in the upper Midwest, owes its beginnings to the waterways. With nearly 20,000 visitors each year, the 13-mile cave system (with potentially miles more of undiscovered caverns) is a subterranean marvel, at a constant 48 degrees, that includes stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, fossils, and underground pools. Parks naturalists lead a variety of tours including an easy walk along lighted walkways to sites such as Turquoise Lake, a 12-foot deep pond colored a breath-taking

blue by calcite, and physically-challenging passes past the Garden of the Gods formation and Blue Lake, the largest pool in the cave system. For a more adventurous outing, the Wild Caving Tour will see visitors crawling and squeezing through undeveloped portions of the cave. The cave is part of the Forestville/ Mystery Cave State Park, listed as one of the Best Midwest State Parks by Midwest Living. The 3,000 acre paradise is perfect for picnicking, watching wildlife, hiking, horseback riding, skiing, or snowmobiling and home to dramatic Big Spring and The Zumbro Hill Cemetery, reflecting early life and death in the boomtown of Forestville. Historic Forestville, also part of the park, begins with a walk across the Carnegie Steel Bridge. Visitors will step into 1899 along with costumed guides depicting the people and life in the village businesses, homes, and gardens. The village includes five original structures; the Meighen store and home, granary, carriage barn, and barn. In a reconstructed barn, a gift shop offers 19th century replicas such as kitchen gadgets and supplies, bonnets and hats, books, toys, games, and custom glazed pottery. Several signature events are held at the site: Bread Making Day, From the Churn, and Homestead Day in June, 1899 Independence Day Celebration in July, By the Light of the Lantern in August, and Apple Cider Pressing and Apple Butter Making in Continued on page 62

Preston Get Hooked.

Your SoMN Outdoor Recreation Destination! Plan your visit today. www.GetHookedOnPreston.com | 507-765-2100 | 1-888-845-2100

Friendly

Visit www.prestonmnchamber.com for more information on the Preston Area Chamber of Commerce and our Veteran Friendly Community!

Moving or expanding to the Trout Capital? Contact Preston EDA for housing and business incentives at 507-765-2153 or cathy.enerson@cedausa.com

62 I Preston, MN

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

Continued from page 61

October. Downtown Preston boasts its own historical pride with the 1902 Milwaukee Elevator, a towering site. Also on the site are a restored 1939 Milwaukee Road boxcar and 1951 caboose. Future plans for the site include an interpretive center focused on highlighting rural agriculture. The trailhead is nearby and beckons visitors to hike, bike, skate, and ski the paved Root River Trail system or the 18-mile Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail. Several unique businesses dot the city and surrounding area. A must-see and must-taste destination is an orchard boasting 1,000 apple trees on 5 acres, 1/4 acre of raspberries, a large garden patch, and store sitting above the city on the rolling bluff. Several culinary options are available in Preston; fine dining, quick and delicious made-to-order sandwiches, and the best breakfasts and burgers around. The city features two golf courses; one 9 holes and the other, 18 holes. The latter is part of a resort, rated as one of the 24 Best Midwest Campgrounds by Midwest Living. The resort sits atop a sloping ridge and offers amenities such as a camping, a hostel, restaurant, and pool. Another campground sits nestled along Forestville Creek and is on a century-old farm, while a second campground is nearer to town at the county fairgrounds. Also, downtown more traditional lodging options are offered. For those looking for an offbeat lodging experience, with all the comforts, the former Fillmore County Jail and carriage house has been completely renovated to a 12-room bed and breakfast.

Throughout the year, Preston is bustling with activity, including Trout Days festivities the third weekend in May, the Fillmore County Fair the third week of July, and Family Fun Night the second Thursday in August. The autumn and winter season offer Taste of the Trail in September, Pumpkin Fest & Fall Expo, the fourth Saturday in October, Turkey Day Run held Thanksgiving Day, the Holiday Expo the first Saturday in December, and the Cook Off Contest the third Saturday in January. And, on Veterans Day 2015, the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery opened on the east side of Preston. With over 169 acres of rolling hills and trees, this cemetery has been recognized as thr most scenic in the nation. An honorable place to honor those who have served. The best little sub shop you’ve never heard of!

507-765-9956

The Sweet Stop and Sandwich Shoppe Something for everyone...subs, sweets, soups, salads & sodas!

Free wireless Internet! Visit us at

www.sweetstop.net for full menu and information!

Stay up-to-date Like us on Facebook!

110 St. Anthony St. South • Downtown PreSton

Guided Trips • Flies For Area Streams • Gear • Tackle Local Info • Fly Fishing Lessons • Wader Repair Kayak/Canoe rental & sales

MInneSoTA'S TRouT CApITAL on the South Branch of The Root River!

FLy Shop open yeAR Round check website for hours

Call or email Mel to book guided trips melvin@minnesotaflyfishing.com • 507-327-4276 208 St. Paul Street SW, Preston, MN

www.minnesotaflyfishing.com

Preston, MN I 63

www.visitbluffcountry.com

HourS: monday - Friday 4pm - 1am Saturday 3pm - 1am Special eventS by appointment 217 St. paul St. SW - preSton, mn In honor of those who have served

OPen 7 DAys A Week

B&B olympic Bowl greaT fun...greaT food

Automatic Scoring & Spacious Bowling Area

oPen Bowling • call for availaBiliTy

lounge hours:

Monday-Sunday: 9am - Closing “Happy Hour” Monday-friday: 4pm - 6pm

restaurant:

Monday-friday: 5am - 10pm (Breakfast and Lunch Specials) Saturday: 5am - 10pm Sunday: 5am - 10pm $1 Bowling on Sunday All Day

call for Dinner Specials

www.bandbbowlandrestaurant.com

B&B • The Place To Be!

Birthday Parties Available

64 I Preston, MN

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

Educational Workshops & Trout Information Visit website for hours of operation & event schedule! Now renting fly, spin, and kids fishing equipment!

120 St. Anthony Street S Preston, MN 55965

507-765-2452

www.nationaltroutcenter.org info@nationaltroutcenter.org

Eat I RElax I Enjoy youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;RE always wElcomE! 105 Fillmore st. Preston, mn 507-765-2465 monday-saturday 7am-9pm sunday 8am-7pm

Preston, MN I 65

www.visitbluffcountry.com

restaurant & Supper club

Hwy. 52 & 16 • Preston, MN 507-765-3388 Open 6 days a week www.brandingironmn.com Luncheon & evening SpeciaLS Served daiLy TueS.-Fri.

sunday nOOn sPeCiaL

evening specials

Includes salad bar or tossed salad

MOnday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday saTurday sunday

NEW!

CLOSED 11:00am - 2:30pm Ribeye serVed w/ Pasta Specials vegetable & BBQ Ribs choice of potato. New York Strip or Cod haPPy hOur Prime Rib in LOunge New York Strip or Walleye

2 for $29!

giFT CerTiFiCaTes

Tuesdays, Thursdays & Sundays - 4pm to close

Choose 1 aPPeTizer (1/2 Order) or 2 BeVerages and 2 enTrees

Business Hours Monday – Saturday 8 A.M. – 6 P.M.

includes choice of potato, bread basket, and a trip to the salad bar - all for $29!*

23283 US 52 Preston, Minnesota 55965 One Mile North of

Preston on Hwy 52 507-765-2250 www.hoffmannstables.com

Not offered on holidays. No discounts applied to this special. Also no senior discounts.

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

Albert leA, Mn

8:00 - 4:30, M-f sat. by Appointment only 888-809-6637

8:00 - 5:00 M-f 9:00 - 12 noon, sat. 855-222-8781

More than just lumber Specializing in custom made . . . • Trim • Flooring • Paneling • Stair Parts • Interior Doors Visit our beautiful showroom in Albert Lea with over 30 Wood Species displayed!

Skip the middleman and buy direct from the sawmill!

66 I Preston, MN

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

Full Service Repair Shop: Tires Batteries Brakes & Alignments Air Conditioning/Heating Body Work • Holidays • Weddings • Birthdays • Graduations • Anniversaries • Funerals

More than just flowers!

we have Preston shirts and hats + much more! Check out our Facebook page!

Exhaust

608 Houston st nW Preston, Mn 55965 (507) 765-3846

235 St. Paul St. SW • Preston, MN

507-765-2214 • www.prestonfloralgift.com

Free Hot Breakfast | Free Wireless Internet | 100% Non Smoking • 40 Rooms King, Queen, or Doubles 2 Handicap Accessible • 6 Suites • Indoor pool & Hot tub

Call for reservations!

888-378-2896

Located on Hwy 52

Easy walking to Preston/Harmony trail and local restaurants!

Preston, MN I 67

www.visitbluffcountry.com

GolfinG SpecialS 1/2 Price Membership 1st Year starting as low as $200

1/2 Price Green Fees for Visitors

When they stay at Preston area hotels and campgrounds

125 Out of Town Full Membership

(30 Miles or More) Great

deals for permanent campers! Women’s Day • Tuesday • 2pm Men’s Day • Thursday • 12pm Cart Rental Available

Public welcome No tee times needed

prestongolfcourse@gmail.com prestongolfcourse.com

Enjoy the views of our gently rolling 9 hole course!

Maple Springs Campground, Inc. & Country Store

www.maplespringscampground.com

TrailHead inn & SuiTeS

112 Center Street, Preston all new

Honeymoon Suite!

located directly on the root river Bike Trail

24 Spacious, Pet-Friendly Rooms

Reservations:

Located at enterance west of Forestville State Park

507-352-2056 or 507-951-8876

• Large, Level Campsites with 30/50amps Electricity & Water/Sewer or Primitive Tent Sites • Picnic Tables & Fire Rings at Every Site • Free WiFi • Convenience Store with Fishing Tackle, Bait, RV Supplies, Snacks, Amish Jelly, Wood, Ice & More! • Trout Fishing • Nature Trails • Birdwatching • Bicyclers Welcome 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. Introduce your family to the great outdoors & friendly atmosphere of beautiful Maple Springs Campground.

(507) 765-2460

Complimentary Breakfast • Suites, Doubles & Singles

21606 County 118 Preston, MN 55965

Come and Enjoy The NEW Hot Tub Room!

www.trailhead-inn.com

Now leasing 2019 seasonal sites!

68 I Preston, MN

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

Oak Hill Farm

10% Discount Build your own case of liquor or wine

Daylilies

Lottery Games 9:30am - 10pm Mon-sat Memorial - Labor Day Sold Here

Preston Liquor

811 Hwy. 52 North, Preston, MN (Next to Visitor’s Center)

Phone 507-765-2565 • Facebook.com/prestonliquor

JuliaClaire Consignment & Variety

• Women’s, Men’s & Children Clothing • Teamwear & Sportswear • Housewares & Home Accessories • Books, Games & Videos • Furniture 152 Main Street • Preston, MN • 507-765-2399

www.facebook.com/affordableclothingprestonmn

Specializing in: Experienced with: Local expertise:

Open daily 10-5 during July, starting July 7, (closed Mondays). We are also open by appointment, just give us a call! Mother nature dictates our bloom conditions...

Watch our Facebook page for updates!

Thousands of blooms - 1854 farmstead Plants freshly dug for you! 3 Miles south of Preston - 19579 Us 52 - 507.696.3251

Hunting Land, Farmland, Hobby Farms, Build Sites & Country Estates Surveying, Parcel Splits, Zoning/Planning, 1031 Tax Exchanges Born and raised in southeastern MN. Kit Johnston 507-261-0188

MN Licensed Real Estate Agent Email: Kit@WeissChoice.com

Chad Garteski 507-269-2742

MN Licensed Real Estate Agent Email: Chad@WeissChoice.com

Land Wanted!

If you are thinking about selling, call today for a FREE market analysis.

www.WeissChoice.com

www.visitbluffcountry.com

Preston, MN I 69

serenity hills W E D D I N G

E V E N T

V E N U E

21630 US-52 PreSton, Mn 55965 507-251-1760 www.SerenityhillSPavilion.coM

Spring Valley CheVrOlet BuiCk

117 Fillmore St W, PreSton, mn

507.202.6996

We carry unique art, clocks , and furniture pieces. We also sell dixie Belle paint company products and Blue q socks and accessories.

Sales • Service • Parts • Body Shop • Towing

CheCk Out Our COlliSiOn Center!

Oh, Deer! neVer fear... We Can fix it!

We offer paint and project classes year round.

507-346-7337

120 E. GranT STrEET • SPrinG VallEy, Mn 55975

urbanartifactsprestonmn.com

www.SPrinGVallEychEVyBuick.coM

70 I Preston, MN

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

Located at the Fillmore County Fairgrounds

Convenience & Service all through the Root River Valley

Preston Motor Mart • • • • • • •

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

Locally owned and operated by S&A Petroleum

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 PrestonHarmony Recreation Trail

Opening April 1st 2018 • 507-765-2370

Highway 52 & 16 in the center of Preston (507) 765-3330

Closed July 15-22, 2018 for the Fillmore County Fair

Advertise With Us!

Red Wing, MN

ocated in bluff country along the banks of the Mississippi River, Red Wing is home to just over 16,000 residents. It has an abundance to offer, to residents and visitors alike. Well laid out hiking trails throughout the city parks are a great way to enjoy the fresh air or have a relaxing picnic. Barn Bluff and Memorial Park both offer stunning views of the entire city and nearby areas surrounding the mighty Mississippi. Red Wing also boasts a thriving art community, with countless ways to become involved in a variety of art forms. And let’s not forget there

Call 1-800-599-0481

are numerous dining options. Home to the internationally famous Red Wing Shoes, this town is no stranger to hard work – many different industries make their home in Red Wing, and employment opportunities abound. With bald eagles nesting along its shores, historic buildings, technological innovations, and the American flag flying over the city – Red Wing really is a small slice of the American Dream.

CHEF DRIVEN LUNCH & DINNER CRAFT BEER - WINE - SPIRITS

STAGHEAD G A S T R O P U B

219 BUSH ST. RED WING, MN 55066 PH: 651.212.6494 WWW.THESTAGHEAD.COM RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED

www.visitbluffcountry.com

ushford, rooted in a convergence of valleys etched along the Root River and Rush Creek waters, protected by towering bluffs, is an outdoor mecca. The landscape, sacred to indigenous Native American tribes, was recognized by early settlers for its life-sustaining splendor. The Southern Minnesota Railroad fueled the growth and progress of the city, forming an essential link to the area. A Legacy award recipient for its efforts to continue the historical and cultural heritage, the city is a bustling center for outdoor enthusiasts, art and history aficionados, families, and those looking for tranquility amid awe-inspiring natural wonders. Running through the heart of town, the Root River is one of the top 10 trout waters in Minnesota. Restored and protected by The Conservancy, the river and the cold-water streams that feed it are known for exceptional brown, rainbow, and native brook trout, smallmouth and rock bass, sunfish, crappie, and channel catfish offerings. Rushford also offers fishing in the Rush Creek tributary, a designated stream of the meandering coulee, which flows through the city and merges with the Root. Up to 300 participants of all ages flock to the river’s edge on a Saturday in April for the annual Lipmasters Fishing Tournament. A shotgun start signals the anglers to start reeling in the redhorse, white sucker, and carp running in the Root River, and prizes are given in adult and kids divisions. Off the beaten path, the Rushford Sand Barrens, part of the Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood Forest, provides

Rushford, MN I 71

an array of rare plants and animals. Among the restored oak savanna is native prairie that is home to at least 13 unique species of flora, untold numbers of birds, and record whitetail deer. With recently improved access, the area is primed for photography, hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Ferndale Ridge, off the Historic Bluff Country Scenic Byway, is a local wildlife management area with abundant deer, turkey, pheasant, and small game. The city’s crown jewel is Magelssen Bluff Park, soaring above the valley floor and bearing the city name in stone anchored on its south slope. Featuring prominent limestone outcroppings and three scenic overlooks, the bluff offers an open panorama of the area in several miles. The winding road traversing the hillside to the summit invites visitors to tour the recently developed hiking trails, several picnic areas, long-standing apple trees, and the Rushford Burr Oak tree. The massive, stout-limbed tree is estimated to be nearly 200 years old and is one of the largest trees in Minnesota. Visitors can also enjoy the Root River State Trail, a 60-mile paved trail, ranked among the best trail systems in Minnesota. At Rushford’s trailhead, the 1867 Southern Minnesota Railway Depot, now a museum, visitor center, and seat of the Rushford Area Historical Society, beckons you to step into the past. The Hanson cabin, under restoration, 1890 Grinde Schoolhouse, 1867 Episcopal Chapel, Continued on page 73

Eat I RElax I Enjoy

on-Sat 7 am

-9pm • S un 7am

-9pm

you’RE always wElcomE! 400 s. mill st. Rushford, mn 507-864-2878 monday-saturday 7am-9pm sunday 8am-7pm

72 I Rushford, MN

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

● Full Hookups available ● Permanents available ● Located on the Root River Bike Trail ● One block from Downtown Restaurants and Shopping ●Two blocks from Root River access ● Adjacent to Highway 16 access

DAILY GRILL SPECIALS

Full Lunch & Dinner, Lite & Children’s Menus 32 Beers • Signature Liquors & Wines 220 Mill St. Rushford, MN • 507.864.2073 OPEN 11am TUESDAY-SUNDAY

PER NIGHT

888.384.7185 or CAMPGROUND OFFICE 507.450.4906 www.bluffviewcampground.com

www.shawnees.net

©VBC

Providing you great Values, Savings and RV Camping Supply

Friendly Service Outdoor Sporting Goods & Supplies • RED WING Boots • Tube Sales

ComplETE Garden Center

• Weber Grills • Grilling supplies

• Bird Feeders & supplies • pet Food & supplies

• RV and automotive supplies

Rushford Hardware & Rentals m-F 7-7, SaT 8-5, SuN 10-3

402 S. mIll STREET, RuShFoRD, mN

Conveniently located by Rushford Foods 507-864-2540

www.visitbluffcountry.com

Continued from page 71

and 1913 Jail House complete the attractive grounds. Joining the state trail, east of the former railway bridge crossing is the newly developed Rush Creek Trail. The paved trail runs along the eastern side of the creek to Creekside Park. The park is the pride of the city, featuring the Veteran’s Memorial, paved walking trails, three pavilions, a gazebo, tennis courts, basketball court, and skating rink and warming house in the winter. In its center is the custom and community-built playground structure, designed by renowned New York firm, Leathers and Associates, emulating the surrounding landscape and able to captivate the interest of children and adults. It is adjacent to the modern Ben Niggle Sports Complex, owned by Rushford-Peterson Schools, which boasts a state-of-the-art running track and several ball fields. Visitors can follow Rush Creek Trail to either the city’s Northend Campground or continue on, looping back to the Magelssen Bluff Hiking Trails. A stone’s throw from the latter, visitors will love the completely remodeled 1875 Hoiland Mill - representing the days of Minnesota’s wheat and flour production. Other historic sites in town include the 1870 Hanson Hardware Store (now an Italian restaurant), 1872 Rushford Wagon and Carriage Company, and 1859 Walker & 1861 Valentine House, part of the Minnesota Pioneer House Project. The 1922 brick Tew Memorial Library is home to city hall and public library. A full-service community, Rushford maintains many rec-

Rushford, MN I 73

reational possibilities. Take a dip at the Rushford Aquatic Center or golf a round—the challenging and scenic 9-hole course just east of town features 6,648 yards from the longest tees for a par of 36, for a course rating of 71.4. Bowl a few frames or delight in the ultimate healing and relaxation of massage or infrared saunas, both in town. Flying in? Rushford Municipal Airport (55Y) is considered one of the best in the area with on-site fuel, aircraft parking, hangar leasing and sales, flight training passenger terminal and lounge, and courtesy transportation. It serves as the backdrop for countless events throughout the year. Other citywide festivals throughout the year include Rushford Days, a week-long celebration the third week of July, and Taste of the Trail, the third Saturday after Labor Day in September. With all there is to do, you’re bound to work up quite an appetite. Luckily, there’s no shortage of superb dining destinations Rushford. Unique to the area, a lefse factory noted in Food Network’s compilation of Great Food Gifts from 50 States offers an opportunity to view a handful of workers transform the potato dough to Norse delight, then enjoy the fresh-made lefse in addition to offering a number of other Scandinavian goodies and gifts, as well as offering a full menu in their café. When it’s time to rest, Rushford’s accommodations are equally plentiful: a new motel built in 2014, an inn, campgrounds or a B&B are just the place to stay and enjoy the area.

...to the Rushford Peterson Valley and Rushford State Bank. Our friendly, professional staff has provided personalized banking service to friends, neighbors and guests for generations. Our commitment will continue for generations to come. ATM Available

“Our roots run deep in our community.” 219 S. Mill Street • Rushford, MN

507.864.7755

www.rushfordstatebank.com © FCJ

74 I Rushford, MN

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

REAL LEFSE AND FINE SCANDINAVIAN FOOD

We are committed to helping people like you buy and sell property.

Lunch & Breakfast

● Lefse Observation Served Daily Kitchen DAILY SPECIALS! ● Coffee Shop ● Bakery Our real ● Gift Shop ● Consignment Shop Lefse, it’s simply ● Wireless Access

Rodney Darr

rod@darrauctions.com

800.852.0010

Jeffrey Darr

jeff@darrauctions.com

the best!

507-864-2323 www.norslandlefse.com 210 W. Jessie Street, Rushford,MN Mon-Fri 7-4 • Sat 7-2 Closed Sunday

THE CREAMERY PIZZA & ICE CREAM

407 S. Mill Street Rushford, MN 507-864-7214 www.the-creamery.com

darrrealty.com 504 S. Mill Street, Rushford, MN 55971

Score Great Fun All New Lanes! Please Call Ahead

30 PLUS

ou m a F

PremiUm ice cream FLavorS Homemade Waffle Cones And Bowls

creamery Pizza! eat in or Take out Pies • Cheesecake • Bread Pudding • And More! GrouPs • Full Menu • DAily sPeCiAls

Hours: Mon-Thurs 11am-9pm, Fri & Sat 11am-10pm, Sun Noon-9pm

open Bowling Call for Availability: 507-864-7799 oPen 7 DAys A WeeK

Birthday Parties receptions & Banquets and Thunder Alley

NORDIC LANES & LOUNGE 403 S. Mill Street, Rushford • 507-864-7799 • www.nordiclanes.com

Rushford, MN I 75

www.visitbluffcountry.com

Open for breakfast 5:30-11am 7 days a week

Generous Portions • Home-style Cooking • Burgers Homemade Pizza • Broaster Chicken • Salad Bar Favorites Pizza in-house and to go • Ice Creams & Desserts Wine, Beer & Specialty Drinks & OFF-SALE Large variety of craft beers • Game room

●Hand Crafted Expresso Drinks Crafted Expresso ●100% ●Hand Fruit Smoothies ●UniqueDrinks Bottled Sodas ●Panini Sandwiches Soups & Salads ●100% Fruit Smoothies●Fresh ●Unique Bottled Sodas Bean Coffee ●Panini●Wholesale SandwichesWhole ●Fresh Soups & Salads WholeofBean and●Wholesale a Wide Variety LooseCoffee Leaf Teas and a Wide VarietyLocal of Loose Leaf Teas ●Featured Artisans ●Featured Local Artisans DRIVE THRU OPEN MON-FRI 6-5, SAT. 8-4

make the choices then CATERING SERVICE. You leave the cooking to us!

Lower level party hall also available for rental without catering.

507-864-7156

June-August DRIVE PLus THRUsun. OPEN8-2, MON-FRI 6-5, SAT. 8-4 Gift Certificates Available GiftJessie Certificates Available 116 W. St, Rushford, MN

www.stumpys.net

Restaurant & Lounge

2 blocks NorthSt, of Rushford, the Bike Trail 116 W. Jessie MN 2 blocks North of the Bike Trail 507.864.BREW

www.jessiestreetjava.com 507.864.BREW www.jessiestreetjava.com

Pam’s

hunting & fiShing licenSeS Sold heRe

8 flavoRS to chooSe fRom

122 W. Jessie St. Rushford, MN

Mon - Thur 5:30am-10pm • Fri & Sat 5:30am-2:00am. Sun 7:00am-10pm

open eaRlY at 4:00 am 7 days a Week

NEW FLAVORBURST SOFT SERVE CONES!

1 block North of the Depot

thly! n o M cials Spe

Baked fresh daily... muffins, cookies, donuts, and Pastries!

Off-Sale Liquor

(just around back)

open 10am-10pm 507-864-4231

91 Non Oxy Premium Sold Here

Great for classic cars, motorcycles, and all small engines

Rushford Days third Weekend in July

Car Cruise

Wednesday July 12 6pm @ Ferndale

BurN out

Friday July 14

8pm @ Fest Grounds

contact Pam foR moRe info

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

Car shoW

saturday July 15 12 Noon @ Pam’s Corner Parking Lot

Plus great entertainment and much more! check us out at rushforddays.com

76 I Rushford, MN

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

NEW Lunch & Dinner Menus FEatuRED ENtREES:

Swordfish, Tuna, Veal Scalloppini, T-bone Steak and much, much more. We offer special Off-the-Menu Entrees.

Featured Weekend Beers, Imported Wines & Cocktails

Authentic Italian Cuisine

Reserve Special Occasions such as Wedding events, Birthdays, Prom, Graduation, Business events, Baby Showers & Banquets.

100 E. Jessie Street, Rushford, MN 507.864.2050 www.facebook.com/IlLuigiItalianRestaurant/

Rushford, MN I 77

www.visitbluffcountry.com

www.RushfordPetersonValley.com

2018 Events

EXPERIENCE THE ROOT RIVER BY TRAIL OR BY WATER

So much to do and see. Excellent variety of restaurants. Motels & Inns—Andor Wenneson Inn •

Geneva's Hideaway • Loken's Rushford Inn • Windswept Inn

B&Bs—The Crossing • Sweet Dreams Campgrounds—Bluffview • Cushon's Peak • Peterson City • Rushford City • Trailside www.rushfordpetersonvalley.com

78 I Rushford / Rushford Village, MN

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

Sport ● Recreation ● Utility ● Hunting ● Farm Quality Service ● Collector Toys ● Apparel Serving Southeast MN

CHATFIELD 507-867-4910

•

hammellequipment.com

HARMONY • RUSHFORD 507-886-2255 507-864-2845

•

EITZEN 507-495-3326

In business In business over over 31 31 years! years!

Don’t Don’t

SPOIL SPOIL

yourvacation! vacation! your We’re here help We’re here to to help • Auto Lt. Truck Repair • Auto & Lt.&Truck Repair • Electrical Diagnostic • Electrical Diagnostic • Transmission Repair • Transmission Repair & Truck • Car• Car & Truck TiresTires • Full Brake Service • Full Brake Service • Full of Batteries • Full LineLine of Batteries

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

he Town of Rushford was established in 1854. In 1869, the City of Rushford was formed as a separate area that was removed from the Town. Later, the Town of Rushford was incorporated into a Village by a vote of the inhabitants on July 18, 1885 as provided for by a Minnesota state law passed in March 1885. The Village of Rushford became a city by a state law passed in 1973, which declared all villages to be cities. In May 1975, the name was officially changed to “City of Rushford Village.” Rushford Village actually surrounds the two cities of Peterson and Rushford Minnesota. The City of Rushford Village has a total area of 33.64 square miles nestled in the Root River Valley between stunning bluffs and state forest land. The Historic Bluff Country National Scenic Byway, State Highway. 16, runs east and west through Rushford Village, much of it near the Root River State Bike Trail and along the Root River. Rushford Village is a blend of agriculture, small manufacturing, small businesses, in-home businesses and wide open spaces. Its rolling farmlands provide residence to slightly over 800 residents. Many breathtaking panoramas can be viewed from the elevated points on its ridges overlooking the surrounding countryside. Watershed valleys and rich bottom lands provide streams and waterways with fine trout fishing. Community center and shelter rentals are available, as well as camping facilities.

Advertise With Us! Call 1-800-599-0481

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

507.864.7626 A mature course that opened in 1931, nestled in the hardwoods and bluffs of Southeastern Minnesota.

● 9 Holes Par 36 ● Practice Green ● Bar & Restaurant ● Driving Range

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Restaurant Open 7 DAYS A WEEK during the season 11am-9pm

CHECK OUT OUR NEW MENU: ● Broasted Chicken ● Steak Special ● Friday’s 2 for 1 Burgers “The Best Burgers in Bluff Country”

www.ferndalegolfcourse.com “The Best 9-Hole Golf Value in Bluff Country” by Minnesota Golfers Magazine

Spring Grove, MN I 79

www.visitbluffcountry.com

ome and enjoy all that southeastern Minnesota has to offer. Spring Grove boasts a Family Swim Center, the Bluff Country Artists Gallery and Ye Olde Opera House presents a summer musical every July. Splish splash at the Spring Grove Family Aquatic Center between the beginning of June and the end of August. 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 in May. Bring the entire family for the parade, shopping, carnival and more. All summer enjoy Music in the Park on Wednesday nights. When fall arrives, come back for the UFF DA Fest, Christmas in the Village and the Festival of Trees — always the Friday after Thanksgiving. While in town, enjoy a meal at a traditional cafe or soda fountain restaurant. And, of course, there’s shopping for everything from Norwegian wear and gifts to flowers to antiques. Then, spend the night at the motel or park overnight in Trollskogen Park. But, don’t leave town without a Spring Grove pop!

Enjoy Historic Bluff Country

ore Historic Expl Bluff Country

visitbluffcountry.com

www.visitbluffcountry.com

Footwear

Come visit HIS Business Seeking to honor God Who loved so much He gave His Son and His Word, HIS Business is centered upon Scripture plaques we craft from native hardwoods. Distinctive stained glass, wood, and natural fiber items, all locally handmade comprise our products including sweaters to cedar chests and more.

HIS Business 110 E. Main St., Spring Grove, MN

Footskins®

Leather Footwear Handcrafted in Spring Grove

Trusted Quality & Small Town Service Visit our retail store:

Footwear by Footskins Everything made in Spring Grove!

110 E. Main Street Spring Grove, MN 507-498-3707

American Made!

507-498-3723

www.footwearbyfootskins.com

80 I Spring Grove, MN

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

www.visitbluffcountry.com

Spring Grove, MN I 81

Minnesotaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s F irst Norwegieannt Sett le m SPRINGGROVEMN.COM

S H O P. D I N E . P L A Y . S T A Y .

82 I Spring Grove, MN

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

BLUFFCOUNTRYARTISTSGALLERY.ORG 111 W. MAIN, SPRING GROVE, MN 507-498-ARTS

pe!

WARE ORTS

ice for:

SIGN AREL

498-3796 SAT 10-1

.COM

Spring Grove, MN I 83

www.visitbluffcountry.com

Ivy Grove Cafe 101 West Main Street Spring Grove, MN 55974 507-498-5450

Business Hours:

MAY 20-22

Sun. 7:30am - 1pm Mon. Closed Tues. 7:30am - 7pm Wed. 7:30am - 7pm Thurs. 7:30am - 2pm Fri. & Sat. 7:30am - 7 pm

GROVE Good oleSPRING home cookin’, daily M I N N E S O TA specials, and we cater, too.

Celebrating Norwegian Heritage

GRAND PARADE KUBB TOURNAMENT NORWEGIAN FOODS TØFF NORSK CHALLENGE QUILT SHOW & WINE TASTING

CAR SHOW LIVE MUSIC KIDS GAMES MOTOCROSS NATURE WALK

SGSYTTENDEMAI.ORG

splas h in Spring Grove! make a

Eclectic Mix of Decor & Cafe

Turquoise

Lynn Rostad-Anderson

118 W. Main Street • Spring Grove, MN 507.450.5153 • 507.498.7876 • baglady@springgrove.coop

Experience

Life

rk, ith .

Tomato

As It Should Be

Lived

OPEN SWIM 1-6 Mon - Sunday 7-9 Friday Nights June August 29 19 June65 –- August

Visit

Bluff Country

www.springgrovemn.com

www.visitbluffcountry.com

84 I Spring Valley, MN

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

ictorial Spring Valley, Minn., lies along the Historic Bluff Country National Scenic Byway. On the western edge of Fillmore County, this stagecoach and railroad boom town was named one of Midwest Living’s “25 Ultimate Fall Drives.” The town has a history as rich as the views. An abundant number of Spring Valley sites are landmarks on the National Register of Historic Places. Dotting the downtown, visitors will find the elaborate 1871 Parsons Block and Hall, 1874 Commercial House Hotel, 1877 Victorian gothicstyle Ephraim Steffens House, 1879 William Strong House, and the 1904 Carnegie Library. Art and culture also abound in Spring Valley. Just five miles north of town, the 1871 Tunnel Mill has found new life. The former gristmill, which was powered by a tunnel shortcutting a bend in the creek, is the last surviving representative of Minnesota’s milling industry in the county. Now it’s home to a blacksmith shop and traditional iron works, offering a variety of metal working classes, character-laden gypsy wagons, occasional tours of area iron ore mines, and camping, even in the wagons. Each fall, the mill hosts a gathering, with various art and metal displays, demonstrations, as well as a wine and cheese social. The Brave Community Theatre and Braveheart Theatre is proud to be one of the oldest self-supporting community theatres in Minnesota. The troupe highlights comedy, drama, musical, original productions, and Theatre for Kids. The most recognized historical draw in Spring Valley are the Laura Ingalls Wilder sites and museum, housed in the Spring Valley Historical Society Museum in the former Methodist church attended by the Wilder family in the 1890s. The vast

collection includes personal mementos of the family’s life. Displays of various inventors and business people who lived in Spring Valley are also on hand, including Richard Sears, of Sears & Roebuck fame; Bernard Pietenpol, the father of experimental aircraft; Dr. Henry Plummer, founder of Mayo Clinic. Adjacent to the museum is the 1866 Washburn-Zittleman House Museum, featuring 12 exhibit areas, an ag complex, and History Hall. This notoriety, coupled with the surrounding landscape and a love for outdoor recreation, has led to the formation of several world-class races and events. The challenging Almanzo 100 bicycle race is held the first Saturday after Mother’s Day. The events have taken hold of the emerging phenomenon of endurance cycling on unpaved, backcountry roads. Two more races include the Royal 162, over gravel, dirt, and water crossings; and the Alexander 380, a “bike packing” adventure over nearly 400 miles of roads and paths over three days. Bringing in over 1,000 participants and featuring 8,000 feet or more of vertical climbing, the races are increasingly popular. The Winter Wilder is another exhilarating event, held the second Saturday in January. Just outside of town, you’ll find a fantastic speedway, covering more than 60 acres. A state-of-the-art racing complex, it showcases an average of 30 events a year, the speedway thrills with racing on its high banked, dirt/clay track. Other amenities include 24 VIP suites, 36 VIP decks, total seating capacity up to 8,000, slingshot track dubbed “Button Buck Speedway” for younger racers, and a full-service campground. Other lodging choices include a motel, cabins and a 500-acre Continued on page 85

Visit The Valley

Spring Valley, MN

City of Spring Valley • 201 S. Broadway 507-346-7367 • springvalley.govoffice.com

Located in the midsection of SE Minnesota’s agricultural heartland, Spring Valley indulges visitors of all types, whether stopping for supplies or seeking a weekend away from home. Touch centuries of history, starting with a tour of Mystery Cave and the 1800s inspired village of Forestville. Continue with a visit to the 1876 Methodist Church Museum, a Laura Ingalls Wilder site and one of seven Spring Valley sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Enjoy small town charm with all its amenities, including blue ribbon trout streams, several parks, paved bike trails, and our own Good Earth Village.

Local Museums

Things to do

See an original Pietenpol Aircamper at the Ag Building. 507-346-7659, 220-221 West Courtland. www.springvalleymnmuseum.org

Washburn-Zittleman House Museum & 1876 Methodist Church Museum. Almanzo and Laura Ingalls Wilder attended this church in the late 1890s.

Forestville / MysteryCave State Park

One of Minnesota’s finest parks. 507-352-5111 • 507-937-3251 www.mnhs.org/places/sites/hf/

Overnight Camper Parking

Located by bike trail and trout stream, past trout farm on Cty. Rd. 8. 13 sites plus electric. 507-346-7367

Four Daughters Vineyard & Winery

Modern Wine. Modern Feel. Ancient Idea. www.fourdaughtersvineyard.com 507-346-7300

Walking Trail & Spring Creek Trout Stream

S&S Bait Shop can help with all your bait, tackle and licenses. 507-346-7121

Good Earth Village

507-346-2494 info@goodearthvillage.org

Deer Creek Speedway and Campground located west of Spring Valley on U.S. Hwy 63. Visit www.deercreekspeedway.com for the 2015 schedule. For camping call 507-346-2342

America’s Best Value Inn and Suites 1-888-254-6835 www.springvalleyinnsuites.com Just 27 miles from Rochester and the Mayo Clinic.

South Park & Spring Valley Pool Located on Hwy 63 and Co. Rd. 12.

Events

Wilderfest (May 18-20)

The Alexander 380 (May 18), Royal 162 (May 19) and Almanzo 100 (May 19) are self-supported gravel road bicycle races through the beautiful rolling farmland of southeastern Minnesota. The races and the accompanying ELIZA JANE MARKET are held every year on the weekend after Mother’s Day. www.springvalleyminnesotatourism.com Find race information on Facebook at Almanzo 100

34th Annual Root River Antique Engine And Tractor Show (July 20-22)

Featuring John Deere Tractors and Equipment http://rootrivershow.org

Ag Days Celebration (August 14-19)

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, Grand Parade, Little Huskers 1K race, Street Dance, Food, Fireworks, Spring Creek Market, Tractor Show, Vintage Baseball, Bean Bag Tournament, Fishing Contest, Brave Community Theatre Play and more. springvalley.govoffice.com

www.visitbluffcountry.com

Spring Valley, MN I 85

Continued from page 84

village retreat containing a collection of winterized cabins and themed areas ideal for gatherings. Dining and shopping options are as varied as the rest of the town’s conveniences, like scrumptious bakery treats, saloons, the town-favorite pizza place, and a popular drive-in, complete with car hops. You can enjoy bowling or head to South Park, featuring a solar-heated swimming pool, picnic area with shelters, playground, basketball, tennis and volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, and ball fields. Willow Park, in the heart of downtown, boasts the Spring Valley Walking Trail and Spring Creek. Newly expanded, the trail offers 2.58 miles of walking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or snowmobiling and the stream is prime trout water. It plays host to portions of the town’s big August celebration, Ag Days.

109 South Broadway Spring Valley, MN

507-346-1040 Voted Best of

Hours: 11am-9pm 7 Days a week

Bluff Country

Pizza, Salads, Wraps, Lasagna and much more!

Eat in • Carry out • Deliver

Pizza!

22nd

August 16th 2018 Don’t Miss it!

www.GoodEarthVillage.org I 507.346.2494

Faith-Based Summer Camps I Facility Rentals I Year Round

“Our campers understand what it means to be a community — how to work together to love others.”

86 I Spring Valley, MN

Wine

Beer

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

Liquor

Ice

Spring Valley Minnesota

Join us August 14-19 in Spring Valley

for AG Days!

Community Theatre, Cruise Night, Dance, Parade, & More

Your Community that supports Business and Community Livability and Vitality!

www.springvalleychamberofcommerce.com New CoNstruCtioN HousiNg iNCeNtive $3,000 in Permit Fees Waived $1,500 in Spring Valley Dollars $500 Towards Trees & Landscaping Next to Sunshine Foods

Spring Valley, MN 507-346-1979

Business Incentives available thru the EDA. Including opportunities in the expanded industrial park.

Details on our website or call eDA Director: Cathy enerson 507-346-7367

www.springvalleyeda.org This institution is an equal opportunity provider

Check website for guidelines and qualifications for all EDA programs

USDA E.O.

507-346-2579 • 800-660-MEAT

17643 121st Ave. • 4.5 miles South of Spring Valley on Hwy 63

We Also Carry:

Dog & Cat Food, MoorMan’s Mineral, Cattle Mineral & Salt, Bird Seed & Much More! Green Mountain Grills & Smoker Pellets

Hours:

Monday-Friday: 7-5:30 Saturday: 8-3 Closed Sundays EBT Customers Welcome

www.odyscountrymeats.com

Spring Valley, MN I 87

www.visitbluffcountry.com

Spring Valley CheVrOlet BuiCk

Stop in and test drive one today.

CountryClipper.com

Sales • Service • Parts • Body Shop • Towing

Point N’ Go Mowing

CheCk Out Our COlliSiOn Center!

Oh, Deer! neVer fear... We Can fix it!

11 miles South of Spring Valley on Highway 63

Sit Back, 507-561-2282

Point Sit Back, Point & Relax

& Relax www.harringtonenterprisesmn.com

Features:

Enjoy

ore Historic l p x ForE More Information:Bluff Country

• Patented Stand-Up Deck • Easy, Point & Go Joystick Steering • Traditional Twin Lever Steering Option • Pivoting Front Axle & Deck Historic • Heavy-Duty Bluff country Spindles • Welded Steel Deck and much more!

, 507-346-7337 120 E. GranT STrEET • SPrinG VallEy, Mn 55975 www.SPrinGVallEychEVyBuick.coM

visitbluffcountry.com

www.visitbluffcountry.com

Spring Valley liVing 800 Memorial Drive Spring Valley, Mn 55975

507-346-7381 507-346-2804

501 N. Park Drive Spring Valley, MN

OPEN DAILY 7:00AM - 9:00PM

FULL SERVICE GROCERY STORE www.sunshinefoodstores.com

www.springvalleyliving.org

Housing with Services • Care Center Home Health • Therapy • Post Acute Care Wing

Senior Apartment: Services Available Home Health • Therapy • Care Center Call about our apartments and for details:

507-346-7381

www.springvalleyliving.org

88 I St. Charles MN

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

t. Charles, located between Rochester and Winona, is the gateway to the Whitewater State Park. The beautiful little city offers big city conveniences with the advantages that come with living in a small town. W hitewater State Park is only seven miles to the north of St. Charles, where you won’t be disappointed if you’re looking for something recreational to do. Also within St. Charles you’ll find five beautiful city parks that offer a variety of activities to satisfy everyone’s interests, whether it be picnicking, volleyball, baseball or softball, biking or hiking, or taking the kids to the playgrounds. Other family fun includes fishing, golfing, sightseeing, wildlife watching, the local aquatic center, unique shopping and dining. You can even go on a geocaching adventure! It’s difficult to fit into one day, so take advantage of the great lodging available to visitors in St. Charles or a neighboring town. Be sure to stop by St. Charles in August for the town festival, Gladiolus Days. St. Charles is a great place to discover the beauty and historic charm of southeastern Minnesota’s blufflands.

Sales • Service • Parts • Body Shop • Towing

Home of the Original New Big 10

507-346-7337

120 E. GranT STrEET • SPrinG VallEy, Mn 55975

www.SPrinGVallEychEVyBuick.coM

thank everyone for their photo submissions!

Adeline Peters • Ajay Jorgenson • Barb Jeffers • Bob Smock Courtney Bergey • Daryl Fischer • Jade Nelson • Joni Mehus Luke Ristau • Madison Simon • Makenna Gatzke Maureen Johnson • Michelle Meiergerd • Phil Addis Rianna Ryan • Sally Ryman

2019

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FREE

2018-2019 20 18 -2 01 9 2018 -

FREE

These photographers were featured throughout the 2018-2019 Visit Bluff Country Magazine!

FREE

We would like to

Spring Valley CheVrolet BuiCk

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Send your photos to info@visitbluffcountry.com for an opportunity to appear in next year’s magazine.

St. Charles, MN I 89

www.visitbluffcountry.com

We are a family owned campground located in the scenic Whitewater Valley with a premier trout stream running thru the campground. We offer 122 campsites along with a sleeper cabin, the lodge cabin, and a swiss-chalet cabin.

Recreation

Campground & Trail Rides Open Mid-April to November 30

• Arcade • Heated 30’ x 50’ pool • Playground • Basketball Court • Horseshoes • Sand Volleyball Court • Wagon Rides • Trout Fishing • Kiddie Train Rides • Jumping Pillow

The following activities involve an additional fee: • River Tubing • Funcycles/Pedal Carts • Horseback Trail Rides

Location

We are located 20 miles East of Rochester, MN in the Whitewater Valley

xpansive panoramas, stately bluffs rising against the edges of thick, forested valleys, and in the middle of it all, a city on a massive sandbar along the powerful Mississippi River. Winona is a quintessential river city rich in history, culture, arts, architecture, and natural beauty. Home to the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge, the river provides a backdrop for limitless wildlife — literally millions of birds — and aquatic life on the Mississippi River Flyway. At Great River Bluffs State Park, dense hardwood forests and native wildflower prairies frame the valley below. Named a “Best Places to See Fall Color” by CBS Minnesota, it’s no wonder why it’s also been chosen one of National Geographic’s “World’s Greatest Driving Tours.” Looking out from the highest vantage point, 450-feet above the city, is the famous Sugar Loaf landmark, which resulted from limestone quarrying in the 1880s. Native American legend ties the site to the well-known cap of Dakota Nation Chief Wapahasha, turned to stone. Outdoor enthusiasts will be keen to hike trails up the bluff to its base, offering a dramatic view point. Across the bluff sits Garvin Heights Park with inspiring outlooks, hiking, and restored goat prairies. Below, encircling Lake Winona, is Lake Park, home to the C.A. Rohrer Rose Garden, Veterans Memorial Park and the Bandshell. Levee Park allows an up close encounter with the Mississippi River. Occasionally, paddlewheel and other historic riverboats still dock here. Walking tours of historic homes, churches, banks, and courthouse highlight the culture of early settlers. Astounding glass art within the city has earned Winona the designation

507.932.3098 • www.lazydcampground.com

Winona, MN of Stained Glass Capital of the U.S. Attractions such as the Minnesota Marine Art Museum, Polish Cultural Institute and Museum, Watkins Heritage Museum, and Winona County History Center continue the storytelling of Winona’s past and present. Fine and performing arts thrive in Winona. Area artisans’ diverse works are showcased in a variety of places, and many of the artists participate in the Bluff Country Studio Arts Tour. Theatre du Mississippi, the Performance Center at St. Mary’s University, Winona State University Arts, Theatre, Continued on page 90

Blue Heron BlueCoffeehouse Heron Open Daily • 507-452-7020

Coffeehouse

Serving organic fair-tradecoffee coffee &&good Serving organic fair-trade food made from scratch since 1998 good food made from scratch since 1998 Open Daily • 507-452-7020

162Street, West 2nd Street,MN Winona, MN 162 West 2nd Winona,

bluheron@hbci.com • wwwblueheroncoffeehouse.com bluheron@hbci.com • www.blueheroncoffeehouse.com

90 I Winona, MN

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

Continued from page 89

Winery& & EventCenter Center Winery Event

to Glass Experience Enjoy theEnjoy VinethetoVine Glass Experience

Tasting & Sale Hours Tasting & Sales Hours

May - October, Tues - Sun: 10am - 6pm

May - October 10am - 6pm Tues - Sun April, November, December 1pm - 5 pm Sat & Sun

April, November, December, Fri - Sun: 1 - 5 pm

2255 Garvin Hts. Rd. Winona, MN Ridgeview Event Center 507.474.WINE(9463) • ghvwine.com accommodates your group of up to 100

2255 Garvin Hts. Rd. Winona, MN 507.474.WINE(9463) • ghvwine.com

& Dance, and Valencia Arts Center continue to grow the development and production of arts programs. Weekend and extended festivals have become a popular draw to Winona. Mid West Music Fest, Dixieland Jazz Festival, Minnesota Beethoven Festival, Great River Shakespeare Festival, Boats and Bluegrass Festival, and Frozen River Film Festival beckon visitors to enjoy and participate in the arts. The Great Dakota Gathering honors the native people who inhabit this land. Created with sacred stonework and native prairie plantings, the site sets the stage for the Wacipi (pow wow), Akicita (warrior/veterans) Honor Ceremony, exhibits and demonstrations, and authentic crafts, arts, and foods celebrating the rich heritage of the people. The Great River Road Wine Trail rests in the Upper Mississippi River Valley American Viticulture Area, the nation’s largest. A vineyard sits atop the bluff outside the city, producing choice wines from cold climate grapes grown on the farm and finished in oak barrels of native Minnesota oak. The Winona area also boasts two craft breweries. Minnesota’s best bakery, as voted in 2013, is located in Winona. Other delightful culinary options range from baked goods to thriving coffee spots, cafés, ethnic restaurants, and gourmet dining overlooking a golf course. For fun fare, visitors can’t beat a stop at the local drive-in, complete with homemade root beer and friendly carhop service. Throughout the city, shops and boutiques of every kind are offered, as well as multiple types of lodging, to make Winona a simple matter of choice.

The Best Under the Sun SM

Now offering Pizza Bell Hop! Enjoy a meal anytime of the day or night. Crispy Wings and Seasoned Chicken Poppers. Available in the hotel or for take out.

Free hot breakfast with fresh hot waffles | Free secure wireless internet | 100% Non Smoking

Try Our Apartment Suite Walking distance to Mango’s Mexican & American Grill, Ground Round Grill & Sports Bar.

Call the Hotel Direct for Details & Rock-Bottom Rates!

507-454-6930 1-800-DAYS-INN

• Seating for up to 20 people in livingroom • Full Kitchen • Full Bath • Queen-sized bedroom and pull out sofa • Ideal for wedding parties, bridal showers, birthdays, family get-togethers, meetings, etc. • Pet Friendly rooms available (pet fees apply, must mention at time of booking) • Meeting room available for up to 30 people. (fees apply)

Winona, MN I 91

www.visitbluffcountry.com

“Should be a must for visitors.” - S.R., Facebook Review, Sept. 2016

See our historic Solidarity Banner signed by World Leaders

STEP INTO

FREE ADMISSION PUBLIC WELCOME

WINONA COUNTY’S STORIED PAST The Winona County History Center

www.winonahistory.org

160 Johnson Street Winona, Minnesota 507.454.2723

MMAM.ORG G R E AT A R T I N S P I R E D B Y WAT E R

TUESDAYS-SUNDAYS: 10AM–5PM CLOSED MONDAYS

MINNESOTA MARINE ART MUSEUM 800 RIVERVIEW DRIVE • WINONA MN (507) 474-6626

Open: Year round Monday-Saturday 10am to 3pm Sunday - closed 102 Liberty Street, Winona, MN 507.454.3431 info@polishmuseumwinona.org www.polishmuseumwinona.org

92 I Winona, MN

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

1671 1/2 W 5th Street • Winona, Mn 55987 www.bluffviewquiltshop.com bluffviewquiltshop@gmail.com

Get a new outfit for only

Quality Quilting Fabrics, Patterns, Notions, Classes Check out the newsletter on our website. Like us on Facebook to see our current classes, fabrics and sales!

Hours: Thurs. & Fri. 10-5:30 • Sat. 10-3 • Sun. 12-4

EvEry day is a

SALE DAY at thE ClothEs shoP!

Fashions for men, women & children

The Clothes Shop

A thrift store supporting Winona Vonunteer Services www.winonavs.org

507.452.5591 • 416 E. 2nd St. at Winona Volunteer Services Shopping & Donations Hours: Mon - Fri, 9am-5pm • Thurs, 9am-6pm • Sat, 10am-1pm

“WONDERFUL” Accessible, affordable, professional theater.

For fifteen years, GREAT RIVER SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL (GRSF) has been delighting audiences from all over the country with “poignant, intimate, and funny” theater experiences. Praised as “the best live theater for a thousand miles”, GRSF offers productions for visitors of all ages, free outdoor concerts and events, and much more - all in the idyllic Mississippi River town of Winona, Minnesota. So join us, won’t you? No homework required.

grsf.org | 507.474.7900

Winona, MN I 93

www.visitbluffcountry.com

ITALIAN - AMERICAN CASUAL DINING A full service dining restaurant and bar, serving Italian/American cuisine. Also serving appetizers, sandwiches, pasta dishes, seafood, steaks, wonderful desserts and award-winning pizza. Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner 6:30am-10:00pm

Meetings Banquet Rooms to 60 Persons

• Whirlpool Rooms • Large Kiddie Pool • Meeting Rooms • Fitness Center • 2-Room Suites • Room Service

*Kids Stay & Eat FREE!

Each room includes: Refrigerator, Microwave, and a TV in the bathroom!

507-453-0303 Intersection of Hwys 43 & 61 • Winona, MN

Happy Hour 3-6pm 9-10pm

507-452-5400 • Winona www.greenmill.com

www.plazawinona.com

Unbeatable “Free” Hot Breakfast 2-Room Suites • Whirlpool Rooms

Conference Rooms up to 400 Persons • Deluxe Free Hot Breakfast • Indoor Pool

• Refrigerators & Microwaves in all rooms • 37” Flat Screen TV • Indoor Pool • Sauna • Kiddie Pool • Meeting Room Facilities • Gift Opening Room

• Whirlpool • Exercise Room • Whirlpool Rooms

507-452-0606

Hwys 43 & 61 • Winona, MN

www.riverportinn.com

507-474-1700 • Intersection Hwy. 43 & 61

www.hiexpress.com/winonamn

94 I Winona, MN

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

Visitors Guide A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

1023 sugar loaf rd Winona, mn 55987

www.visitbluffcountry.com A special publication by Visit Bluff Country

OPEN

Thursday - Monday 10:00am - 5:00pm

507-474-7030

Email: trEasurEs@hbci.com W W W. t r E a s u r E s u n d E r s u g a r l o a f. c o m

Wykoff, MN

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 area’s railroad. Wykoff is the gateway to Forestville State Park, and only eight miles from the Root River Bike Trail. 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. On Gold Street, visitors to Wykoff will also find a lovely gift shop, a tea room with unexpected culinary delights. You can find unique lodging in the original 1913 City Jail. Restored, the former jail now serves as an eye-catching and surprisingly restful B&B, complete with all-brick construction and bars on the windows. A great time to visit Wykoff is during the Fall Fest Celebration, which takes place every fourth weekend in September, sponsored by the Wykoff Area Historical Society.

Advertise With Us! Call 1-800-599-0481

Stop in for some MN Nice

The Gateway Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 7am-4pm Thursday, Friday, Saturday 7am-9pm and Sundays 7am-3pm

118 N Gold St Wykoff, MN 507-352-4221

Margaret’s Tea Room & Gifts 100 Gold St, Wykoff, MN | 507-352-4205

Beautiful array of nice gifts, teas & coffee + Homemade Fudge

Hours

Gift Haus Wednesday - Saturday 10am-4pm Tea Room Wednesday - Saturday 11am-1pm

Reservations Suggested

Wykoff, MN I 95

www.visitbluffcountry.com

summer camp E expe DGY Play! in the Barn • performances bluff riences in coun try! Summer Solstice • dance party Onion Fest • food + performance PIZZA • every Friday night, June – Sept!

On & Off Sale Available!

Pool • Darts Pizza • Pull Tabs • E-Tabs

organic farm

rural arts initiative

www.dreamacresfarm.org | www.dreameryruralartsinitiative.org

113 Gold St. N., Wykoff, MN • 507-352-2281

shooter’s Bar Custom Orders Welcome Belts • Wallets • Coaster Sets • Bracelets • Knife Sheaths Saddles - Tack - Repair Work - Holsters - Etc. Beginner Leather Classes Available Call or Text 507-459-3546

18529 160th St, Spring Valley, MN 55975

www.DoubletreeCarriageCompany.com

Wykoff, MN 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

For reservations call (507) 352-4205 City of Wykoff (507) 352-4011

SPecial eveNtS for 2018

ed’S MuSeuM 1:00 - 4:00 pm

September 21•22•23

For more information call (507)352-4205 or (507)352-4011

Saturday & Sunday or by appointment call (507) 352-4205

Open from Memorial Day weekend until last weekend of September.

City of Wykoff website: wykoff.govoffice2.com • E-mail: wykoff@arvig.net • 507-352-4011

96 I MN Trout Fishing Map

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

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 contribute

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 arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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. Continued on page 97

www.visitbluffcountry.com

MN Trout Fishing Map I 97

Continued from page 96

Because the chemistry and productivity of these streams 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 Whitewa-

ter, 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

98 I MN Area Map & Scenic Byway

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

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 1,500 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.

Historic Bluff Country • National Scenic Byway

Shooting Star Scenic Byway

88-mile route on Minnesota Hwy 16 between Dexter and La Crescent

32-mile drive along Hwy 56 between Hwy 63 at Chester, Iowa and I-90

The Historic Bluff Country Scenic Byway links together some of the most scenic, historic, cultural, natural and recreational 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, lodging, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, biking, cross country skiing, golfing, horseback riding, and trout fishing. The Root River offers water recreation while the Root River & the Harmony-Preston Valley State Bicycle Trails offer miles of variety for users.

This byway is one of the state’s first designated wildflower routes. The Minnesota DOT and Natural Resources manage wildflowers and native grasses along the route, which passes through rich agricultural regions and small towns with historic buildings, B&Bs, golf courses, swimming pools and city parks. Lake Louise State Park is located on this route.

Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Highway From Rochester south on US 63 to Spring Valley, follow MN 16 & US 52 to the Iowa border to Burr Oak

Travel the scenic route that Laura wrote about in the Little House series. Almanzo and Laura Ingalls Wilder attended the 1876 church in Spring Valley 1890-1891. 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.

Apple Blossom Scenic Byway 1.5 mi S of I-90 to Main St in La Crescent. W to Elm St., follow Cty Hwy 29

One of the most beautiful scenic overlooks in Minnesota, this 17-mile driving route follows County Hwy 29. Accessible from the towns of La Crescent, Dakota and Nodine, this loop provides great views from bluff tops along the Mississippi River Valley in SE Minnesota.

Amish Byway Along Hwy 52 between Hwy 16, Preston and Hwy 44 at Prosper

The growing Amish community is concentrated in the area around Canton and Harmony and they are frequent users of Hwy 52 between Preston and Prosper. Most of the Amish farmsteads are 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.)

For more information on Scenic Byways visit www.byways.org or www.bluffcountry.com

Bratsberg

oice

Fillmore Co.

Newhouse

Cream

35 Reno Trail

Waumandee

Glencoe

Winn

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Wilmington

Reno

�

Millville

Alma

Freeburg

249

Mississippi River

Tell

Caledonia

• Kellogg

4 Spring Grove

Mabel

• Wabasha

Newburg

Hammond

44 61

Beaver Creek

West Albany

Brownsville

60State Park

Black Hammer

MN Area Map & Scenic Byway I 99

Nelson

Reads Landing

Trevino

Sheldon

Mill

26 18

Maple Springs Schech’s

Yucatan

Hokah

River

Pepin

Houston Co.

Houston

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Cre

Buffalo City

Weaver

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North Winn Rd

Tamarack

• Plainview

247

• Elgin 248

• Altura

Goodview

Olmsted Co.

5 12

Mystery Cave

14 15

Cherry Grove

Highland

Choice

17 Amherst

115

Granger

Niagara Cave

Iowa

Canton

44 52

To Kendallville and Cresco

Lime Springs

Mabel

Burr Oak

Kendalville

North Winn Rd

63 Chester

Yucatan

19 8

r Iowa

Riv

Cresco

TWIN SPRINGS STATE PARK

Spring Rd

Decorah

Brownsville

Beaver Creek

44 Caledonia

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Spring Grove

�

27 16

28 76 Wilmington

27 4

Freeburg

249

Mississippi River

State Park

Newhouse

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18 10

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Schech’s Sheldon Mill

139

Mound Prairie

Harmony

La Crescent

�

Black Hammer

Pine Creek

LaCrosse

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For

uth So Lenora

Henrytown

Greenleafton

Historic Forestville

Bratsberg

Lanesboro

Preston

Etna

25 Whalan

Forestville State Park 118

�

80 5

Wetbark Trail

Houston Co.

Wykoff

Ro ch

8 Fountain 80

Fillmore

Rushford Village 43

Rushford 26

�

25 Peterson

250

idd

Money Creek

Arendahl

Pilot Mound

103

90 1

New Hartford

13 11

Nodine

Hart

Dakota

Winona Co.

Ridgeway

Troy

38 101 102 4

14 G.R. Bluffs

Fremont Saratoga

Chatfield

Pickwick

To W

Fillmore Co.

Pleasant Grove

Dover

St. Charles 33

inon

Marion

Utica

basha

To Altura Eyota

Bethany

Galesville

Centerville

• Winona

a To W

• Elba

Viola

Rollingstone

ch Decorah es ter

• Arcadia

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100 I Minnesota Area Visitor Centers

Austin Chamber of Commerce 329 N. Main St., #102 Austin, MN 55912 507-437-4561 • 888-319-5655 www.austincoc.com Discover Austin, MN 301 N Main Street, Suite 101 Austin, MN 55912 800-437-4563 www.austincvb.com Caledonia Chamber of Commerce 120 South Kingston Caledonia, MN 55921 507-725-5477 • 877-439-4893 www.caledoniamn.gov Chatfield Tourist Information Center 16 Second Street SE Chatfield, MN 55923 507-867-3966 www.ci.chatfield.mn.us

HARMONY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 15 2nd St. NW Harmony, MN 55939 877-251-0606 www.exploreharmony.com Houston Area Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 3 Houston, MN 55943 507-896-4668 www.houstonmnchamber.com Lanesboro Area Chamber of Commerce 100 Milwaukee Rd. Lanesboro, MN 55949 507-467-2696 • 800-944-2670 www.lanesboro.com LeRoy Visitor Information 122 W. Main St. LeRoy, MN 55951 507-324-5707 www.visitleroy.com

CITY OF ST. CHARLES 830 Whitewater Ave. St. Charles, MN 55972 507-932-3020 www.stcharlesmn.org

CITY OF MABEL PO Box 311 Mabel, MN 55954 507-493-5350 www.cityofmabel.com

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

Preston Area CHAMBER OF COMMERCE P.O. Box 123 Preston, MN 55965 507-421-8911 www.prestonmnchamber.com

Burr Oak, IA

urr Oak, a little town on Highway 52, is known to most people as Laura Ingalls Wilder’s childhood home. The town invites you to learn about the birth of Grace here, and the places where Laura Ingalls Wilder grew and developed her love of books and words - where stories flowed from the tombstones of Burr Oak pioneers in the cemetery where Laura and her friend Alice found solace in the quiet of summer afternoons on the hill by the Advent Church. Burr Oak invites you to come and see the view from the hotel that Pa managed while the Ingalls family lived and worked here -- the view of Silver Creek that still flows as it did when the Ingalls girls waded in it. Little imagination is needed to see Laura’s footprints all around Burr Oak, mixed with those of the people who have come to see the places that helped to grow America’s gem of literature and history. At the Burr Oak museum you’ll enjoy seeing Laura’s historic home, the area and all of the attractions around this area of the state line.

Advertise With Us! Call 1-800-599-0481

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

PRESTON AREA TOURISM PO Box 657 Preston, MN 55965 507-765-2100 • 888-845-2100 www.prestonmn.org

Spring Valley Chamber of Commerce 201 S. Broadway Spring Valley, MN 55975 507-346-1015 www.springvalleychamberofcommerce.com

Rushford Area Chamber of Commerce 305 S. Elm St. Rushford, MN 55971 507-864-3338 www.rushfordchamber.com Southeastern MN Historic Bluff Country Convention & Visitors Bureau 303 S. Elm St. Rushford, MN 55971 507-864-2992 • 800-428-2030 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

Wabasha Chamber of Commerce 160 W. Main St. Wabasha, MN 55981 651-565-4158 www.wabashamn.org WINONA AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 67 Main St. Winona, MN 55987 507-452-2272 • 800-565-4158 www.winonachamber.com Visit Winona - Visitor Center 924 Huff St. Winona, MN 55987 507-452-2278 507-452-0735 • 800-657-4972 www.visitwinona.com Wykoff Tourist Information Center P.O. Box 205 Wykoff, MN 55990 507-352-4205

www.visitbluffcountry.com

Explore Historic

Bluff Country

visitbluffcountry.com

Laura Ingalls Wilder Park and Museum

June 23 • Laura Day CeLebration! 563-735-5916 • 3603 236th Ave • Burr Oak, IA 52101 museum@lauraingallswilder.us • www.lauraingallswilder.us • Visitor Center/Gift Shop • Shelter House • Playground

Guided tours of the Masters Hotel Laura’s only childhood home still on its original site.

Charles City, IA I 101

www.visitbluffcountry.com

Home Decor • Gifts • Clothing Accessories • Personalized Engraving Weekly Painting & Wine Events

Worth the Trip Every Time! 413 N Main St • Charles City, IA 50616 641-228-2657 • TheRusticCorner.com

xperience the rich art, history and community spirit that Charles City, Iowa has to offer! Charles City has a list of titles, as a Main Street Iowa Community, an Iowa Great Place, a STAR Community and more. The city is one of Iowa’s eight original Cultural & Entertainment Districts, featuring the art deco Charles Theatre and the Carnegie Library, now known as the Charles City Arts Center. More artwork from local regional and national artists can be seen on the Public Art walking tour, while the Mooney Collection showcases pieces created by Rembrandt, Picasso, Grant Wood and Salvador Dali. The community is the birthplace of the gasoline-powered tractor and the girlhood home of suffragette Carrie Lane Chapman Catt, who is today considered a prominent historical figure in the context of women’s rights. Iowa’s first whitewater park and kayak course is located on the Cedar River in downtown Charles City, along with adjacent Riverfront Park. Join in on the fun for a year-round calendar of events, including summer favorites such as Party in the Park, Whitewater Weekend and the July 4th Celebration. Charles City residents are always ready to roll out the welcome mat for visitors! Visit our website at www.charlescitychamber.com, find us or Facebook ChuckTown: Charles City, Iowa or follow us on Twitter @CharlesCityIA to stay up-to-date with all the latest information. We welcome you to visit any time of year!

102 I Clermont, IA

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

lermont, Iowa, located in the beautiful hills of northeast Iowa, is a small town located in the valley on the banks of the Turkey River. Its most popular attractions include the Clermont Museum, Heritage Farm Park, Lincoln Park, the Larabee Building, and the Montauk Historic Site. The Turkey River flows through the town and is utilized for activities such as canoeing, kayaking, tubing, and fishing. Bike trails offer the chance for bikers, joggers, walkers, and bird watchers to fully enjoy the lush countryside. In winter, cross-country skiers and snow shoers get a chance to trek the trail, and this is also a prime place to enjoy the outdoors on a vast, expansive network of snowmobile trails. Hunting draws outdoor sportsmen to the surrounding wooded areas as they take their shot at the perfect whitetail deer or wild turkey. Not only is nature good for taking your best hunting shot, but photographers come to capture the wildlife, too. Founded in 1949, Clermont has become a historic town with eight listings on the National Register of Historic Places. You can find more information on our website: www.clermontia.org and on Facebook.

www.visitbluffcountry.com

MONTAUK HISTORIC SITE Tour the historic home of Iowa’s 12th governor, William Larrabee and his wife Anna Larrabee 26223 Harding Road Clermont, Iowa 52135 563.423.7173

iowahistory.org

Open Daily, 12–4 p.m.

Open Fri.–Sun., 12–4 p.m.

Memorial Day–Labor Day

Labor Day–Oct. 31

Enjoy Historic Bluff Country

ore Historic Expl Bluff Country

visitbluffcountry.com

www.visitbluffcountry.com Cresco, IA

you haven’t been to Cresco, Iowa, it’s time you visit! Located in northeast Iowa, Cresco offers landscape designed for all four seasons and a variety of activities to engage everyone. Tour the Boyhood Farm and Birthplace of Dr. Norman Borlaug and see why this gentle man is only one of seven people in the world to ever be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, the Congressional Gold Medal, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Dr. Borlaug is credited with saving millions of lives by developing a hybrid of wheat that could be grown in places that previously could not do so. A must-see in Cresco is the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame. Found in the Cresco Welcome Center, it is the only museum dedicated to Iowa-born natives who have contributed to amateur wrestling. See the likes of Dan Gable, Gold Medalist of the 1972 Olympics, and others as you learn about Iowa’s proud sport of wrestling. An added bonus is the IWHOF 40-foot mural dedicated to wrestling in Cresco and Iowa. Whether walking, biking, or nature watching, the Prairie Springs Recreation Trail (PSRT) is a 3-mile paved trail accessed from downtown Cresco at Balk Park to Vernon Springs, winding along the Prairie’s Edge Nature Center next to the Turkey River. Along the trail are benches and picnic tables for you to stop and enjoy your moments outdoors. Breathtaking beauty and glorious displays of nature can be seen the entire length of this trail, with prairie grass, flowers, rolling farmland, and shaded woods that brings you back to a less complex world. Here it connects to the Prairie Farmer Trail, a paved 22-mile route that traverses through an old Continued on page 104

Behavioral Health Clinic 563-547-2022 Community Health Services 563-547-2989 Cresco Family Pharmacy & Home Medical Equipment 563-547-6666 Cresco Medical Clinic 563-547-2022 | 888-547-5474 Hospital Services 563-547-2101 Howard County Community Hospice 563-547-2989 Lime Springs Medical Clinic 563-566-2243 | 800-593-5463 Senior Life Solutions 563-547-6650

Working Together For The Health Of Our Community www.rhshc.com

Cresco, IA I 103

www.visitbluffcountry.com

Furniture

Re-do &

Quilterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Garden

120 N. Elm Streetâ&#x20AC;˘Cresco, IA 563-203-9266 quiltersgarden@mediacombb.net

2 Chicks In A Barn

Hours:

Monday: Closed Tues. - Fri.: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sat.: - 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Gift Shop

215 N. Elm Cresco IA Health, Home & Gifts Galore! Mon. - Thurs.: 9am - 5:30pm Fri.: 9am - 7pm Saturday: 9am - 4pm

Up-cycled, Handmade, with a mix of NEW! Upholstery, Caning, & Furniture Painting Call Nancy or Barb at 319-240-6638 furnitureredoandmore@gmail.com thenoveltynook5@gmail.com

Authorized Baby Lock sewing machine dealer Long arm quilting available

Like us on

Quilting fabrics & notions Wide variety of Novelty Fabrics www.quiltersgardencresco.com

Find us on Facebook

Gifts that will last a lifetime. 110 N Elm St.

Jim and Barb 108 North Elm St. Welcome you to Cresco Cresco Iowa

563-547-4020 Monday thru Satuday 9:00 to 5:00 Friday 9:00 to 9:00

Where Old Friends Gather and New Friends Meet

Open 1:00pm Monday thru Saturday Free WIFI and TV

104 I Cresco, IA Continued from page 102

railroad bed, offering views of Iowa farmland on the way. The first fitness trail in the State of Iowa possesses outdoor fitness equipment strategically placed along the recreation trail (PSRT) and offers a workout for all ages and levels. Enjoy a run/walk and workout all along the trail, as this scenic experience now adds a challenge to all fitness levels! Cresco is home to the first stewardess in the world. Ellen Church made many contributions to aviation and one of them was to devise a pilot program to bring nurses on board the newly proposed “passenger plane” back in the 1930s. Convincing the airlines that nurses on board would instill confidence in their passengers, they allowed Ellen to go forward with her program. It became such a success the first “Air Hostess” was born, which evolved into the “Stewardess,” and today, the “Flight Attendant.” To raise community and visitor awareness to a form of art not often seen outside museums and galleries, Cresco is dotted with over 45 sculptures of children featured outside of historic buildings and landscapes. This is a great walking tour of a picturesque town in northeast Iowa that residents and visitors alike enjoy all year round! Take a walk (and a fishing pole) on Iowa’s first Rock Arch Rapids. This innovative fish ladder replaced a 150-year-old spill-water dam reconnecting hundreds of miles of river habitat. Over 280 feet of pools and rapids showcase this stunning new recreation area, located at the end of the Prairie Springs Recreational Trail. Find us on the web at www.howard-county.com for more information on the rich heritage and history of Cresco!

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

• Primitive Homespuns & Country Collectibles • Legacy Greeting Cards • Russell Stover & Abdallah Candies • Rowe Pottery • And Much More

708 2nd Ave. SE, Cresco 52136 • 563-547-3900 Monday - Thursday 8 AM-8 PM, Friday & Saturday 8 AM-9 PM

LIQUOR • BEER • FINE WINES

* COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS * STEEL STRUCTURES * POLE SHEDS * NEW HOMES * STEEL ROOFS Cell 563-419-7054 Home 563-547-3129 Aaron Wemark, Owner

Come see the Freedom roCk in CresCo! Dedication of the Howard County Freedom Rock Memorial Park is June 23, 2018 at 4:00pm. While you're are here check out: • Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame • Norman Borlaug Boyhood Farm • Over 45 Unique Bronze Statues • Full Service Campgrounds • Challenging Golf Courses

Cresco, IA I 105

www.visitbluffcountry.com

All Aluminum Products Built Contractor Tough... “The new leader in es All Typ s! r ile Livestock Transportation” Of Tra All-Aluminum Trailers built the way you want them.

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GARDEN CENTER

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Tools - Paint - Hardware - Plumbing Electrical - Clothing - Sporting Goods Toys - Lawn & Garden

Open 7 Days a Week Cresco Monona Decorah 563-539-2405 563-382-8822 563-547-2492

Your home away from home! Vacation Home

Nancy & Loren, Owners

Rental

New, rustic reception shed suitable for 80 for an additional fee

The

Shady Rest Guest House 1658 Highway 52, Decorah, Iowa 563-379-4132 shadyrestguesthouse@gmail.com

http://shadyrestguesthouse.wix.com/shadyrest-guesthouse

Find us on Facebook!

Join us in God’s Country!

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

• Knitting & Crocheting Supplies • Unique Locally Made Items • Fine Yarns • Select Fair Trade Yarns • Books & Patterns • Spinning & Felting Fiber Hours: Sun: 12-4pm M, T, W, F: 10am-5pm • Thurs: 10am-8pm Sat: 10am-5pm

Classes offered: Beginning knitting, felting, socks and more...call for details! Visit our Website for Class Information www.blueheronknittery.com

Decorah, IA

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, Wis., visitors to the area find incomparable scenic beauty, rolling farm land, 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 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 Continued on page 107

106 I Decorah, IA

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

Stone Hearth Inn

email: chimneyrock1995@gmail.com

Restaurant & Lounge

Commerce Dr. behind Super 8 Motel• Decorah • 563-382-4614

Casual Dining

The area’s finest sandwhiches, prime rib, steaks, seafood, chicken, pasta & salads.

Chimney RoCk CampgRound www.chimneyrocks.com • (563) 735-5786 3312 Chimney Rock Rd • Cresco, IA 52136

Dine with us where you can relax and enjoy our warm fireplace and cozy atmosphere... Our downstairs lounge is open Open at 11:00 Monday – Saturday Serving beer, wine and mixed drinks. Check out our website...www.stonehearthdecorah.com Now serving Toppling Goliath ON TAP & IN CANS

• Canoe/Kayak Livery • Camping Cabins • Primitive & Electric Sites • Shower House/Rec Room • Dump Station/Volleyball/Playground • Private Livery Service Available • Enjoy Fishing/Hunting/Swimming • Located on the Upper Iowa River Along the “Chimney Rocks”

“noRTheaST ioWa’S BeST kepT SeCReT”

We carry bigFROM & tall through 4Xlt EVERYTHING JEANS TO SUITS! Extended hours! 130 W. Water St. Decorah, Iowa 563.382.5761

M, T, W, F 9-6 Thursday 9-8 Saturday 9-5 Sunday 12-4

www.amundsonsclothing.com

Decorah, IA I 107

www.visitbluffcountry.com

Continued from page 105

#StayAmazing

Decorah, Iowa

2041 State Hwy 9. Decorah, Iowa • 563-382-8800 Book your stay at www.marriott.com/lsefd

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 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, over ten rustic cabins and lodges, and a number of 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 Winneshiek 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.

Premier location and unparalleled amenities. Stately architecture and rich heritage. Locally-sourced cuisine in Restauration restaurant, and handcrafted cocktails in our intimate lounge.

• Elegant Guest Accommodations • The Region's best Wedding and Event Venues • The Historic Opera House with seating for 300+ • Off-site Catering available Book Online or Call now for great getaway rates! • hotelwinn.com • 104 E Water St., Decorah IA • 563.382.4164

108 I Decorah, IA

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

From people who

love music

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love Bluff Country

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Decorah, IA I 109

www.visitbluffcountry.com

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 “NorwegianAmerican” because it is dedicated to the Norwegian immigrants who settled in the New World. The first room features a life-size 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 Norwegian-American 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 Continued on page 110

m i e h r e t s e V Visit s g Connection

Creatin g Traditionsstory in iv L h g u o r th igrant Hi Art School • Imm ons • Folk

ti World-class Exhibi

Y 150 Year Family Farm

DAILY WINE TASTING

Restaurant • Catering • Event Space • Gift Shop May-Oct: Mon-Sat 10-5 • Nov-April: Wed-Sat 10-5 All Year: Sunday 12:30-5 • 2nd Sunday Brunch: 10-1

Vesterheim

The National Norwegian-American Museum & Heritage Center

In scenic Decorah, Iowa • vesterheim.org • 563-382-9681

1966 337th Street • Decorah, Iowa 52101

563-735-5809

wwwinery.com

110 I Decorah, IA

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

Continued from page 109

food for thought

A Decorah Favorite

Voted Best of the Bluffs

immigrants. The different 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.

private dining room available, seating up to 50 people. great for rehearsal dinners, reunions, birthdays, holiday parties. DINNINg HouRS • Wednesday-Saturday - opening at 5pm

SuNDAy BRuNcH • 9am-1pm HAppy HouR • Wednesday-Saturday - 5-6pm 117 West Water St., Decorah, IA • 563-382-WINE (9463) www.rubaiyatrestaurant.com • Reservations appreciated email - info@rubaiyatrestaurant.com

1798 Old Stage Road Decorah, IA 52101

Decorah, IA I 111

www.visitbluffcountry.com

Book your next event in our NEW winery building! We use mainly locally grown berries • Bachelor & Bachelorette Parties & ferment whole fruit for the best tasting • Bridal & Baby Showers “TRUE TO THE FRUIT” unfiltered wines! • Weddings/Receptions/Rehearsal Dinners Come and taste the difference! • Class Reunions/Family Reunions

Open for tasting

• Painting & Wine Parties/Private Tasting Parties • Graduation Parties/Anniversary Parties

Saturdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays 1-5 p.m. Closed in January

Seating for up to 200 people.

Catering available!

www.emptynestwinery.com

Dave & Pam Kruger 1253 Apple Rd., Waukon, IA (563) 568-2758

Building made from our 100-year-old family barn.

Like Us On Facebook When you stay with us, you’ll appreciate the little extras, like:

www.choicehotels.com/IA186

705 Commerce Drive Decorah, Iowa 52101 563-382-2269

Decorah, Iowa.

Stay with us and let us prove to you why our guests keep coming back again...and again.

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v Indoor Heated Pool v Complimentary Q-Corner Hot Cafe breakfast v Wednesday Evening Social - Complimentary Meal v Free High Speed Internet v Business Center v In-room flat screen high-def TV,coffee maker, ironing bord, microwave & hair dryer v Complimentary newspaper v 100% smoke-free v Pet friendly

112 I Decorah, IA

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

grocery • bulk • produce • café meat • cheese • bakery • wine/beer supplements • body care Shop our new online catalog at www.amishfurnitureiowa.com

Home Decor

1642 State Hwy 9, Decorah, IA

Check out our Poly Lawn Furniture-it is earth friendly, fully recyclable, made from milk jugs.

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312 West Water Street • Decorah, Iowa 52101 563.382.4666 • www.oneotacoop.com M-Sat 8:00-8:30 • Sun 10-7

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Decorah, IA I 113

www.visitbluffcountry.com

k s a u ’s r H

Experience

Life

Canoe Livery 563-547-4566 Bluffton Campground 563-547-4566 • 2633 W. Ravine RD. • Decorah, IA 52101

As It Should Be

Lived

- Located in Bluffton Bluffcountry.com/hruska’s.htm

Electric Hook-up (30 amp/50 amp) • Primitive sites • Access to a shelter Solar showers • Bathroom facilities (Porta Potties)

Campers

30 amp...$20 PEr nigHt • 50 amp...$25 PEr nigHt

Tents

$12...PEr nigHt/PEr tEnt (4 PErSon mAx) • with electric...$15 PEr nigHt

Canoe • Kayak • Tube

Rental (SHuttlE includEd) Canoes...$35 PEr dAy • Kayaks Solo...$25/tAndEm...$35 Tubes...$10 PEr dAy/PEr tuBE • $8 PEr dAy (no SHuttlE)

Cash & Checks Accepted • No plastic!

Visit

Bluff Country

www.visitbluffcountry.com

114 I Dubuque, IA

entrally located, Dubuque is easily accessible and is less than a 3-hour drive from Chicago, Minneapolis, Madison, and Des Moines. Surrounded by bluffs and located on the Mississippi River, Dubuque offers a beautiful landscape and wonderful outdoor experience beyond any sporting event. The Port of Dubuque is the perfect place to stroll through the bygone days of Dubuque. Here you will find the Mississippi Riverwalk, the National Landmark Shot Tower, the Star Brewery building, and the renowned National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium—an impressive riverfront museum campus that showcases the history of Dubuque and the entire Mississippi River region, plus the animal and aquatic life of the Mississippi and Gulf waters. Journey back to the late 1800s and travel by Dubuque’s original streetcar, the horse-drawn carriage. Daily narrated tours of five historic districts are offered and you can take a ride on the world-famous 4th Street Fenelon Place Elevator. Taste the flavors that the Dubuque area has to offer. From a romantic dinner at a restored historic hotel, a quick bite at a coffee shop, to sampling the latest in local brews. Year round, there is a lively mix of festivals, performances, and celebrations found in the Dubuque area.

Do you want to advertise in this publication?

Contact the office at 507.765.2151 with any questions!

Dyersville, IA

f you build it, they will come.” Yearly, 80,000 to 100,000 people visit the Field of Dreams movie site. This baseball field carved into a cornfield on an Iowa Century Farm has been attracting people since the movie debuted in 1989. Bring a baseball, bat, and glove to hit a few and run the iconic bases. New: house tours! No longer a private residence, the first floor of the farmhouse has been converted back to look like it did in the movie. Special events include Ghost Player Sundays (starting 4th of July weekend) and the All-Star Team of Dreams event (Sunday of Labor Day weekend). Dyersville is known as the Farm Toy Capital of the World. Home of the historic Ertl Company along with SpecCast, Scale Model Toys, Samuelson Pedal Tractors & Parts, and TOMY International, naturally we are also home to the National Farm Toy Museum. Special events include the Summer Farm Toy Show (June) and the National Farm Toy Show (first full weekend of November). With twin spires standing 212’ in the heart of downtown, the Basilica of St. Francis Xavier is one of only 82 basilicas

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

Only a few miles from downtown

Dubuque, Iowa,

feeling like a world away on the mighty Mississippi River. Bed & Breakfast | Wedding & Event Center | Inn & Conference Center

Whether it’s a wedding, team retreat, or weekend getaway, the Four Mounds Inn & Conference Center has something for you.

4900 Peru Rd., Dubuque, Iowa | 563-556-1908 www.fourmounds.com

in the U.S., one of two in Iowa, and the only one located in a rural community. This amazing example of gothic architecture underwent a $1 million interior refurbishment touching up original paintings, restoring an original border and adding gold leaf trimming throughout, making this already beautiful Catholic church absolutely stunning! The original Victorian house of Judge James A. Dyer, our town’s founder, is the Dyer-Botsford Historical House & Doll Museum with three floors of area history, including a very rare rotating German-feathered Christmas tree and over 2,000 dolls. The two-story, 22,500-squarefoot Plaza Antique Mall is home to over 200 dealers offering a wide variety of antiques, collectibles, and farm toys (for purchase). Located four miles north of Dyersville, The Heritage House Museum is a former convent converted into a German Museum. It features 23 rooms of period antiques, artifacts and hand-crafted quilts. These attractions, along with restaurants offering homemade meals, including pie with skyscraper-high meringue and variety of flavors including old fashion sour cream raisin, welcoming hotels and bed and breakfasts, make Dyersville a memory-making destination. Find more information at dyersville.org.

www.visitbluffcountry.com

Dyersville, IA I 115

FIELD OF DREAMSTM Movie Site URs • HOmE TO Year 359 days a ndays in • Ghost su ugust July and A reams • Team of d t2 Event sep

Open daily Apr. 1-Oct. 31 • Weekends only in Nov. Check fodmoviesite.com calendar for details.

FREE AdmissiON

28995 Lansing Rd., dyersville, iA

fodmoviesite.com • 1-888-875-8404

116 I Elkader, IA

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

ed and Breakfasts, a bakery, great restaurants, and unique shops are waiting for you to come and enjoy all that we have to offer. Elkader has been recognized by the National Historic Preservation Trust and National Main Street Center through the “Great American Main Street Award,” earned the State of Iowa “Spirit of main Street Award,” and is designated as one of Iowa’s Great Places.” Elkader was incorporated in 1891 in the valley of the Turkey River and named after Algerian freedom-fighter Adb el Kader. A beautiful keystone bridge, built in 1889, spans the Turkey River and offers a stunning view of the courthouse, also built before 1900. Nine of the oldest structures are now on the National Historic Register. Scenery and history converge with the commercial district to comprise a vital, charming community like none you have ever seen. Elkader’s downtown is a designated “Cultural and Entertainment District” and is home to many unique specialty shops. Entertainment is also plentiful with performances at the renovated 1903 Opera House or enjoy movies at the 3-D digital Elkader Cinema. Enjoy the Turkey river in a canoe or kayak, try the whitewater feature or paddle the river to the Mississippi. Experience rural, local annual events of Art in the Park, Sweet Corn Days, and Ladies Day Out. Bring a camper and enjoy a relaxing time in the campground, splash in the pool or stroll the trails. For more, visit www.elkader-iowa.com.

Kitchen hours

Monday - Thursday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday - Saturday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Full MENu All DAy • Full BAr 105 1st Street NW • Elkader, IA • 563-245-FOOD(3663) Follow us on Facebook for specials, and pub updates. facebook.com/fennellysirishpub

Explore Historic

Have you been in before?

Old tO New...aNd everythiNg iN betweeN! Small town hospitality with 14,000 sq. ft. of affordable prices in our 1897 hotel building!

dors!

70 Ven

TURKEY RIVER MALL ANTIQUES • GIFTS • COLLECTIBLES

102 S Main St., Elkader, Iowa • 563-245-3995 Hours: 9 am - 5 pm Monday - Saturday • Sunday 12 pm -5pm Closed Easter, Thanksgiving & Christmas Days

www.turkeyrivermall.com

Bluff Country

visitbluffcountry.com

Fort Atkinson, IA I 117

www.visitbluffcountry.com

ome to the fort opened by Brigadier General Henry Atkinson, the small town of Fort Atkinson, Iowa welcomes those who wish to enjoy the historic community. Though only a community of roughly 350 people, the attraction sites within town borders are one-of-a-kind, as is the town’s annual Rendezvous Days Festival. While in Fort Atkinson, it’s worth the time to stop by the Fort Atkinson State Preserve, the neutral ground of the Winnebago Indians following their removal from Wisconsin in 1840. The fort provided the Winnebago with protection from other tribes including the Sioux, Sauk, and the Fox as well as white intruders who would trespass on Indian lands. A self-guided walking tour of the fort will give visitors a view of what life was like in the 1840s as they observe the stockade and main gate, the barracks, a guard house, a quarry, officers’ quarters, a powder magazine, as well as a root house, an ice house, and laundress house. Also included are a carpenter shop, bake house, blacksmith shop, quartermaster’s office, granary, and stables. Lake Meyer is also an important feature of Fort Atkinson’s geography. The 156 acre park houses the County Conservation Board’s headquarters. Lake Meyer offers a great spot for camping, whether tent or trailer, and offers amenities including drinking water, showers, and restrooms. And don’t forget the outdoor recreation of skiing, hiking trails, picnicking areas, or taking advantage of the 38-acre lake!

• A Melodrama presented by the Country Road Players • 1840s Military Camp • Cannon Drills Fort Atkinson, Iowa • 5K Walk/Run on Saturday September 29 & 30, 2018 • Conestoga Wagon • Tepees & Lodges Saturday 9:30-4:30 • Sunday 9-3:30 • Hunters • Trappers • Blacksmith No Admission Charge - Free Parking - Bring the Family! • Trade Blankets • Potter • Scrimshaw Artist • Ropemaker For info email fortatkinsoniowarendezvous@gmail.com Check our Facebook page at Fort Atkinson Iowa Rendezvous • Basketmaking • Spinning Sponsored by the Friends of Fort Atkinson & the Iowa DNR • Period Instruments & Music • 1840s Kids Games • Skillet Throw • Cooking Contest • Flint & Steel Contest • And So Much More!

42nd Annual

e Historic r o l p Ex Bluff Country

visitbluffcountry.com

RECREATIONAL TRAILS • NATURE PRESERVES

•

Lake!

CAMPING

FISHING

Spend Your Summer at the

• CAMPING

www.winneshiekwild.com

FISHING

Visit us at

•

2546 Lake Meyer Road, Fort Atkinson, Iowa 52144 (563) 534-7145 conservation@winneshiekwild.com

CANOEING

•

Lake Meyer Park & Campground

for more information on Winneshiek County campgrounds, parks, trails and other recreation opportunities

RECREATIONAL TRAILS • NATURE PRESERVES

Froelich, IA

he Froelich 1890s Village Museum is home to John Froelich’s 1892 invention of the first gasoline powered tractor able to propel itself forward and backward. The Waterloo Gasoline Traction Engine Company was started by John Froelich in 1893 and later purchased by the John Deere Tractor Company in 1918. Guided tours of the Museum include the Iron Clad Store, Warehouse, Train Depot, Blacksmith Shop, 1866 One Room School, Vintage Barn, Semi Building and the Froelich Tractor replicas. The Museum is open everyday for tours except Wednesdays from the second weekend in May through the last weekend in September, continuing through the first two weekends in October. Come join our village for the annual “Fall-Der-All” celebration the last full weekend in September. This is a family fun weekend including tours, kids pedal pull, line-up of old tractors and single cylinder engines, and many old-time demonstrations that will take you back to the past “Good Old Days.” Great food and fun for everyone! The Froelich Foundation focuses on the preservation of farm tractor history. They also take great pride sharing this rich historical heritage for many generations to come!

www.visitbluffcountry.com

118 I Froelich, IA ~ Guttenberg, IA

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

s the largest city in Clayton County, Guttenberg’s German immigration began in 1845, and by 1850 the town was sizable and nearly all German. The influence of the German population was best indicated by the construction during the period between 1845 and 1865 of over one hundred stone buildings. The bluff limestone was easily obtained and good, local clay and lime for construction was available. The city takes its name from Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of movable type. A replica of a Bible he printed is on display at the public library. Enjoy family boating on the Mississippi River, watching eagles soar in the sunrise, and viewing the sunset on a river beach. Browse unique retail shops, art galleries and antique stores, and enjoy local cuisine at restaurants, cafes, and our winery. Stay in our comfortable inns, motels, bed and baths, and campgrounds. Stroll the two-mile river walk or trails, join our family events in the park, or check out the aquarium, Lock and Dam #10, and the Lockmaster’s House Heritage Museum, the last remaining lockmaster house on the Upper Mississippi. Be sure to visit the nearby local and state parks, and sign up for a fishing or sightseeing river charter. Nestled between limestone bluffs and the Mississippi River valley of Northeast Iowa, Guttenberg is a “Great Place” for families young and old. Vibrant community spirit, extraordinary natural beauty, hardworking reliable workforce, comprehensive health care facilities, excellent schools and year-round recreation make Guttenberg a “Great Place” to do business, live, work and play. Named one of “America’s Prettiest Towns” by Forbes.

Heaven’s Hill & More Visit Deb & Rick this “2018” Season

OPEN fOR 2018 SEASON (MAY-NOV?) Monday-Friday: 11am - 5pm • Saturday & Sunday: 11am-5pm Other times by chance. Phone 563-880-2496 or 563-252-2185 WE PICK ALL YEAR LONG!

A Unique “Little” Gray Barn filled to the Rafters with “Memories”

27793 Highway 52 North, Guttenberg, IA Located 4 mi North on Hwy. 52 from Guttenberg 6 mi South of Garnavillo on Hwy. 52 West side of the highway Rick & Deb Hinzman, Owners www.heavenshill52northguttenberg.com

FROELICH 1890s VILLAGE MUSEUM

"Home of John Froelich's 1892 invention of the first gasoline propelled tractor, becoming the forerunner to John Deere."

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: 1891 General Store & Post Office 1866 One Room School Blacksmith Shop & Warehouse Railroad Depot & Train Cars Barn & Semi Building John Froelich's Tractor Replicas Open May 12 - Sept 30 & First two weekends in Oct. Mon, Thurs, Fri, Sat 10am-5pm Sun 11am-5pm Website: FroelichTractor.com 24397 Froelich Rd, Froelich, IA On Hwy 18, 4 miles east of Monona 52159 #563-536-2841 or #563-880-1525 froelichtractor1892@yahoo.com

Hawkeye ~ Kendalville, IA I 119

www.visitbluffcountry.com

awkeye is a vibrant destination where families and businesses are central to the growth of our community. In the heart of the Upper Midwest, Hawkeye is just south of State Hwy. 18, and a few miles north of U.S. Hwy. 20 and east of U.S. Hwy. 63. The Mississippi River is 50 miles to the east. Ten miles east is the George L. Scott Municipal Airport, in West Union. Visitors to Hawkeye may notice the natural resource-based economy active within the area. From the large agricultural co-op, to the wind farm, to the popular retail garden nursery, to the growing local food businesses, Hawkeye embraces its natural environment for long term resiliency. Outdoor green space is important to the community. Hauth Park covers over seven acres and includes a walking trail, shelters, tennis courts, and a ball field. In the winter, the tennis courts are transformed into an ice skating rink, complete with a warming house. City Park, on Main Street, includes playground equipment and a gazebo. A few miles north, the 64-acre Gouldsburg Park is where the Little Turkey River and Crane Creek meet, offering opportunities for fishing, tubing and canoeing. This park’s campground is complete with a dump station, showers, flush toilets and 26 electrical hook-up sites. Also nearby is the Thelman Wildlife Area, just north of Hwy. 18. This is a 300-acre public hunting area featuring native grass plantings, a wetland, timber and crop ground for wildlife to prosper. Many visitors to Gouldsburg and Thelman find Hawkeye a convenient place for shopping, dining and fuel. Hawkeye Fun Days in June draws hundreds of visitors to Hawkeye for a weekend of organized activities. The Hurd Museum is located in Hawkeye and houses a large collection of Hawkeye and farming memorabilia.

endallville, Iowa, is a best-kept secret that should be explored. The town, located between Cresco, Iowa, and Harmony, Minn., is host to a peaceful 12-acre campground that offers electric and primitive camping with facilities. Canoe, kayak, and tube rental is conveniently found right in town, as is a restaurant and bar that will satisfy your appetite with its delicious food, friendly service, and casual atmosphere! Snowmobilers can take advantage of the area trails and stop in for a bite to eat and a warmup. In warmer weather, spend time fishing, canoeing or taking in the sounds of nature. The Upper Iowa River can be canoed for about 110 miles, with natural segments based on campgrounds and scenery.

Al & Debbie Reicks Owners

563-547-3256 3230 347th Street • Cresco, IA 52136 On Highway 139 in Kendallville • Casual dining in the Valley

1st Saturday of every month: Prime Rib NIgHtly: Wednesday: Wings • thursday: Tacos Friday: Fish • Saturday: Steaks

120 I Kendalville ~ Lansing, IA

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

ain Street, Lansing, Iowa, is lined with authentic buildings from its rich mercantile past and ends at the Mississippi, where steamboats docked in yesteryear. Here, bald eagles soar year round, the Mississippi Flyway is used by 80% of migratory birds in the U.S., and spring and autumn bring 20,000+ elegant tundra swans and American white pelicans. Lansing and the surrounding area are the ideal setting for camping, hiking, biking, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, skiing and fishing, hunting, boating, and skiiing and tubing on the mighty river. There are plenty of art experiences, and shopping, dining and lodging opportunities in Lansing, so come for a long and relaxing stay!

CamP sCeniC

along the

Upper Iowa rIver

River View INN

60 South Front Street • Lansing, 60 IA South Front Street 563-537-0072 • 563-419-4403

River View Inn

Lansing, IA 563-419-4403 563-538-4231 Affordable, spacious rooms located on the Affordable, spacious rooms located on the banks banks of the Mississippi River in Lansing, Iowa of the Mississippi River in Lansing, Iowa Penthouse, Sleeps 6 • Eagles Nest, sleeps 2 Sleeps 6 Hunters Eagles Nest, sleeps 2 4 DockPenthouse, Suite, Sleeps 4• Lodge, sleeps Dock Suite, Sleeps 4 Hunters Lodge, sleeps 4

www.riverviewinnlansingiowa.com

Kendallville Campground 3501 K Park Road, Kendallville, IA (563) 547-2897 conservation@winneshiekwild.com

www.winneshiekwild.com CampIng • CanoeIng • FIshIng

www.riverviewinnlansingiowa.com

Driftless AreA inn AnD event Center 1910 Columbus Rd • Lansing, IA• 563-537-0072• 563-419-4403

1910LColumbus Rd Hardware & Service a n s i n g Lansing, IA• 238 Main St LanSing ia 563-538-4431 www.lansinghardware.com 563-537-0072 “Where 19th century charm meets 21st century needs” 563-419-4403

Unit 1, Sleeps 4-6 • Unit 2, Sleeps 2 • Unit 3, Sleeps 4 Unit 4, Sleeps 6-7 • Unit 5, Sleeps 4

Driftless Area Inn and Event Center

www.DriftlessAreAinn.Com

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Lime Springs, IA I 121

www.visitbluffcountry.com

May 12: Mother’s Day Luncheon June 2: Buckwheat Pancakes & Garage Sale Day June 17: Father’s Day Ecumenical Church Service atFull Lidtke MillAvailable & Father’s Day Omelet Breakfast Full Menu Available Menu Variety of: Appetizers • Sandwiches Sandwiches December 2: Christmas in Lime Springs Variety of: Appetizers •

Salads • Burgers Burgers Full Menu Available Salads • Try our our of: Barely Naked Cheese Cheese Curds Try Barely Naked Curds Variety Appetizers • Sandwiches Full Menu Available Serving Breakfast Every Salads • Burgers Variety Appetizers • Sandwiches Saturday 7-10:30AM Try our of: Barely Naked Cheese Curds Salads • Burgers Serving Breakfast Every Try our Saturday Barely Naked Cheese 7-10:30AM OM 5-9PCurds Fr VED Breakfast Every M SErServing Saturday 7-10:30AM WEDNESDAY NITE WEDNESDAY NITE O r F M D FrOM 5-9PM V~EBurger 5-9 P & D SEr Burger & Fries Fries v~EFRIDAY rWEDNESDAY M NITE NITE E O r F M FRIDAY NITE D 5-9PM E V S ~ Fry Fries SEr ~ Burger ~ Fish Fish & Fry with choice of & salad FRIDAY NITE WEDnESDAy night WEDNESDAY NITE with choice of potato potato & salad bar bar SATURDAY NITE ~ Fish & Fry ~ Burger Fries SATURDAY NITE ~FRIDAY Burger & Fries ~ of Taco Bar with choice potato & salad bar NITE ~ Taco Bar with all theFry fixins SATURDAY NITE ~ Fish with all thenight fixins FriDAy ~ Taco Bar with choice of potato & salad bar with all the fixins SATURDAY NITE ~All-U-Can-Eat Fish Fry ~ Taco Bar SERVING WOLF’S DEN PIzzAS with allinthe fixins SERVING WOLF’S DEN PIzzAS Available Thin Crust Available in Thin Crust SErving WOLF’S DEn PizzAS SERVING WOLF’S DEN PIzzAS Chicken Alfredo, Hawaiian, Chicken Hawaiian, Available in Thin Crust BaconAlfredo, Cheeseburger Bacon Cheeseburger Chicken Alfredo, Hawaiian, as well asWOLF’S the usual toppings! SERVING DEN PIzzAS Bacon Cheeseburger as well as the usual Available in Thintoppings! Crust as well as Alfredo, theBAr usual toppings! Chicken Hawaiian, THE DAM & Grill St. •Cheeseburger Lime Springs, IA Bacon THEMain DAM BAr & Grill 563-566-4443 THE DAM BAr & Grill Main St. • Lime Springs, IA as well as the usual toppings! JeffSt. Burnikel Owner IA Main • Lime -Springs, 563-566-4443 Jeff563-566-4443 Burnikel - Owner THE DAM BAr & Grill Jeff Burnikel - Owner Hours: Mon-Thurs: Mon-Thurs: 3-10 Hours: 3-10 PM PM Main St. • Lime Springs, IA Fri: Close Fri: 33PM PM --563-566-4443 Close ••Sat: Sat:10 7 AM -- Close Close Hours: Mon-Thurs: 3-10 PM Sun: CLOSED Hours: Mon-Thurs: 3-10 PM Jeff- Close Burnikel - Owner Fri: 3 PM • Sat: 7 AM - Close Fri: 3 PM - Close • Sat: 7 AM - Close Sun: CLOSED Sun: CLOSED Hours: Mon-Thurs: 3-10 PM Fri: 3 PM - Close • Sat: 7 AM - Close Sun: CLOSED

Johnson Comfort Systems, Inc. “The Geothermal Experts”

More than 1,205 successful installations! Geothermal heating & cooling Uponor Radiant Floor Heat

107 Center Street Lime Springs, IA 52155 563-566-2346 www.johnsongeothermal.com

sWEEt coRn DAYs 9-12, 2018

Upcoming EvEnts

Springs has to offer! AUGUST

Come see what Lime

FREE Street Dance -

Thursday, Friday & Saturday

FREE Sweet Corn - Sunday FREE Watermelon - Sunday Parade - 1pm Sunday FREE Fun All Weekend!

’

KCD s Serving Breakfast 7 Days A Week at 6 AM Noon Lunch Specials Monday-Friday Short Order Grill Variety of Sandwiches & Appetizers BIG SCREEN TV Mon-Fri HAPPY HOUR HOURS: Mon-Fri 6am-Close Sun 7am-Close Downtown Lime Springs, IA 115 West Main 563-566-2366

Lime Springs Swimming Pool 563-566-2606

• Open Every Day (Weather permitting) Call for hours • Open June-August Outdoor Pool (Next to Ballpark)

122 I Lime Springs ~ Lawler, IA

For all your healthcare needs,

call the Lime Springs Medical Clinic

Staci Vrzak, ARNP

Tracey Schlangen, ARNP

563-566-2243

or toll free: 800-593-5463 Monday 7am-3pm | Wednesday 9am-4pm | Friday 7am-12pm

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

ocated along Hwy. 63, just five miles south of the Minnesota border, Lime Springs is the Best Town by a Dam Site! If you’ve never been to Lime Springs or if you are an old friend, plan to visit in 2018 as the town prepares for its Sesquicentennial (that’s 150th!) Celebration. Held during Sweet Corn Days, the usual three-day festival has been extended to four days to allow time for all the fun activities planned, August 9-12. The tried and true events will still take place, such as the Friday and Saturday night FREE street dances (plus another on Thursday). Don’t forget FREE sweet corn and watermelon on Sunday. If you can’t make if for the big celebration, there is still plenty to enjoy on any given Sunday, or Saturday or weekday! During the summer, the municipal pool is open seven days a week, with the ball park, volleyball park and playground adjacent. One mile north is an outdoor dream, with the updated Lidtke Park and all its amenities, the Upper Iowa River for fishing and other water fun, and on weekends a person can tour Lidtke Mill, the most authentic old-time mill around. Come for a day, or stay for a lifetime in Lime Springs.

Marquette ~ McGregor, IA 101 West Main St • Lime Springs, IA • www.rhshc.com

Lawler, IA

awler, Iowa, is a slice of heaven in Chickasaw County, and is home to the beautiful Lawler Area Veterans Memorial, complete with monuments and statues honoring the many area veterans, including the Cutsforth family, whose eight sons served during WWII and the Korean War. Lawler’s annual Irish Festival takes place the third weekend in June as a tribute to its heritage. Food, music, and community service all come together for this fantastic weekend, but the town’s greatest asset is its people!

June 15-17, 2018 Lawler, Iowa

he towns of McGregor and Marquette are nestled between the steep river bluffs and the Mighty Mississippi River, on the Great River Road. Whether it be hiking and camping, relaxing on the Mississippi, grabbing a bite to eat with a great view, or shopping our unique shops, we have endless possibilities! Spending time on the Iowa Wine Trail? Stop in at the winery in Marquette and enjoy free samples of their award winning wine and relax in their wine garden. Perhaps you brought the boat with you. Dock at the city boat ramp and cruise the Mississippi, soaking up the scenic river bluffs. Is hiking more your liking? Effigy Mounds National Monument has miles of trails that meander past Indian burial mounds, culminating at Hanging Rock overlooking the Mississippi River. Feeling lucky? Drop in at the casino and try your hand one of the tables while aboard a river boat. Driving south to McGregor you will pass a marina, where houseboat and pontoon rentals let you enjoy the “Mighty ‘Sip” at your leisure. How about a guided river tour for the afternoon? Once in McGregor you’ll find shops lining Main Street and buildings that date back to 1800s still standing, inviting you in with their charm. Take the drive to one of the most beautiful spots in the state of Iowa, Pikes Peak State Park. After a fun-filled day, the bed and breakfasts or our local motels welcome you home, where you can relax and unwind in our quaint little river towns. We have many restaurants in both towns that serve up mouth-watering home cooked dishes guaranteed to satisfy your appetite. For more information check us out on Facebook McGregor-Marquette, Iowa, or find us on the web at www. mcgreg-marq.org or contact the chamber office at (800) 8960910.

Marquette ~ McGregor, IA I 123

www.visitbluffcountry.com

Tri-City Antiques

Open Daily 10am-5pm Free Wine Tasting Daily

Marquette • McGregor • Prairie du Chien

Live Music in the Wine Garden June-October

Tri-City Antiques consists of 5 unique shops, over 50,000 sq. ft. of antiques in a 10 minute radius featuring Quality Furniture, Red Wing Stoneware, Quilts, Primitives, Glassware, Vintage Toys and so much more!

Marquette, Iowa BARR HOUSE ANTIQUES & GIFTS

Welcome!

211 Edgar St (first right across bridge from Prairie du Chien, WI) 563-873-2046 & 563-873-1402 ••••

Schoolhouse Mall

204 North St (located at old school in Marquette) 563-873-9664

McGregor, Iowa THE Old TIME SHOPPE 140-142 Main St. 563-873-3670 ••••

PAST 100 YEARS 310 Main St. 563-873-3512

563.873.1905 127 North St Marquette, IA 52158 www.eagleslandingwinery.com

Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin CHECk’S ANTIQUES 115 S. dousman St. 608-326-6014

Osage, IA

Protivin, IA

rotivin is known for its rich Czech heritage. It was founded by Czech settlers in mid 19th century, and named “Protivin” after the Bohemian town because the landscape reminded them of their home region. The town celebrates their Czech heritage during Czech Days festival each August. These days are full of events - a food and beer tent, music, polka Mass, cake walk, bingo, crafts, softball, basketball, volleyball, dances, and serves about 1,300 dozen kolaches and 800 dozen rohliky! Each winter they also celebrate Masopust, a traditional Czech carnival (Mardi Gras style) before Lent.

Open 7 Days a Week

11 AM till Close! Full menu with entrees served after 5 PM • Sunday - Pizzas & Wings Only

116 S. Main, Protivin, IA • 563-569-8395 Like us on Facebook!

f you’re longing for a country get-away, peppered with a dash of amenities that you’d find in a big city, that’s exactly what you’ll find in Osage, a community located on the very west edge of bluff country in Mitchell County, Iowa, where industry and recreation coincide at the perfect balance. Traveling west on Highway 9 in Mitchell County, you’ll come across Osage, where Highway 9 and Highway 218 intersect. Osage, known as the City of Maples, holds its title because of Doctor S.B. Chase who helped line the streets with maple trees like in his hometown of Portland, Maine. Chase would even help those who could not buy trees by giving them trees and helping them with the planting process. The glorious autumn colors of the maples today are annual tribute to this pioneer, his hard work, and his generosity. What makes Osage unique is that it within the city resides the Sock Monkey sock, manufactured by Fox River Mills, and Watts Theatre, which was listed as one of the top 10 cinemas in USA Today in 2006. Osage is home to the Cedar River Complex (CRC), which includes a wellness center, indoor aquatic center, the Mitchell County Historical Museum, and a 600-seat auditorium. Visitors from great distances are brought to North Iowa to take advantage of what Osage and other surrounding communities have to offer.

124 I Osage, IA

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

Make your way to Make Mitchellyour County today! way to Mitchell County today! November 18th

Public Program “Nature on the Move” Fall bird migration and how plants “move” around the landscape 9 -11am @ Brownville Wildlife Area

r way to Mitchell County today!

NoveMber 18th

public prograM “Nature oN the Move” Fall bird migration and how plants “move” around the landscape 9-11 AM @ Brownville Wildlife Area

NoveMber 18th

December - march

public prograM “Nature oN the Move”

DeceMber - March

Open SKI at Nature Fall bird migration andXC how plants “move”Center around Saturday & Sundays opeN xc Ski @ Nature Center Saturday & Sundays the landscape (weather 9-11 AM @pending, Brownvillecheck WildlifeMitchell Area County (weather pending, check Mitchell County Mitchell County Conservation Board Facebook page for updates) Conservation Board Facebook page for updates) Mitchell County Conservation Board Headquarters Conservation Board

Make your way to Mitchell County today!

DeceMber - March Headquarters

NoveMber 18th

February 17th - Sweetheart Ski public prograM “Nature oN the Move” Historic Downtown 5-8 PM @ Wapsi Great Western Line Trail, Riceville Fall birdtoday! migration and how plants “move” around Make your way to Mitchell County (weather pending, check Mitchell County the landscape 9-11 AM @ Brownville Wildlife Area • Great for shopping, dining and entertainment Contact Chelsea at

opeN xc Ski @ Nature Center Saturday & Sundays

18793 Highway 9 Osage, Iowa 50461

Conservation Board Facebook page for updates)

(641)NoveMber 732-5204 18th 18793 Highway 9 • Stay overnight – variety of hotels, bed & breakfast public prograM “Nature oN the Move” “Mitchell County Osage, IowaFebruary 50461 February 17th Sweetheart Ski Fall bird migration and how plants “move” around March 10th 17 sweetheart ski DeceMber March & camping options to choose from Conservation Board” landscape 9-11 AM @ Brownville Wildlife Area 5-8 PM @ WapsiopeN Great xc Western Trail,Center SkWapsi ithe @Line Nature SaturdayLine &Deer Sundays 5-8 PM @ GreatRiceville Western Trail, Riceville & turkey expo (weather pending, check Mitchell Mitchell County 9-3County PM @ Milton R. Owen Nature Center Contact Chelsea at Conservation Board Facebook page for updates) Conservation Board DeceMber - March (641)Headquarters 732-5204 visit us online at www.mitchellcountyconservation.com opeN xc Ski @ Nature Center Saturday & Sundays February 17th - Sweetheart Ski 18793 Highway 9

• Annual Events – visit our calendar at www.osagechamber.com

(weather pending, check Mitchell County Mitchell County March 10th Osage, IowaConservation 50461 Board Facebook page for updates) Conservation Board “Mitchell County Headquarters Contact Chelsea at

Deer & turkey expo

9-3 PM @ Milton R. Owen Nature Center Conservation Board”

18793 Highway 9 (641) 732-5204 Osage, Iowa 50461“Mitchell County

5-8 PM @ Wapsi Great Western Line Trail, Riceville

February 17th - Sweetheart Ski march 10th 5-8 PM @ Wapsi Great Western Line Trail, Riceville

ne atContact www.mitchellcountyconservation.com 10th expo Deer &March turkey Board” Chelsea Conservation at (641) 732-5204 9-3&@turkey Milton R. Own Nature Center Deer expo 9-3 PM @ Milton R. Owen Nature Center

March 10th visit us oNliNe www.mitchellcouNtycoNservatioN.com visit usatonline at www.mitchellcountyconservation.com

“Mitchell County Conservation Board”

Cedar River Complex Osage, Iowa Osage, Iowa Cedar River Complex Cedar River Complex Osage, Iowa Cedar River Complex Osage, Iowa visit us online at www.mitchellcountyconservation.com Deer & turkey expo

9-3 PM @ Milton R. Owen Nature Center

SAVE THESUMMER DATE FOR THESESHOWS SUMMER SHOWS SAVE THE DATE FOR THESE SAVE THE DATE FOR THESE SUMMER SHOWS SAVE Cedar THESummerstock DATE FORTheater’s THESE SUMMER 1 mission isJune to 21-July bringSHOWS This premiere 21-July 1 is based on the 21-July 1fromisJune Cedar Summerstock Theater’s mission toIowa bring together talentedJune college students across the tales of local author Iowa premiere isHamlin basedGarland. on the June 21-July 1fromisThis This Iowa premiere based on the together talented college students across the A musical of love on the prairie. tales of local author Hamlin Garland.

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Riceville, IA I 125

www.visitbluffcountry.com

iceville, Iowa, is a community of roughly 900 and a dual county town, partly located in Mitchell County and partly in Howard County. The town’s northeast Iowa location is strongly centered around the area’s rural economy. The many Amish and Mennonite families that reside in the area add to the area’s rural charm. Riceville offers a lot for people to see and do. Riceville’s

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public library is home to five of the Brown Opera House stage curtains, which are full size vaudeville curtains painted as scenery and as advertisements. Several thousand dollars were put to use to restore the curtains in 1980 after their use in the early 1900s. Now they are a very popular area attraction. More fun is waiting at nearby Lake Hendricks, an ideal place for many activities such as camping, swimming, fishing, and even just relaxing and enjoying the great outdoors. In close proximity are recreational trails, an added feature of the area. Visitors have access to stay at one of the more than 200 campsites, playground equipment and picnic shelters that are all overseen by a full-time park attendant. The 18-mile Wapsi-Great Western Line Trail connects Iowa and Minnesota and also runs through Riceville, winding through the Lake Hendricks Park. Anyone traveling the trail will find the beauty of wildflowers, prairie grasses and a butterfly garden. Also along the way, you’ll observe a number of Amish settlements. Riceville is also a well-established community for its residents. The K-12 school system, businesses in a variety of different industries, recreational opportunities, and health care services all help make Riceville a great town in which to live. Riceville’s 9-hole course has been around for more than Raptor • Laredo 40 years and Outbackis taken advantage of by many. Each year the Wapsi Day Festival takes place and is packed with entertaining activities and performances.

St. Ansgar, IA

Gansen auto & RV sales, Inc. www.gaarv.us • 641-985-2034 Mon-Fri 8am-6pm • Sat 9am-1pm

Visitors Guide A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

www.visitbluffcountry.com A special publication by Visit Bluff Country

t. Ansgar is known as “The Garden Spot of Iowa” because of the beautiful local gardens, large old trees and lush farmland surrounding the town. St. Ansgar was founded in 1853 by a group of Norwegian immigrant farmers, led by the Reverend C.J. Clausen, a Danish minister. To honor a man whose influence had much to do in the shaping of his own life, Rev. C.J. Clausen gave to the town the name “Saint Ansgar” (“God’s Spear”), the only town of this name in the world. On the National Registry of Historic Places is the First Lutheran Church, the oldest Lutheran church in continuous use west of the Mississippi. The historic elementary building has been preserved now known South Square, a place to learn, play, and create. Space is available to rent for special occasions and events. St. Ansgar is full of charming shops, eateries, apple orchards, a B&B, a retreat center, a museum, parks, businesses and several agricultural industries. Recreation is abundant with a golf course, a walking path/bike trail, a stocked trout stream, a nature trail, and a bowling alley. An outdoor zero-entry aquatic center offers a water slide, lap pool, and other amenities. Located nearby is the Cedar River, with opportunities for boating, fishing, waterskiing and other activities. Great for picnics and camping, Halvorson Park is located a mile south of town and includes a boat launching ramp, and Cedar River Sportsman’s Park overlooks the river, just two miles southeast of town.

126 I St. Ansgar, IA

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

St. Ansgar Garden Spot of Iowa The Bridal Theatre, LTD.

Call 641-713-2303 for all your wedding needs and special occasions. 10-5 M-F • 10-3 Sat bridaltheatre@iowatelecom.net

F ind Us on Facebook! stansgarcommunitycha mber

St. Ansgar Community Chamber

2018 Calendar of Events

Aquatic Center

Open Seasonally Zero Entry Public Swimming 641-713-4721

www.facebook.com/stansgarcommunitychamber www.stansgar.org

Citywide Garage Sales

Salon 318

www.salon318.com • 641-713-4022 For a full day of relaxation, a new hairstyle or a quick manicure.

Historic South Square

202 S. Washington St. 641-757-9742 Performing Arts, Event Rental, Art Classes, Recreational Sports & Bingo

April 28th Maps available at local businesses Contact: Katie DeMaris 641- 736-4303

Town & Country Days Horticulture Fair

June 16th 2 x 4 Bike Ride (10, 25 or 50 mile bike ride through 4 counties in 2 states), Quilt Show, Kids’ Activities, Vendors, Bean Bag Tournament, Flower Show, Ag Displays, Sports; Crowning of Miss St. Ansgar, Fireman’s Supper, 7:00 pm parade Contact: Janeal Dunn 641-832-0978

18th Annual Fall Festival

September 8th Artists, crafters, antiques, seasonal goods, food and other vendors. Specials at retail shops. Contact: Kari Nelson 641-713-4698

homesweethomesta

Home Sweet Home

641-713-4698 Home Goods, Vintage, Gifts, Fashion, Seasonal Decor

Acorn Park Golf Course and Country Club

1426 Hwy 105 along the Cedar River 641-713-4450

Small Business Saturday

Thymeless Treasures

thymelesstreasures • 641-713-4318 Home Decor, Gifts, & Iowa Wines

November 24th Drawing for Chamber Bucks Contact: Megan Kroneman 712-579-5039

Side Door Antiques

Hometown Christmas

329 W. 4TH Street • 641-512-5705

December 1st and 2nd Shopping with Santa, Family activities, Bake sales, Light Display, Specials at retail shops Contact: Sheila Adams 641-713-2564

St. Ansgar Greenhouse & Floral

415 North George Street • 641-713-4848 Unique collection of flowers, bedding plants, and pond plants!

Paradise Pizza & More

202 West 4TH Street • 641-713-2434 Pizza, Homemade Buns, Sandwiches, Broasted Chicken, & More!

Spillville, IA I 127

www.visitbluffcountry.com

The Bily Clocks Museum & Antonin Dvorak Exhibit

P.O. Box 258 • 323 S. Main St. Spillville, Iowa 52168 (563) 562-3569

Open to Visitors - ADMISSION CHARGED May - October: Daily, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Sundays 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. November-April by appointment only Call 563-562-3676 for appointments or to arrange group tours, or email bilyclocks@mchsi.com.

pillville was largely settled by Bohemian, German and Swiss immigrants and boasts a strong cultural and musical history. Still today, the dedicated community of families strive to preserve the rich history, heritage and Czech culture. Czech composer Antonín Dvorák spent the summer of 1893 in Spillville, where he had Dvorák relatives. There he composed two of his most famous chamber works, including the String Quartet in F (“The American”). Spillville is also the site of the Inwood Ballroom, established in 1920 and the destination of several popular musicians such as Louis Armstrong, Glenn Miller, Guy Lombardo, and The Byrds. Many tourists to Spillville have also visited the Bily Clocks Museum, a collection of intricately designed clocks created by two brothers in Spillville. St. Wenceslaus Church in Spillville was built in 1860 and is the oldest Czech Catholic church in the U.S.

website: www.bilyclocks.org Hours subject to change at anytime. Photographs are not allowed in the Museum

Cheese curd capital of Iowa! Guided Creamery & Farm Tours available; call or email for details.

563.568.4950

850 Rossville Rd., Waukon, IA www.wwhomesteaddairy.com homesteaddairy@gmail.com

Non-Homogenized Cream Line Milk Fully Pasteurized Locally Produced and Processed

Check out our cow mural on the side of our building!

Summer Hours Mon-Fri 8am-9pm Sat 9am-9pm Sun Noon-9pm

40+ Ice Cream Flavors!

Featuring our very own premium homemade ice cream!

Creamery, Ice Cream Parlor & Retail Store Malts - Shakes - Sundaes - Floats - Ice Cream Cones and More.

Our Products Milk - Whole, 1%, Skim

(White or Chocolate) Premium Ice Cream Fresh Cheese Curds & Butter Block Cheddar Cheese

You’ll love our squeaky fresh cheese curds!

Made fresh Tuesdays & Fridays!

Waukon, IA

ocated just 17 miles from the Wisconsin border, 18 miles from the Minnesota border and only 15 miles from the great Mississippi River, Waukon is surrounded by the natural beauty of a remarkable landscape. A 64-acre park is located in Waukon, complete with electric/water supplied picnic shelters, walking trails, and camping facilities. Also within the park are the Indian Springs Pond, volleyball courts and a horseshoe pit, as well as a softball field and ice rink. A visit to the city’s aquatic center, open Memorial Day through the last full weekend in August, can also make for a fun afternoon of swimming. Waukon caters to the interests of its visitors by providing various entertainment. From bowling and golf to wine tasting and even visits to the Old Courthouse Museum, Waukon does its duty to make its visitors feel welcome.

Enjoy

ore Historic l p x E Bluff Country

, Historic Bluff country

visitbluffcountry.com

www.visitbluffcountry.com

128 I Advertise With Us!

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

"Many people say they have Visit Bluff Country Magazine picked up your

somewhere &

• ne iowa • Sw wiSco nSin • nw illino iS

found our

ad in there. "

viSitb luffc

Electronic edition available at www.visitbluffcountry.com

ount ry.co

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81 | a guid e to hiSto ric bluff coun try

“We try to ask most people who come to the winery tasting room how they heard about us. Many people say they have picked up your Visit Bluff Country Magazine

somewhere and found our ad in there.

But one couple in particular stands out. They had just moved to this area early fall from California (they might be wondering later this winter why they moved from California to here! LOL). Their neighbor told them to come to our winery one weekend since they were from wine country in California. We talked to them while tasting wine at the bar. Then after they purchased wine, I directed them to a table I have by the vestibule where I have your Visit Bluff Country Magazine there for people to take. They thought this was great, so many places for them to see and explore since they were new to the area. They came back last weekend (Thanksgiving weekend for our Murder Mystery Dinner Theater) and told us that they have gone some where every single weekend using ing!

Book your next event in our NEW winery build We use mainly locally grown berries • Bachelor & Bachelorette Parties ing • Bridal & Baby Showers & ferment whole fruit for the best tast Receptions/Rehearsal Dinners s! ings/ wine d • Wedd “TRUE TO THE FRUIT” unfiltere Reunions/Family Reunions Class • e! renc diffe the e Come and tast ivate Tasting Parties

Open for tasting

Saturdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays 1-5 p.m. Closed in January

• Painting & Wine Parties/Pr es • Graduation Parties/Anniversary Parti

Seating for up to 200 people.

Catering available!

www.emptynestwinery.com

Dave & Pam Kruger 1253 Apple Rd., Waukon, IA (563) 568-2758

Like Us On Facebook

Building made from our 100-year-old family barn.

your Visit Bluff Country Magazine as their guide. They said

they have many, many more weekends to go to see all the places in there but their goal is to visit every place listed in there.

Now that is exciting for everyone who advertises in this magazine!! "

Dave & Pam Kruger Owners of Empty Nest Winery in Waukon, IA

To advertise in the 2018-2019 Visit Bluff Country Magazine, call 507.765.2151 or email ads@visitbluffcountry.com

Iowa Bike Trail Maps I 129 Trail

Trout Stream

Addison Ave.

Walnut Ave.

455th Street

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2nd St.

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Quail Ave

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Wolf Ave

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5th St. PL 4th St.

Friendly People Ball Park

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rin

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Fishing

Quail Ave

Oakland Ave

Clark St.

250th St.

C50 / 260th St.

Restrooms

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V49 / Reed Ave

Oakland Ave

Quail Ave

Wolf Ave

Park View Dr.

Navaho Ave

r ve

i Un

Dodge Gran

Briggs St.

Main St.

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Magill St.

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Highland Ave Main St.

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5th St. PL

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Hilton Ave

S Jackson St

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rs we

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V49 / Reed Ave

Quail Ave

V49 / Reed Ave

Quail Ave

Park View Dr.

Ridge St.

Kalman St.

Highland Ave

Water Tower Park

Wolf Ave

Gresham Rd. W

Forrest Avenue Park n Ru on cti Se er art Qu

Ridge St.

Clark St.

250th St.

State Street

1st Ave SE

o ntg

Ivy Ave

Hilton Ave

Grand

Garden Ave

Charles St

ab Reh s & Teamtroom s Res ower Sh

Ivy Ave

Hilton Ave

Ivy Ave

Gresham Rd. W

4.0 mi.

Golf Course

240th St. Willow Run Golf Course

C57 / Cedar-Wapsi Rd. E Forrest Avenue Park n Ru on cti Se er art Qu

1st Ave SE

Friendly People Ball Park

Park View Dr.

Oakland Ave

250th St.

Wolf Ave

Highland Ave

Oakland Ave

Clark St.

Legend

Denver

3.5 mi.

240th St.

Artwork 63 Chamber & Visitors Center

1st Ave NE

Readlyn

Denver Jefferson City Trail

1st Ave NE

C57 / Cedar-Wapsi Rd. E

Forrest Avenue Park n Ru on Forrest cti Ave Se er art Qu

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Oakland Ave

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Marquis Rd. E

Readlyn

250th St.

G Hotel/Motel Marquis Rd. E R 5.5 mi. Food 63 m Parking BC57 / Cedar-Wapsi Restrooms Rd. E N Rd.Fishing Gresham W Ave W Forrest Hospital

6.0 mi.

Marquis Rd. E

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Trout Run Park

Readlyn 3.0 mi.

4.5 mi.

5.5 mi.

Heritage Trail

250th St.

Denver Jefferson City Trail

Gresham Rd. W

C57 / Cedar-Wapsi Rd. E

ria

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3rd Ave NE

1st Ave SE

Denver

3.5 mi.

mR B 3

3.5 mi.

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Gresham Rd. W

6.0 mi.

240th St.

Navaho Ave

C55 / Winslow Rd.

Navaho Ave

Forrest Avenue Park n Ru on cti Se er art Qu

C57 / Cedar-Wapsi Rd. E

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3.0 mi.

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6.5 mi.

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5.0 mi.

6.5 mi.

C50 / 260th St.

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1st Ave SE

3rd Ave NW

218

4th Ave NW

6.0 mi.

7.0 mi. Rd. E Marquis

3rd Ave NE

7.0 mi.

Willow Run Forrest Ave Golf Course

Marquis Rd. E

1st Ave NE

2nd Ave NW 1st Ave NW

3rd Ave NE

1st Ave SE

1st Ave SW

218

Denver Marquis Rd. E

9th St. SE

4th Ave NW

Cedar Hill Park

1st Ave NW

5th Ave NW

il Map

5th Ave NW

1st Ave SW

Calmar—11 miles to trail 1st Ave SW head for 218 Prairie Farmer Trail 3rd Ave NE (22 mi.)

3rd Ave NE

3.0 mi.

C50 / 260th St.

m B

To Readlyn Trout Run 5.5 mMilesPark

To Readlyn 5.5 Miles 2.5 mi.

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4.5 mi.

5.0 mi.

4.0 mi.

4.5 mi. Decorah’s 1st Ave NE Eagle’s Nest

Park

240th St.

To Readlyn 5.5 Miles

Denver GR 9

Brown Lane

1st Ave NW Brown Lane 1stCedar Ave SEHill

2.5 mi.

2.0 mi.

To Waverly 7 Miles erce

Willow Run Decorah’s Brown Lane Golf Course Eagle’s Nest

Cedar Hill Park 6.5 mi.

Calmar miles to head fo Prairie Farmer (22 mi.)

1.5 mi.

mm Co

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erce

63 9

C57 / Cedar-Wapsi Rd. E

C50 / 260th St.

1st Ave NE

2nd Ave NW

6th Ave NW

C55 / Winslow Rd.

7th Ave NW 6th Ave NW

3rd Ave NW 1st Ave NE 2nd Ave NW

Decorah Fish Hatchery

7.0 mi.

2.5 mi.

Cedar Hill Park

Heritage Trail

C50 / 260th St.

Willow Run Golf Course

Brown Lane

3rd Ave NE

Tree Rivers Park

6th Ave NW

1st Ave NW

Tree Rivers Park

3rd 5thAve AveNE NW

2nd Ave NW

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3rd Ave NW

Brown Lane Cedar Hill Park

9th St. SE

4th Ave NW

r Ri

Adams Parkway

r Rive

Ceda

2.0 mi.

Palisades Park

Emery Dr.

r Rive

Ceda

C55 / Winslow Rd.

240th St.

Denver

r r Rive Ceda Emery Dr. Tree Rivers Park

Ceda

Midway Ave Midway Ave

5th Ave NW

Adams Parkway 1st Ave SW

Midway Ave

7th Ave NW

6th Ave NW

Emery Dr.

9th St. SE

3rd Ave NW 2nd Ave NW 1st Ave NW

Janesville

218

Brown Lane

Adams Parkway Dr. 4thEmery Ave NW

r 6th Ave NW r Rive Ceda 5th Ave NW Tree Rivers 4th Ave NW Park 218 3rd Ave NW

Pelikan Park

7th Ave NW

1st Ave SW

240th St.

Willow Run Golf Course

Cedar Hill Park

Pelikan Park

Adams Parkway ver

Calmar—11 miles to trail for 1sthead Ave SW Prairie Farmer Trail (22 mi.)

Calmar—11 miles3rd to trail Ave NW head for Prairie 2nd Ave NW Farmer Trail (22 mi.) 1st Ave NW

5.5 Miles

Ivy Ave

4th Ave NW

Janesville

Brown Lane

Hilton Ave

5th Ave NW

Cedar Hill Park

7th Ave NW

1st Ave NW

C55 / Winslow Rd.

To Readlyn To 5.5 Readlyn Miles

Emery Dr.

Tree Rivers Park

Pelikan Park

6th Ave NW

Ivy Ave

7th Ave NW

To Waverly

Denver r

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Hilton Ave

Janesville

Pelikan Park

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218

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1.5 mi.

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Grand

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r Ri

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ver

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Garden Ave

4th St. SW

Waverly

4th St. SW

Waverly

3rd Ave NW

arr

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Wold Park

Palisades Park

To Waverly 7 Miles

63 Grand

Golf Course

Waverly Municipal Golf Course

12th St. SE

Centennial Oaks Golf Course Waverly Municipal

12th St. SE

218

4th St. SW

Waverly

r Rive

Ceda

ver

Wartburg College

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2nd Ave NW

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Main St

Adams Parkway

Stony Point Rd

Garden Ave

Wartburg College

12th St. SE

V21 /212th St.

a Ri r Iow

V21 /212th St.

0.0 mi.

7th Ave NW

C55 / Winslow Rd.

Pelikan Park

4th Ave NW

Palisades Park

Water St Main Business District

1.0 mi.

The Cut

0.5 mi.

r Centennial Oaks r Rive Course CedaTheGolf Cut

6th Ave NW

arr

1.5 mi.

Main St

0.5 mi.

r Ri

Janesville

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0.5 mi.

Calmar—11 miles to trail head for Prairie Farmer Trail (22 mi.)

Wold Park

Van Peenen

Ice Cave

Dunning’s Spring

Campground

Phelps Park

5th Ave NW

Charles City To Fort Atkinson Charles City Trail Map CHARLES Recreational CITY Recreational TrailJanesville Map HIGH SCHOOL

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Ceda

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Decorah 0.0 mi.

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218

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11th St

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CHARLES CITY Lake Meyer Park HIGH SCHOOL

Rolling Prairie Trail

Stony Point Rd

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OSPITAL

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218

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0.5 mi.

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4th St

4th Ave

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Floyd County Friends 3rd St 10th St Museum

7th Ave

3rd Ave

Wartburg College

Calmar

Decorah

Dunning’s Spring

R 0.0 mi.

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2nd St

6th St

5th St

8th St

8th Ave

Floyd County Museum Rive 3rd rsidSt

3rd St

4th St

3rd St

Friends Garden4th St Trailhead

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W14

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1.0 mi.

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130 I Iowa Area Map

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

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Iowa Area Map I 131

132 I Iowa Area Map

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

Welcome to Iowa Trout Country Iowaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trout program consists of 48 catchable rainbow, brown and brook trout fisheries, seven special trout fisheries, three winter trout fisheries, and 28 put-and-grow trout fisheries. Most of these must be maintained by stocking because successful natural reproduction of trout occurs in a few Iowa waters. Six trout fisheries, however, offer excellent angling opportunities for catching wild, naturally-sustaining brown

or brook trout populations. These various types of trout fisheries have been developed to enable the trout angler to select the types of trout fishing preferred. On your next outing in Northeast Iowa, plan to visit one of Iowaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s three trout production facilities- Manchester, Decorah, or Big Springs. The grounds to each facility are Continued on page 129

www.visitbluffcountry.com

Continued from page 128

open to the public year round from sunrise to sunset. Fisheries employees are present during office hours to answer your questions pertaining to all of Iowaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fisheries programs as well as current trout stream conditions. Trout Fishing for Kids A pond at Big Springs Hatchery, near Elkader, has been

Iowa Area Map I 133

specially designated as a fishing pond for kids ages 12 and under. The pond has easy access and is stocked weekly to provide young anglers with a likely chance of reeling in their first trout. All kids must be accompanied by a properly licensed adult angler. Additional rules are posted at the pond. Source: http://www.iowadnr.gov/fish/fishing/trout/troutstr. html

134 I Iowa Area Visitor Centers

Allamakee County 101 W. Main St Waukon, IA 52172 563-568-2624 • 800-824-1424 allamakeecounty.com Bellevue Chamber of commerce 210 N Riverview Dr. Bellevue, IA 52031 563-872-5830 bellevueia.com Burr Oak Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum 3603 236th Ave, Burr Oak, IA 52101 563-735-5916 lauraingallswilder.us CHARLES CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 401 N. Main St. Charles City, IA 50616 641-228-4234 charlescitychamber.com Chickasaw County tourism Nashua, IA 50658 641-435-4187 chickasawtrails.com City of Clermont 505 Larabee St. Clermont, IA 52135 563-423-7295 clermontia.org

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

Clayton County development Group 200 E. Bridge St. Elkader, IA 52043 800-488-7572 claytoncountyiowa.com

Elkader Chamber of Commerce 207 N. Main Elkader, IA 52043 563-245-2857 • 866-334-2857 elkader-iowa.com

Cresco Chamber of Commerce 101 2nd Ave., SW Cresco, IA 52136 563-547-3434 crescochamber.com

fayette County Tourism Center SW Corner Hwys 150 & 93 Fayette, IA 52142 800-789-4447 • 563-425-4447 fayettecountyia.com

Decorah Chamber of Commerce / Winneshiek county convention & visitors bureau 507 West Water Street Decorah, IA 52101 563-463-2023 • 800-463-4692 visitdecorah.com dubuque welcome center 280 Main St. Dubuque, IA 52001 800-798-8844 traveldubuque.com dyersville area chamber of commerce 1100 16th Ave Ct SE Dyersville, IA 52040 563-875-2311 or 1-866-DYERSVILLE dyersville.org

Lime Springs 563-566-4405 limesprings.com

Fort Atkinson Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center 244 North Main St. Fort Atkinson, IA 52144 920-563-3210 fortchamber.com Guttenberg Chamber of Commerce 323 S. River Park Dr. Guttenberg, IA 52052 563-252-2323 • 877-252-2323 guttenbergiowa.net Howard County Economic Development 101 2nd Ave. SW Cresco, IA 52136 563-547-3434 howard-county.com Lansing Area Chamber of Commerce 340 Main St. Lansing, IA 52151 563-538-4544 lansingiowa.org

McGregor-Marquette Chamber of Commerce 146 Main St. Mcgregor, IA 52157 800-896-0910 • 563-873-2186 mcgreg-marq.org New Horizons Chamber 15 W Main St. New Hampton, IA 50659 641-394-2021 discovernewhampton.com Osage Chamber of Commerce 808 Main Street Osage, IA 50461 641-732-3163 osagechamber.com RICEVILLE AREA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 641-985-2442 • 641-985-4030 riceville.govoffice2.com wgwltrail.com St. Ansgar city hall 111 So. Mitchell St. Ansgar, IA 50472 641-736-4444 saintansgar.net or stansgar.org WAUKON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 101 W. Main St. Waukon, IA 52172 563-568-4110 waukon.org

Wisconsin Area Visitor Centers visitor center at Wings Over alma 110 N Main St Alma, WI 54610 608-685-3303 almawisconsin.com Galesville Area Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 196 Galesville, WI 54630 608) 582-2868 galesvillewi.com La Crosse area Chamber of Commerce 601 7th St. N • La Crosse, WI 54601 608-784-4880 • 800-889-0539 lacrossechamber.com La Crosse Convention & Visitor Bureau 410 E. Veterans Memorial Dr. La Crosse, WI 54601 608-782-2366 explorelacrosse.com Platteville chamber of Commerce Hwy 151, Box 16 • Platteville, WI 53818 608-348-8888 platteville.com

Prairie du Chien Area Chamber of commerce & toursim/regional tourism center - wisconsin travel center 211 S Main St, PO Box 326 Prairie du Chien, WI 53821 608-326-8555 or 1-800-732-1673 prairieduchien.org Sparta chamber of Commerce/ sparta Convention & Visitors bureau 111 Milwaukee St. • Sparta, WI 54656 608-269-4123 bikesparta.org tomah chamber - visitors center 901 Kilbourn Ave • Tomah, WI 54660 608-372-2166 • 800-948-6624 tomahwisconsin.com

viroqua chamber of Commerce 220 S. Main • Viroqua, WI 54665 608-637-2575 viroqua-wisconsin.com wisconsin department of tourism P O Box 7976 • Madison, WI 53707 608-266-7621 • 800-432-TRIP travelwisconsin.com

Visitors Guide A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

trempealeau Chamber of commerce 24455 3rd St. • Trempealeau, WI 54661 608-534-6780 trempealeau.net trempealeau county tourism council P O Box 243 • Trempealeau, WI 54661 ruralexperiences.com

www.visitbluffcountry.com A special publication by Visit Bluff Country

Alma, WI I 135

www.visitbluffcountry.com

Arms, Armor and Art

come And see

A world clAss museum on the greAt river roAd

Authentic arms and armor used by Grecians, Romans, Dark Age Warriors, Vikings, Crusaders and Renaissance “Knights in Shining Armor.” Open 1 to 4 pm Fridays and Saturdays year round Sundays Memorial Day to Labor Day Group days by appointment

www.castlerockmuseum.com 402 South 2nd Street, Alma, WI 54610

njoy the early river town atmosphere of the 19th Century in Alma! Perched on a narrow strip of land between the Mississippi River and 500-foot limestone bluffs, this small town is only two streets wide, with 12 unique stairstep streets and a “dugway” to the top of the bluff. Alma is designated as a National Historic District because of the preservation of over 200 waterfront 19th century buildings. Some of these are now great lodging options. Alma offers 30 trains a day for train buffs, the old Burlington Railroad Hotel, and a walking bridge over the tracks to Lock & Dam #4, where you can stand and watch the trains pass. Alma is well known for bald eagles, tundra swans, herons and pelicans. Rieck’s Lake offers opportunities to view migrating tundra swans. View bald eagles all year in Alma, but from December through February, wintering bald eagles congregate around Lock & Dam #4 to feed. Alma is the only local river town to offer lock & dam viewing from city streets, with two area marinas, four boat ramps and a sand swimming beach. The mid-town courtesy dock offers visitors the opportunity to dock and enjoy the city’s many attractions. Whether you want to explore the quaint shops and galleries, dine in some great restaurants, see a world-class collection of authentic arms & armor at Castlerock Museum, or enjoy nature by paddling trails of the Mississippi backwaters, fishing, hiking the trails, or birding, you’ll fill your visit with great memories! Stop at our Wings Over Alma Visitor Center or visit almawisconsin.com for more.

La Crosse, WI

L Fun n’ the Sun Houseboat Vacations

The Elite Fleet on the Upper Mississippi River From Alma, WI 888-343-5670 • funsun.com these deluxe houseboats come with 1 or 2 baths, private staterooms, full kitchen with microwave, waterslides and deluxe furnishings. amenities like air conditioning, DVD, gas grill, stereo & much more.

a Crosse was incorporated as a city in 1856, but its history dates further. The first Europeans to see the site of La Crosse were French fur traders who traveled the Mississippi River in the late 17th century. There is no written record, however, of any visit to the site until 1805, when Lt. Zebulon Pike mounted an expedition up the Mississippi River for the United States. Pike recorded the location’s name as “Prairie La Crosse.” The name originated when he saw the Native Americans playing a game with sticks that resembled a bishop’s crozier, or la crosse in French. A small Mormon community settled at La Crosse in 1844, building several dozen cabins a few miles south of Myrick’s post. The land they occupied near La Crosse continues to bear the name Mormon Coulee. In 1850, Father James Lloyd Breck of the Episcopal Church said the first Christian liturgy on top of Grandad Bluff. Today a monument to that event stands atop the bluff, near the parking lot at a scenic overlook. More permanent development took place closer to Myrick’s trading post, where stores, a hotel, and a post office were constructed during the 1840s. The city grew even more rapidly after 1858 with the completion of the La Crosse & Milwaukee Railroad, the second railroad connecting Milwaukee to the Mississippi River. During the second half of the 19th century, La Crosse grew Continued on page 136

136 I La Crosse, WI

Continued from page 135

to become one of the largest cities in Wisconsin, and today it is the largest city on Wisconsin’s western border. Around the turn of the 20th century, the city also became a center for education, with three colleges and universities established in the city between 1890 and 1912; the educational institutions in the city have recently led it toward becoming a regional technology and medical hub. The meandering waterways of the La Crosse area are a paddling paradise, offering wetlands courses for gentle canoe rides as well as moderate to strenuous kayaking adventures along the Mississippi, Black, or La Crosse Rivers. Canoe trails, launches, and outfitters abound in the area, making it one of the best paddling destinations in the region. Situated directly on the Mississippi River just three miles south of La Crosse’s largest county campground, Goose Island Campground & Park is popular for its nature trails, excellent fishing, and beautiful views and sunsets. The canoe trail has seven miles of moderate paddling that will take you 4-5 hours to complete. Canoe rentals are available from Goose Island County Park. One of western Wisconsin’s most popular campground destinations, located in nearby West Salem, offers canoe and kayak rentals for paddlers who wish to explore and relax on

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

Lake Neshonoc’s beautiful, placid waters. You’ll also find a resort located directly across the Mississippi River’s main channel from downtown La Crosse, offering excellent access to the myriad backwaters and smaller channels meandering through the area, as well as canoe and paddleboat rentals to explore them. There are a variety of options available to get some exploring done. Upper Mississippi National Fish & Wildlife Refuge Canoe Trails is a 240,000-acre refuge encompassing 231 miles of the Mississippi River. These trails will ensure you enjoy marked and open canoe areas in La Crosse County. Lake Onalaska Canoe Trail is the newest marked trail on the refuge. Follow Mississippi River backwaters out onto Lake Onalaska. From Lytle’s Landing, it’s an easy four-mile trail to Fred Funk Landing, and Brown’s Marsh Canoe Area (Lytle’s Landing) is a canoe area without a marked trail. It is closed year-round to motorized watercraft and offers easy paddling. The La Crosse River is an often-overlooked paddle from Lake Neshonoc in West Salem all the way to Riverside Park in La Crosse. With six conveniently spaced boat landings situated below Lake Neshonoc, you can plan for a quick paddle or an all-day, leisurely paddle. There are also canoe, kayak, pontoon, and fishing boat rentals on nearby Lake Onalaska.

Cruise the Mississippi

• Daily Sightseeing Cruises • 3-Hour Cruises • Pizza Cruises • Lunch Cruises • Sunday Brunch Cruises • Weekend Dinner Cruises with Entertainment • Charters and Group Tours from April Through October for Conventions, Receptions, Reunions or Group Events Call for complete schedule and prices: 608-784-8523 405 Veterans Memorial Dr., P.O. Box 1805 • La Crosse, Wi 54602-1805 (Located at boat dock, west end of State Street in Riverside Park, downtown La Crosse) www.lacrossequeen.com

La Crosse, WI I 137

www.visitbluffcountry.com

PLEDGE NEVER TO FORGET Experience a lasting and moving tribute to our veterans. Open Monday through Saturday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., display includes many personal photos and stories. Touch screen monitors provide an interactive experience.

PLEDGE NEVERCenter TO FORGET Antique

Experience a lasting and moving tribute to our veterans. Open Monday through Saturday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.,

Downtown La Crosse

display includes many personal photos and stories. Touch screen monitors provide an interactive experience.

Visit, experience and honor our veterans.

The Veterans Hall of Honor Veterans Memorial Field Sports Complex on the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Campus UW-LA CROSSE FOUNDATION INC. EastAve. Ave.N.N.|| La Crosse, 615615 East Crosse,WI WI 54602 54601| 608.785.6803 | 608.785.6803 foundation@uwlax.edu | |www.foundation.uwlax.edu foundation@uwlax.edu www.uwlax.edu/foundation

110 South 3rd Street

Visit, experience and honor ourMidwest’s veterans. • One of the

finest shops • 20,000 sq. ft. of quality antiques • 70+ booths • 1 block from the La Crosse Center Mon.-Sat. 9 am-5:30 pm Sun. 11 am - 5:30 pm Veterans Memorial Field Sports Complex on the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Campus 608-782-6533

The Veterans Hall of Honor

www.antiquecenteroflacrosse.com UW-LA CROSSE FOUNDATION INC. 615 East Ave. N. | La Crosse, WI 54602 | 608.785.6803 Come In For| www.foundation.uwlax.edu A Unique Shopping foundation@uwlax.edu

Experience

Platteveille, WI

he charm of southwest Wisconsin is especially present in the city of Platteville. Surrounded by rolling topography, this area hosts some of the most breathtaking sights in the state. Besides being home to a University of Wisconsin campus, Platteville also offers a smorgasbord of things to see and do. Recreational opportunities like fly fishing, hiking or biking the scenic landscape, and enjoying a round of golf should keep you busy. For an extended stay, there are plenty of places to call home for a comfortable vacation.

Sand Berg Retreat LLC.

The Perfect Getaway

227874 Jericho Road, Platteville WI 53818 A two and a half story fully equipped home away from home. Lots of quiet, scenic surroundings and amenities. Have a quiliting party, a stamping or carding group, a reception, a honeymoon, or just a quiet getaway. Handicapped accessible and available for up to a week stay.

For reservation and more information call or email 608.762.5569 or sandbergprarie@yousq.net

138 I Tomah, WI

omah is the place where families, friends, businesses and Interstates connect! Conveniently located in West-Central Wisconsin, halfway between Chicago and the Twin Cities, Tomah welcomes you to the eastern edge of Wisconsin’s beautiful Driftless Region. Our unique topography and location allow for endless recreational activities, including golfing, fishing, hunting, biking and 270 miles of snowmobile trails. Just northeast of Tomah is the Necedah National Wildlife Refuge. In addition to fulfilling its role as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife, the refuge is also responsible for preserving a natural diversity and abundance of fauna and flora, and provides opportunities for people to enjoy and learn about our natural world through activities such as hiking, hunting, fishing, and attending educational and interpretive programs. Choose a campground, resort, lodge, or hotel that is right for you, enjoy the aquatic center or one of the 10 parks, walk the Tomah Recreation Trail, take a selfguided Amish Country or Cranberry Country tour, or enjoy numerous shopping opportunities in Tomah. As your next favorite vacation destination, or your new hometown, Tomah is right for you!

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

Tomah anTique mall arT Gallery & GifT Shop

fun, funky & fabulouS! Antiques, Vintage, Gifts, Crafts & Art Junction I-94 & Hwy 21 East, Exit #143, Tomah 1510 Eaton Ave • Tomah Toll Free 888-757-0044

info@antiquemalloftomah.com www.cranberrycountrymall.com

Open 7 days a week 9am - 5pm

www.visitbluffcountry.com Viroqua, WI

HICKORY HILL MOTEL

iroqua, Wisconsin is one of the most beautiful and unique small cities in Wisconsin, if not in the entire nation. For a city of 4,400, Viroqua offers abundant choices in entertainment, education, shopping and healthcare. From the excitement of Wild West Days, the challenge of an 18-hole golf course, the culture of a play at the handsomely restored Temple Theatre, the relaxation of fly fishing the class one trout streams or the thrill of a hockey game at the indoor ice arena, Viroqua is the place to go for entertainment. Listed on the State and National Register of Historic Places, Viroqua’s downtown district is home to dozens of specialty shops. Viroqua is also the center of one of the greatest organic farming regions of the United States. Each Saturday in June through October, farmers and artisans from across the countryside come into our historic district to sell their fruits, vegetables, art and other items at the farmers market. These are just a few of the features that make Viroqua one of the principle shopping destination in southwestern Wisconsin.

• Outdoor Heated Pool • Free Continental Breakfast

• Free Wireless Internet • In Room Microwave • In Room Refrigerator

• Extended Stays • Reasonable Rates

S5539 US Hwy 14 • Viroqua, WI 54665

608-637-3104

www.hickoryhillmotel.com • e-mail: hickory1@hickoryhillmotel.com

Enjoy ore Expl

Historic Bluff Country

, BluffHistoric Country visitbluffcountry.com

www.visitbluffcountry.com

Warrens, WI I 139

www.visitbluffcountry.com

Opens At

7:00 am All 3 Days

• • • • • •

850 Arts & Crafts Booths 350 Antiques & Flea Market Booths Cranfest Marsh Tours Friday & Saturday 100 Farm Market Booths 100 Food Vendors Gigantic Parade Sunday at 1

8 miles North of Tomah >> Take I-94 West to Exit 135 WWW.CrANFEsT.CoM • CrANFEsT@CrANFEsT.CoM

PhoNE: 608-378-4200 • FAx: 608-378-4250

ome of the world’s largest cranberry festival, Warrens hosts more than 100,000 visitors during the last full weekend each September to experience three amazing days of shopping, food, contests, marsh tours and more. But, if you’ve only visited Warrens during cranberry season, it’s time to see what if offers year round! Local campgrounds and stunning villas offer the ideal settings for relaxation after long days of family fun at places like the midwest’s largest hybrid skate park, indoor and outdoor water parks, a family-owned petting zoo, a shooting clays and hunting preserve, an 18-hole black light mini-golf course, the Wisconsin Cranberry Discovery Center (Warren’s unofficial visitor’s center), farm markets, orchards and local specialty shops. Go to visitwarrens.com for more scheduled events and information. Galena, IL

utdoor play knows no bounds in Galena Country. From waterways and byways to unbeaten paths for the whole family, Galena Country offers a thrillseeker’s dream. Bikes, boats, balloons, birds and bluegill are in abundance during the warmer seasons. Grab a pair of skis, lace up your skates, sled down a hill and more for winter fun! You’ll understand the phrase “shop ’til you drop” once you hit the streets of Galena Country. You’ll love browsing through Galena’s 19th-century downtown with over 100 stores of clothing, jewelry, collectibles, specialty items, gifts and more. You also don’t want to overlook the charming shops scattered throughout nearby villages and the scenic countryside. With as much history as Galena and Jo Daviess County has rooted in its streets, it’s not surprising that we have a scary ghost legend or two. You can take a guided ghost tour by foot or by shuttle for a little history and mystery while exploring three haunted locations. With tastes from around the world, artisan-inspired dishes from Italy, Japan, Greece and France are featured at every corner. Farm-to-table hotspots serve local flavors and made-from-scratch dishes. Cozy bistros are the perfect spot for fresh, gourmet brews and mouth-watering soups, sandwiches and pastries. Plus, we have a host of upscale, fine dining establishments where the chef comes out and greets you at your table. Galena Country has outstanding overnight accommodations. Choose from a cozy B&B, a historic hotel (ghost stories optional), a luxury resort with opportunities for relaxation and recreation, private vacation homes and more. lllinois Area Visitor Center

815-99HAUNT • ameliatours.com 303 South Main Street • 129 South Main Street

galena welcome center 123 N Commerce St Galena, IL 61036 815-776-9200 visitgalena.org

140 I La Crosse Area Bike Map

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

www.visitbluffcountry.com

La Crosse Area Bike Map I 141

142 I Calendar of Events

MINNESOTA april 2018 Second Fri. - Over the Back Fence radio show, St. Mane Theatre, 7:30 pm, . (Mar-Nov)...Lanesboro 12

MN Trout FishingOpener.............................................. Statewide

Trout Classic Fishing Opener......................................... Chatfield

27-28

Mid West Music Fest . ..................................................... Winona

27-29

Bluff Country Studio Art Tour.......................... Area Communities

Lipmasters Fishing Tournament..................................... Rushford

May 2018 Second Fri. - Over the Back Fence radio show, St. Mane Theatre, 7:30 pm, . (Mar-Nov)...Lanesboro 4-6

Dick Hiley Memorial-St. Jude’s Fishing Tournament...... Wabasha

17-20

Bluff Country Gathering................................................Lanesboro

18-20

SEMBA Spring Bluegrass Festival................................... Houston

18-20

Trout Days........................................................................ Preston

18-20

Syttende Mai Celebration.........................................Spring Grove

18-20

Wilderfest................................................................ Spring Valley

Root River Triathlon......................................................... Houston

Whalan Stand-Still Parade.................................................Whalan

JUNE 2018 Every Thur. Music in the Park, 7:30 pm (June-July) ....................... Chatfield Second Fri. - Over the Back Fence radio show, St. Mane Theatre, 7:30 pm, . (Mar-Nov)...Lanesboro

Rhubarb Festival.........................................................Lanesboro

Sesquicentennial Celebration............................................Adams

8-10

Dairy Days.........................................................................Adams

Lake Louise State Park Open House...................................LeRoy

13-17

Steamboat Days.............................................................. Winona

15-17

Brian Robison’s Reel ‘Em In Bass Tournament.............. Wabasha

Founder’s Day Festival.................................................Caledonia

Gammel Dag Fest...........................................................Peterson

Art in the Park............................................................. Lanesboro

6/22- 8/5 Great River Shakespeare Festival..................................... Winona 23

Shooting Star Trail Bike Ride............start/end Todd Park, Austin

FLW College Fishing Tournament................................. Wabasha

Annual Dixieland Jazz Festival........................................ Winona

JULY 2018 Sundays Music in the Bandstand, 5-7pm (July 8-29)...................Peterson Second Fri. - Over the Back Fence radio show, St. Mane Theatre, 7:30 pm, .

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country (Mar-Nov)...Lanesboro 2-22

Minnesota Beethoven Festival.......................................... Winona

4th of July Celebration.................................................. Harmony

11-15

Winona County Fair................................................... St. Charles

13-15

Rose Creek Fun Days.................................................Rose Creek

16-22

Fillmore County Fair....................................................... Preston

16-22

Rushford Days............................................................... Rushford

17-22

RASA Annual Theatre Production ................................ Rushford

19-23

Ye Olde Opera House Summer Musical..................Spring Grove

20-22

Summer-Fest.....................................................................LeRoy

20-22

Root River Antique Engine & Tractor Show............ Spring Valley.

Spring Creek MX Pro National........................................Millville

6/22- 8/5 Great River Shakespeare Festival..................................... Winona 27-29

Houston Hoedown Days................................................. Houston

FLW College Fishing Tournament................................. Wabasha

28-29

Riverboat Days.............................................................. Wabasha

AUGUST 2018 Second Fri. - Over the Back Fence radio show, St. Mane Theatre, 7:30 pm, . (Mar-Nov)..Lanesboro August

HARC Art Month ........................................................... Houston.

6/22- 8/5 Great River Shakespeare Festival..................................... Winona 3-5

Buffalo Bill Days..........................................................Lanesboro

7-12

Mower County Fair............................................................ Austin.

9-12

Western Days................................................................ Chatfield

‘50s & ‘60s Day..................................................................Mabel

11-12

Millville Valley River Days...............................................Millville

14-19

Ag Days Celebration............................................... Spring Valley

15-19

Houston County Fair....................................................Caledonia

15-19

Corn on the Cob Days.................................................. Plainview

16-19

SEMBA Summer Bluegrass Festival............................... Houston

17-18

Canton Day Off Celebration.............................................. Canton

19-26

Gladiolus Days........................................................... St. Charles

25-26

Austin ArtWorks Festival................................................... Austin

Spam Trail High School Bike Race.................................... Austin

SEPTEMBER 2018 Second Fri. - Over the Back Fence radio show, St. Mane Theatre, 7:30 pm, . . (Mar-Nov)...Lanesboro 9/7-10/27 SeptOberfest.................................................................. Wabasha 7-9

Watermelon Fest............................................................. Kellogg

Taste of the Trail............................ Lanesboro, Peterson, Whalan

8-9

Hesper-Mabel Steam Engine Days.....................................Mabel

Fall Harvest Celebration.................................................... Austin

Calendar of Events I 143

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Illinois

Taste of the Trail.............................. Fountain, Harmony, Preston

21-23

Fall Festival.......................................................................Wykoff .

Taste of the Trail.................Houston, Rushford, Rushford Village JUNE 2018 Boats and Bluegrass Festival........................................... Winona 15-17 Great Galena Balloon Race.................................................Galena.

27-30

October 2018 Second Fri. - Over the Back Fence radio show, St. Mane Theatre, 7:30 pm, . (Mar-Nov)...Lanesboro 9/7-10/27 SeptOberfest.................................................................. Wabasha

Fall Festival of Color..................................................... Chatfield

Fall into Lanesboro.....................................................Lanesboro

september 2018 22 Oktoberfest.........................................................................Galena October 2018 6-7 Galena Country Fair............................................................Galena.

Iowa

5-7

Uff Da Fest ............................................................ Spring Grove april 2018 Bluff Country Studio Art Tour.......................... Area Communities Fall Foliage Weekend.................................................... Harmony. 27-29

Smaczne Jablka Fest (Tasty Apple)................................. Winona

12-13

Festival of Quilts.....................................................Spring Grove

5-6

13 18-21 20-21 27

May 2018 Fridays Classic Car Night........................................................ Charles City. Bluff Land Tri: Run, Bike, Hike.............................. start Rushford 5 Rock ‘n Roll on the River............................................... Guttenberg Haunted Harmony Weekend.......................................... Harmony 17 Syttende Mai.................................................................... Decorah Hot Air Balloon Rally....................................................Caledonia 26-28 Spring Arts & Crafts Festival..........................................McGregor Pumpkin Fest & Fall Expo............................................... Preston

NOVEMber 2018 Second Fri. - Over the Back Fence radio show, St. Mane Theatre, 7:30 pm, . (Mar-Nov)...Lanesboro 3-4

Old Time Radio Theater.......................................................LeRoy

Holiday Fest................................................................... Harmony

Fillmore County Turkey Day Run...................................... Preston .

DECEMBER 2018

Hollidazzle...................................................................... Houston.

Lighted Parade................................................................. Canton.

Parade of Lights............................................................ Rushford

8-9

Hot Air Balloon Rally....................................................Caledonia .

JANUARY 2019 19

Preston Chili Cook off...................................................... Preston

Chatfield Chill Fest......................................................... Chatfield

FebrUARY 2019

JUNE 2018 Fridays Party in the Park or Classic Car Night, 5-9pm............ Charles City 1-2 Summer Farm Toy Show................................................Dyersville 2 Free Family Fishing.......................................................... Riceville 8-9 America’s River Festival................................................... Dubuque 9 Makers’ Faire................................................................... Dubuque 9 Art by the River Fine Arts Festival................................. Guttenberg 9 Summer Treasure Fest..........................................................Osage 15-16 Hawkeye Fun Days............................................................Hawkeye 15-17 Irish Festival........................................................................ Lawler 16 Town & Country Days Horticulture Fair......................... St. Ansgar 20-24 Mighty Howard County Fair................................................ Cresco 6/21-7/1 Show - ‘Main-Travelled Roads”............................................Osage 23 Backyard Car Cruise & Rib Feed.....................................Dyersville 23 Charles City Challenge Whitewater Weekend.............. Charles City 23 Lazy River Beer & Wine Festival.....................................Marquette 23 Laura Ingalls Wilder Celebration.......................................Burr Oak 29 Rhythm on the River............................................................Elkader 30 Iowa Games Whitewater Slalom Events....................... Charles City 30 Stars & Stripes Celebration.......................................... Guttenberg

JULY 2018 6/21-7/1 Show - “Main-Travelled Roads”............................................Osage 6-10 Frozen River Film Festival................................................ Winona Fridays Party in the Park or Classic Car Night, 5-9pm............ Charles City 23 Veteran’s Ice Fishing Tournament................................... Chatfield 4 Fireworks over Lake Hendricks......................................... Riceville 5-15 Show - “The Pirates of Penzance”.........................................Osage MARCH 2019 10-14 Winneshiek County Fair.................................................... Decorah 1-3 International Festival of Owls........................................... Houston 13-14 Moto Guzzi Rally Show.......................................................Elkader

Whalan Candlelight Ski.....................................................Whalan

144 I Calendar of Events

18-22 19-29 26-28 26-29 27

Floyd County Fair....................................................... Charles City Show - “Little Shop of Horrors”............................................Osage Nordic Fest....................................................................... Decorah Elkader Sweet Corn Days....................................................Elkader Rhythm on the River............................................................Elkader

AUGUST 2018 Fridays Party in the Park or Classic Car Night, 5-9pm............ Charles City 2-12 Show - “Annie”.....................................................................Osage 3-4 Wapsipinicon Festival....................................................... Riceville 4 Annual Lighted Boat Parade............................................. Dubuque 9-12 Sweet Corn Days....................................................... Lime Springs 10-12 Fish Days...........................................................................Lansing 11 Celebrate Guttenberg/Celebrate the River..................... Guttenberg 17 Rhythm on the River............................................................Elkader 18 ArtaFest....................................................................... Charles City 18 Abel Island Fly In/Float In............................................. Guttenberg 18-19 Art in the Park.....................................................................Elkader 17-18 Waukon Corn Days............................................................Waukon 31 Rhythm on the River............................................................Elkader

A Guide to Historic Bluff Country

Wisconsin april 2018 13-14 Midwest Music Festival..................................................La Crosse May 2018 12 Great River Birding Festival................................................... Alma JUNE 2018 2-3 Wisconsin Free State Bike Trail Days....................Wisconsin cities 2-3 Wisconsin Free Fishing Weekend.........................Wisconsin cities 2-3 Wisconsin Free State Park Day.............................Wisconsin cities 9 Fire in the Shire! (Renaissance)............................................. Alma 21 Make Music Celebration................................................. Platteville 21-23 National Truck and Tractor Pull............................................Tomah 30 Cranberry Blossom Day.................................................... Warrens 30 Thunderfest........................................................... Richland Center

JULY 2018 4-7 Riverfest..........................................................................La Crosse SEPTEMBER 2018 25-29 Monroe County Fair.............................................................Tomah 1 Labor Day Parade & Festivities....................................McGregor . 27-28 Swiss Heritage Days.............................................................. Alma 2 Team of Dreams...........................................................Dyersville 8 Annual Fall Festival..................................................... St. Ansgar 28 Rail Fair..........................................................................La Crosse 8-9 Dragon Boat Festival..................................................... Dubuque 15 River Park Cruisers Car Show & Cruise..................... Guttenberg. August 2018 20-23 Norman Borlaug Harvest Fest........................................... Cresco 10-12 Irish Fest.........................................................................La Crosse 21-22 German Fest............................................................... Guttenberg 24-26 Great River Folk Festival.................................................La Crosse 22 29-30 29-30

Cruise to Cresco Car Show.............................................. Cresco Fort Atkinson Rendezvous...................................... Fort Atkinson Fall-Der-All.....................................................................Froelich

SEPTEMBER 2018 2 Music & Arts Festival............................................................. Alma 27-30 Oktoberfest......................................................................La Crosse 28-30 CranFest........................................................................... Warrens

OCTOBER 2018 6 Witchfest.................................................................. Charles City. 6-7 Fall Arts & Crafts Festival.............................................McGregor OCTOBER 2018 12-14 NE Iowa Studio Arts Tour...........................Northeast Iowa towns 6 Cranberry Harvest Day...................................................... Warrens 13 Harvest Festival................................................................Elkader 13-14 Leaf Arts & Craft Festival..............................................McGregor NOVEMBER 2018 11/23-12/31 Rotary Lights.............................................................La Crosse NOVEMBER 2018 2-4 National Farm Toy Show..............................................Dyersville 23 Santa’s Holiday Parade..................................................... Cresco DECEMBER 2018 11/23-12/31 Rotary Lights.............................................................La Crosse DECEMBER 2018 1-2 Hometown Christmas.................................................. St. Ansgar february 2019 17 Sweetheart Ski................................................................ Riceville

january-march 2019 Jan-March Wings Over Alma................................................................ Alma

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Worth the Trip Every Time!

Visit the vibrant town of Charles City, IA to experience warm, inviting yet bright and inspiring shopping at The Rustic Corner!

Northeast Iowa’s Award WInNIng Home DecoR & MoRe Store Wall Hangings & Decor ● Ladies Fashions Fashion Accessories ● Cowboy Boots Gifts for All Ages & Occasions Weekly Wine & Canvas Classes

Open Mon - Sat 9 am to 5 pm, Wednesdays till 8 pm Open Sundays in Nov/Dec 11 am - 4 pm

Visit Facebook.com/TheRusticCorner for event & sale dates

413 N Main Street • Charles City, IA 50616 641-228-2657 • TheRusticCorner.com

815-99HAUNT • ameliatours.com 303 South Main Street • 129 South Main Street C-6 |

Se Minnesota • Ne iowa • SW Wisconsin • NW Illinois | Visit Bluff Country 2018-2019

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+

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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…”

TrailHead inn & SuiTeS

24 Spacious, Pet-Friendly Rooms Come and Enjoy The NEW Hot Tub Room!

112 Center Street, Preston

all new Honeymoon Suite!

located directly on the root river Bike Trail

(507) 765-2460

Complimentary Breakfast Suites, Doubles & Singles

www.trailhead-inn.com Visit Bluff Country 2018-2019 | Se Minnesota • Ne iowa • SW Wisconsin • NW Illinois

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