Summer Fun (May 2022) by West Central Tribune

Summer fun

2022

Your guide to summer events in West Central Minnesota!

WHY COME TO APPLETON, MINNESOTA? • Appleton Area Off Highway Vehicle Park; 2 miles NE of Appleton on Hwy 59 • Campgrounds • Canoeing & Kayaking • State-of-the-art Playground at Riverview Park • Aquatic Center • 9-hole Frisbee Golf Course • Dog Park

• Applefest – 3rd weekend in September • Appleton Golf Course; 9 beautiful holes along the Pomme de Terre River • Close to Lac qui Parle Lake, Refuge & State Park, Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge, Chippewa Prairie, Marsh Lake, Lake Oliver, and Artichoke Lake • Great Hunting, Fishing, Birding, and Snowmobile Trails • Summer Concerts in the Park

sota! Why NOT Come to Appleton, Minne support@aaccmn.com aaccmn.com | facebook.com/AACCMN

WE LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR VISIT!

When you need it, local care for you. Services available at CentraCare — Willmar locations: Addiction Services Allergy & Asthma Anesthesiology Anticoagulation Program Audiology Bariatrics/Weight Control Behavioral Health Cancer Care Cardiac Rehabilitation Cardiology Counseling Services Dental Clinic Dermatology Diabetes Care Emergency Services

Family Medicine Gastroenterology Hand Surgery & Therapy Hematology Home Medical Equipment Hospice Imaging Infectious Diseases Infusion & Injections Internal Medicine Int’l Travel Vaccines Laboratory Long-Term Care Mammography Nephrology

Neurology Nutrition Counseling Obstetrics & Gynecology Occupational Medicine Occupational Therapy Oncology Ophthalmology Optical Optometry Orthopedics Ostomy Services Otolaryngology (ENT) Pain Management Pediatrics Physical Therapy Plastic Surgery Podiatry

Psychiatry Psychology Pulmonary Rehabilitation Pulmonology Respiratory Therapy Rheumatology Short-term Rehabilitation Sleep Medicine Speech Therapy Spine Care (Back & Neck) Surgery – General Telemedicine Urgent Care Urology Vascular Surgery Weight Management Wound Care

Summer fun

Table of Contents

Antique Car Run ��44 Appleton OHV ��65 Bicycling Events ��54 Camping ��80 City Parks / Summer Rec ��14 Community Celebrations ��8 County Fairs ��17 County Libraries ��29 Farmers Markets ��68 Fitness / Running / Triathlon ��41 Gardens ��85 Glacial Lakes Bike Trail ��56 Glacial Ridge Trail ��49 Glacial Ridge Trail Map ��48 Golf Courses �� 77 Historical Sites ��70 Historical Societies / Museums ��27 July Fourth ��24 Lakes / Bait / Fishing ��37

Little Crow Ski ��66 Little Theatre ��62 Miscellaneous ��20 Music Events ��57 Nature Trails ��88 Old-Time Stuff ��84 Prairie Pothole ��35 Prairie Woods ELC ��52 Race Tracks ��34 River Routes ��18 Robbins Island ��12 Rockin’ Robbins ��13 Rodeos / Bull Riding ��33 Studio Hop ��30 The Barn Theatre ��61 Willmar Aquatics ��5 Willmar Fests ��10 Willmar Stingers Baseball ��22 Willmar Walks / Bikes ��45

SUMMER FUN 2022 CREDITS

Produced by West Central Tribune. Content by Joe Brown, Tom Cherveny, Kit Grode, Tom Elliott, Jennifer Kotila, Shelby Lindrud and Donna Middleton. Photos by Erica Dischino, Macy Moore and staff. Editing by Kit Grode. Overall and cover design by Christopher Johnson. Summer Fun logo design by Josie Gerezek. Marketing by: Christie Steffel, Christine Riemersma, Rhea Yeadon and Steve Ammermann.

4 | SUMMER FUN 2022

Splash and swim with Willmar Aquatics W

illmar offers many different ways to cool off on a hot summer day. The Dorothy Olson Aquatic Center with its pools and slides, Rice Park Splash Pad and its multiple water features and Foot Lake at Robbins Island Regional Park all offer hours of summer fun for children and adults alike. There are also swimming lessons available through Willmar Community Education.

DOROTHY OLSON AQUATIC CENTER

Address: 1601 22nd St. S.W. Seasonal phone: 320-441-2018. The aquatic center is scheduled to open for the season June 9, weather permitting, and will be open daily from noon to 7 p.m. However, the center will not open for the day if the air temperature is 68 degrees or cooler. Check the website before visiting. The center employs Red Cross-trained lifeguards and features a zero-depth pool with interactive toy

 Early Childhood Programs  Cardinal Place School Age Care

features, a six-lane 25-yard recreational pool, a poolside climbing wall, two towering water slides, children’s slide and concession stand. Amenities include chaise lounges, umbrellas and picnic tables. Special events are planned from June through August, and will be listed at the pool and online. Daily admission is $3 for swimmers and observers. There are also group rates and individual and family season passes available. Birthday parties: The aquatic center is booking birthday parties and other get-togethers. The entire center can be rented out for after-hour private group events. For more information, call 320-231-8490. All special events at the DOAC will be posted on the DOAC Facebook page at facebook.com/ DOACWillmar

ROBBINS ISLAND

Swimming is allowed at the Virgil Olson Beach during daylight hours. The sand beach can be reached via a paved walking path along Foot Lake; vehicle parking is also available.

RICE PARK SPLASH PAD

Rice Park Splash Pad opened for the season in early May. It includes several different water features. There are also on site restrooms, park shelter and playground equipment.

SWIMMING LESSONS

For information about lessons, call 320-231-8490 or check willmar.k12.mn.us/communityed. There are several different class options for different ages and abilities, all held at the Willmar Middle School pool.

 Youth & Adult Enrichment  Adult Education  Facilities Rental

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n i g e b n u F r e m m u S Let the

West central area offers an array of community celebrations

ommunity events are being celebrated all around the area this year. Most details were not available at press time, so check online and on social media pages for details. Community celebrations over the Fourth of July are in a separate article on page 24.

JUNE 3-5, BOYD GOOD TIME DAYS: Go online for more information at exploreminnesota.com/ event/boyd-good-time-days/25040 JUNE 8-12, RENVILLE SUGAR BEET DAYS: Grand parade at 3 p.m. Saturday; more information online at facebook.com/groups/356679094464837 JUNE 10-11, KANDIYOHI KANDI IS DANDY DAYS: Grand parade at 11:30 a.m. Saturday; more information online at cityofkandiyohimn.com or the Kandiyohi Men’s Club on Facebook at facebook.com/kandimensclub JUNE 12-18, PAYNESVILLE TOWN AND COUNTRY DAYS: Grand parade at 7 p.m. Thursday; more information online at paynesvillechamber.org 8 | SUMMER FUN 2022

JUNE 12-19, MONTEVIDEO FIESTA DAYS: Go online for more information at facebook.com/ montevideofiestadays JUNE 14-19, ATWATER FESTIVAL DAYS: Go online for more information at atwaterfestivaldays.com or on Facebook at facebook.com/AtwaterFestival-Days-1726910184238510 JUNE 15-19, BIRD ISLAND ISLAND DAYS: Go online for more information at birdislandcity.com or on Facebook at facebook.com/IslandDays-162967003867500 JUNE 18, MONTEVIDEO MILWAUKEE ROAD HERITAGE CENTER EVENT: 10th annual craft and vendor show, 9 a.m.to 4 p.m., 320-269-9563; more information online at montevideomrhc.org or on Facebook at facebook.com/search/ top?q=MontevideoMRHC JUNE 22-26, WILLMAR WILLMAR FESTS: Grande Day parade 10:30 a.m. Saturday; more information online at willmarfests.com

JULY 8-10, BROOTEN BONANZA VALLEY DAYS: Go online for more information at facebook.com/ brooten56316 JULY 8-10, CLARA CITY PRAIRIE FEST DAYS: Go online for more information at facebook.com/ ClaraCityPrairieFest

JUNE 24-26, DAWSON RIVERFEST: Go online for more information at facebook.com/ DawsonRiverfest JUNE 24-26, GRANITE FALLS WESTERN FEST: PRCA rodeo at Lee Mar Ranch; more information online at granitefallsprcarodeo.org or on Facebook at facebook.com/westernfestrodeo JULY 2-4, SPICER FOURTH OF JULY, see separate story JULY 4, PRINSBURG FOURTH OF JULY, see separate story

JULY 11-16, NEW LONDON WATER DAYS: Go online for more information at newlondonwaterdays.com/ JULY 13-17, SACRED HEART SUMMER FEST: Go online for more information at facebook.com/ SacredHeartSummerfest

AUG. 4-7, LAKE LILLIAN FUN DAYS: Go online for more information at facebook.com/ LakeLillianFunDays

JULY 14-15, BENSON KID DAY CELEBRATION: 91st celebration, parade at 10 a.m. Saturday; more information online at facebook.com/ BensonMNKidDay

AUG. 5-7, PENNOCK PENNOCK FUN DAYS: Go online for more information at facebook.com/ pennockfundays

JULY 15-17, COSMOS SPACE FESTIVAL: Go online for more information at facebook.com/ cosmosspacefestival JULY 15-17, MADISON DRAGON FEST: Parade and fireworks on Saturday; more information online at facebook. com/City-of-MadisonMN-106941826001888

JULY 4, MADISON SUMMERFEST:Go online for more information at facebook. com/City-of-MadisonMN-106941826001888 JULY 6-10, DANUBE FUN DAYS: Go online for more information at facebook. com/danubefundays JULY 7-10, LITCHFIELD WATERCADE: Grand parade 6 p.m. Saturday; more information online at watercade.com

JULY 25-31, OLIVIA CORN CAPITAL DAYS: Go online for more information at corncapitaldays.com or on Facebook at facebook.com/ CornCapitalDays JULY 29-31, KERKHOVEN TOWN AND COUNTRY DAY: Go online for more information at facebook.com/City-of-Kerkhoven JULY 29-31, GLENWOOD WATERAMA: 65th annual event, parade 1 p.m. Sunday; more information online at waterama.org

AUG. 12-13, BELGRADE AUGUSTFEST: Go online for more information at facebook.com/ belgradeaugustfest AUG. 14, BECHYN CZECH HERITAGE FESTIVAL: 31st annual festival, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; call 320522-1218 for more information AUG. 19-21, GROVE CITY WINDMILL DAYS: Go online for more information at grovecitymn.com/windmilldays/ AUG. 26-28, RAYMOND RAYMOND HARVEST FEST: Go online for more information at facebook.com/ Raymond125thYear SEPT. 15-16, APPLETON APPLEFEST: Go online for more information at the Chamber Facebook page at facebook.com/AACCMN SEPT. 17, GRANITE FALLS SQUID FEST/RIB FEST: Go online for more information at prairiesquidfest.com/

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r a m l l i W r o f p u e n i l 2022 n o i t a r b e l e c f o l l u f s t s Fe

Willmar’s community celebration is June 22-26 C elebrating its 75th year, Willmar Fests will be held June 22 through June 26. A four-day city festival filled with fun for all ages, Willmar Fests was formed from four past celebrations – International Fest, Aqua Fest,

Frameries Fest and Kaffee Fest. The community celebration includes a block party, royalty and ambassador coronations, story hour, tennis tournament, Stingers baseball, pancake feed, two parades and a kids carnival.

The schedule is subject to change, and might also have to be updated due to pandemic restrictions. Up-to-date information will be available at willmarfests.com and on the festival’s Facebook page. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22

9 a.m. — Coffee with the Candidates at The Goodness Coffee Shop 2 p.m. — Senior Ambassador Coronation at Willmar Community Center 3:30 p.m. — Queen’s Splash at Dorothy Olson Aquatic Center 4:30 p.m. — Royalty Ride with BikeWillmar and Wilmar Bikes 6 p.m. — Pie & Ice Cream Social at Robbins Island 7:30 p.m. — Prairie Winds Summer Band and West Central Connections Chorus Concert at Rice Park 10 | SUMMER FUN 2022

7 p.m. — Battle of the Business Bean Bag Tournament, Dam Jammers on the Block Party Stage FRIDAY, JUNE 24 7:30 a.m. — Willmar Fests Chamber Connection at Heritage Bank 1 p.m. — Appreciation Day Dance at the Willmar Community Center THURSDAY, JUNE 23 10 a.m. — Royal Storytime at Miller Park 4:30 p.m. — Willmar Fests Block Party Kickoff at 5th & Becker Ave

7:05 p.m. — Willmar Stingers Baseball Baker Field at Bill Taunton Stadium SATURDAY, JUNE 25

— Kick Off with Q102

7 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Willmar Fire Department Pancake Feed at the Willmar Fire Station

— Meet the Willmar Fests Queen Candidates

10:30 a.m. — Grande Day Parade in downtown

— Crowning of the Willmar Fests Junior Royalty

3 to 5 p.m. — Willmar Fests Ambassador Coronation at WEAC

Food trucks, various vendors, activities and more

5:30 p.m. — Willmar Fests Kids Fun Run 6 p.m. — Willmar Fests Kiddie Parade 6 p.m. — Willmar Smash Season 3 #6 SMASHFEST at Spurs 6:30 p.m. — Fireman’s Challenge

7:30 p.m. — The Little Crow Ski Show at Robbins Island 10 p.m. — Q102 Lakeland Broadcasting’s “Works Over Water” fireworks show

July 27-31, 2022 - Lots to Do in 2022!! we are on our 165th year as a fair!!!

2022

RenaissanceFest.com

A few highlighted events this year are: • Remember Our Fallen- a traveling memorial for those who have served in the military and lost their lives • Great Grandstand Events: Wednesday Night of Destruction, 2 tractor pulls; one on Thursday & one being NTPA (on Friday) and the Demo Derby on Saturday

• Great Bands this Year:

IV Play, SlamaBama, Mudcatt Melby, Old Country Boys, The Solid Gold band, just to name a few!!!

• • • • •

Great Carnival by Goldstar All American Lumberjacks Miracle of Birth Renaissance Festival Ranch Rodeo, 4-H events, Farmer Bob, Kids Day (Thursdaykids get in free until 3pm that day), Creative Arts, Wrestling, Scotty the fair Mascot, just to name a few other events going on through the week!!

scottcountyfair.org

Weekends (Sat. & Sun.) Aug. 20th - Oct. 2nd + Plus Labor Day

Festival Friday, Sept. 30th 10am - 7pm Rain or Shine

FREE Parking SUMMER FUN 2022 | 11

d n o m a i D : d n a l s Robbins I m e t s y s k r a p ’s of Willmar A

t Robbins Island Regional Park, visitors will have the opportunity to use several new park shelters while enjoying other upgrades the city of Willmar has made over the last several years. A new four-season shelter opened in 2020, and improvements to the roadway and parking lots were completed last year. The enhancements provide more ways for fun, relaxation and recreation at the 55-acre park. The park is located between Willmar and Foot lakes on the northside of Willmar. The park includes one of the largest playgrounds in the state, and is also home to a natural trail, swimming beach, disc golf course and more.

DESTINATION PLAYGROUND

The Destination Playground provides fully accessible fun for children of all ages. Children are able to run and play through different themed areas, including a castle, train and farm, as well as zipline and a spider bouncer. With different types of slides, swings and climbing apparatuses, the 19,000-square-foot playground is the largest fully accessible playground in the state, with special playground equipment specifically for children with disabilities. The project was funded through private donations, constructed by community members and opened to the public in June 2017.

SHELTERS

This summer will be the first summer the newly completed shelters across Robbins Island will be available for rent. The four-season shelter can be rented for $130. Open Shelter #1, Guri Endersen, and Hilltop can each be rented for $110. Open Shelter # 2 is available for $40. A refundable damage deposit of $100 will be added to all rentals. To reserve a shelter, call 231-8490 or download the rental form on the city website.

DISC GOLF COURSE

Redesigned in 2018, Robbins Island Disc Golf course has 18 holes and travels through Robbins Island and Hedin Park. Disc golfers navigate around trees, hills and lake water. A downloadable map of the course can be found online at willmarmn.gov/parks_and_trails/disc_golf_ course.php 12 | SUMMER FUN 2022

s n r u t e r s n i b b o Rockin R r e m m u s h t x i for its s

or the sixth summer season, Robbins Island will rock with the free concert series Rockin’ Robbins. Presented by the Willmar Rotary Club, the four-week event first took the stage in 2016 and has brought large crowds to the island nearly every summer since. The concerts will take place in Robbins Island Regional Park in

Willmar from 5 to 9 p.m on Tuesdays starting in July and wrapping up the first week of August. The featured acts include Xpedition on July 12, Johnny Holm Band on July 19, Good for Gary on July 26 and The Fabulous Armadillos on Aug. 2. The event includes free kids activities, food trucks and vendors, a beer and wine tent, local craft

market and a free shuttle from three convenient park and ride locations. The opening act starts at 5 p.m. and the headliner starts at 6:30 p.m. Bring your own lawn chair. Opening acts for each show are still to be determined. The Rockin’ Robbins website is rockinrobbins.com

SUMMER FUN 2022 | 13

n o i t a e r c e r r e m m u S n o i t a c u d e and Plenty of fun to be had around Willmar

Registration can be completed online or by mail to Parks and Recreation, 2707 Arena Drive, Willmar, MN 56201. Following is a sampling of programs available: Rec & Read: Kids will have the chance to improve their reading skills while also playing games at Rec & Read. Points can be earned by reading books and by reading out loud to staff. A prize will be awarded to the reader with the most minutes. There will also be recreation equipment and board games provided for even more fun. WILLMAR PARKS Held 1 to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays at Miller Park and Thursdays at Rice Park. AND RECREATION Games on Deck: Come have some Willmar Parks and Recreation Department offers sports camps and summer fun at the Dorothy Olson Aquatic Center with Games on Geck, leagues of all kinds, from football and a chance to play a variety of water, gymnastics to baseball and tennis. yard and pool games. Mondays and The full catalog of programming Wednesdays from 1 to 4 p.m. There is can be found at willmarmn.gov/parks_ a $3 pool admission fee, with season passes available. and_recreation_land/index.php. illmar Parks and Recreation and Willmar Community Education each provide a great array of different programs and events for family fun during the summer. People of all ages should be able to find something to peak their interest. Weather-related announcements can be obtained by calling 320-231-8493, or by tuning to local radio stations Q102/102.5 FM, 95.3 FM and 1590 AM.

14 | SUMMER FUN 2022

Baseball and Softball: There are several baseball and softball programs and leagues for children and adults put on by Parks and Recreation. The leagues include T-ball, Little Hitters Baseball, Kinderball, Callie’s Pitching class, Co-ED softball and church league. More information and registration can be found in the program catalog. Summer Movies in the Park: Willmar Parks and Rec will be hosting three free movie nights this year at three different city parks. At 9 p.m. June 10 Disney’s Luca will play at the Dorothy Olson Aquatic Center, American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story will show at 8 p.m. July 22 at the Willmar Civic Center Turf Fields, and closing out the summer will be Angels in the Outfield at 8 p.m. Aug. 19 at Baker Field.

WILLMAR COMMUNITY EDUCATION

Willmar Community Education from Willmar Public Schools holds education and enrichment activities for kids and adults. Topics include art, nature, music, first aid, estate planning and so much more. The entire listing for community education, as well as registration and information on fees, is at willmar.k12.mn.us/ communityed. Home Alone: A class that will teach children from Grades 2 and up about staying home alone. Topics covered will include safe habits, house rules, after school routines, pet emergencies, personal safety and first aid. Students attend the class independently, though parents are encouraged to review the take home materials and discuss them with their children. Program to be held on June 6 and August 29. Nature Kid Art Club: Each month children will be able to work on an art project using materials from nature

and in different mediums. Classes will be held outdoors on June 30 at Miller Park, July 29 at Rice Park and August 18 at Robbins Island. Theater: Various theater and acting programs for students of all ages will be held by Community Ed including creating parade and giant puppets, a workshop at the Barn Theatre and putting on a production of Sleeping Beauty.

Glass on Glass Mosaic Project: Youth and adult art class on how to create basic mosaics using glass. Ages 10 and up are welcome. July 13 at Willmar Senior High School. Toxin -Free Home: Adults can learn all about eliminating toxins from the home by using plant based products. Class will cover how to create your own cleaning products. June 28 at Willmar Middle School. Continued on page 16

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Continued from page 15

WILLMAR COMMUNITY AND ACTIVITY CENTER

Willmar Community and Activity Center, located at 624 Business Highway 71 NE, has programs, special events and services structured to meet a wide variety of needs and wants from a play area for children, socialization for senior citizens and events and classes for all ages. The center is a place to meet friendly people, read the newspaper or a book, have a cup of coffee, take advantage of health, wellness, computer and woodshop opportunities and participate in continuous free activities from concerts and dances to games, crafts and cooking lessons. For more information and upcoming events, visit the Community Parks and Rec website, the Community Center Facebook page or call 320-262-5288.

Events and Recreation Center is built. More information available at willmarmn.gov/civic_center/index.php.

SWANSSON FIELD RECREATIONAL COMPLEX

Swansson Field Recreational Complex is located at Willmar Avenue Southwest. For spectator sports, check out the city softball leagues played Monday through Friday at WILLMAR CIVIC CENTER the Swansson Field complex, which The Willmar Civic Center hosts a has ample bleacher space for fans to wide range of events and activities cheer on their favorite teams. Baker from sports to trade shows. Areas Field at Bill Taunton Stadium, home within the center can be rented for events. There will be major construction to the Willmar Stingers, has more at the center this summer as a new than 100 amateur games played, with

concessions sold at each game.

YMCA

The Kandiyohi County Area Family YMCA, located at 1000 Lakeland Dr. SE in Willmar, offers a wide variety of programs for area and summer residents. They offer birthday parties, Child Watch, child care, preschool and school-age activities, Kids’ Club, mentoring, programs for active older adults, health and wellness programs and events for youth and adults, lifeguard training, swimming lessons and summer camp. For more information, visit kandiymca.org.

COME WO R SH I P WI T H US

Come worship with us! One Service at 9:30am

(Memorial Day-Labor Day weekend)

16 | SUMMER FUN 2022

Vacation Bible School FFree for Grades K-6 June 6-10 6:00-8:30pm 208 Main St NW, New London 320-354-2446

nlcovchurch.org

y d a e r s r i a f County s r o t i s i v e m o to weOlldc-fashioned fun et so swe d e m e e s r e v e n

he 2022 area county fairs are still in the process of securing contracts for carnivals and entertainment at presstime. The events listed here are only a partial listing, and events are subject to change. Check the fair websites, or their social media pages, for additional information and updates.

YELLOW MEDICINE COUNTY FAIR July 21-23 Fairgrounds in Canby Free admission and free parking. Grandstand shows include Demo Derby on Friday and Baja races on Saturday. Music acts schedule polka music on Thursday, “Street Talk” with Canby native Marcus Padilla performing hits from the eighties, nineties and 2000’s on Friday and “Red Letter Band” with classic country music on Saturday. Website: ymcfair.org CHIPPEWA COUNTY July 27-31 Fairgrounds in Montevideo Gate admission is $10, ages 6 and younger are free. Excluding food, carnival rides and drinks, everything inside the gates, including grandstand events, are free. Website: chippewacofairmn.com/ POPE COUNTY FAIR Aug. 3-6 Fairgrounds in Glenwood There is no gate admission and parking is free. The grandstand shows include a skid loader

rodeo at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, ranch rodeo at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, family fun night on Friday and tractor pull at 3 p.m. on Saturday. A demolition derby will be at 1 p.m. Sunday, along with food vendors, even though the fair activities will be over. Website: popecountyfair.org MEEKER COUNTY FAIR Aug. 3-7 Fairgrounds in Litchfield Admission is $5, ages 4 and under and over 70 will be admitted free. Entry is free on Sunday. Website: meekerfair.com KANDIYOHI COUNTY FAIR Aug. 10-13 Fairgrounds in Willmar Gates open at 11 a.m. Wednesday, and at 8 a.m. daily thereafter. Gate admission is $7 for adults, $3 for seniors on Thursday only, $2 for students 6-12; children 5 and under will be admitted free. Daily parking is $5 per car/truck. Season passes are $20 gate pass, $15 parking pass. A season ticket allows you to come and go as many times as you want during the 4-day fair. Grandstand three-day wrist bands are available for $20 per adult, $7 ages 6-12, for bull riding on Wednesday, semi, tractor and truck pull on Friday and the demolition derby on Saturday. Free entertainment includes hypnotist Freddie Justice and the Music in Motion horse show. Free music will be presented every day on the fairgrounds. Exhibit buildings open 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday is Veterans Day, Thursday is Senior Day and Saturday is Kids’ Day. Website: kandifair.com RENVILLE COUNTY FAIR Aug. 10-12

Fairgrounds in Bird Island The Fair will be Wednesday through Friday this year. Check the website for more information. Website: renvillecountyfair.org SWIFT COUNTY FAIR Aug. 17-21 Fairgrounds in Appleton Grandstand events include a ranch rodeo on Thursday, Demo Derby on Saturday, antique tractor pull and kids pedal pull on Sunday. There will be free, live music every evening at the Chuck Brown building. On Friday and Saturday there will be three daytime performances by comedian DonB! Saturday and Sunday will see The Oz Brothers strolling the grounds. Carnival, food vendors and 4-H exhibits are all scheduled for the event. Website: swiftcountyfair.org LAC QUI PARLE COUNTY FAIR Sept. 8-11 Fairgrounds in Madison Gates open at 9 a.m. daily, admission is $5 for ages 12 and over and includes parking; admission is free for ages 11 and under and for active military personnel with a military ID and law enforcement. On Thursday a performance by the White Sidewalls will be the featured entertainment. Friday through Sunday magician Dr. Street and Caricatures by Jennifer will be at the fair along with a band each evening. Other events Friday include The Beatles Review and The Blues Brothers Band. Saturday there will be a pedal pull, veggies races, diaper derby, demo derby and the Minnesota High School Rodeo. Sunday’s events include a Minnesota High School Rodeo and Wissota Car Races. Website: lqpfair.com SUMMER FUN 2022 | 17

a s i e r u t Adven y a w a e k o r t paddle s P

addling enthusiasts call the waters of West Central Minnesota the “Boundary Waters of Southern Minnesota,’’ and for good reason. The rivers and streams of west central Minnesota are waters where you can get away from the crowds and enjoy a wilderness-like solitude. And, they are easy-to-reach and offer a wide variety of paddling adventures. Maps are available from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources — and online at its website — detailing the river routes on the Minnesota River, Crow River and portions of the Chippewa and Pomme de Terre rivers. Paddling enthusiasts Lynn and Robert Diebel have also published a popular guidebook, “Paddling Southern Minnesota’’ (2007, Trail Press of Madison, Wis.) It offers narrative accounts of possible routes, put-in locations and maps. Here’s your abbreviated guide to some of the best:

MIDDLE FORK CROW RIVER

An easy afternoon paddle starts in New London and leads to the sparkling waters of Nest Lake. The scenic Mill Pond in New London is the perfect launching point for this fun and easy paddle. 18 | SUMMER FUN 2022

MINNESOTA RIVER

There are more than 330 miles of waterway to explore, starting at Big Stone Lake and reaching the Mississippi River at Fort Snelling. Of course, there’s ample opportunity to make two- or threehour excursions to discover short but exciting segments of the river. The Minnesota River meanders through an oversized valley carved by the Glacial River Warren. The glacial waterway carved a path some 200

feet deep and two miles wide. It offers the modern explorer scenic vistas of wooded blufflands, towering granite outcrops and tree-lined shore lines. There is no portion of the river lacking scenery, but arguably the most scenic portion of the river runs from the Upper Sioux Agency State Park south of Granite Falls to Redwood Falls. This portion of the river offers some of the most dramatic examples of the granite outcrops.

CHIPPEWA RIVER

Officially designated as a state canoe route, the Chippewa River offers gentle paddling during normal water conditions and surprising scenery of islands, woodlands and steep bluffs. The best paddling is found above the Watson Lion’s Park. Starting points for adventure include Ambush Park in the city of Benson, Big Bend and the Lentz Landing at the Minnesota Highway 40 bridge east of Milan.

LAC QUI PARLE RIVER

The Lac qui Parle River offers an opportunity to surprise an incredible array of wildlife, from eagles and owls to softshell turtles the size of wheel covers. The river’s sharp bends, towering cut banks and occasional whitewater makes every outing an adventure. The most popular route is an approximate three-hour paddle from Lac qui Parle County Park to Lac qui Parle State Park near the confluence with the Minnesota River.

POMME DE TERRE RIVER

opportunities for walleye. Popular trips include runs from the Swift County Park on U.S. Highway 12 north of Appleton to the city of Appleton, and from Appleton to Marsh Lake.

HAWK CREEK/YELLOW MEDICINE RIVER

When water conditions are right, Hawk Creek and the Yellow Medicine River offer some of the state’s very best whitewater paddling opportunities. Each spring, the two waterways attract whitewater enthusiasts from around the state. On both waterways, be prepared to be on your own. There are very few intersecting bridges or signs of civilization as the waters race toward the Minnesota River.

Trips on Hawk Creek often start near or upstream of U.S. Highway 212 and continue to Renville County’s Skalbakken Park at the confluence with the Minnesota River. Trips on the Yellow Medicine River often start at the Minnesota Highway 274 (Wood Lake Road) bridge and continue to the confluence with the Minnesota River at the Upper Sioux Agency State Park. It’s advisable to scout out water conditions before attempting a trip, or contact Clean Up the River Environment at 320-269-2984 for information on water levels. Real-time data on water flows on Hawk Creek are also available online at dnr.state. mn.us/waters/csg/index.html

NORTH FORK CROW RIVER

It gets its start in Pope County, but the North Fork of the Crow River is best for canoeing as it leaves the Lake Koronis Spillway near Paynesville. There are rapids and hidden snags to watch for, but much of the river is well-suited for family canoeing.

The fast-moving Pomme de Terre offers opportunities to surprise otters and an astonishing variety of birds, while viewing the changing prairie and woodland landscape. The Pomme de Terre also offers some of the area’s best angling

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s t n e v e f o y t A varie t i s i v o t s e c a and pl r e m m u s s i th

ome other area events over the summer include:

MOVIES IN THE PARKS

Willmar Parks and Rec will be hosting three free movie nights this year at three different city parks. Disney’s Luca will play at 9 p.m. June 10 at the Dorothy Olson Aquatic Center, American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story will play 8 p.m. July 22 at the Willmar Civic Center Turf Fields, and Angels in the Outfield will play at 8 p.m. Aug. 19 at Baker Field. Check the Willmar Parks and Recreation Facebook page for more information and updates.

CURD FEST 2022

Redhead Creamery’s fourth annual event celebrating all things cheese curd will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 18 at Jer-Lindy Farms, north of Brooten. Music, breweries, food trucks, wineries, self-guided dairy farm tours, $12 in advance online, or $15 at the door. Children 11 and under are free. Website is redheadcreamery.com or on Facebook at facebook.com/ RedheadCreamery 20 | SUMMER FUN 2022

GREEN LAKE LUTHERAN MINISTRIES

The 38th annual quilt auction will be July 22-23 at the Green Lake Bible Camp in Spicer. There will be a quilt review from 3 to 8 p.m. Friday and again from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday. There will be two groups of quilts to bid on. The first group will be auctioned off live with bidding in person beginning at noon on

Saturday and online bidding beforehand. The second group will be auctioned off online only starting on July 17 and the bidding will close at 5 p.m. July 23. There will be silent auction items available for bidding in person and online beginning July 17. It will close at 4 p.m. July 23. Website is gllm.org/quilt-auction. html or on Facebook at facebook. com/GreenLakeLutheranMinistries

UPPER SIOUX COMMUNITY PEZIHUTAZIZI OYATE Plans are underway for an Aug. 5-8 traditional Wacipi pow wow; on Facebook at facebook.com/ USCWACIPI

FARMFEST

Plans are being made for Minnesota Farmfest 2022 on Aug. 2-4 at the Gilfillan Estate, southeast of Redwood Falls.

Website is ideaggroup.com/farmfest or on Facebook at facebook.com/ MNfarmfest

MEANDER ART CRAWL

This free self-guided tour of artist studios featuring 40 local artists from the Upper Minnesota River Valley will be Sept. 30-Oct. 2. It includes more than 30 individual studios in and near the western Minnesota communities of Ortonville, Appleton, Madison,

Milan, Dawson, Montevideo and Granite Falls. Website is artsmeander.com and on Facebook at facebook.com/ MeanderArtCrawl

HISTORIC VIKOR CHURCH

The church will have its annual service at 11 a.m. Sunday, June 26. A free-will donation and catered meal will follow the service. The public is invited to attend the service.

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l l a b e s a b s Stinger n u f e t o m to pro oods League w h t r o N ’s r a Willm mer nights m u s s e k a m team morable e m k r a p ll a b at the

elcome to the greatest show on dirt, Willmar Stingers’ style. Willmar’s Northwoods League franchise has made wacky promotions, giveaways and betweeninning games a summer constant at Bill Taunton Stadium since 2010. The Stingers are a summer collegiate wood-bat team. While the players retain their college eligibility, the team puts on a show with between-innings comedy skits, giveaways, promotions, games and races, with Barry as the Stingers’ mascot. There’s never a dull moment. It’s a lot like minor league baseball, except the players aren’t pros … yet. Many of this season’s Stingers will end up playing professionally. Nine players who played for the Stingers have made the majors since the franchise’s inception. This summer, the team celebrates one of its current major leaguers, Tampa Bay Rays left-hander Colin Poche, whose name will be on the back of a youth jersey giveaway night on June 5. The first 250 kids, age 14 and under, will receive a jersey. It’s one of numerous promotions the team has almost every night of the season. There’s baseball cap night June 6, and a Barry plush doll giveaway June 29. Team poster night is July 25, and t-shirt night is July 26. Backpacks will 22 | SUMMER FUN 2022

be given out Aug. 5, and team trading card set night is Aug. 10. There are fireworks several nights throughout the year, including after the home opener June 1 against the Eau Claire Express. All the festivities take place on the Baker Field at Bill Taunton Stadium, Willmar’s pearl of a ballpark. There are 22 teams in the league; Willmar plays in the Great Plains West Division. The Great Plains West includes the Bismarck Larks, Mankato MoonDogs, Rochester Honkers and St. Cloud Rox.

The Stingers also play teams in the Great Plains East, which comprises the Duluth Huskies, Eau Claire, the La Crosse Loggers, the Minnesota Mud Puppies and the Waterloo Bucks. The Great Lakes Division is made up of teams from Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin. Follow the Stingers at the stadium, in the West Central Tribune and online at wctrib.com or epaper.wctrib.com. For additional information, visit northwoodsleague.com/willmarstingers/.

2022 Stingers Promotional Schedule June 1: Home opener with post-game fireworks; presented by J.D. Kreps Financial Group. June 2: Miles 4 Mentors Night; presented by Kandi Dental Center, Southwest Initiative Foundation & Bernick’s. June 5: Tampa Bay Rays and former Stingers Colin Poche Youth Jersey Giveaway Night (available to the first 250 kids 14 and under); presented by Cash Wise. June 6: Stingers Baseball Cap Giveaway Night (available to the first 300 fans); presented by Heritage Bank and Pioneer Heritage Insurance. June 8: Community Christian School Family Night; presented by Woody’s Trucking. June 9: What If Night, featuring s’mores vs. campfires. June 13: Community All-Stars Night; presented by Coordinated Business Systems. June 14: DJ Bingo Night, where attendees can win prizes all night long. June 15: Montevideo Softball Night; presented by Bernick’s. June 17: Community Night, featuring a pre-game event from 5 to 7 p.m; presented by Willmar Police Department.

June 18: Summer St. Patty’s Night with Habitat for Humanity featuring post-game fireworks; presented by Remodeling Solutions. June 19: Father’s Day (available to the first 250 fans ages 21+); receive a Green Mill Gift Card and play “catch” pregame with dad. June 21: Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg Marching Band Night; presented by Bernick’s. June 24: Willmar Fest Night. June 29: Barry Plush Doll Giveaway (available to the first 100 kids); presented by Project Turnabout. July 7: The Battle of Barry vs. Chris P. Night; presented by Hanson Communications. July 11: Youth Baseball and Softball Night; presented by Burlington Northern-Santa Fe Railway. July 12: It’s ‘80s Night at the Ballpark; presented by Hansen Advertising. July 13: Kandiyohi Power Cooperative Night. (SOLD OUT.) July 14: Beach Night at the Ballpark; presented by Schwieters Chevrolet of Willmar. July 15: Ruff’s Gift Card Night (available to the first 250 fans ages 21+); receive a gift card; presented by Ruff’s Wings and Sports Bar. July 23: Classic Car Show Night, featuring a car show starting at 5:30 p.m. and post-game fireworks; presented by Country Stop and A&W. July 24: Faith and Family Night; presented by Living Hope Church. July 25: Team Poster Night (available to the first 500 fans); presented by Speedy Print.

CAR WASH

July 26: T-Shirt Giveaway Night (available to the first 250 adults); presented by Rambow. July 27: Kids Day at the Park, featuring a noon start; presented by the United Way of West Central Minnesota and Willmar Area Community Foundation. July 27: Barry and Blue Gnome Giveaway Night (available to the first 200 fans); presented by Kandiyohi County Corn and Soybean Growers Association. July 30: CNH Industrial Night, featuring postgame fireworks; presented by CNH Industrial. July 31: Veterans Appreciation Night; presented by Donnelly Truck Service. Aug. 4: Cheers and Beers Night, benefiting Safe Avenues; contact the Stingers for more information; presented by TruJourney. Aug. 5: Back to School Backpack Night (available to the first 200 kids; presented by CentraCare. Aug. 10: Team Trading Card Set Giveaway (available to the first 500 fans); presented by Speedy Print. Aug. 11: They Say It’s Your Birthday Night, celebrating Bethesda’s 125 years of caring; Logo Baseball Giveaway (available to the first 125 kids); presented by Bethesda. Aug. 12: Friday Nights Lights with the Willmar High School Football Program; presented by Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Homes. Aug. 13: Fan Appreciation Night, featuring post-game fireworks.

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y l u J f o h Fourt s n o i t a r b e l e c n o i g e r e h across t F

amily-friendly events are held in several area communities on the Fourth of July, with food, parades, music and fireworks intertwined with patriotic celebrations of Independence Day. Here’s a look at some of the celebrations across the region:

SPICER

Located on beautiful Green Lake, the city of Spicer draws thousands of people seeking sun and fun during the July 4th holiday.

24 | SUMMER FUN 2022

A weekend of celebration begins with Kiddie Night at 4 p.m. July 1. There will be a kids’ pedal pull, an adults’ pedal pull, the kiddie parade and more. The annual Briggs Motley Arts & Crafts Show will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 2-4. A boat parade on Green Lake begins at 10 a.m. July 3. Those interested in participating are asked to line up at the old Spicer Castle location. The Danny Boy from Green

Lake Cruises will lead the parade around the lake. The Fourth of July celebration kicks off Saturday, July 2, at 8 a.m. with church on the beach. The Grand Parade begins at 10 a.m., and fireworks are at dusk over Green Lake. The street dance featuring the Fabulous Armadillos begins at 8 p.m. July 2. The annual Green Lake Road Race starts from Saulsbury Beach the morning of July 3. The event brings runners from around the state and has many divisions. To register, go online at runsignup.com. For additional information about Fourth of July activities, visit www.explorespicer.com.

PRINSBURG

The Fourth of July celebration in Prinsburg will be on Saturday, July 2. This event begins with the Freedom Fun Run at 8 a.m., which has a 2.5mile running route and 1.5-mile walking route. It also includes Adam’s Race for children from preschool through eighth grade. The distance for that race is based on a child’s age. There is no entry fee for runners/walkers. Registration begins at 7:15 a.m. in front of Central Minnesota Christian School. Event sponsors make a donation to Central Minnesota Christian School for each person who finishes the walk or run. Online registration will be available on the school’s website beginning in June. For more information about activities, go tocmcschool.org/ support/freedom-fun-run-adamsrace.cfm There will be a freewill donation dinner from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the school.

The rest of the day will include a variety of entertainment, inflatables and patriotic celebrations in town, with a parade at 5 p.m. All proceeds for the day support the school.

PAYNESVILLE

The Koronis Lake Association will have a fireworks show at dusk on July 2. The lake is just south of Paynesville.

MAYNARD

Maynard’s Fourth of July activities will kick off with the parade at 11 a.m. After the parade, there’s a picnic in the park and free entertainment in the afternoon. Fireworks will go off at dusk. The event is sponsored by the Maynard Lions Club.

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Honoring e g a t i r e h our ieties, history c o s l a c ri to is H for summer n e p o rs te n e c

istory buffs can learn a thing or two about west central Minnesota by visiting historical centers in Kandiyohi County. The Kandiyohi County Historical Center in Willmar is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Memorial Day through Labor Day. The center, on North Business Highway 71, features a museum, a one-room school, a log shed and a Great Northern locomotive; admission $3, ages 12 and up. The Sperry House, built by Willmar pioneers in 1893, will offer guided tours from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays through Labor Day, $3 per person, pre-registration required. Open by appointment during the week. The Guri Endreson site, located on County Road 5, with a field road gate open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Guided tours available by appointment. Tourists may pick up maps of historical sites at the Center. For more information or to pre-register, call 320-235-1881, email kandhist@msn. com or check the Facebook page at @kandihistory.

Atwater Area Historical Society and Museum 500 Pleasant Avenue West, is open 10 a.m. to noon, Saturdays or by appointment; call Jon at 320-444-0337. The Norway Lake Log Church is a replica of the first church in the Northwestern part of the County and is located west of New London off of County Road 40 on 99th St. N.W. It is open from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturdays, June 18, July 9 through Aug. 13 with a Vespers service at 7:15 p.m. The church, interpretive center and Knutson cabin are open by appointment for private tours by calling 320-905-1539. Everyone is welcome. The annual celebration is planned for Aug. 21; website is nllha.org or on Facebook at facebook.com/nllha.org Raptor Ridge Natural History Museum is located at 212050 Co. Rd. 40 NE in Spicer. Call 320-354-8820 for hours. The museum features collections of butterflies, seashells, rocks, minerals, Indian artifacts and dinosaur bones collected by Larry and Barb Levin. Admission is free.

REGIONAL TOUCHES OF HISTORY

For a glimpse of regional history, travel to Litchfield to experience the Meeker County Museum at the G.A.R Hall, 308 Marshall Ave. N. near Central Park. The Frank Daggett Post No. 35 was constructed in 1885 by veterans of the Civil War, and is the last remaining Hall of its kind in Minnesota and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Attached to the rear is the Meeker County Museum & Research Library, which includes two floors worth of exhibits highlighting Meeker County’s origins, love of music, participation in world wars, country schools, and much more. Both the museum and the G.A.R. Hall are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. Admission is $3 for adults and free for children under 12. Call 320-693-8911. Milwaukee Road Heritage Center, 301 State Road, Montevideo. Open for tours 1 to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, June 18 through Sept. 4. Website is montevideomrhc.org Continued on page 28 SUMMER FUN 2022 | 27

Sam Wagner / Shutterstock.com

Continued from page 27 Paynesville Historical Museum, 251 Ampe Drive, Paynesville. Exhibits include Indian artifacts, personal and household items from the 1860s to 1970s, agri-culture, and a one-room schoolhouse. The museum is open June 1 through Labor Day, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The Chippewa County Historical Society’s centers include Chippewa City, Swensson Farm Museum and Lac qui Parle Mission. For information about them or to schedule an appointment out of regular hours, call 320-269-7636 or visit chippewacohistory.org. Chippewa City, 151 Pioneer Drive, Montevideo, is a re-creation of a late 1800s-era village, complete with town square and boardwalk as well as a centrally located bandstand/gazebo. Its 24 buildings cover 20 acres and include a church, schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, general store, millinery and dress shop and buggy shop. The city is open May 29 through Sept. 5. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 1 to 5 p.m. on weekends and holidays; Sept. 6-30 the city is open weekdays only; adults $5, students $2, 5 and under are free. The Olof Swensson Farm Museum, a 17-acre farmstead located six miles east of Montevideo on state Highway 7 and five miles south on County Road 15, preserves turnof-the-century farm life and 28 | SUMMER FUN 2022

features a 22-room house, timberframe barn and the remains of a gristmill. The farm is open from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, May 28 through Sept. 4; adults $5, students $2, 5 and under are free. A horse power show is held at the farm the second Saturday in September from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Private tours available by appointment. The Lac qui Parle Mission was the Minnesota Territory’s first Protestant mission and is one of the few remaining in the state. The reconstructed building houses exhibits of the missionaries and their work; the Dakota people; and Joseph Renville, who invited the

missionaries to Lac qui Parle. Mission Sunday is the second Sunday in July beginning with a worship service at 10:30 a.m., potluck picnic and afternoon program. The site is located north of Montevideo on County Road 13 and is open daily through Labor Day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; free admission. The Minnesota Machinery Museum in Hanley Falls is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday. The website is mnmachinerymuseum.com/ The world’s largest ball of twine can be found in Darwin City Park. Francis A. Johnson started collecting twine in 1950. Eventually the ball on his front lawn grew so large it had to be moved with railroad jacks. It was recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records in 1979, weighing 8.7 tons and measuring 11 feet high and 40 feet around.

Libraries in y t n u o C i h Kandiyo

andiyohi County libraries are open for in-person browsing, graband-go service, curbside pickup and computer time.

COUNTY LIBRARY HOURS

Atwater: Monday noon to 6 p.m.; Tuesday-Thursday 2 to 6 p.m.; Friday noon to 4 p.m.; 322 Atlantic Ave., Atwater; 320-974-3363. Lake Lillian: Monday and Tuesday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; 431 Lakeview St., Lake Lillian; 320-905-2152. New London: Monday noon to 5 p.m.; Tuesday and Friday 1 to 5

p.m.; Wednesday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to noon; 15 Ash St. S., New London; 320-354-2943. Raymond: Monday, Wednesday and Friday 1 to 6 p.m.; Tuesday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; 208 Cofield St. N., Raymond; 320-967-4411. Spicer: Tuesday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wednesday noon to 7 p.m.; Thursday and Friday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; 198 Manitoba St., Spicer; 320-796-5560. Willmar: Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; 410 Fifth St. S.W., Willmar; 320-235-3162.

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r e t n e c d n a t n Arts are fro ne 17-18 u J is p o H io d Stu

tudio Hop 2022 will again bring art to the masses June 17-18, with sites in New London, Spicer, Svea and Willmar. The event starts Friday evening from 4 to 9 p.m., and continues all day Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nine artists will share their work, in a wide range of mediums, with

visitors. There will be refreshments at some of the studios, as well as demonstrations and the opportunity to register for prizes. All the studios are handicapped-accessible unless noted. The locations and the artists at those locations follow: Studio 1: Three artists — Monica

Villars, paper, jewelry and quilting; Pauline Donahue, mixed media compositions combining textiles, chopsticks, typewriter parts and handmade paper; and Ana Serrano, painting; DEMO Inc, U.S. Highway 71 & Kandiyohi County 3, south of Willmar, partially handicapped-accessible. Studio 2: Three artists — Jessalyn Canavan, ceramic; Nan Karr Kaufenberg, linoleum block prints; Dona Larkin, oil and acrylic paintings, collage; and art students from Willmar Senior High and ACGC; The Barn Theatre, 316 Becker Ave. SW, downtown Willmar. Studio 3: Jean Trumbo, painting, drawing, collage, and some 3D sculpture and mosaic; Little Theatre, 24 Central Ave NE, New London. Studio 4: Laurel Iverson, wirewrapped and beaded jewelry; 105 Birch St. SE, New London; studio is not handicapped-accessible. Studio 5: Loretta Fenske, watercolors and textile art; 10488 North Shore Drive, Spicer. For questions or more information, contact the Willmar Area Arts Council, 320-235-8560 or by email at willmararts@gmail.com, or visit the website at willmarareaartscouncil.org

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www.granitebank.com 32 | SUMMER FUN 2022

Member FDIC

d n a g n i d i r Bull n i t r a t s o t s o e rod late June

ight seconds of excitement and danger are all over the area this summer. Bull riding and rodeos will start in the region in late June and will run throughout the summer festival season. Six counties in west central and southwest Minnesota will have a rodeo: Chippewa, Grant, Kandiyohi, Lyon, Meeker and Renville. Rodeo and bull riding in the region has top cowboys and cowgirls on their respective circuits.

LIST OF EVENTS

June 23-25: Buffalo PRCA Championship Rodeo, Buffalo June 23-25: Western Fest Stampede Rodeo, Granite Falls July 15: 8 p.m. — Edgerton Bull Riding, Dutch Festival, Edgerton July 16: 6 p.m. — Sacred Heart Bull Riding, Summerfest, Sacred Heart July 16: 6 p.m. — Grant County Fair Rodeo, Grant County Fairgrounds, Herman July 30: 7 p.m. — Montevideo Bull Riding, Chippewa County Fair, Montevideo

Aug. 5: 7:30 p.m. — Litchfield Bull Riding, Meeker County Fair, Litchfield Aug. 10: 7 p.m. — Willmar Bull Riding, Kandiyohi County Fairgrounds, Willmar Aug. 11: 7 p.m. — Bird Island Bull Riding, Renville County Fairgrounds Aug. 11-12: Lyon County Fair PRCA Rodeo, Marshall Aug. 27: Maynard Fire Relief Rodeo, Maynard Sept. 3: 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. — Minnesota State Fair Bull Riding Challenge

SUMMER FUN 2022 | 33

s y a w e c a r e h t n o p u Revvin’ ag Stock cars, dr the n and karts all o mer track this sum

f a sleepy summer isn’t quite your speed, the race tracks around West Central Minnesota may be able to add some gasoline-fueled adrenaline to the hottest months of the year. There’s oval track racing Thursday nights at KRA Speedway in Willmar, Fiesta City Speedway in Montevideo and the Madison Speedway. All three tracks are sanctioned by WISSOTA and feature Modifieds, Super Stocks, Midwest Modifieds, Street Stock, Hornets and Pure Stock. KRA also features Mod Fours, while Fiesta City and Madison both have Lake Model racing. All three tracks are featured on different nights: KRA on Thursdays, Fiesta City on Fridays and Madison on Saturdays. For something a little more highoctane, NHRA racers compete at the Grove Creek Raceway outside of Grove City. Classes there include Sportsmen, Super Pro, Pro Street, Street Eliminator, Junior Dragsters, Superbikes and Sleds. At Atwater, Karting Speedway has kart racing for rookies, juniors and adults on Saturday evenings with racers age from 5-to-72 years old. Atwater is free for spectators.

ATWATER KARTING SPEEDWAY

One mile east, half-mile southeast of Atwater Season: May 7 to Aug. 28 Racing: Saturdays 5:30 p.m., pits open at 2 p.m. Free admission for spectators. Concessions on grounds Lineup: Caged and non-caged divisions, rookies, juniors, adult for more information, contact president Angela Hansen, 320-368-2522 About 75% of racers are youths between ages 6-15 Motto: “Where kids get hooked on dirt” Website: atwaterkartingspeedway.com.

GROVE CREEK RACEWAY

Drag racing, 2 miles east of Grove City Season: May 8 to Oct. 2 The Scoop: NHRA, Division 5 member Money & Trophy Eliminator, Jr. Dragster Series plus All-Street Nite (NHRA Street Legal Drags) Classes: Money Eliminator, Trophy Eliminator, Junior Street, Junior Dragster, Street Drags Racing: Gates open at 8 a.m. for Day Drag Races, time trials start at 9:30 a.m.; trials start at 4 p.m. for Night Drag Races Grandstand/pit admission: adults $15, students (ages 7 to 12) $6, 6-and-under free; camping $10/night, cash or check only Promoter: Rick Austin at 612-280-7301 …Track phone 320-857-2152 Website: grovecreek.com

FIESTA CITY SPEEDWAY

Montevideo at Chippewa County Fairgrounds Season: May 6 to August 26 (championship) 34 | SUMMER FUN 2022

Race nights: Fridays 7 p.m. Sanctioning: WISSOTA Lineup: Late Models, Street Stocks, Modifieds, Midwest Modifieds, Super Stock, Hornets Admission: ults are $15, $1 for seniors and ages 12 and under are free Promoter: Juanita Knutson Website: fiestacityspeedway.com

KRA SPEEDWAY

Willmar at Kandiyohi County Fairgrounds Season: May 19 to Sept. 1 Race nights: Thursdays 7 p.m. Sanctioning: WISSOTA Track: 3/8-mile semi-bank dirt track Lineup: Modifieds, Super Stock, Street Stocks, Midwest Modifieds, Mod-4, Hornets, Pure Stock Admission: Adults (18-and-over) $12 (specials extra); ages 17-and-under are free with paid adult; season pass is $125 Promoter: Kandi Racing Association (KRA) Phone: 320-905-9280 Website: kraspeedway.com

MADISON SPEEDWAY

Madison at Lac qui Parle Valley Fairgrounds Season: May 30 to Oct. 1 Race nights: Saturdays 7 p.m. Sanctioning: WISSOTA Track: 3/8-mile high-bank oval Lineup: WISSOTA Modified, Super Stock, Midwest Modified, Street Stocks and Hornets Admission: Adult tickets are $15; kids 12-and-under are free For more information, contact Troy at 320-226-5365 or Jackie at 320-295-1976 Website: madisonspeedwaymn.com

y a D e l o h t o Prairie P 0 1 . t p e S r o f scheduled

he 39th annual Prairie Pothole Day is set for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, near New London. The outdoor celebration includes dog trials, black powder shoot, archery competition, slough scoot, walk in the woods, kids’ activities, food, raffle, duck calling contest, goose calling contest and more. Admission is free. It is held at Stoney Ridge Farm, near the intersection of State Highway 9 and U.S. Highway 71 north of Sibley State Park, and hosted by the Prairie Pothole Conservation Association, a new 501(c)3 nonprofit

organization. The proceeds from various raffles fund local conservation projects and programs. Over the last 38 years, the event has grown to where an estimated 4,000 patrons may descend on the farmstead to play games, learn about the environment, and maybe win a raffle prize or two if they are lucky. More information can be found online at facebook. com/PrairePotholeConservationAssociation

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SUMMER FUN 2022 | 35

Kimball Golf Club

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FREQUENT FAIRWAYS CARD: $450 allows for 10 rounds with a cart! www.willmargolf.com

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EAGLE CREEK GOLF CLUB 1000 26th Ave Willmar, MN 56201 320-235-1166 www.WillmarGolf.com

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e r e h W ‘ Cast a line ’ n i g e B s e k the La ty has n u o C i h o iy d n Ka fishing o t n e p o s e k 25+ la

hen it comes to fishing, Kandiyohi County is all about choices. Few places on the planet are blessed with so much blue water surrounded by rich fields of corn and soybeans. Granted, the lakes won’t be confused with the Ontario backcountry, but on the other hand they are nearby and easily accessible to anglers of all ages — by boat, dock or shoreline. There are more than 25 fishing lakes in the county, most north of U.S. Highway 12. Some are secluded;

others are well-settled. Some are deep, some shallow, some are sprawling and others compact. Walleye and northern pike are abundant. Bass fishing also is a draw on selected lakes. Pan fishing for crappies, bluegills and sunfish works on most all water bodies. Local knowledge is found at bait and station stores scattered throughout the lakes area. Helpful sources are found, too, at county and private campgrounds, at the state park and all resorts. A pole, a bobber and a worm on a hook gets you started. At the right

spot on a quiet lake, wading or dock fishing can bring the same big smiles as radar fishing for trophy fish in a high-tech bass boat. Minnows, leeches and the always popular crawlers can be found at bait shops around the Little Crow Lakes area. Please look for the list of bait shops in this publication. Remember, fishing is one-part knowledge, two parts luck and 100% worthwhile. The information in the lake capsules that follows is provided by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division.

LAKE ANDREW Maximum depth: 26 feet. Acres: 814. Fishing: Walleye, northern pike, bluegill, crappie, and largemouth bass. Walleye adult, fingerlings and yearlings are stocked every other year. Numbers and sizes of walleyes are good. Water clarity: 7.83 feet. Structure: Abundant emergent vegetation, including bulrush. Accesses: one in Sibley State Park and one on the south shore.

BASS LAKE Maximum depth: 31 feet. Acres: 52. Fishing: The primary gamefish species that anglers have sought include largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie and northern pike. Water clarity: 3 feet. Structure: Emergent vegetation (bulrush) is present along the northeast and southeast corners. Water quality and clarity are moderate, but algae blooms can occur during the late summer months. Submergent vegetation densities (pondweed species) have been historically variable in the lake. Access: access is on the north side of lake, with parking and turnaround limited.

BIG KANDIYOHI LAKE Maximum depth: 15 feet. Acres: 2,692; length of shoreline: 10.4 miles. Fishing: Walleye, northern pike and channel catfish. The lake is stocked with walleye fry. Water clarity: 2.5 feet. Structure: Little structure and few submerged beds of vegetation. Access: northeast side and southwest side of the lake.

Continued on page 38

SUMMER FUN 2022 | 37

CALHOUN LAKE Maximum depth: 10 feet. Acres: 618. Fishing: Northern pike, bluegill and crappies. Walleye may be found due to a connection to Green Lake by the Middle Fork Crow River. Water clarity: 6.3 feet. Structure: Abundant submerged and emergent vegetation. Access: southeast corner of the lake. LAKE CARRIE Maximum depth: 26 feet. Acres: 81. Fishing: Bluegill, crappie, yellow perch and northern pike. Water clarity: 3.3 feet. Structure: Submergent vegetation is limited to water depths less than two feet. Access: west side of the lake. CROW RIVER RESERVOIR Maximum depth: 14 feet. Acres: 855. Fishing: Northern pike, some crappies and walleye. Walleye are not stocked. Northern pike are abundant and of average size. Water clarity: Moderately turbid. Structure: Moderate structure with abundant submerged vegetation, especially in protected bays. Accesses: In New London at State Highway 9 bridge and County Road 31 bridge and one-half mile north of New London. 38 | SUMMER FUN 2022

DIAMOND LAKE Maximum depth: 27 feet. Acres: 1,565. Fishing: Walleye, northern pike, bluegills and crappies. Walleye fingerlings are stocked when natural reproduction is inadequate. Quality northerns are common. Water clarity: 11 feet. Structure: Moderate structure with some bulrush stands on the east shore and north point. Accesses: southeast side and west side of the lake.

County Road 5. LAKE ELIZABETH Maximum depth: 9 feet. Acres: 1,054. Fishing: Walleye, northern pike and crappies. The lake is stocked for walleye. Northern pike angling is good. Water clarity: 3 feet. Structure: Little structure with limited submerged vegetation. Access: north side of the lake.

EAGLE LAKE Maximum depth: 67 feet. Acres: 824. Fishing: Bluegill, sunfish and perch are abundant. Walleye and northern pike are present, but lower in number. The lake is stocked for walleye, and a northern pike spawning area is operated. Water clarity: 8.5 feet Structure: Moderate. Access: south end of the lake.

ELKHORN LAKE Maximum depth: 41 feet. Acres: 87. Fishing: Fishing pressure is relatively low in Elkhorn Lake. Anglers generally seek northern pike, largemouth bass, bluegill or black crappie. Water clarity: 12.5 feet. Structure: Submergent vegetation is moderately abundant within the shallow areas. Access: east side of lake off of a residential gravel road that ties into County Road 8.

EAST SOLOMON LAKE Maximum depth: 14 feet. Acres: 706. Fishing: In recent years, anglers have reported good fishing success for walleye, northern pike and largemouth bass. Walleye fry or fingerlings are stocked into East Solomon every even year. Water clarity: 12 feet. Structure: Aquatic vegetation stands (hardstem bulrush, pondweeds, etc.) are common. Access: northeast side of the lake off of

LAKE ELLA Maximum depth: 12 feet. Acres: 136. Fishing: The lake is managed for walleye as the primary species with crappies, yellow perch, northern pike, largemouth bass, and bluegill as secondary species. Water clarity: 2.25 feet. Structure: Submergent vegetation is rare and limited to water depths less than one foot. Access: southeast side of the lake along County Road 86.

LAKE FLORIDA Maximum depth: 40 feet. Acres: 674. Fishing: Walleye, northern pike and bluegill. Florida is a good early-season walleye producer. Water clarity: 10.5 feet. Structure: Some structures on the northwest shore. Access: north side of the lake. FOOT LAKE Maximum depth: 24 feet. Acres: 694. Fishing: Walleye, black crappie and bluegill. The two basin lake has been stocked for walleye and channel catfish. Water clarity: 3 feet Structure: Limited structure with moderate submerged vegetation. Accesses: south shore in the county fairgrounds for northwest basin, southeast shore in Robbins Island Regional Park for the southeast basin. GAMES LAKE Maximum depth: 42 feet. Acres: 515. Fishing: Northern pike, bluegill and some crappie, walleye and largemouth bass. Water clarity: 8.5 feet. Structure: Emergent vegetation (bulrush) is moderate in Games Lake (northwest shore and bay areas, east shore areas). Submergent vegetation densities within the lake are moderately abundant within the littoral zone areas. Access: southeast corner of the lake. GEORGE LAKE Maximum depth: 24 feet. Acres: 224. Fishing: Northern pike, bluegill and some crappie, walleye and largemouth bass. Water clarity: 11 feet. Structure: Limited structure with moderate submerged vegetation. Access: northwest corner of the lake.

GREEN LAKE Maximum depth: 110 feet. Acres: 5,406. Fishing: Walleye, northern pike, bluegill, crappie, and smallmouth and largemouth bass. Walleye stocking has occurred every year with fry, fingerling, yearling and adult. Water clarity: 8.6 feet. Structure: Abundant structure and limited vegetation. Low densities of Eurasian water milfoil have been documented in Green Lake primarily near the Spicer public access, swimming beach, city dock, Indian Beach Lagoon, and several isolated areas since 2000. Accesses: There are five public accesses around the lake. HENDERSON LAKE Maximum depth: 57 feet. Acres: 73. Fishing: Local anglers have experienced good fishing success in recent years for a variety of species — including bluegill, northern pike, sunfish and yellow perch — in Henderson. Water clarity: 13.67 feet. Structure: Submergent vegetation stands (coontail, water moss, bushy pondweed, flatstem pondweed) are moderate in density. Access: north side off of County Road 10.

LAKE LILLIAN Maximum depth: 7.8 feet. Acres: 1,149. Fishing: Lillian is managed for walleye as the primary species with northern pike, crappies and yellow perch as secondary species. Water clarity: 6 feet. Structure: Submergent vegetation was generally sparse throughout the lake. Access: northeast side of the lake, ¼-mile west of County Road 4. LONG LAKE (HAWICK) Maximum depth: 46 feet. Acres: 286. Fishing: Northern pike, bluegill, walleye and largemouth bass. There is a 12-inch maximum size limit on largemouth bass with one bass over 20 inches allowed Water clarity: 10.5 feet. Structure: Moderate structure with submerged and emergent vegetation. Accesses: northwest end and northeast shore of the lake.

Continued on page 40

SUMMER FUN 2022 | 39

POINT LAKE Maximum depth: 32 feet. Acres: 164. Fishing: Bluegill, northern pike, walleye and yellow perch. Water clarity: 5.83 feet. Structure: Submergent (muskgrass, filamentous algae, sago pondweed) and emergent vegetation (hardstem bulrush, reed canary grass) stands are abundant to common. Access: east end of lake off of U.S. Highway 71.

Continued from page 39 LONG LAKE (WILLMAR) Maximum depth: 16 feet. Acres: 1,575. Fishing: Walleye. Northern pike and walleye are present in moderate numbers. Water clarity: 10.58 feet. Structure: Moderate structure with submerged and emergent vegetation. Accesses: northeast side and south side of the lake. NEST LAKE Maximum depth: 40 feet. Acres: 945. Fishing: Walleye, northern pike, bluegill, crappie and smallmouth bass. Walleye fingerlings are stocked every other year. Water clarity: 5.4 feet. Structure: Some islands and structure, abundant submerged vegetation on the north and east shores. Accesses: West and east sides of the lake. NORWAY LAKE Maximum depth: 33 feet. Acres: 2,344. Fishing: Walleye, northern pike, crappie, bluegill and largemouth bass. Walleye fingerlings are stocked when natural reproduction is inadequate, and a northern pike spawning area is operated. Good-size northern pike are available. Water clarity: 3.5 feet. Structure: Main lake has moderate structure and points and bays. The west basin has little structure. Eurasian water milfoil was found scattered throughout the West Norway basin in August of 2001 and in the Big Norway basin during 2005. Eurasian milfoil is present at low to moderate densities in the West Norway and Big Norway basins. Accesses: south shore of the main lake and south shore of the west basin of the lake. 40 | SUMMER FUN 2022

RINGO LAKE Maximum depth: 10 feet. Acres: 716. Fishing: Walleye, northern pike and crappie. The lake is stocked for walleye. Ringo is a good early-season lake for one- to three-pound walleyes. Water clarity: 1.17 feet. Structure: Limited structure with abundant emergent vegetation, including bulrush. Accesses: north side of the lake; shore fishing structures have been placed on the northeast shore of the lake off Highway 71. SWENSON LAKE Maximum depth: 14 feet. Acres: 109. Fishing: The DNR manages the lake for walleye, northern pike, black crappie, and bluegill. Water clarity: 6 feet. Structure: Aquatic vegetation (sago pondweed, coontail, hardstem bulrush) species and densities are limited within the lake. Access: north shore one mile east of County Road 1. LAKE WAKANDA Maximum depth: 15 feet. Acres: 1,664. Fishing: Walleye fry are generally stocked every other year or after years of poor fry survival. Water clarity: 1 foot. Structure: Submergent vegetation densities are variable in Wakanda. Sago pondweed is usually the most frequently occurring submergent species. Blue-green algae blooms are often intense and common during mid to late summer months. Accesses: southeast side off of County Road 3 and north side two miles east of U.S. Highway 71 and 1.5 miles south of County Road 88.

WILLMAR LAKE Maximum depth: 14 feet. Acres: 435. Fishing: Walleye, channel catfish and some crappies. Walleye fry are stocked every other year. Good shore fishing. Walleye in the one- to three-pound range are abundant. Water clarity: 2 feet. Structure: Moderate structure with fair emergent vegetation. Access: southwest shore on Robbins Island Regional Park.

WEST CENTRAL AREA BAIT SHOPS Kandiyohi County Big Kandiyohi Lake West 320-995-6599 Kandiyohi County Big Kandiyohi Lake East 320-664-4707 Kandiyohi County Diamond Lake 320-974-8520 Kandiyohi County Games Lake 320-354-4453 Kandiyohi County Green Lake 320-796-5564 J&J Highway 71 Bait and Tackle at Eagle Lake, Willmar 320-235-4097 Barney’s on Eagle Lake, Willmar 320-231-9708 Dilley’s Resort, West Norway Lake 320-354-4266 Runnings Outdoors, Montevideo 320-269-6025 Hilltop Stop, Paynesville 320-243-3133 Mel’s Sports Shop, Spicer 320-796-2421 Mitlyng’s Bait and Tackle, Watson 320-269-5593 Pete’s Surplus, New London 320-354-2626 Runnings, Willmar 320-235-1325 Schmidty’s, Darwin 320-693-0019 Skindelien’s Bait, New London 320-354-2423 Wakanda Bait, Svea 320-995-6121 Editor’s note: The West Central Tribune welcomes additions, deletions or corrections to this list. Email sports@wctrib.com or news@wctrib.com.

ss e n t i f r u o Test y n o i g e r e h t skills in

ish line n fi e h t o t im e and/or sw Run, walk, bik

MAY 28

WILLMAR – Memorial Day/Law Day 5K Run/Walk, hosted by Kandiyohi County Area Family YMCA. Registration opens at 7:30 a.m., $40 same-day registration. Start time 9 a.m. Website: kandiymca. org/events/memorial-day-law-day-5krunwalk. Contact: 320-222-9622. Part of the Glacial Lakes Championship Running Series. MAY 28

MORTON — LSIC Foster Care Awareness and Appreciation 2K/5K. Same-day registration opens 9 a.m., free. Start time 10 a.m. Website: raceentry.com/lsic-foster-

care-awareness-and-appreciation-2k5k/ race-information JUNE 11

RENVILLE – Running to a Sweet Beet 5K, sponsored by Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative. Registration opens at 6:45 a.m., start time 8 a.m. $25 registration before May 31, $30 same-day registration. Website: runsignup.com/Race/MN/ Renville/sweetbeet5k. Part of the Glacial Lakes Championship Running Series. JUNE 11

GLENWOOD – GRHS 5K Scrub Run/Walk. 5K Run and Walk along Lake Minnewaska. Registration $25, $20 for 15 and under;

same-day registration begins at 7:45 a.m. Start time is 9 a.m. Website: runreg. com/10778 JUNE 16

MARSHALL — Run/Walk for Memories, 5K run. Early-bird registration $25; registration increases to $35 June 1. Start time 4 p.m. for Walk; 6 p.m. for 5K. Website: runsignup. com/Race/MN/Marshall/RunforMemories JUNE 25

WILLMAR – Foot Lake 4, four-mile run. Entry: $0. Website: glcrsrun.com. Contact: 320-894-5882. Part of the Glacial Lakes Championship Running Series.

Continued on page 42

LEADERSHIP CAMP WWW.MFU.ORG/CAMP OPEN TO EVERYONE AGES 8-18 SUMMER FUN 2022 | 41

Continued from page 41 JUNE 25

GRANITE FALLS – Rodeo Run and Western Fest Walk, sponsored by Avera & Big Stone Therapies. Registration is $15, adults 5K; $10 kids 2K, ages 7-12; $10 kids 1K, ages 6 and under. Start times are 9 a.m. for kids races, 9:30 a.m. for adults 5K. Website: granitefallsprcarodeo.org/western-fest-schedule.html JUNE 26

ST. CLOUD – Granite City 5K, 12th Ave. S near Lake George. Registration is $20, $10 for 13 and under; same-day registration begins at 7 a.m. Start time 8 a.m. Website: stcloudgranitecitydays.com/gcd-5k-run.html Part of WJON Run Series. JULY 1

STARBUCK – Starbuck Heritage Days Kids Fun Run in the Park, sponsored by Stevens Community Medical Center/Starbuck Clinic. Register at the Water’s Edge parking lot. Contact the Starbuck Chamber of Commerce at 320-239-4220 or visit starbuckmn.org/ heritage-days-celebration-schedule. JULY 2

STARBUCK – Starbuck Heritage Days 5K Color Run, Starbuck Lakeshore Park. Registration is $20, $15 for 12 and under; pre-registration closes June 22; same-day registration begins 7:30 a.m. Start time 8:30 a.m. Website: starbuckmn.org/heritage-days-color-run/ 42 | SUMMER FUN 2022

JULY 3

SPICER – Green Lake Road Race around Green Lake, 12 miles. Registration ends 11:59 p.m. on June 30; $40 registration for individuals, $35 for two-person relay teams and $35 for four-person relay teams until June 12; registration increases to $50 for individuals and $45 for relay teams June 13. Start time is 7 a.m. Contact Dan at danh@ ontherunpromo.com or go online to runsignup.com/greenlakeroadrace for more information. Part of the Glacial Lakes Championship Running Series. JULY 16

RICHMOND – River Lake Days Run, River Lakes Civic Center, 310 Central Ave. S. Pre-registration prices are 10K Run, $30; 5K Run/ Walk, $25; and Kids Fun Run, $10; prices increase June 2 to 10K Run, $35; 5K Run/Walk, $30; and Kids Fun Run, $15. Start time 8 a.m. for 10K, 8:10 a.m. for 5K and Kids 1K at 9:30 a.m.Website: runsignup.com/Race/ MN/Richmond/RiverLakeDaysRun JULY 17

ANNADALE — Heart of the Lakes Triathlon, Pleasant Lake City Park. Registration is $105 for individuals, $135 for relay teams; registration increases July 1 to $110 and $145, respectively. See site for student pricing. Sameday registration begins at 5:30 a.m. Start time 8 a.m. Short Course: ¼-mile swim, 9-mile bike, 2.5-mile run; Long Course: ½-mile swim, 21-mile bike, 5.3-mile run. Website: holtri.org

JULY 24

KERKHOVEN – The Pillsbury Push 5k Run/ Walk and 10k Run, 301 6th St, Pillsbury Park, Kerkhoven. Registration is $25 for the 5K and 10K through May 31; prices increase to $30 starting June 1. Pre-registration closes July 20 at 8 p.m.; same-day registration opens at 1 a.m. Start time is 8 a.m. Website: runsignup.com/Race/MN/Kerkhoven/ PillsburyPush. Contact 320-424-1827. Part of the Glacial Lakes Championship Running Series (10K only). JULY 30

ALEXANDRIA — Alexandria Triathlon, Lake Brophy County Park, 1900 Brophy Park Road NW. Registration $70 for individuals, $130 for relay team; $15 for kids splash and dash. Website: trisignup. com/Race/MN/Alexandria/alexandriatriathlon AUG. 6

WILLMAR — Jared Anez Eagle Lake Race Series. Races include Adult 5K, $25; Student 5K, $15; Adult Half Marathon, $60; Student Half Marathon, $50; Virtual 5K, $20; and Virtual Half Marathon, $40. Registration ends Aug. 2. Kids Fun Run available, free. Start times are 7 a.m. for half marathon, 8 a.m. for 5K. Contact Mary LaRue at 320-894-5998 or mary.larue@hotmail.com, or go online at runsignup.com/Race/MN/Willmar/ JaredAnezMemorial5K. Part of the Glacial Lakes Championship Running Series (half-marathon only). AUG. 13

NEW LONDON – Green Lake Kids Triathlon, 860 S Andrew DR NW, ages 3-12. Registration is $25 until July 31; price increases to $30 Aug. 1. Start time is 9 a.m. Website: runsignup.com/Race/MN/NewLondon/GreenLakeKidsTriathlonSpicer.

AUG. 14

SPICER — Green Lake Triathlon, 159 Lake Ave. S., Spicer, ages 13 and up. Registration is $59 for individuals, $110 for a two-person relay team and $150 for a three-person relay team; prices increase June 30 to $60, $130 and $180, respectively. Sprint Course: ¼-mile swim, 14-mile bike, 3-mile run; Olympic Course: ¾-mile swim, 22-mile bike, 6-mile run. Start time 8 a.m. Website: runsignup.com/Race/MN/Spicer/GreenLakeTriathlon AUG. 20

MARSHALL — Stepping Out of Summer Tiger 5000 Run the Fun 5K, 200 South A Street. Registration is $20; price increases to $25 June 1; deadline is Aug. 1. Start time

8:30 a.m. Website: runsignup.com/Race/ Events/MN/Marshall/SteppingOutofSummerTiger5000RuntheFun5k AUG. 27

RAYMOND – Hawk Creek Run Around Raymond 5K, sponsored by Hawk Creek Country Club. Website: runsignup.com/ Race/MN/Raymond/HawkCreekRun. Contact 320-220-2347. Part of the Glacial Lakes Championship Running Series. SEPT. 10

WILLMAR – CCS 5K: Fall Sports Fundraiser, 1300 19th Ave. SW, Willmar. Website: runsignup.com/Race/MN/Willmar/5KCCS. Contact 320-894-5882. Part of the Glacial Lakes Championship Running Series.

NOV. 25

WILLMAR – Turkey Leg 5K. Website: runsignup.com/turkeyleg5k. Contact 320-894-5882. Part of the Glacial Lakes Championship Running Series. TBD

LITCHFIELD – Watercade Lake Ripley 4K Run, Lake Ripley Memorial Park state Highway 22 South. Contact Julie Dengerud at watercadewebsite@hotmail.com or visit watercade.com/lake-ripley-walk.html for more information. SPICER – GLCRS Awards Banquet. Website: glcrsrun.com/ Twitter: @glacial.lakes. running.series. Part of the Glacial Lakes Championship Running Series.

WILLMAR FESTS 2022 June 22nd - 26th willmarfests.com

SUMMER FUN 2022 | 43

n u R r a C e Antiqu 3 1 . g u A r o f set goes from t n e v e l a u n n 36th a righton B w e N o t n o New Lond

he 36th annual New London to New Brighton (NLNB) Antique Car Run will take place Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022, with pre-tours in the New London area Aug. 10-12. The starting gun for the Antique Car Run sounds at 7 a.m. Saturday, with the oldest and slowest antique cars departing first from Peace Lutheran Church in New London. The cars will travel more than 120 miles through Minnesota to New Brighton. Considered one of the premiere brass-era car tours in the US, and attracting people from all over the US, Canada, England, and Australia, completing the run is a bucket list item for many, according to Bruce Van Sloun, president of the Antique Car Run 2022 Board of Directors. Participation for the run is limited to pre-1908 vehicles and any one- or two-cylinder vehicles through 1915, including bikes, motorcycles, steam, and even electric-power cars. Cars that participate have eight to 60 horsepower, and top speeds from 12 to 70 mph, according to Van Sloun. “This is a rolling museum of automotive history, which is brought right to the viewers at no charge,” Van Sloun said. Completing the run is quite an accomplishment, with some cars requiring oiling and maintenance every 25 miles. Despite their preparations, not all cars complete the run successfully. A fierce rivalry has been cultivated over the years between Maxwell and 44 | SUMMER FUN 2022

Ford owners, with one or the other having the most entrants, but not always the most to cross the finish line, Van Sloun remarked. Two Maxwell drivers have completed each of the previous 35 Antique Car Runs. Unfortunately, one of those drivers, Bob Long, passed away within the last year. “Bob and his very original 1908 Maxwell were a fixture of the run,” Van Sloun said. “He was well-known and a key source of information for those who owned Maxwells.” Long will be commemorated at the drivers’ meeting. Some rare cars that have participated through the years include a Rolls Royce or Model K Ford, Sears and International Harvester highwheelers, and Stanley and White steam cars. Some cars have familiar names, and others more unfamiliar names, like Kenmore and Maytag. The Minnesota run commemorates the prestigious London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, which takes place annually in England and is considered the granddaddy of runs. It began in 1896 to celebrate the repeal of the “red flag” law. When the motorized vehicle era began in the late 1800s, automobiles,

or horseless carriages, created havoc on city streets trying to mix with horse-drawn carriages. The first motorized vehicles were banned from using the road unless a man carrying a red flag walked in front of the car warning carriage drivers to hold the reins of their animals. When the law was repealed, drivers celebrated the freedom it provided by jumping into their automobiles and driving “flagless” to Brighton. Beginning in 1987, the inaugural NLNB Antique Car Run was scheduled during New Brighton’s Centennial Celebration as a way to strengthen its namesake ties to Brighton, England. There were 17 participants, and a visit by the mayor of Brighton and other English guests.

THE ROUTE

After departing New London Aug. 13, the Antique Car Run will travel through six rest stops before ending in New Brighton at Long Lake Regional Park, 1500 Old Hwy 8 N.W. The finish line is open from 3 to 6:30 p.m. The Antique Car Run is one of the key attractions of New Brighton’s Stockyard Days festival. Approximate times for arrival at rest stops: Trinity Lutheran Church in Grove City, 8:15 a.m.; Central Park in Litchfield, 9:15 a.m.; Main Street in Kingston, 10:30 a.m.; American Legion in Buffalo, 11:45 a.m. and stay until 1 p.m.; Crystal Community Center in Crystal, 2:30 p.m, ending at Long Lake Regional Park. Continued on page 45

Frost House, the old Tribune building and 310 Third Street Southwest, the oldest commercial building in town. There are a total of 18 points of interest on the walks. Each of the three routes start at Selvig International Park, which is dedicated to Willmar’s two sister cities. A banner at Selvig Park shows the Willmar Walks routes and where the points of interest are located. Brochures on Willmar Walks are also available at the Willmar Public Library, LuLu Bean’s and Rick’s Cycling & Sports Center. The Red route is one mile long. It heads west for one block on Becker Avenue, then south on Fifth Street with some of them connecting to larger trail systems like Glacial Lakes. to Minnesota Avenue, then west two blocks to Seventh Street, north to The BikeWillmar group — along with Becker Avenue, then jogs east and Willmar and Kandiyohi County Public north to Litchfield Avenue and south Works — has created new, marked back to Selvig Park. bike routes across the city. The The Green route, which is one and first two completed routes are the a half miles long, follows the Red Green Norway Pine and Brow Turkey, route to Seventh Street, then south located on the northwest side of the to Kandiyohi Avenue, east to Second city. Several more marked routes are Street, then jogs north to Becker and planned. More information on biking west to Selvig Park. events can be found on Facebook at The Blue route is the longest, at two facebook.com/BikeWillmar. miles. It also follows Red and Green to The Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota Seventh Street, then heads north to has named Willmar a Bicycle Friendly Ella Avenue along Foot Lake and east Community due its advocacy of to First Street, then south to Litchfield biking and a vision to create bike Avenue. At Litchfield, the route heads connections throughout the city and west for three blocks, then south one the surrounding area. block to Selvig Park. Willmar Walks is a joint effort WILLMAR WALKS between Rice Memorial Hospital, Established in 2010, Willmar Walks Kandiyohi County Public Health, comprises three marked routes through downtown Willmar. The routes Willmar Design Center, Willmar Lake Area Chamber of Commerce and the take walkers by some of Willmar’s Kandiyohi County Historical Society. historical sites, like Bethel Church, the

e k i b d n a k l a W r a m l l i W d aroun

illmar has become a great place for those who like to walk or bike. City trails and bike routes offer a unique vantage point of the city including both its natural and historic resources. Newly marked bike routes will make it easier for people to get around and more are on the way. Willmar is also home to the trailhead for the Glacial Lakes State Trail, connecting people to the much larger state trail system.

BICYCLING IN WILLMAR

A bike share program through the KoloniShare system provides a fun and cheap way for people to see the city. Bikes are available at 10 bike docking stations across the city. For a low fee, riders can rent a bike to ride, whether they need it to get to work, do errands or just want to take a leisurely bike ride around town. Once you have a bike, Willmar offers miles of trails and roads marked as dedicated bike paths, Continued from page 44

There are plenty of opportunities to participate in activities in the days preceding the big run, as well. Plans include: • Wednesday, Aug. 10: ride to Chappell Central in Willmar from Peace Lutheran Church in New London. Participants will tour Chappell Central’s fabrication and manufacturing plant. The evening get together will be at Neer Park in New London, serving up the renowned shore lunch with walleye and all the fixings. • Thursday, Aug. 11: ride to Bug-Bee Hive Resort on Lake Koronis

in Paynesville. The resort is a yearround resort/lodge and event center owned and operated by the same family since its beginning in the 1920s. That evening, the drivers’ meeting will take place back at Peace Lutheran Church, where participants will have a chance to meet with volunteer tow drivers and exchange information. • Friday, Aug. 12: a 36-mile warmup scenic tour around Nest and Green Lakes in the New London area will take place after the morning brunch and drivers’ meeting. Cars will be parked at the American Legion after the tour for public viewing. For more information or to register for the run, visit antiquecarrun.org, where there is also a list of people to contact. SUMMER FUN 2022 | 45

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Glacial Ridge Trail Scenic Byway

48 | SUMMER FUN 2022

Map Key

e t u o r c i n e c s e h t Taking

DOUGLAS COUNTY

1. Runestone County Park 2. Runestone Museum 3. Douglas Co. Historical Society 4. Andes Tower Hills 5. Big Ole 6. Carlos Creek Winery 7. Lakes, Lakes & More Lakes

KANDIYOHI COUNTY

8. Green Lake Bible Camp Chapel 9. Kandiyohi County Museum 10. Old Log Church 11. Endreson Cabin 12. Robbins Island 13. Monongalia Historical Museum 14. Green Lake 15. Prairie Woods ELC 16. Threshing Rig Alley

POPE COUNTY

17. Fort Lake Johanna 18. Pope County Museum 19. Terrace Mill & Stone Arch Bridge 20. lndherred Lutheran Church 21. Mount Lookout 22. Starbuck Marina/Hobo Park 23. Ann Bickle Heritage House 24. Barsness Park & Campground 25. Holly Skogen 26. lndian Mounds Park

SWIFT COUNTY

27. Swift Falls Village 28. Swift Falls County Park 29. Swift County Museum 30. St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church 31. Swift County Courthouse 32. Christ Episcopal Church 33. Kerkhoven Heritage Church 34. Sabin House 35. Ambush Park 36. Pillsbury Park

STATE PARKS

37. Lake Carlos State Park 38. Glacial Lakes State Park 39. Sibley State Park 40. Monson Lake State Park

THE NATURE CONSERVANCY

41. Moe Woods 42. Ordway Prairie 43. Leif Mountains 44. Sheepberry Fen

BIKE TRAILS

45. Glacial Lakes Trail 46. Central Lakes Trail 47. Glacial Ridge Trail

he Glacial Ridge Trail, first designated a state trail in May 1969, may not be the fastest way to travel to Glenwood from Willmar — but it is a much more scenic alternative. Signs direct you along the Minnesota Scenic Byway through the rolling slopes to Spicer, around Green Lake into the Lost Valley area and to scenic New London and Sibley State Park. From the park, it takes you north to the Timber Lake Trail on through the hills, swamps and lakes of Norway Lake Township. North from Sunburg, you drive past the Ordway Prairie and can stop at the Lake Johanna Lookout to survey the rolling kames and native prairie countryside. There’s also the Terrace Mill and Glacial Lakes State Park along the way, as well as scenic views of Lake Minnewaska. The Glacial Ridge Trail consists of more than 200 miles of designated highways that wind through towns, past historic sites and near at least one famous author’s home — Sinclair Lewis. But what’s most apparent to people who travel this scenic route is its distinctive landscape. Thousands of feet of glacial ice covered west central Minnesota 10,000 years ago. When the last Ice Age ended, the glacier receded, leaving behind lakes, waterways, sand beds and gravel ridges. Some of the best of those features can be seen on the roads of the trail, which are marked with signs bearing an arrowhead symbol. Available maps make the roads easier to follow, and show the locations of several points of interest, such as prime bird-watching areas, which have been added. Willmar, the southernmost point of the trail, marks the dividing line where the glacier ended. To the south is flat farmland; to the north, a mixture of prairie, lakes and rolling hills left behind when the glacier receded. The so-called “Bonanza Valley” around Belgrade and Brooten is a broad sand plain that was deposited as glacial meltwater flowed north and east. The

Crow and Chippewa rivers developed to carry the water away. From Fort Lake Johanna, a former military outpost, there’s a view of a series of conical hills, known as kames, formed by glacial potholes filled with rock and gravel. After passing through Glenwood and Starbuck and making a detour east to Sauk Centre, the trail ends at its northernmost point — Alexandria. There are plenty of signs, so it’s tough to get lost. Still, it’s good to have a brochure with you, because the trail makes several loops. Maps are available from the Kandiyohi County Tourist Information Center on East Highway 12 in Willmar and at the Glenwood Chamber of Commerce, 200 N. Franklin St. Here are some highlights to look for on the Glacial Ridge Trail: • Lost Valley, which is particularly scenic in the fall, at the trail’s easternmost end, winds up and down hills through a hardwood forest. • Ordway Prairie between Sunburg and Glenwood. • Terrace Mill is a restored grain mill in the town of Terrace, set in the valley of the Chippewa River. The mill hosts several festivals during the summer and fall. • A collection of old threshing machines is on the “boot hills” above “Threshing Rig Alley,” a two-mile section of road north of Sunburg. • Sauk Centre is the site of the Sinclair Lewis Home and Museum. Lewis’ novels include “Main Street” and “Babbitt.” • Attractions in Glenwood include the Bickle House, Morning Glory Gardens and Mount Lookout. • Four state parks lie along the trail: Sibley State Park, west of New London; Monson Lake State Park, south of Sunburg; Glacial Lake State Park, south of Starbuck; and Carlos State Park, north of Alexandria. • Good spots for bird watching are the area between New London and Sibley State Park; Eagle Lake, north of Willmar; Timber Lake Road, east of Sunburg; and the Ordway Prairie and Fort Lake Johanna area. SUMMER FUN 2022 | 49

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t the Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center, visitors can learn and have fun, all while spending time in the beautiful nature of west central Minnesota. Prairie Woods is a nonprofit environmental learning center, committed to providing outstanding environmental education and outdoor experiences to people of all ages. Deeply rooted in the Kandiyohi County community, PWELC reaches out to provide services for communities across Minnesota and the upper Midwest. Prairie Woods’ site encompasses 500 acres on the south side of Lake Florida, and includes an education building with five classrooms, a trailhead and a 30-foot indoor climbing wall. The Gary Westby Observatory building sits atop Prairie Woods’ highest hill. Several beautiful spaces are available for meetings, family reunions, holiday gatherings and weddings. Also onsite is the Gary Westby Educational Shooting Sports Range. PWELC mission: We will promote an individual and shared commitment to the responsible use, management, and preservation of our natural resources. In short: Learning to live well with self, others and the environment. Memberships are available. For additional information, visit the PWELC website at www.prairiewoodselc.org or call the office, 320-354-5894. Equipment rentals: Fat-tire bikes, kayaks and canoes will be handled on a reservation basis, made at least 24 hours in advance. If you would like to reserve equipment for the weekend, please call by noon on Friday. PWELC does not have regular trailhead hours.

HISTORY OF PRAIRIE WOODS

More than 12,000 years ago, the most recent glacier receded to reveal dramatic ridges and wetlandrich lowlands on this land. For thousands of years, Native American people found their livelihood among the shifting forests, prairies and wetlands here. Anders Danielson and his family settled this land when they arrived from Sweden in 1871. Until the late 1980s, most of the land belonging to Prairie Woods was farmed by the Danielson family. The land was sold to Kandiyohi County by the Danielson family. Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center was founded in 1992. The farm site is still present, with a barn, granary and farm house. Many bur oak trees on the property are more than 100 years old. A renovated log cabin also sits near the farm site in the exact location where the Danielson family built their first log home, prior to building the frame house.

CHALLENGE COURSE

On Prairie Woods’ challenge course, high ropes and climbing walls, groups learn — and teach each other — about communication, cooperation, creative problem solving and courage. More than 25,000 people, ages 4 to 84, have participated in Challenge

Course programs at Prairie Woods. Challenge course users include school groups, high school and college athletic teams, church youth groups, local camps, YMCAs, alternative schools, student senates and leadership organizations, 4H, FFA, scouts, families and corporate retreat groups. PWELC welcomes groups from across Minnesota and beyond. Prairie Woods’ high quality, multifaceted facility includes: an indoor climbing wall, 40-foot three-sided outdoor climbing tower, two giant ladders and a Flying Squirrel for group team-building activities on the ground. The challenge course can accommodate group sizes of up to 200 participants.

SHOOTING RANGE

The Gary Westby Educational Shooting Sports Range, located on a remote site at Prairie Woods, offers sporting clays and a smallbore rifle range. Shooting leagues should

contact Prairie Woods to schedule a time.

DIRECTIONS AND FURTHER INFORMATION

Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center is located at 12718 10th Street NE near Spicer. Call 320-354-5894 or visit www. prairiewoodselc.org for additional information. From Willmar and the south and west on U.S. Highway 71 and Minnesota Highway 23: Travel north of Willmar on U.S. Highway 71/ Minnesota Highway 23. Follow U.S. 71 to the north (toward Sauk Centre) when Highway 23 splits off. Follow U.S. 71 three more miles to Kandiyohi County Road 29. The intersection is past Thein Well at the north side of Ringo Lake. Turn left (west) on County Road 29. Go 1.5 miles. The Prairie Woods driveway will be on your left. You will see a large brown and yellow PWELC sign and a green gate. SUMMER FUN 2022 | 53

e d i r a e k Ta e l c y c i b a on r e m m u s this B

icycling is a low-cost way to meet up and exercise at the same time. With trails available throughout west central Minnesota, and several biking events slated for June through August, you can take a ride in your neighborhood, join a group or raise money for a cause.

JUNE 11

ALBANY — Caramel Roll Ride, 8 a.m., 400 Railroad Ave, Albany, $25. This “beginning of summer” ride has seven possible destinations: Freeport, 12-mile loop; Avon, 12-mile loop; St. Joseph, 32-mile loop; Holdingford, 20-mile loop; Bowlus, 34-mile loop; Blanchard Dam, 40-mile loop; and Highway 10, 46-mile loop. Caramel rolls will be available at designated rest stops along the way. More information can be found at bikereg.com/lwt-caramel-roll-ride

14-day, 1,200-mile paved bikepacking challenge that circles central Minnesota. The race starts and ends in White Bear Lake, and travels through four regional segments of the state. For more information and a map of the full route, visit mnisotawheelrace.com/the-route JUNE 18

NEW LONDON — Sibley State Park Trail Dedication & Bike Ride, 10 a.m., Sibley State Park, free. Bikers are invited to meet at the beach parking lot at Sibley State Park for a trail dedication and a six-mile ride on the new trail. Information at facebook.com/events/4940234842720658

AVON — Lady Slipper Nature Ride, 8 a.m., Lake Wobegon Trailhead, 453637 Co. Rd. 9, Avon, free. This casual ride along the Lake Wobegon Trail is intended for bikers to see the Minnesota State Flower, the Showy Pink and White Lady Slipper Moccasin Flower between mile markers 93 and 94 west of Avon (8-mile loop). To register, bikereg.com/ lwt-lady-slipper-nature-ride

JUNE 18

JULY 16

JUNE 11

WHITE BEAR LAKE — Sota Wheel Race, 8 a.m., $79. The second Sota Wheel Race is a 54 | SUMMER FUN 2022

GRANITE FALLS — Bluenose Gopher 50, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Bluenose Gopher Public

House, 681 Prentice St. The second annual Bluenose Gopher 50 is a 50mile loop from downtown Granite Falls along the Minnesota River valley National Scenic Byway. Registration is available online for free, or opens at 7 a.m. preceding the race. For more information about the race, registration and camping sites, visit bluenose.coop/bluenosegopher50 JULY 17

St. JOSEPH — Tour of Saints, 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., College of St. Benedict, 37 South College Ave., St. Joseph, $32. The Tour of Saints begins and ends at the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph. Check-in opens at 6:30 a.m., and bikers may start their rides up until 8:30. There are three loops available: 18-mile, 35-mile or 50-mile courses. More information can be found at bikemn.org/all-events/tour-of-saints

AUG. 6

ST. JOSEPH — Rail Trails 100, 5:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Lake Wobegon Visitor Center, 570 College Ave., St. Joseph, $60. The Central Lakes Trail Association and Lake Wobegon Trails Association have partnered together to offer a 100-mile trail ride experience. The ride is limited to 50 riders, and includes shuttle rides to the starting point in Fergus Falls, rest stops and a rider’s gift. To register, visit eventbrite.com/e/2022-rail-trails-100tickets-299335599837 SEPT. 10

SAUK CENTRE — Caramel Apple Ride, 8 a.m., 202 10th St So, Sauk Centre, $25. There are three possible destinations for this ride: West Union, 15-mile loop; Osakis, 27-mile loop; and Melrose, 17-mile loop. Treats, including caramel apples, will be available at designated rest stops along each route. To register, visit bikereg.com/ lwt-caramel-apple-ride SEPT. 11

PIPESTONE — RideMN1, seven days and nights of biking and camping across Minnesota, Lange’s Cafe, 110 8th Ave SE, Pipestone, $575. RideMN1 will provide 21 meals and seven nights of tent camping sites with showers for each rider. The route will follow paved trails through Pipestone, Russell, Granite Falls, New London, St. Cloud, Isle and Sandstone to end in Superior, Wisconsin. More information can

be found at ridemn1.org SEPT. 16

WILLMAR — Mayor’s Bike Ride, 5 to 8 p.m., Goat Ridge Brewery, 17 Central Ave. W, New London, free. The communities of Willmar, Spicer and New London are coming together for a community bike ride. Each group will meet in New London for a picnic. More information is available online at willmarlakesarea.com/event/ mayors-bike-ride/ SELF-DIRECTED

GARY, S.D. — The Day Across Minnesota, starts in Gary, South Dakota, and ends in Hager City, Wisconsin. The DAMn challenge encourages bikers to travel 240 miles of Minnesota gravel roads by bicycle in a

silo slide

pony rides

maze

duck pond

fun family

Bird house

single day. While there is no mass start date for 2022, bikers are encouraged to take on the challenge and report their results. More information and self-reported results can be found at the-damn.com/results MINNESOTA EVENTS

For more information for biking events across Minnesota, see: • Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota, bikemn. org/events • Minnesota Bike Trail Navigator, mnbiketrailnavigator.blogspot.com/ • Minnesota Trails, mntrails.com/events • Lake Wobegon Trail, lakewobegontrail. com/lwta-rides/

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e s r o h e d i r VISIT HW Y 12 r VISIT HWY 12 o k l a w , e k i b , e k i H Trail takes a s e k a L l ia THIS SUMMER! c la G side y tr n u o c h g u ro trip th

he Glacial Lakes Recreation Trail provides plenty of opportunities for a variety of outdoor activities across Kandiyohi County’s prairie lakes region. The trail is paved with asphalt for 22 miles between Willmar, Spicer, New London, Hawick and the Kandiyohi/ Stearns County line. A seven-mile stretch from Roscoe to Cold Spring is also paved, but sections may be closed this summer due to road construction. The segment from Willmar to New London has 10 miles of parallel, grass treadway for horseback riding, while the New London to the Kandiyohi/Stearns County line segment has grass shoulders to accommodate this activity. The smooth-surfaced trail winds through the heart of the county’s scenic resort communities, lakes and wooded hills. The gently rolling topography of Central Minnesota was created by glaciers retreating 10,000 years ago. The trail cuts across the border between Minnesota’s western tallgrass prairie and eastern deciduous forest. Though much of the area has been cultivated, remnants of virgin prairie, wetlands and scattered woodlots can still be found along the railroad right-of-way. There are numerous places along the trail to stop and enjoy lakeside views. Popular swimming areas at Saulsbury Beach on Green Lake in Spicer and the Mill Pond in New London are close to the trail. Trail users can also watch the waterfowl in wetlands, spot wildlife — such as white-tail deer and butterflies — in the rolling-hill woodlots along the trail and enjoy refreshments at unique restaurants, ice-cream shops and coffee shops in Spicer and New London. Primary summer use of the developed trail includes hiking, bicycling, horseback riding and in-line skating. The Glacial Lakes Trail connects to Sibley State Park near New London via three miles of paved shoulder along County Road 148. In Paynesville it connects to the 20 mile Lake Koronis Recreation Trail around Lake Koronis. There are five parking lots to use the trail. Find them on the PDF map on the DNR website dnr.state.mn.us/state_ trails/glacial_lakes/

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d n a r i a h Bring a c usic m e h t y o j en s outdoors rt e c n o c g n ri Artists b tral Minnesota n e C t s e W t u througho

other Nature and regional musicians are teaming up this summer for a variety of free outdoor community concerts. Folk artists, country musicians, bluegrass bands, concert musicians, marching bands and rock-and-rollers can all be found at area parks, wineries, backyard breweries and city streets. Some musical events are held on a weekly or monthly basis, like the Prairie Winds Concert Band at Rice Park in Willmar, and some are onetime community events, like Porchfest in New London. Seating is provided at some venues but it’s advised to bring your own lawn chairs.

GRANITE FALLS

Live music will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month in June, July and August as part of the Maker’s Market along the Minnesota Riverwalk in downtown Granite Falls. The musicians on June 2 are Kindred Spirits; July 7 is Christa Bohlman; and Aug. 4 is Machinery Hill. For more information, visit the website at granitefallsarts. org/makers-market, and Facebook at facebook.com/ events/1746553962189343/ SUMMER FUN 2022 | 57

LITCHFIELD

Litchfield Downtown Council presents “Thriving Thursdays” from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Central Park in downtown Litchfield. A different nonprofit will be selling food each week. The Thursday concerts are June 2, Everett Smithson Band; June 9, Litchfield Area Male Chorus; June 16, Mr. J’s Quintent; June 23, Mark Jensen; June 30, Terry Shaw’s “Dad and Drea”; July 7, Special Watercade event “Tricia and the Toonies,” a children’s puppeteer; July 14, Ali Gray Country; July 21, Second Fiddle; July 28, Acoustic Relativity; Aug. 11, DJ Stacy; Aug. 18, Crimson Edge and Aug. 25, October Sun. For more information, visit the Council’s Facebook page at facebook. com/groups/1686898771377304

NEW LONDON PORCHFEST

The New London Porchfest will start at 11 a.m. June 4 in New London. There will be Main Street music and front porch concerts all day. The event was created in celebration of the late Bill Gossman, former mayor of New London, and is organized by the New London Arts Alliance.

DANUBE

Concerts will be presented at 7 p.m. Tuesdays at the Depot Museum park gazebo in Danube: June 14, The Kingery Family; June 28, Wheelhouse Trio; July 7, Tim Eggebraaten the “Off Duty Cop” on Thursday as part of Danube Fun Days; July 26, Los Lobos Nortenos and Aug. 2, Jackson and The Burn.

PRAIRIE WINDS

The Prairie Winds Concert Band will present concerts at 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Rice Park in Willmar. The dates are June 8, June 15, June 22, 29 and July 6. Band practice is at 6 p.m. in the park, followed by an opening group at 7 p.m., and then the band at 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit prairiewindsconcertband.com or Facebook atv facebook.com/ prairiewinds/

PIONEERLAND BAND FESTIVAL

The 35th annual June 14 Flag Day band festival and parade in Benson will begin at 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit marching.com/ events/benson/

58 | SUMMER FUN 2022

VIKINGLAND BAND FESTIVAL

Big Band; Aug. 2, Brianna Helbling and the Moonshiners; Aug. 7, Harpers’ Lars Hegland. Chord; Aug. 14, West Addison Blues, a tribute to Blues Brothers and Aug. 21, PAYNESVILLE Custom Made. The Community Ed Concert More information can be found Series will be at 6 p.m. Thursdays at online at explorespicer.com Veterans’ Park in Paynesville during and on Facebook at facebook. the month of July. The schedule for com/1953247054903222 the weekly concerts are July 7, Gig APPLETON Noonan; July 14, Wheelhouse Trio; July ROCKIN’ ROBBINS Summer concerts will take 21, Crystal Breeze and July 28, Alex This free outdoor concert series, place at 7 p.m. Tuesdays at the Lageson. sponsored by the Willmar Rotary Riverview Park Bandstand in More information can be found Club, raises money for Robbins Island Appleton. In case of inclement, but not online at paynesvillece.com. improvements. Each event includes severe, weather, the concert will be in a free concert, food vendors, beer/ SPICER the ‘52 Wing Auditorium. wine tent, kids’ activities and artisan Music in the Park will be from 4 to The Tuesday concerts are June market. 6 p.m. Sundays beginning July 17 at 14, Swift County Concert Band and Concerts take place at Pirrotta Park on the shores of Green the Lac qui Parle Valley High School Robbins Island from 5 to 9 p.m. on Lake in Spicer. choir; June 21, A Hard Day’s Night Tuesdays beginning July 12 with The schedule for the Sunday Beatles tribute band; June 28, Prairie Xpedition; July 19, Johnny Holm Band; concerts are July 17, Robby Vee and Waters Troubadour Tom Watson; July 26, Good for Gary and Aug. 2, his Rock and Roll Caravan; July 24, July 12, Blue Ox Jazz Babies; July 19, Wendinger Band; July 26, Route 68 Allie and Joe; July 31, Miss Myra and Fabulous Armadillos. The 38th annual Vikingland Band Festival parade marching championship will be at 1:30 p.m. June 26 in Alexandria. The website marching.com/events/vbf/index.html and on Facebook at facebook.com/ VikinglandBandFestival

SUMMER FUN 2022 | 59

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SATURDAY - AUGUST 6TH 7 AM – 11 AM�� Firemen’s Pancake Feed 8 AM �� Kid’s Fun Run 9 AM �� Auction - American Surplus & Mfg/Ice Castle 10 AM �� Kid’s Pedal Pull in the Park 11 AM �� Kid’s Activities in the Park Noon �� Vendors/Food/Basket Display in the Park 4 PM �� Grand Parade 5 PM �� Sportsmen’s Club Meal, Fun & Games in the Park 5:30 PM �� Kid’s Raffle - Basket Auction/Fund Raiser 7 PM �� C & C Raffle LIC#02920, $1,500.00 Grand Prize Lots of Cash Prizes & Numerous Other Prizes 8 PM �� Street Dance “Red Dirt Road” • Food & Beer Garden

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e r t a e h T n r a B e h T t a e v i l a s i The stage

he Barn Theatre has three performances set for the summer season. The first performance, “Shrek the Musical,” directed by Casey Paradies, will be presented June 9-11, 16-18 and 23-25 at 7:30 p.m., and June 12, 19 and 26 at 2 p.m. The Barn’s second performance, “Agatha Christie Murder on the Orient Express,” written by Ken Ludwig and directed by Tom Orth, will be presented Aug. 11-13 and 16-19 at 7:30 p.m. and Aug. 14 at 2 p.m. The September show, “The Odd Couple,” written by Neil Simon and directed by Jan Buzzeo, will be presented Sept. 22-24 at 7:30 p.m. with a matinee on Sept. 25 at 2 p.m. The show continues Sept. 29-Oct. 1 at 7:30 with another matinee on Oct. 2. Founded in 1965 in a former horse barn, The Barn Theatre has been offering community theater to local audiences for more than 50 years. Located in the Cardinal Square building in downtown Willmar, it has theater seating for 220. Amenities include handicapped-accessible parking, handrails on aisle seats and hearing-assist devices.

The mission of The Barn Theatre is “to provide affordable, quality performing art to the community.” The Barn promotes community involvement, affords opportunities for personal growth for its volunteers, displays and develops talent, and provides leadership for the fine arts. For more information, contact The Barn at 320-235-9500; 321 Fourth St. S.W., downtown Willmar; visit the website at thebarntheatre.com or find The Barn Theatre on Facebook. SUMMER FUN 2022 | 61

g n i m r o f r e P r o f e r o m once s e c n e i d u live a ittle New London Les the m Theatre welcothe stage public back to

uring the pandemic, the Little Theatre volunteers took the time to make some interior improvements to the historic facility, including building a cocktail bar that will be open during live performances that are steadily being added to the theater’s busy schedule.

LITTLE THEATRE AUDITORIUM

The New London Little Theatre has shifted its focus from producing stage plays to “art by appointment” experiences and other types of organic live performances, including the monthly Open Mic, Jazz Night and private events. Held at 7 p.m. on the second Friday of each month, Open Mic features local musicians, storytellers, poets, comedians and other live performers. Open Mic is held before a live audience in the updated theater, which now includes a new cocktail bar. To sign up to perform, email bethany@littletheatreauditorium.org. Walk-ins are welcome. The first Friday of each month is host to Jazz Night, beginning at 7 p.m. The public is invited to attend events scheduled for summer 2022, including “Sunrise at Midnight,” a 62 | SUMMER FUN 2022

play written by Taous Khazeem and performed Saturday, June 18, at 7:30 p.m.; polka dancing with Jolly Huntsman on Saturday, June 25; and a night of square dancing July 30, featuring Kyle Ollah and Company. The second annual Porchfest will begin at 11 a.m June 4, and will feature local musical artists performing on New London area stages, including at the Little Theatre. The event was created in celebration of the late Bill Gossman, former mayor of New London, and is organized by the New London Arts Alliance.

SMALL STAGES ARTIST RESIDENCY

The Little Theatre Auditorium hosted its inaugural artist-inresidence — puppeteer Steve Ackerman of Minneapolis-based n The Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theater — in the summer of 2021 through the Small Stages Artist Residency program. This summer, the theater is inviting a performance artist or group of artists to “to develop, expand or adapt their practice in place-based performance-making to interactive art experiences, or performance installations” in New London.

The residency will take place in August and September for a four- to six-week period, including workshops and open studio tours for the public to participate and enjoy, and culminate in a performance for the public. The Little Theatre, 24 Central Ave. E., was built in 1921 as a community playhouse and restored and modernized in the 1990s to preserve its role and history as a local center for the arts. Additional updates were made in 2020 while the theater was closed during the COVID pandemic. For more information and an up-to-date schedule, visit littletheatreauditorium.org or follow its Facebook page at facebook.com/ littletheatreauditorium

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a r o f n i Strap e d i r y p bum ds of fun in k ll a r e f f o s OHV park

he Appleton Area Recreation Park has a total of 315 acres to accommodate off-highway vehicle riders — all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles and four-wheel drive trucks — from all over the state. There is no admission fee to the park, but vehicle registration or outof-state trail passes are required. The park is located two miles northeast of Appleton on U.S. Highway 59. Hours are from sunrise to sunset. The OHV park includes 10 miles of truck trails, 15 miles of ATV/OHM trails, a 1.5-mile OHM practice track and three enduro tracks. It also offers several technical areas for Off Road Vehicles (trucks) including rock crawls, stair steps, trails and hill climbs. The park also includes a youth ATV training course and a youth OHM practice track, jumps, play areas, sand dunes and a shelter and picnic area. There is an additional hiking and cross-country ski trail around the perimeter. There is no camping within the park. A map is posted in the picnic shelter at the start of the trails and offers different levels of difficulty for different levels of riders. There is also a list of rules and regulations to make people aware of the laws that need to be followed for their safety. The park is open to all-terrain vehicles,

off-highway motorcycles and trucks and snowmobiles. All OHVs must be registered with license plates visible, and all riders under 16 must have the appropriate safety certificate. The park was created with funds from the National Recreation Trails Program and Minnesota Grant-inAid. Most of the trail development work was done by the Swift County Department of Parks, Drainage and Wetlands with leased equipment and volunteer ATV enthusiasts. Some areas of the park are closed periodically due to high water conditions; watch for postings at the park or call for more information about the OHV park and updates

at 320-843-5341. Information is also available at www.swiftcounty.com by clicking on the County Parks option and then on Appleton OHV park option.

FREEDOM RIDGE

Jeep climbing and 4×4 off-roading is available at Freedom Ridge, south of Atwater. Located at 1130 195th Street Southeast, off Kandiyohi County Road 2, the area is an old gravel pit, and offers hours of off-road fun, camping and more. The site allows all vehicles with a steering wheel, but ATVs and dirt bikes are not allowed at this time. For more information, email info@freedomridgerocks.com or check them out at freedomridgerocks.com. SUMMER FUN 2022 | 65

s e v a e l w o r C e l Litt e k a w s t i n i excitemaemntbegins Neer Ski te ne 3 u J n o s w o h s Park

fter winning the Midwest Regional Show Ski Championships in 2021 and helping set a Guinness world record, the Little Crow Ski Team will be back entertaining crowds shoreside in west central Minnesota. Starting on Friday, June 3, at Neer Park in New London, the Little Crow Ski Team will wow audiences with a dynamic show featuring pyramid building, jumping, ballet and barefoot skiing on the scenic Middle Fork of the Crow River in New London. The team, which started in 1979, includes about 50 skiers of all ages and another 50 volunteers who drive the tow boats, organize three miles of ropes and sell concessions on show nights at Neer Park. On July 23-25, 2021, the Little Crow Ski Team won the National Show Ski Association’s Midwest Regional Show Ski Championships at Dahme Lake in Aberdeen, South Dakota. Little Crow won high-scoring awards for sound crew total, jump and pyramid while racking up 1,617.67 points. Then on Sept. 10, 2021 in Janesville, 66 | SUMMER FUN 2022

Wisconsin, members of the Little Crow Ski Team participated in a world record attempt for barefoot pyramids. The world-record attempt had eight sets of barefoot pyramids behind one boat. The eight pyramid groups traveled

250 meters, 50 meters beyond the record requirements. The Little Crow group who set the record were Jay Donner (Spicer), Payton Madison (Spicer) and Lyle Duerksen (Willmar) as the topper. The team performs nearly every Friday evening from June through August on its home waters at Neer Park, 313 2nd Ave. SE in New London.

Additional shows will also be held during the Fourth of July holiday weekend. The home shows will be June 3, 10, 17 and 24; July 1, 2, 8, 15, and 22; and August 5, 19 and 26. Shows begin at 7:30 in June and July and at 7 p.m. in August. Updated information can be found at www.littlecrow.com or the Little Crow Water Ski Team Facebook page. Admission for home shows is $5 for adults and $3 for students. Preschool children get in free. Reserved seating is available for $8 at www.littlecrow.com. Season passes are also available for $20 for students and $35 for adults. Neer Park has bleacher seating, but those seats are often full about 45 minutes before show time, especially in July and August. Hillside seating is also available; bring a blanket or lawn chair. Parking is located outside of Neer Park. A limited number of handicap parking spaces are available in the park. A deck is provided for those in wheelchairs to view the show.

Offer applies to June and July membership dues

Little Crow Ski Team 2022 Show Calendar

JUNE

Friday, June 3, 7:30 p.m. at Neer Park Friday, June 10, 7:30 p.m. at Neer Park Friday, June 17, 7:30 p.m. at Neer Park Friday, June 24, 7:30 p.m. at Neer Park Saturday, June 25, 7:30 p.m. at Robbins Island

JULY

Friday, July 1, 7:30 p.m. at Neer Park Saturday, July 2, 7:30 p.m. at Neer Park Friday, July 8, 7:30 p.m. at Neer Park Friday, July 15, 7:30 p.m. at Neer Park Saturday, July 16, 4 p.m. at Neer Park Friday, July 22, 7:30 p.m. at Neer Park

AUGUST

Friday, Aug. 5. 7 p.m. at Neer Park Friday, Aug. 19, 7 p.m. at Neer Park Friday, Aug. 26, 7 p.m. at Neer Park Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students. For more information, visit www.littlecrow.com

HALF-PRICE MEMBERSHIP & NO JOINER FEE Excludes Youth Memberships

nce is e i r e p x e er! fitness Y this summ w e n A to the g n i m co EW

ES, N C A P S RE! TED A O V M O D N RE T, AN N E M P I EQU FACILITY INFORMATION Family Swim Adult Wellness Center Upper Level Wellness Kids Gym Indoor Track Basketball

Group Fitness Classes Indoor Lap Swim Cycling Classes Racquetball Courts Pickleball Courts Child Watch

Kandiyohi County Area Family YMCA 1000 Lakeland Drive SE Willmar, MN 56201 320-222-9622 SUMMER FUN 2022 | 67

s t e k r a m ’s r e Farm set for summer

Kerkhoven: 3 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 5-Aug. 30, Pillsbury Park shelter. Glenwood: 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays, parking lot south of Pope County Museum on State Highway 104. Paynesville: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesdays, May 18-Oct. 12, corner of James Street and Augusta Avenue, downtown. Willmar: 11 to 5 p.m., Wednesdays, June 1 through October, Uptown Willmar parking lot, next to Aldi’s. Bird Island: 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays, May 25-Aug. 31, north side of city park on Dogwood Avenue between Main and Sixth Street. Litchfield: 1 to 5 p.m. Thursdays, May 19-Oct. 29, Community Market on Fourth Street on the north side of Central Park. Benson: 3 to 5:30 p.m., Thursdays, June 23 through midOctober, Railroad Park on Main Street. Montevideo: 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., Thursdays, June 16-Oct. 28, Smith Park, across from City Hall Willmar: 7 a.m. to noon, Saturday’s, June 4-midOctober, at Uptown Willmar parking lot, next to Aldi’s. New London: 8 a.m. to noon, Saturdays, June 12 through Oct. 2, Holm Park. Montevideo: 8 a.m. to noon, Saturdays, June 18-Oct. 29, Smith Park, across from City Hall Glenwood: 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., Saturdays, parking lot south of Pope County Museum on State Highway 10 Paynesville: 9 a.m. to noon, Saturdays, May 14-Oct. 15, corner of James Street and Augusta Avenue, downtown.

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SUMMER 2022 EVENTS May 20th 5p.m.-11p.m.

Relay for Life-Chippewa & Yellow Medicine Co. Smith Park

May 28th-September 5th Historic Chippewa City-Mon-Fri, 9a.m.-5p.m. & Holidays 1p.m.-5p.m. Swensson Farm Museum-Sat, Sun & Holidays 1p.m.-5p.m. www.chippewahistory.org

June 18th-September 4th

Milwaukee Railroad Heritage Museum Saturday & Sunday 1 p.m.-5p.m. www.montevideomhrc.org

May-August Fiesta City Speedway Racing Friday nights at 7p.m. www. fiestacityspeedway.com

June 12th-19th Montevideo Fiesta Days • Parade June 18th @11a.m. @montevideofiesta www.montevideofiestadays.com

June 17th & 18th

June 12-19

NEW! $250 MEDALLION HUNT: WATCH FOR DAILY CLUES ON Montevideo Fiesta Facebook Page, KDMA, www.montevideofiestadays.com

Sunday, June 12:

Montevideo Fiesta Days and KDMA am radio 8am-1:00pm Fly-in Breakfast Sp. by Young Eagle Flyers at Montevideo Airport 5:00pm Community Picnic- Sponsor CCM Health & served by Montevideo Monday, June 13: Foundation 8:00am - Medallion Hunt on Facebook Montevideo Fiesta Days and KDMA am 5:00pm Minnwest Bank Treasure Hunt & Root Beer Floats parking lot behind radio Minnwest FREE 5:30pm Business After Hours hosted 5:00pm - 8:30pm Fun Activities in by Minnwest Bank and Introduction of Candidates, Basket Raffle by Board, 1st the Park - Bouncy houses etc., 6pm Magician, Face painting, Duck pond by Button Auction-American Legion Lions, Bike Rodeo by Police, Pinatas Tuesday, June 14: 6:30 Community Crop Walk Smith Park 8:00am - Medallion Hunt on Facebook Montevideo Fiesta Days and KDMA am 7:00PM Candidate Basket Raffle Smith Park radio 7:30PM Pie Eating Contest Smith Park Wednesday, June 15: 8:00am - Medallion Hunt on Facebook Friday, June 17: Montevideo Fiesta Days and KDMA am radio 8:00am - Medallion Hunt on Facebook 11:00am Community Ambassador Day Montevideo Fiesta Days and KDMA am at Community Center- Meal, radio Entertainment,Community Ambassador 10:00am Kids Day Bouncy Houses/ Award Games at Softball Complex 4:00pm Taco Night VFW 1:00-800pm Free Swimming Montevideo 6:00pm Montevideo’s Fiesta of Marching Pool Band, 12th Street, Sheridan Ave, 17th St 5:30pm Ambassador’s Reception7:30pm Cosmic Bowling, Melody Lanes Sponsored by Fiesta Board - VFW FREE 6:00pm Talking Waters/Java River Block 9:30pm Millennium Theater Outdoor Party Movie FREE 7:00pm Fiesta Raceway Races

Thursday, June 16:

8:00am - Medallion Hunt on Facebook

10:00-1:00am Groats Bar & Flinns Bar

Backyard Bash

Saturday, June 18:

7:00am FIremens Pancake Breakfast FIre Hall 7:00am Fiesta 5K Sp by CCM Health 8:00am Medallion Hunt on Facebook Montevideo Fiesta Days and KDMA am radio 9:00am Fiesta Golf Scramble-sponsored by River Crest Golf 9:00-4:00pm Craft & Vendor Show w/ Food Trucks, end of Main Street 10:00am International Wreath Laying Ceremony at Artigas Plaza 11:00am Grand Day Parade, Main Street 1:00pm Queens Tea for VIsiting Royalty VFW 4:00pm Junior Coronation at Hollywood on Main 4:30pm Fiesta Royalty Coronation at Hollywood on Main 6:00pm Montevideo Fire Department Fundraiser @ Legion 10:00pm Fireworks at Senior HIgh School Stadium

Sunday, June 19:

9:00am Farewell Breakfast for VIsiting Royalty VFW 10:00-2:00pm Fiesta Car Show on Main Street, 8am registration

Heritage Hill-MVAFPMA Heritage Days @heritagehillshow www.heritagehill.us

June 18th Milwaukee Railroad Annual Craft Fair 9a.m.-4p.m. www.montevideomhrc.org

June 19th

Fiesta Days Car Show Main Street Montevideo 10a.m.-2p.m. montecarshow@gmail.com

July 10th Church Day Open to public until September 30th Lac Qui Parle Mission Church Day Mission Church www.chippewahistory.org

July 27-311st Chippewa County Fair @chipcofair www.chippewacofair.com

City of Parks

August 27th

Visit 1 of our 12 parks covering more than 115 acres this summer

Maynard Rodeo www.cityofmaynard.com

September 10th Yellowstone Trail Sociability Run. www.yellowstonetrailmn.com

September 10th 10a.m.-4p.m. Horse Power Event Swensson Farm Museum www.chippewahistory.org

September 30th, October 1st & 2nd

Meander/Upper MN River Art Crawl www.artsmeander.com SUMMER FUN 2022 | 69

n i y r o t s i Explore h y t n u o C i h Kandiyo

he history of Kandiyohi County is rich, diverse and filled with stories of exploration, conflict and growth. For those eager to learn more, the Kandiyohi County Historical Society has provided a road map to some of the county’s most unique and significant landmarks. More than 40 sites have been marked throughout the county. All of them are easily accessible and can be toured in a day. Brochures are available at the Historical Society Museum, with a description of each site and its location. One of the historical sites is a log cabin more than 150 years old. It was built by Lars and Guri Endreson. The cabin is one of the few actual buildings remaining from the early days of settlement and the U.S.Dakota Conflict of 1862. The Endresons had built the cabin, cleared the land and were developing a typical frontier farm when the conflict broke out. On Aug. 21, 1862, the family was attacked. Lars and one son were killed, another son wounded and two of the daughters taken prisoner. Guri and an infant daughter hid in the cellar and managed to escape. 70 | SUMMER FUN 2022

The following day she hitched up an ox cart and, with her surviving son and the baby, went for help to the Erickson cabin. There she found Erickson and Solomon Foot, wounded. She tended their wounds and loaded them on the cart, eventually reaching safety at Forest City in Meeker County, where she was also reunited with her daughters. The Endreson cabin, now on the National Register of Historic Places, can be visited during the summer. Take U.S. Highway 12 west from Willmar, then go north on County Road 5 for four miles and turn west on 67th Avenue Northwest. Follow the directional signs to the site. Guri Endreson was buried in Vikor Cemetery, four miles north of Willmar on County Road 5. A state monument was dedicated to her in 1962 at the site of her grave. Two more cabin sites from this era include the Erickson cabin and Solomon Foot’s cabin. Foot was the first European settler of Willmar Township. He and neighbor Oscar Erickson were wounded in the Dakota Conflict and rescued by Guri Endreson. The marker for Foot’s cabin can be found north of Willmar on U.S. Highway 71, then west three-fourths of

a mile on 26th Avenue Northeast. The marker for the site of the Erickson cabin is north of Willmar on Highway 71, then west on 41st Avenue Northeast, then south a short distance on 15th Street. The first European settlers’ home in the county was a 14-by-15-foot log cabin. The cabin, which no longer exists, was built by E.T. Woodcock in 1856. He and his wife lived there for a winter to meet homestead requirements. Their daughter, born the following spring, was the first European child born in Kandiyohi County. The Woodcock home marker is on the north edge of Spicer. A man named Joshua Gates is believed to be the first farmer in Kandiyohi County. He arrived in 1857 and broke sod that same year. Trained as a teacher, he later organized his own school for children in the Diamond Lake area and eventually became a county superintendent of schools. The Gates homestead marker is half a mile north of County Park 3 on County Road 4. However, Kandiyohi County’s history began long before the first European tilled soil here.

The first inhabitants of what is now Kandiyohi County were American Indians, attracted by the fertile prairie, hardwood forests and many lakes. Two markers at the Kandiyohi County Courthouse, near the golden statue of the mythical Chief Kandiyohi, tell the stories of these people and how Kandiyohi County got its name. The county’s earliest inhabitants left behind a series of burial mounds on the east side of Green Lake. Most have been worn down by weather, cultivation and construction, but a few are still visible in backyards, farmyards and near County Park 5. The marker is four miles east of Spicer on County Road 10, then 2½ miles north on County Road 4. The Mdewakanton tribe of the Santee Dakota later lived at several camp sites on the shores of area lakes, usually selecting the north and east shore to take advantage of prevailing winds. One of the largest former camp sites is marked at County Park 5 on the northeast shore of Green Lake. Another is on Lake Wakanda. The marker is five miles south of Highway 12 on County Road 8, then one mile west on County Road 3. Lake Wakanda, “Place Where the Spirit Dwells,” was named by the Dakota. Once Europeans arrived in the area and began settling here, their communities grew with a speed that even the Dakota-U.S. War could not slow. In 1866, Green Lake Village was established, along with a post office for the area. A grist mill, later converted into a generator, is now a resort. The marker is north of Spicer

on state Highway 23 and one-half mile east on County Road 30. The railroad reached the site of Atwater (Hotel Atwater is on the National Register), Kandiyohi and Willmar in 1869. More communities soon emerged. Willmar, named for Leon Willmar, a Flemish land agent for the St. Paul and Pacific Railroad, became a hub for the Great Northern Railway. The A. Larson store, built in 1876, is the best preserved of the old downtown business buildings and is on the National Register. Willmar Farm was established in 1870 on the grounds of what was the Willmar Regional Treatment Center. The site is now MinnWest Technology Campus. The older buildings are on the National Register. During the Great Blizzard of 1873, 12 people died in Kandiyohi County. The site where four perished has a marker two miles north of state Highway 7 on Highway 71, then onefourth mile west on County Road 80. Four sections of land were included in the W.D. Washburn ‘bonanza farm.’ Begun in 1877, it was abandoned a few years later when it proved to be financially unsuccessful. The Washburn farm marker is two miles north of Prinsburg at the intersection of county roads 1 and 80. A great train wreck west of Atwater on June 23, 1882, took the lives of 13 men and injured 19. The train, a construction unit, derailed in Summit Lake. A mass grave for the unclaimed bodies of the victims is in Fairview Cemetery in Willmar. A marker is at the site of the wreck,

three miles west of Atwater on Highway 12 and one-half mile south on County Road 4. During the Great Depression, farmers banded together to prevent the sale of their farms, forming the Farm Holiday Association, which became the largest organization supporting farmers seeking agricultural reform. The birthplace of the Farm Holiday movement was in Lake Elizabeth Township; the site is marked at the intersection of county roads 4 and 20. The Farm Holiday movement was active from 1932 until 1938. The Svea School and the Glader/ Bosch farmstead in Lake Elizabeth Township, both National Register sites, also were early meeting places for Farm Holiday members. For additional information, visit kandiyohicountyhistory.com SUMMER FUN 2022 | 71

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Tee time in l a r t n e c t s e w a t o s e n n i M courses Regional golf f challenges ety o provide a vari

here is certainly no shortage of courses to choose from for golf enthusiasts in the Willmar area. From a resort setting to the comeas-you-are backdrop, 22 golf courses in the West Central Tribune area offer a myriad of fairways, bunkers and scenic backgrounds. The season is in full swing, and many courses await a call for tee time reservations. Following is a listing of area golf

courses, some of which are open to the general public and some of which require memberships. The courses that require memberships may be used by those who live outside the membership area by paying green fees. Most courses are closed for league days at various times each week. “Slope rating” is a rating that dictates the difficulty of the course, based primarily on length, number of

hazards and number of trees. A rating of 113 is the national average. Ratings lower than 113 are easier to play while those above 113 are more difficult. Ratings may range from the low 60s to 150. The slope rating allows the golfer to figure their handicap according to the course on which they are playing. The slope rating listed is for the men’s white and women’s red tees. For more information on area golf courses, visit mngolf.org

APPLETON GOLF COURSE North edge of town along Pomme de Terre River The course plays along the river on several holes and has some rolling hills. It has three par 5s and three par 4s. The fairways are average in width and fairly open. 9 holes, par 36, 3,053 yards for men and 2,985 yards for women; slope rating of 118 for men and 119 for women. Cart rentals available. No reservations taken for tee times, 320-289-2513. BENSON GOLF CLUB West Highway 9 in Benson A course with lots of trees, it has three holes on the west side of the Chippewa River; golfers must play across the river three times. 18 holes, par 72, 6,313 yards for men; 5,994 for women; slope rating of 125 for men and 124 for women. 320-842-7901. DACOTAH RIDGE GOLF CLUB 13 miles south of Olivia on state Highway 71, ½ mile west on Renville County Road 2 The course, designed by Rees Jones, melds perfectly into the prairie. 18 holes, par 72, 6,217 yards, slope rating of 136 for men and 141 for women. Tee times 24 hours depending on availability, 507-644-7844.

DAWSON GOLF COURSE On northwest edge of town An older course with some nice trees, slightly rolling. All holes are par 4s except for one par 3. 9 holes, par 35, 2,837 yards; slope rating of 112 for men and 119 for women. Tee time reservations are unnecessary, 320-769-2212. EAGLE CREEK GOLF CLUB North edge of Willmar, just west of Highway 71 The front nine includes a full-size driving range. The back nine has steeper grades, mature trees and water hazards. 18 holes, par 72, 6,098 yards for men; par 73, 5,208 yards for women; slope rating of 130 for men and 127 for women. Reservations for tee times are available three days (public) in advance, 320-235-1166. GRANITE RUN GOLF COURSE Highway 67, south edge of Granite Falls The course is hilly with some trees, and newly revamped greens and improved, elevated tee boxes. There are a couple of doglegs, two par 5 holes and three water hazards. 9 holes, par 36, 2,902 for men, 2509 for women; slope rating 128 for men and 126 for women. 320-564-4755.

HAWK CREEK COUNTRY CLUB Northeast edge of Raymond, along Highway 23 This gently rolling course has play crossing Hawk Creek on the fifth, sixth and eighth holes. There are mature trees and some small trees. 9 holes, par 36, 3,126 for men; 2,428 yards for women; slope rating of 123 for men and 120 for women. Reservations are taken for tee times up to 24 hours (public) in advance, 320-967-4295. ISLAND PINE Southwest edge of Atwater The rolling course has natural wetland areas and an island green on the par 3 18th hole. There are seven doglegs, four par 5s and four par 3s with large greens. 18 holes, par 72; 6,336 for men; 5,194 for women, slope rating of 130. Reservations are taken for tee times (320-974-8600) 14 days in advance. KORONIS HILLS GOLF CLUB Highway 23, one mile west of Paynesville A somewhat hilly course, with several holes carved out of the trees. It has narrow fairways and several difficult par 3 holes. 18 holes, par 71, 6,005 yards for men; 5,070 for women; slope rating of 124 for men and 116 for women. Tee times taken one week in advance, 320-243-4111.

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Continued from page 77 LITCHFIELD GOLF CLUB Pleasure Drive, on the southwest edge of town Located near Lake Ripley, the course is challenging with trees and water hazards. 18 holes, par 70, 6,086 yards for men; 4,997 for women; slope rating of 126 for men and 121 for women. Reservations are taken for tee times, 320-693-6059. LITTLE CROW COUNTRY CLUB Highway 23, midway between Spicer and New London With seven ponds, 33 sand traps, creeks, intervening water hazards, and lots of trees, this course is challenging. The fairways are average in width. 27 holes, par 72, 6,217 yards for men and 5,393 yards for women on Willows/Pines; 6,400 and 5,442 on Pines/Oaks; 6,337 and 5,373 on Oaks/Willows; slope rating average of 132 for men and 127 for women. Reservations for tee times taken up to seven days in advance, 320-354-2296. MADISON COUNTRY CLUB South on Highway 75, west on State 40 An old course with many mature trees and some hills. There is one par 3 and the rest are par 4s. 9 holes, par 35, 2,802 yards for men and 2,715 for women; slope rating of 125 for men and 122 for women. No reservations needed except for weekends, 320-598-7587. MINNEWASKA GOLF CLUB West from Glenwood on Highway 28, turn north on Golf Course Road The rolling, semi-hilly terrain overlooking Lake Minnewaska will challenge the average to the better-than-average golfer and the greens are all moderately bunkered. 18 holes, par 72, 6,212 yards for men; 5,136 yards for women; slope rating of 133 for men and 126 for women. Reservations can be made up to a week in advance and are advised, 320-634-3680. 78 | SUMMER FUN 2022

OAKDALE COUNTRY CLUB Seven miles northeast of Buffalo Lake on Renville County 8 On the north shore of Lake Ellie, the course is somewhat hilly, with 90-foot wide fairways. Four holes have doglegs and No. 6 is played across an extension of the lake. 18 holes, par 72, 5,304 yards for men; 5,138 yards for women; slope rating of 117 for men and 121 for women. Tee times seven days in advance, 320-587-0525. OLIVIA GOLF CLUB Southeast edge of town, t hree blocks south of courthouse This course features tree-lined fairways and water hazards, including one par 3 which requires you to play over water. 9 holes, par 36, 3,171 yards for men; 2,609 yards for women; slope rating of 118 for men and 116 for women. 320-523-2313. PEZHEKEE NATIONAL GOLF COURSE South of Glenwood on state Highway 104, turn right on Pezhekee Road. One of a few resort golf courses in Minnesota. The fairways cut through a maple, basswood and oak forest, lush greens, varied natural terrain, bridges, overlooking Lake Minnewaska. Several water hazards, evenly balanced with par 3s, par 4s and par 5s, some ravines and fairly deep woods. 18 holes, par 72, 7,263 yards for men; par 75, 6,295 yards for women; slope rating of 119. Reservations are taken for tee times. 320-634-4501 POMME DE TERRE GOLF COURSE Three miles south of Morris on state Highway 9 A rolling course with narrow fairways and sand situations affecting four holes. Each hole has two or three tree lines. Both the par 3s have water hazards. 18 holes, par 72, 5,995 yards for men; 4,889 yards for women; slope rating of 129 for men and 119 for women. Tee time reservations accepted, 320-392-1009.

PRAIRIE VIEW GOLF COURSE East edge of Brooten along Highway 55 The wide-open prairie course has three water hazards. A reversible nine-hole course, play one direction one day and other direction the next day. 9 holes, par 36, 3,078 yards for men; 2,627 yards for women; slope rating of 126 for men and 121 for women. Reservations five days in advance, 320-346-2677. REDWOOD FALLS GOLF CLUB 101 E. Oak Street, Redwood Falls One of the most scenic courses in the state features an island green on No. 3 and a 90-foot drop overlooking the Redwood River Valley on No. 17. 18 holes, par 70, 5,698 yards for men; 4,958 yards for women; slope rating of 120 for men and 113 for women. Call for tee times, 507-627-8901. RIVER CREST GOLF COURSE Highway 212, west of Montevideo The course runs north-south on top of and below the bluff overlooking the Minnesota River valley. The river comes into play on five holes as a water hazard. Trees come into play on several holes. 18 holes, par 72, 6,190 yards for men; 5,735 yards for women; slope rating of 127 for men and 121 for women. Reservations are taken up to 7 days in advance, 320-231-1281. STONEY CREEK GOLF COURSE One mile south and two miles west of Renville This nine-hole course has a very good layout, and is both challenging and scenic. 9 holes, par 36; 3,438 yards for men; 3,266 yards for women; slope rating of 144 for men and 141 for women. Call for tee times, 320-779-4653. VALLEY GOLF COURSE East edge of Willmar, just off Lakeland Drive on Becker Avenue This course has some hills and creeks to cross. A nine-hole course with a few stands of old trees. 9 holes, par 35, 2,479 yards for men, slope rating of 105; 2,212 yards for women. No reservations taken for tee times.

c i n c i p , p Cam or hike outdoors t a e r g e h t in Rough it

hen you’re looking for a place to “park yourself” for a picnic, a weekend getaway in a tent or a month-long stay in an RV, there are numerous state, county, community and private parks and campgrounds in west central Minnesota to meet the desires of every camping and outdoor enthusiast. These parks are wrapped in — and around — the area’s diverse environment of lakes, woods and prairie landscapes, and draw people from all over the country. Whether you want to go fishing on freshwater lakes, swimming and sunbathing on sandy beaches, biking on miles of trails, horseback riding, birding, geocaching or sightseeing, there is a park in the area to meet your recreational wishlist.

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KANDIYOHI COUNTY PARKS Kandiyohi County’s seven parks feature a variety of beautiful accommodations for a summer getaway. Sitting on the edge of gorgeous fresh-water lakes ringed with mature native trees, the parks provide easy access to swimming, fishing, boating and stunning sunsets. Five of the parks have campgrounds, with space available to accommodate large recreational vehicles and cozy enough for tents and campfires to make family vacations complete. The parks are located in different corners of the county and each park has a different topography and offers different amenities that provide unique experiences to campers and day-visitors. Most of the county parks feature playgrounds, picnic areas, modern restrooms, camp stores, swimming beaches and boat accesses, to name a few of the popular amenities. The number of campsites vary at each park, as well as the number of campsites that have access to electricity, sewer or water. The camping fees are different at each park, with seasonal and weekly camping rates available at most. For more detailed information about fees and amenities, call the individual parks or access the county’s website at www.co.kandiyohi.mn.us. All reservations will be online at www.kcmn.us/departments/ county_parks/index.php Big Kandiyohi Lake County Park West is located on the west side of Big Kandiyohi Lake, 10 miles south of Willmar. The lake is known for northern, walleye, bullhead and crappie fishing yearround. In the spring of the year, the park is known for its excellent crappie fishing in the bay, next to the campground, which has 94 campsites. The park also has a swimming beach, camp store, modern showers and toilets, playground, boat access, picnic area, a shelter, camping pads, campsites with water and electricity, gas and a dump station. Call 320-995-6599 for more information. Big Kandiyohi Lake County Park East is located on the east side of Big Kandiyohi Lake, 18 miles south of Willmar, or six miles north of Lake Lillian off County Road 8. The park, which has 80 campsites, has an excellent sandy swimming beach and access to shoreline fishing with walleye, northern, crappies and bullheads popular and frequent catches. The park has a beach, boat access, camp store, playground, picnic area, shelter, modern showers and toilets, campsites with electricity, gas, bait and a dump station. Call 320-664-4707 for more information. Diamond Lake County Park is located on Diamond Lake’s western shore and has 60 campsites. It is located four miles north of Atwater, or 6 miles southeast of Spicer, on County Road 4. Diamond Lake is known for its lunker walleyes and scrappy northerns. The campground has sites with access to water, sewer and electricity, and the park also has a beach, boat access, camp store, bait, gas, playground, picnic area, shelter, camping

pads, modern showers and toilets, and a dump station. Call 320-974-8520 for more information. Saulsbury Beach County Park is on the southern shore of Green Lake and located in the heart of the city of Spicer. It features a shady picnic area and popular swimming beach, with lifeguards on duty from 1 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. There are changing rooms and toilet facilities in the park and a boat access is located next to the park. There are no campsites at this park. Green Lake County Park is on the northeast shore of Green Lake, a deep lake that’s popular for its clear water, good fishing and boating recreation. The park is located five miles north of the city of Spicer on Northshore Drive. The park has 61 campsites with camping pads, water, sewer and electricity available. The park also features a swimming beach, boat access, camp store, game room, playground, picnic area, shelter, modern showers, toilets, bait and gas. Call 320-796-5564 for more information. Lake Carrie County Park is a small secluded park located on Lake Carrie, five miles southeast of Atwater on a dead-end gravel road off of Kandiyohi County Road 86. It includes a boat landing and large grassy parking area but no camping. The clear water of Lake Carrie is a popular spot for anglers. Games Lake County Park is located on the east shore of Games Lake, which is part of the “Norway Lake Chain of Lakes” which includes 2,800 acres of water known for excellent fishing, including northern pike and bluegill. The campground has 56 campsites with camping pads, and access to water and electricity and five camper cabins. The popular park features a sandy swimming beach with lifeguards on duty from 1 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m., a large picnic area, enclosed picnic shelters that can be reserved for events, game room, playground, modern showers and toilets, boat access, boat rental, bait, gas and dump station. Besides having typical services and camp accessories, this park store also features a restaurant with meals served all day. The park is 14 miles north of Willmar, or 9 miles northwest of New London, on County Road 5. Call 320-354-4453 for more information. RESORTS There are privately owned resorts, campgrounds and an RV campground in the region. Many offer cabins, camping, and boat and motor rentals at a variety of locations on lakes. Information about what those businesses have to offer can be obtained by looking at their ads in this section or by calling the Willmar Lakes Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, 320-235-3552. STATE PARKS Reservations Required All campsites in Minnesota state parks and recreation areas now require a reservation before they may be occupied. The park system recommends making reservations before leaving home because

cellphone coverage and wi-fi can be unpredictable at some parks. For spontaneous campers, there are same-day reservations with no reservation fees available whether you’re booking your site from home, from the road or even from the park. To reserve a campsite, go to www.dnr. state.mn.us/state_parks/stay_overnight/ index.html or call 866-857-2757 from 8 a.m to 8 p.m. Permits To visit the park, vehicles require a vehicle permit. Daily permits are $7 and annual permits are $35 and good at all 75 Minnesota state parks and recreation areas for a full year from the month of purchase. Fort Ridgely State Park Located south of Fairfax, Fort Ridgely State Park features the Fort Ridgely Historic Site, several campgrounds, two picnic areas, fishing, 1930s-era historic stone buildings and 13 miles of hiking and horse trails. The Fort Ridgely Historic Site contains the ruins of a military outpost. Built in 1853, it was used as a training base for Civil War volunteers and to provide protection during an influx of immigrants to the Dakota Territory. The fort came under attack during the U.S-Dakota War of 1862. The fort was abandoned by the Army in 1867, fell into disrepair, and in the 1930s the Veteran Conservation Corp began restoring the buildings. The site was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. The site hosts a museum and restored foundations that are managed by the Nicollet County Historical Society. The historic site grounds are open for selfguided tours and the museum is open Friday through Sunday from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The park also contains several graves and monuments connected to the U.S.-Dakota War at the Fort Ridgely Cemetery. A paved, 7-mile bike trail connects the town of Fairfax to the park.

Camping: There are 33 drive-in campsites at the campground, including 15 electrical sites. There are also three secluded walk-in sites and one group campsite that are about 1,000 feet from the parking area. Water spigots and vault toilets are available, however there are no flush toilets or showers available in the main campground. A horse camp has 14 sites, including 13 with electricity. Water is available at each horse campsite. The horse campground also has a modern toilet and shower building. Box stalls are available to rent. A farmhouse that sleeps six people is available. A stone picnic shelter can be rented by the day. The park is located at 72158 County Road 30, Fairfax, MN 55332. For more information, call 507-426-7840 or email fortridgely.statepark@state.mn.us Glacial Lakes State Park Tucked away in the quiet, rolling hills of Minnesota’s glacial terrain near the city of Starbuck, this park offers miles of hiking and horseback trails, swimming and fishing in the cool, clear water of Signalness (Mountain) Lake, Kettle Lake and Baby Lake — which are known for their panfish. Stand on top of the scenic glacial hills and experience the vast, open prairie which once dominated Minnesota. Wildflowers and prairie grasses blanket the landscape from spring through fall. A shady, spacious campground is available; horseback riders and backpack campers can camp at the horse camp and at remote sites. A picnic area deck overlooks Signalness Lake. The park is located five miles south of Starbuck Camping: The main campsite is located on Signalness Lake. It has 37 drive-in sites, 14 with electricity, and access to modern restrooms. There are two seasonal camper cabins and four year-round camper cabins. The park has four walk-in or backpack campsites scattered throughout the park for quiet and remote camping. Some of the sites

Continued on page 82 SUMMER FUN 2022 | 81

Continued from page 81 involve a short hike of one-tenth of a mile, to one remote site on Baby Lake that can only be accessed by making a 2½-mile hike. The horse camp has eight sites. A horse trail pass is required for every rider 16 years and up. The Southeast Group Campsite, which can accommodate up to 50 people, has a picnic shelter with lights and outlets, space for tents, small trailers and campers. The park has rowboats, canoes and kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards available for rent in the summer. The park is located at 25022 County Road 41, Starbuck, MN 56381 For more information, call the park at 320-239-2860 or email glaciallakes. statepark@state.mn.us Lac qui Parle State Park Lac qui Parle State Park is a bird-lovers’ paradise with thousands of migratory Canada geese and other waterfowl using the area as flight stop-over. The park, near the city of Watson, is located alongside the 33,000-acre Lac qui Parle Wildlife Management Area, with Marsh Lake serving as an important nesting area for the white pelican. Lac qui Parle is the French translation for “lake that speaks,” which is the name the Dakota Indians gave to the lake, perhaps because of its large bird population that creates a chorus of honking and quacking — especially during spring and autumn. The park isn’t just for the birds, however. Lac qui Parle Lake is known as one of the state’s best walleye fishing lakes. Paddle the lake or cast a line and catch walleye, northerns, perch or crappie; explore one of the trails by foot or horseback; and visit the historic Fort Renville and Lac qui Parle mission sites. Camping: The 30-acre upper campground has 43 camping sites, 82 | SUMMER FUN 2022

including 37 with electricity and nine that have electricity, water and sewer hook-ups. The lower campground has 24 sites with electricity at 21 sites. Tent camping is available throughout the park. There are three walk-in sites that offer more secluded, primitive camping. There are three seasonal camper cabins with electric heat. A modern shower building with toilets is available. There are two rustic group campsites for tent camping only that can each accommodate up to 50 people. There is no electricity and no modern toilet facilities at the group camps. The park has a swimming beach, boat access, hiking trails and horse trails and several beautiful pieces of native prairie. There are several significant historic sites attached to the park, and the park itself is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. The park is located at 14047 20th Street Northwest, Watson, MN 56295 For more information, call the park at 320-734-4450 or email lacquiparle. statepark@state.mn.us Monson Lake State Park Located in the northeast edge of Swift County south of the small town of Sunburg, Monson Lake State Park offers a quiet getaway and a popular fishing spot. Anglers look for walleye, northern pike, bass, sunfish and crappies in the water of Monson Lake. Bird lovers are drawn to the same, quiet lake to observe pelicans, herons and western grebes. The small park offers a gentle reprieve amidst towering hardwood trees. This is a historic site of the Dakota Conflict of 1862 and was created as a memorial park. The interpretive signs offer visitors an opportunity to discover the stories that took place on site from early settlers to Veterans of WWI who

built the park. Camping: There are 20 drive-in sites, including six electrical sites. A modern shower building with toilets is available. The park is located at 1690 15th Street Northeast, Sunburg, MN 56289 For information about Monson Lake State Park, call 320-354-2055 or email monsonlake.statepark@state.mn.us Sibley State Park Sibley State Park, located off U.S. Highway 71 west of New London, is one of Minnesota’s most popular state parks. Situated on nearly 2,500 acres of rolling hills and lakes, the park encompasses some of the region’s finest glacial topography. Mount Tom — one of the highest points in 50 miles — provides a breathtaking vista of the park and neighboring lakes and farms. Naturalist programs, recreational facilities, biking, horseback riding and hiking trails let visitors explore the park’s beauty. The Interpretive Center offers three exhibit rooms, a wildlife observation deck, a big screen auditorium, and a trail center. Visit the DNR web page to see what naturalist programs are being offered. They are free to the public. During the summer months, naturalist programs are offered throughout the week with highlighted hikes, Junior Park Naturalist and evening programs on most Friday and Saturday nights. Camping: There are a total of 132 drive-in sites at the park. The Lakeview campground, which is close to the shores of Lake Andrew, has 74 sites with 53 having electric hook-ups. There are 34 electric and 24 non-electric sites at the Oak Ridge campground, located in a combination of wooded hills and grass prairie settings. Both campgrounds have modern bathrooms. There are four camper cabins in the park. Three cabins sleep six and the fourth,

handicapped-accessible cabin, sleeps five. The year-round cabins feature built-in tables with benches, electrical heat and lights, screen porches, and both an outdoor picnic table and fire ring. Remember to bring your own bedding; cooking via coffee pots and crock pots is allowed inside the cabin. A separate horse camp offers nine sites. Three group camps for tents only. The park is located at 800 Sibley Park Road Northeast, New London, MN 56273. For information about Sibley State Park, call 320-354-2055 or email sibley. statepark@state.mn.us Upper Sioux Agency State Park A popular destination for those who appreciate the beauty of the Minnesota River Valley, the 1,280-acre park south of Granite Falls offers 18 miles of hiking trails and 16 miles of horseback trails over open prairie knolls, bluffs and cool, wooded slopes. Canoeing, fishing and wildlife observation are other popular summer activities. A shelter in the main picnic area has electricity, tables and a grill. Another picnic area is located at the confluence of the Minnesota River and the Yellow Medicine River. The Upper Sioux Agency State Park, which contains the site of the Upper Sioux or Yellow Medicine Agency, was established in 1963 to preserve and interpret the remains of the old Agency site.

Camping: The Yellow Medicine Campground has 34 sites, including 14 with electricity. There are three walk-in sites along the Yellow Medicine River and three teepees, including one that’s fully painted. A modern shower building is available at this main campground. The former Riverside Campground is now

a rustic backpack/watercraft campground with three sites available for reservation. There is a separate horse campground with 45 sites. The park is located at 5908 Highway 67, Granite Falls, MN 56241. For more information, call 320-564-4777 or email uppersiouxagency.statepark@ state.mn.us

Amber Barber

320-212-8646 www.facebook.com/LARamber AMBER@LAKESAREAREATLY.COM 42 SOUTH MAIN ST., NEW LONDON, MN SUMMER FUN 2022 | 83

r o f y d a e r t e G n u f d e n o i h old-fas

hreshing shows and old machinery are featured at Heritage Hill, Hanley Falls and Atwater, while the Forest City Stockade will have its summer rendezvous. Be sure and check websites or Facebook pages for current information closer to the events.

HERITAGE HILL

The Minnesota Valley Antique Farm Power and Machinery Association will have its annual show June 17-18. The tractor feature is “tractors from the 1960s.” The Economy/Hercules gas engine line will also be featured. The Heritage Hill show site is four miles east of Montevideo on the corner of Minnesota Highway 7 and Chippewa County Road 7. Website is heritagehill. us and on Facebook at facebook. com/heritagehillshow

HANLEY FALLS

The Good Old Days & Pioneer Threshing Show will be Aug. 6-7 on the grounds of the Minnesota Machinery Museum in Hanley Falls. This year it is featuring Case. Website is mnmachinerymuseum.com

84 | SUMMER FUN 2022

FOREST CITY

The Stockade Rendezvous will be Aug. 20-21. The Forest City Stockade is a reminder of how life was like back in 1862. You can tour historic buildings, which also show the progress of Forest City in the form of new construction. The Stockade family-friendly event allows you to step back in time and enjoy friendly people, delicious food, and many pioneer activities. $5 ages 12 and older. Website is forestcitystockade.org/index.html and on Facebook at facebook. com/Forest-City-Stockade.

ATWATER

Threshing Days will be Sept. 10-11 at the site on the east side of Atwater. The 2022 features are “Hot air” and “Vintage Cookie Jars.” Admission charged. Website is atwaterthreshingdays. com and on Facebook at facebook.com/AtwaterThreshing-Days.

s n e d r a g Local s r o t i s i v r o bloom f ight Horticulture Norris is July 28 in M

he region’s gardens put on a colorful show each summer for visitors to enjoy. Whether you like to stroll or simply sit and look at the flowers, here are some places that are worth a visit.

LITCHFIELD

Anderson Garden is a miniarboretum on the northeast shore of Lake Ripley on the edge of Litchfield, accessible from Minnesota Highway 22. The public garden has many varieties of exotic and familiar flowers, shrubs and trees that can be viewed from a paved, handicapped-accessible walking path. Plants bloom all season long to create a colorful experience. A gazebo in the park is a popular site for summer weddings and afternoon teas. For reservations, call Litchfield City Hall at 320-693-7201 or download a copy of the city’s special use permit form, found at ci.litchfield.minn.us, and mail it to Litchfield City Hall, 126 Marshall Ave. N. 55355. While in Litchfield, make another stop at Central Park downtown, where the bandstand has been restored to its 1910-era glory. Continued on page 86 SUMMER FUN 2022 | 85

Continued from page 85

WILLMAR

An Old World-style fountain is the centerpiece of Selvig Park in downtown Willmar. The small formal park, at the corner of Fourth Street and Becker Avenue, was created to commemorate Willmar’s relationship with its sister city of Frameries, Belgium. It is landscaped with flowers, shrubs and benches.

DAWSON

In the town of Dawson, Scandinavian lore comes to life in the form of gnome statues that populate Gnome Park on U.S. Highway 212 and can be found scattered at businesses and private yards around the city. A prized collection of hand-carved wooden gnomes is on display at the Dawson Public Library.

NEW LONDON

A sculpture garden featuring bronze sculptures from the 35-year 86 | SUMMER FUN 2022

a heritage garden, children’s garden, water gardens and an international garden with flowers and shrubs from all over the world. Since 1990, the garden has been on the All-America Selections list of display gardens for testing new varieties of plants. It also is an All-America Selections flower trialing site. A scenic overlook garden career of Arthur Norby, 204 Birch interprets the region’s prairies, St. SE, in New London, is open daily rivers, agriculture and environment. except Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., free to It is designed to integrate the the public, May through October. gardens with a bike and walking trail maintained by the city of Morris. MORRIS Pamphlets are available for selfLearn about plant and agricultural guided walking tours. research at the West Central The center will host its annual Research and Outreach Center, located one mile east of the University Horticulture Night on July 28 from 4 to 8 p.m. Check the website, wcroc. of Minnesota-Morris campus on cfans.umn.edu/, to see whether it will Minnesota Highway 329. be in-person or virtually. The outdoor gardens are open to For more information, call the public from sunrise to sunset and include rose gardens, shade gardens, 320-589-1711.

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2022 Season

7 9 - 2022

Viva Crow Vegas JUNE

Friday, June 3 ■ 7:30pm at Neer Park, New London Friday, June 10 ■ 7:30pm at Neer Park, New London Friday, June 17 ■ 7:30pm at Neer Park, New London Friday, June 24 ■ 7:30pm at Neer Park, New London Saturday, June 25 ■ 7:30pm at Robbins Island, Willmar

JULY

Friday, July 1st ■ 7:30pm at Neer Park, New London Saturday, July 2nd ■ 7:30pm at Neer Park, New London Friday, July 8th ■ 7:30pm at Neer Park, New London Friday, July 15th ■ 7:30pm at Neer Park, New London Saturday, July 16th ■ New London Water Days ■ 4:00pm at Neer Park, New London Friday, July 22nd ■ 7:30pm at Neer Park, New London Friday, July 29th ■ No Show ■ Regionals at Albert Lea, MN

AUGUST

Friday, August 5 ■ 7pm at Neer Park, New London Friday, August 12 ■ No Show ■ Nationals at Rockford, IL Friday, August 19 ■ 7pm at Neer Park, New London Sunday, August 21 ■ 1pm at Sleepy Eye Lake Friday, August 26 ■ Grand Finale ■ 7pm Neer Park, New London

Home show tickets are available online at littlecrow.com or will be available at Neer Park in New London before the show.

e r u t a n h g u o r h t k l a Take a w

est central Minnesota abounds with natural areas that showcase the region’s lakes, prairies and examples of native plant and animal life. Among those worth a visit: The 600-acre Ordway Prairie Preserve is one of the largest native prairie tracts in the state. The glacial till prairie is made up of meadows, wetlands and woods. It is home to a variety of plant and animal life, including the rare Hill’s thistle and the Poweshiek skipper butterfly. The prairie, acquired by the Nature Conservancy in the 1970s, is located off Minnesota Highway 104 north of Sunburg. It can be reached via a rest area on Lake Johanna Hill. Lund Prairie, covering 110 acres, is one of the region’s most recent additions to the Nature Conservancy. About half of this preserve is untouched native prairie. It contains more than 200 different species of native grasses and flowers. Lund Prairie is 25 miles west of Willmar on Minnesota Highway 40. Granite outcrops and wetlands are interspersed with prairie at the 40-acre Prairie Smoke Nature Center in Upper Sioux Agency State 88 | SUMMER FUN 2022

Park, south of Granite Falls. The area has been restored with native plants. Regal Meadow is a 185-acre preserve exemplifying the region’s native mix of prairie, forest and wetlands. Hikers may be able to spot a rare lady-slipper, the state flower, in marshy areas of the meadow. Owned by the Nature Conservancy, the Regal Meadow is located on 160th Street Northeast, two miles north of Hawick. The 2,000-acre Chippewa Prairie Nature Preserve is a rich site for plant and bird diversity and is well known for grassland birds. The prairie chicken has been reintroduced here. The land has never been tilled and has hundreds of species of native natural grasses and wildflowers. An old ox-cart trail provides a two-mile trail for hikers and bird watchers. Cooperatively owned and managed by the Nature Conservancy and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the preserve is four miles northwest of Milan along the upper Lac qui Parle Lake. Swedes Forest is seven miles south of Sacred Heart on Renville County Road 9 and 1½ miles west on a gravel road.

It contains granite outcrops and the rare five-lined skink, which lives in open, sunny bedrock exposures near oak habitat. Blue Devil Valley is on the south edge of Granite Falls. Follow Minnesota Highway 23 south for half a mile, then go west on County Road 39 a few hundred yards. This nature area is home to one of the state’s largest known populations of the five-lined skink. Prairie plants such as the brittle cactus, little bluestem, harebell and pasque flower are found among the granite outcrops and scattered burr oak. Gneiss outcrop is located southeast of Granite Falls. Follow U.S. Highway 212 east for one and half miles to County Road 40, then continue south one mile. Gneiss outcrops comprises the most ancient rock in the world, some 3.6 billion years old, which dominate the landscape and surround a natural lake. These rugged outcrops are also home to some of the state’s most unique plant communities. The rare Great Plains prickly pear and brittle cactus endure the desert-like

environment of the rocks. Rare plants like the Carolina foxtail, little barley and mousetail sprout in shallow depressions among the outcrops. Bruce Hitman Heron Rookery is a short ride from Brooten to Lake Johanna. Follow Stearns County Road 8 three miles west and then go three miles south on County Road 37. The rookery is one of the state’s largest and most diverse nesting sites for water bird colonies. Large numbers of great blue herons, great egrets, double-crested cormorants and black-crowned night herons nest here. Rare bird species — among them the little blue heron, snowy egret, yellow-crowned night heron and cattle egret — also have been spotted visiting or nesting at the site. Greenbacked herons are also known to nest here. Note: The island is closed from April 1 to July 15 to protect the nesting colonies.

Elevate your

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