2019 Summer Travel Guide by Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier

L E V TRA

Take the into

SUNDAY, JUNE 2, 2019 |

leap

summer Sunday June 2, 2019

| SUNDAY, JUNE 2, 2019

SUMMER TRAVEL

IOWA TOURISM OFFICE PHOTO

Big Hollow Recreation Area, Burlington

EXPLORE 99 IOWA PARKS in 99 counties this summer

Imagine hiking rolling hills created by windblown soils from the last Ice Age. Or discovering and collecting Devonian age fossils from 365 million years ago, climbing the Midwest’s tallest observation tower for sweeping views of a 15,000-acre lake, exploring the backwaters and sloughs of the mighty Mississippi River, and relaxing in a grain bin converted into a modern cabin. You can experience all of that – and more – in Iowa’s county parks. With more than 2,000 county parks to choose from, selecting the perfect park can be daunting. That’s why the state of Iowa launched a new campaign called “99 Counties, 99 Parks,” highlighting one county conservation-managed park in each of

In addition to traditional activities like fishing, boating and hiking, the list includes parks with golf courses, archery ranges, Hickory Hills in Black Hawk Park, Cedar Falls disc golf courses, nature centers, observation towers, eco-cruises, Olympic-sized swimming pools and luxury cabins. Individuals can visit traveliowa.com/99parks to find the parks that best fit their adventure level. Many of the parks also include “selfie stands” where visitors can take photos and share their experiences on social media using #ThisIsIowa or #99parks. Downloadable guides such as IOWA TOURISM PHOTO the Family Fun Pack, Fishing 101 Calkins Nature Area, Iowa Falls and Camping and Picnic Recipe Iowa’s 99 counties. Book are also available and travFun fact: Iowa is the only state elers are encouraged to track with a county conservation their visits with the downloadDickinson Nature Center, Okoboji able checklist. board in every county.

IOWA TOURISM PHOTO

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SUMMER TRAVEL

Minor league, major fun at Iowa’s ballparks You may not recognize all ‌ the players’ names, but you’ll never forget the experience of taking the family to a minor league ballpark in Iowa. The six teams that call Iowa home have launched careers of dozens of all-stars, World Series champions and Hall of Famers.

1. CEDAR RAPIDS KERNELS

Veterans Stadium in Cedar Rapids plays home to the Cedar Rapids Kernels, the Minnesota Twins Class A affiliate. The Kernels go out of the way to interact with their fans. At least two players sign autographs before every weekday game and the entire team does the same before Sunday games.

2. BURLINGTON BEES

Picturesque Burlington is home to the Burlington Bees, a farm club of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. The Bees have launched many major league careers over the years, including those of Hall of Famers Billy Williams and Paul Molitor. The refurbished Community Field buzzes with entertainment for fans of all ages: from contests, fireworks shows and kids running the bases with their dogs on Bark in the Park days. A family of four can attend a Bees game, get hot dogs, soft drinks and a program for an average cost of $41.

COURIER FILE PHOTO‌

Waterloo’s Kyle Smith, right, dives safely back to first base during Thursday’s Northwoods League win over Duluth at Riverfront Stadium during the 2018 season.

4. CLINTON LUMBERKINGS

The Mississippi River community of Clinton is home of the Clinton LumberKings. During the past 50 years, the Clinton franchise has helped launch the major league careers of more than 200 players. Today, the franchise is an affiliate of the Seattle Mariners.

5. IOWA CUBS

Principal Park in Des Moines is the home of the triple-A Iowa Cubs. The I-Cubs are the last minor league stop before players advance to the Chicago Cubs. It’s also where injured Cubs come to get themselves back into shape. The park sits at the confluence of the Des Moines and 3. QUAD CITY RIVER Raccoon rivers. Look over the cenBANDITS ter field fence to the sun-glistened Modern Woodmen Park in Dav- gold dome of the State Capitol. enport plays home to the Quad City River Bandits. The Houston 6. SIOUX CITY Astros’ Class A affiliate has earned EXPLORERS a reputation for offering some of Baseball adventures also await the most unusual promotions in those traveling in western Iowa. the minor leagues, including ugly The Sioux City Explorers play a 100sweater contests and post-game game schedule, including 50 home movies. The park is also an at- games at Lewis and Clark Park. The traction in itself. It has a carou- Explorers play in the independent sel, Ferris wheel and a 300-foot American Association. The Explorzipline that runs from first base to ers describe their games as nine just outside the left field corner of innings of vacation. Every inning the park. Named the “Best Minor includes on-field and in-the-stands League Ballpark” by USA Today entertainment. and 10Best.com. Source: Iowa Tourism Office

4 | Sunday, June 2, 2019

SUMMER TRAVEL

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Sunday, June 2, 2019 | 5

SUMMER TRAVEL

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Thursday, June 13 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

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Bicycle Poker Run Registration Register at Wapsie Elementary entrance 5:30-7 Bicycle Poker Run Ride 6-8 PM (adult prize $150, kids prize $75) Ride around to town on bicycles to various stops to collect playing cards. Best 5 card poker hand wins. Cost: $10 adults (18 & older) $5 kids (17 & under) Family Movie Night Readlyn Elementary Gym Concessions available. “Grumpsters” Readlyn Annual Golf Tourney4 person best shot; Maple Hills Tripoli Golf Course; Reservations call soon: (319) 882-4229 Beer Tent: No charge for required wristband; Ice Cream Sundaes (@ Gazebo) Balloon Man Darrel Anderson Vendors’ Food Stands Open Pedal Pull (between park & school) Ages 10 and under Registration for Slip-n-Slide Kick Ball – at the ball park $50 a team, Contact Rhino Cox for more information 319-784-7834 Slip-n-Slide Kick Ball Crowning Ceremony Kick off with vocals from David Heinemann and Cassidy Brunscheon Little “Grumpsters” 2019 Miss Readlyn, Readlyn Grump and Volunteer of the Year Award Pepper Tourney (Gazebo). No registration needed. Contact Judy Henn or Shirley Kuker for more information. Mitchell Boevers-Music Entertainment in the Tent Fireworks: Seating available on East side of Zion Lutheran Church. Bring your lawn chair. Free will donation for 2020 Fireworks Beer Tent Closes

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5K Walk/Run $20.00 Registration (shirt guaranteed) (through 5/26 at 11:59 PM US/Central) $25.00 Late registration (shirt not guaranteed) (5/26 at 11:59 PM US/Central through 6/15 at 12:00 PM US/Central) https://secure.getmeregistered.com/get_information.php?event_id=132283 PARADE Contact Courtney Hesse at (319)-939-6126 Food Stands & Beer Tent Open - No charge for required wristband. No coolers or insulated cups. Grumpsters’ Chipped & Treasured Market - Vendors welcome. Contact Kim Brown (319) 415-9675 Heroes Gather Here - Interact with a local Hero - City Park Kids in the Park $5 wristbands required. Carnival games, face painting Bouncy houses, Casting Contest, etc. Prize bags w/prizes & goodies! Balloon Man Darrel Anderson. Schafskopf Card Tourney (in the tent) 1st Annual Shine & Show on Main Street Contact Lloyd Bacon 319-239-6030, Steve Hazlet 319-233-4145 or Mike Kruse 319-291-2173 Register for Minnow Races (North end of City Park) Minnow Races Begin! BINGO for all ages! (Gazebo) No charge. Too Beaucoup— Musical entertainment in the Tent Beer Tent Closes

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Community Church Service in the park with Pastor Phil Girardin from St. Paul’s & Immanuel Lutheran Church. Remember your lawn chair!

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6 | Sunday, June 2, 2019

SUMMER TRAVEL

Iowa museum showcases life, times of movie star

John Wayne COURIER WIRE SERVICES

‌WINTERSET – The late Robert James Waller best-seller, “The Bridges of Madison County,” brought the world’s attention to this rural community, along with Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep, who starred in the 1994 movie version. But Winterset, about 35 miles southwest of Des Moines, was already on the celebrity map as the birthplace of Marion Robert Morrison. He is better known to movie aficionados as John Wayne. “The Duke” was born in Winterset in 1907. He moved with his parents as a young child to California, where he thrived academically and attended the University of Southern California on a football scholarship. Western film star Tom Mix got Morrison a summer job as a prop man, and he became friends with John Ford and began doing bit parts in the movies under the name John Wayne. Ford’s iconic Western “Stagecoach” in 1939 made Wayne a star. He would make more than 140 movies during his career, including about more than 80 Westerns. Wayne died in 1979 after battling cancer. Three years later, his one-story frame birthplace home in Winterset became a museum — and a pilgrimage for movie fans. More than 1 million visitors from all 50 stages and 40 foreign countries toured the small museum. Wayne’s widow and children, frequent co-star Maureen O’Hara and President Ronald Reagan all visited the site. In 2015, the 6,100-square-foot John Wayne Birthplace Museum and gift shop opened alongside the home. It contains the largest collection of Wayne artifacts such as original movie posters, movie wardrobes, scripts, letters, artwork and sculptures and his customized 1972 Grand Safari

A wax statue of John Wayne is on display in the museum with a backdrop of Monument Valley, location for several of Wayne’s iconic Western movies. AP PHOTO‌

AP PHOTO‌

Though Wayne moved to California at a young age, it’s a minor footnote for Winterset, a city of about 5,000 people. In 2015, Winterset helped launch the opening of the newly built museum celebrating Wayne’s life and career.

John Wayne Birthplace & Museum Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Thanksgiving day, Christmas day, New Year’s day and Easter.

AP PHOTO‌

Shown on display is one of John Wayne’s personal vehicles, a customized 1972 Pontiac Grand Safari station wagon. station wagon. A larger-than-life bronze of Wayne greets visitors, while a life-size figure of the Duke dressed as a cowboy is displayed in the main gallery. Movie memorabilia includes the black eye patch Wayne wore as Rooster Cogburn in “True Grit.” He won his only Oscar for the portrayal, which he reprised in the 1975 sequel, “Rooster Cogburn,” opposite Katherine Hepburn. “True Grit” was released 50 years ago this year and co-starred

Tours of the museum and birthplace home are self-guided. Both facilities are handicapped accessible. Tickets can be purchased at the museum at 205 S. John Wayne Drive. Adults are $15; seniors 60 and older, $14; children ages 8-12, $8; and children 7 and under, free. For more information, call (515) 462-1044 or (877) 462-1044, or visit www.johnwaynebirthplace. museum.

Glen Campbell and Kim Darby. The museum also has a small theater where a documentary is shown. The audience sits in seats originally from Grauman’s AP PHOTO‌ Chinese Theatre, the movie palace on the Hollywood Walk of Tourists walk past an Andy Warhol print of John Wayne on display in Fame. the John Wayne Museum.

SUMMER TRAVEL

SUNDAY, JUNE 2, 2019 |

trails Plenty of

for Iowa’s bike riders to

explore

SHUTTERSTOCK PHOTO

With more than 1,800 miles of bike trails, the great outdoors really doesn’t get any greater than in Iowa.

1. CEDAR VALLEY TRAILS

Cedar Falls, Waterloo. This 110mile system of trail loops in the Cedar Falls/Waterloo area connects to both downtown districts, museums, hotels, restaurants and bars.

2. FAIRFIELD LOOP TRAIL

Fairfield. Cycle 15.9 miles through parks and wetlands and over the Louden Bridge. After making the loop of town, bike your way to Fairfield’s square to dine at one of its adventurous restaurants like the Istanbul Grill. Or stop at The Cider House for a glass of hard cider, brewed in-house.

3. HIGH TRESTLE TRAIL

Ankeny, Sheldahl, Slater, Madrid, Woodward. Art and nature collide on this beautiful 25-mile trail. A tree canopy shades you from the sun as you cycle to the award-winning Trestle Bridge that’s 13 stories tall.

4. RACCOON RIVER VALLEY TRAIL

Waukee, Adel, Redfield, Linden, Panora, Yale, Herndon, Jamaica, Dawson, Perry, Minburn, Dallas Center. This 89-mile trail loops through several small Iowa towns and Des Moines suburbs — so you can start and end your ride from almost anywhere along the trail.

Summer bike rides Tour Of The Mississippi River Valley (Tomrv) June A scenic ride through the Mississippi River Valley. Bacoon Ride June Biking + bacon = one delicious ride along the Raccoon River Valley Trail. Ragbrai July A weeklong 450+ mile adventure that features a new route every year from border to border. Bike Ride Of Iowa County (B.R.I.C.) August This scenic 37-mile jaunt starts at Millstream Brewery in Amana. Bike Van Buren August Weekend ride through the charming Villages of Van Buren. OnABike August Western Iowa’s largest one-day bike ride through the Loess Hills.

ple River, Carroll. This trail takes you 33 miles from Lake View to Carroll, with the opportunity for stops every few miles at local watering holes like The Angry Beaver in Maple River, Red’s Place in Breda, The Bar in Lake View and B&S’s in Carroll. Check out 5. SAUK RAIL TRAIL Lake View, Carnarvon, Breda, Ma- Thursday nights on the trail for the

weekly “T.H.I.R.S.T.” ride.

6. THREE RIVERS TRAIL Rolfe, Bradgate, Rutland, Humboldt, Dakota City, Thor and Eagle Grove. Named for the fact that it crosses three area rivers, the Three Rivers Trail crosses or parallels the west branch of the Des Moines River, the east branch of the Des Moines River and the Boone River. The 33mile trail is a lovely mix of woodlands, grasslands, marshy areas and open prairie — and seeing wildlife isn’t uncommon.

7. TROUT RUN TRAIL Decorah. This 11-mile loop trail runs next to the Decorah Trout Hatchery (where you can feed the fish for just a quarter) and also passes by the world-famous Decorah eagle nest.

Where ag history is on a Roll Open Daily | 563.875.2727

8. WABASH TRACE NATURE TRAIL Council Bluffs, Mineola, Silver City, Malvern, Imogene, Shenandoah, Coin, Blanchard. The 62-mile Wabash Trace Nature Trail is one of Iowa’s longest and most popular rail-trails, as it travels through the unique Loess Hills and connects with the city trails in Council Bluffs. Every Thursday night, riders can join the “Taco Ride” from Council Bluffs to Mineola’s Tobey Jack Steakhouse and back. Source: Iowa Tourism Office

International 1066

nationalfarmtoymuseum.com 1110 16th Ave Ct SE | Dyersville, IA 52040

8 | Sunday, June 2, 2019

SUMMER TRAVEL

Canoeing in the wilderness of

Minnesota’s

Boundary Waters GIOVANNA DELL’ORTO

Associated Press‌

‌Every paddle stroke sprinkled water drops, reflecting the setting sun like sparklers across the black, glacier-carved lake. Just a few hours earlier, I had been portaging on an ankle-deep muddy trail with that 55-pound (25-kilo) canoe balanced over my head, shielding me from a chilly downpour. That contrast is the essence of the wilderness experience in Minnesota’s Boundary Waters. The physical effort required to explore its off-the-grid remoteness — including carrying a canoe solo on slippery, rocky trails — makes every worry evaporate like steam off woolen socks strung over a campfire. And once your only concerns become basic — keeping chipmunks away from the breakfast oatmeal or securing tarps against the wind whooshing through the woods — you have nothing to do but soak in the beauty.

BOLDLY NORTH

Covering over one million acres along the Minnesota-Canada border, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness protects more than a thousand lakes, rocky islets, and towering evergreen forests that are usually ice-free from May into October. There are plenty of walleye,

pike and loons along its 1,200 miles (1,930 kilometers) of lily pad-lined canoe trails — but no electricity, no motors (except on a few big entry lakes), and no cell phone or wi-fi signals in the vast majority of the wilderness. If you want those, or a shower, bed and restaurant meals, there are plenty of nearby spartanto-five-star lakeside cabins and lodges. Deep inside the wilderness, the luxury is the silence, quieting everything to the same stillness of the glossy lake surfaces that mirror the bursts of stars or the spindly pine trees. Even planes cannot fly below 4,000 feet (1,219 meters) here.

INTO THE WILDERNESS

My first canoeing and camping four-day trip in the Boundary Waters came as I was interviewing for jobs after finishing my Ph.D. I don’t believe that I ever looked at any object with as much loathing as I did the payphone outside the outfitters’ office when we got back to civilization. Sure, bathing with soap and shampoo would be nice — but couldn’t we just turn the canoe around for a few more disconnected days? I have since returned for half a dozen trips, either in late May or mid-to-late September, enjoying everything from sunbathing

Sunday, June 2, 2019 | 9

SUMMER TRAVEL

If you go GETTING THERE: Minneapolis-St. Paul international airport is about 250 miles (400 kilometers) from most entry points to the Boundary Waters. Duluth International Airport is about 100 miles (160 kilometers). BOUNDARY WATERS CANOE AREA WILDERNESS: https://www.fs.usda.gov/ detail/superior/specialplaces/?cid=fseprd555184 . Trip planning guide: https:// www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/ FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd541129.pdf

American Gothic House

AP PHOTO‌

Dusk falling as seen from a campsite on Lake One in Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

300 American Gothic Street, Eldon, Iowa 52554 641-652-3352 • americangothichouse.org Tuesday - Saturday 10-5 Sunday - Monday 1-4

PERMITS: Adults, $16, https://www.recreation. gov/wildernessAreaDetails. do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=72600 . Pick up before or day of entry. SAWBILL CANOE OUTFITTERS: https://sawbill.com/ . Two-person canoe rentals run $30-$42 a day. Sawbill also rents camping equipment and sells supplies, and can provide ground transport from Duluth airport. on the rocks to paddling through snow flurries, often on the same trip. My favorite route is the demanding loop from Sawbill Lake up several creeks and bogs to vast, islet-studded Cherokee Lake, and back down the Temperance River. The 23-mile (37-kilometer) route crosses 12 lakes, which means 14 portages with sturdy Duluth packs (nearly square in shape, designed to fit in the bottom of a canoe) and 16.5-foot (5-meter) canoes on forest trails connecting lakes and bypassing rapids. The longest portage on this route is 240 rods, or about three-quarters of a mile (1.2 kilometers) at one rod per canoe length. Try hiking that carrying a pack bulging with food for eight people for a long weekend. I’d rather carry the canoe, even though that requires some fancy limbo dancing under branches.

a High-energy, hands-on stem camp AP PHOTO‌

Two canoes along a lily pad-lined bog in Minnesota’s Boundary Waters.

PREP TIME

Sawbill is also one of the most popular of the Boundary Waters’ dozens of entry points, so reserve a permit in advance if you’re traveling overnight from May through September. Only a few are granted per day, to groups of nine people or four canoes maximum. You must pick up the permit at the designated U.S. Forest Service station or outfitter, first watching a wilderness instruction video that includes how to chase away black bears by banging pots. (I’ve seen moose in the wilderness, but bears only en route from the car.) Topographic maps are essential to navigate. They indicate the otherwise unmarked portages and the more than 2,000 primitive lakeshore campsites, which provide a clearing for tents, a fire grate and, hidden away, a latrine. You can’t reserve them, but once you reach one, nobody else can stay there other than you and your group. Aside from the glimpse of a

yellow or red canoe in the distance, a quick hello at a portage, or a plume of campfire smoke in the evening, it’s hard to notice any human presence.

PEOPLE’S CHOICE

Yet people have shaped this area’s history, from the Native Americans and fur traders who first carved out its portages hundreds of years ago to the legislators who designated its federal wilderness status. Earlier this spring, mining leases nearby were renewed, stirring heated controversy. That fragility makes the Boundary Waters’ soothing moments all the more precious, like watching the moon rise from a rocky outcrop amid the throbbing of the loons’ haunting call — and that of paddle-sore muscles. The grub of summer sausage, Hamburger Helper and gorp isn’t gourmet, and sleeping bags don’t come with thread counts. But to really get away might just be the ultimate splurge.

Locations in Waterloo, Cedar Falls and Waverly!

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10 | Sunday, June 2, 2019

SUMMER TRAVEL

Lanesboro

is a series of simple

pleasures.

From the book “Lanesboro, Minnesota” by Steve Harris

Birthdays

are always fun. A 150th birthday — a sesquicentennial they call it — is also rare. Lanesboro, Southeast Minnesota’s little gem of a town, is celebrating that big birthday in 2019, and you can join the fun! It was in 1869 that a small group of east coast visionaries arrived in the Root River Valley with big dreams to create a town that would draw new settlers and tourists. Mixing equal parts inspiration and the perspiration of hard work, it all paid off and their dream came true. 150 years later this little town (population 754) is still thriving, with nearly 20,000 people making their way here each year to enjoy all that Lanesboro has to offer. And what exactly does idyllic Lanesboro have to offer? People who love history tour a town filled with original 19th century buildings, beautiful Victorian homes, a historic Stone Arch Dam (one of only six remaining in the U.S.), and stories of

famous visitors like Buffalo Bill. History Alive!, a local nonprofit, tells “the stories of Lanesboro on the streets of Lanesboro” each fall through acting, music, storytelling and more. Aesthetes, or people who love art and beauty, find a rare rural arts scene of national renown. The Commonweal Theatre Company is in its 31st season of producing live, professional theater, while live music of all genres are enjoyed at the High Court Pub. Visitors can experience the talent of Amish artisans by taking a tour with Bluffscape Amish Tours. Lanesboro Arts welcomes artwork of all types in their renowned gallery while also producing the live radio show “Over the Back Fence” with musical acts such as the local favorite blues band “The Rutabaga Brothers.” Shoppers can indulge in retail therapy for quilting supplies, fashion trends, home goods, and unique artisan jewelry at local stores such as Cheryl’s Fabric Garden, E2 Boutique, the Amish Experience, and

Crown Trout Jewelers. The Parkway Market and Coffee House offers groceries, supplies, and hand-crafted coffee drinks while Granny’s Liquor has a wide selection of international and local refreshments. Merchants Bank has you covered when you need to procure some extra spending money. You can park your car for your whole stay and never drive it because you are connected to 60 miles of paved bike trails with the Root River State Trail and the Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail. The Root River State Trail, built on an abandoned railway line in the 1980s, has been recognized as one of the most beautiful and user-friendly bike trails in the Midwest. Today the trail is nominated to the Rail-Trail Hall of Fame as part of the Rails to Trails Conservancy. The trail meanders next to the Root River, where you can cool off on a hot summer day by renting a canoe, kayak or tube from Root River Outfitters or Little River General Store. Root River Rod Company has all of your fly fishing gear needs, including guided tours, to help you tie on that beautiful trout in some of the best trout fishing streams in the country. Lanesboro’s restaurants — such as Pedal Pushers, Home Sweet Home Cafe and Cakery, and others — provide delicious fare from home-cooked breakfasts to Norwegian meatballs. Make sure to stop at Another Time Ice Cream Parlor to finish your meal on the sweet side, and when heading east, you must stop in Whalan to partake in the famous pie at Aroma Pie Shoppe. Local lodging choices, such as Sacred Clay Country Inn, the Habberstad House, Historic Scanlan House, Anna V’s Bed & Breakfast, the Scandinavian Inn, Cottage House Inn, Stone Mill Suites, Cedar Valley Resort, and the Andor Wenneson Historic Inn in nearby Peterson -- make for friendly and comfortable overnight stays for all guests. The community’s volunteer and creative spirits produce annual treats and local festivals such as the Stand Still Parade in Whalan each May; the Rhubarb Festival, Art in the Park, and Peterson’s Gammel

Dag Fest in June; and Buffalo Bill Days in August. The town’s sesquicentennial party will take place July 4-7, 2019, with special events at the newly-renovated Sons of Norway Hall, Lanesboro Historical Museum, and a community potluck picnic and more. With 150 years to celebrate, Lanesboro is ready for you with warm hospitality at our assortment of lodging establishments, inspiring live theatre and art, mouth-watering food and drinks, unique annual events, exciting shopping, stellar bike trail, and memorable and relaxing river activities.

www.lanesboro.com/150 Promotional Support for this publication also provided by: Amish Experience • Aroma Pie Shoppe • Commonweal Theatre • Cottage House Inn • E2 Boutique • Joan Finnegan Fine Art • Friends of Peterson • Granny’s Liquor • Home Sweet Home Cafe & Cakery • Little River General Store • Parkway Market & Coffeehouse • Scanlan House

Sunday, June 2, 2019 | 11

SUMMER TRAVEL

Plan Your Pleasures in Lanesboro, MN June - October

August - October

June 15

September 7

June 21-22

September 7, 14, 21

June 22

September 21

July 4

September 21-22 & 28-29

August 2-4

October 5

Commonweal Theatre Featured Summer-Fall Program Join the fun all summer long at South East Minnesota’s premiere professional live theatre. Featuring the madcap farce “Boeing Boeing” and the magical adventure “Peter and the Starcatcher.” (800) 657-7025 www.commonwealtheatre.org

Art in the Park Lanesboro | Sylvan Park: Annual fine art festival with over 90 exhibitors, delicious food, live music and entertainment.

60 Mile Garage Sale Shop the nine towns along the Root River State Bike Trail and everywhere in between for great deals.

Gammel Dag - Scandinavian Midsummer Celebration Peterson, MN: Experience folk art, music, food and dance. Catch Gnome Fever on the longest day of the year.

Sesquicentennial Celebration Lanesboro | Sylvan Park: Join us as we celebrate Lanesboro’s 150th birthday, rich history and its bright future.

Lanesboro’s Buffalo Bill Days City-wide festival, marketplace, food, entertainment, dances, volleyball/softball tournaments, grand parade and fireworks.

Lanesboro Area Art Trail Treat yourself to the unique experience of visiting Lanesboro’s working artists’ studios, not ordinarily open to the public. Friday-Saturday on Aug 23-24; Sept 13-14 and Oct 4-5

Fall Craft Beer Fest Lanesboro: Enjoy Oktoberfest and seasonal fall beers from Midwestern craft breweries at Lanesboro bars and restaurants.

Taste of the Trail Sample the cuisine and culture along Root River State Bike Trail. Sept 7: Lanesboro, Peterson, Whalan; Sept 14: Fountain, Harmony, Preston; Sept 21: Houston, Rushford

Fall Girls Day Out Lanesboro | Downtown: Style show, live music, street market, drawings and special discounts in participating stores.

History Alive Pop-up Plays : 1869 Lanesboro | Sons of Norway Lodge, 1-3pm: True stories in the streets of Lanesboro’s beginnings (guide led). Huge cast with music and dance.

Fall into Lanesboro Welcome the season with activities around town for the whole family.