Visit Bluff Country

By Charlene Corson Selbee

Saddle up and head to the 58th Annual Western Days in Chatfield, Minn., from August 7-10. Shine them boots, starch them jeans, and slap on that cowboy hat – it’s four days of Yee-haw! and good ol’-fashioned fun!

This year’s Trail Boss (Grand Marshall) is Peggy Baker, and Tony Lamme is the Honorary Grand Marshall. Give ‘em a big ol’ howdy when you see ‘em!

Rustle up a Western Days button to show your support. And when you’re hankerin’ for some grub, mosey on over to one of the approved food vendors. Your support helps the organizers wrangle up all these free shindigs year after year!

Western Days sponsored food vendors include St. Paul Lutheran Church, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, delightful desserts at Horse Arena, Stumpy’s Concessions, Two Scoops and a Bar, Rolling Roasters, Hanson Girls Concessions, Minne ‘SNO’ da Shaved Ice, Big Dog Concessions, Fillmore County Dairy Association, Jem Theatre, and VFW chicken BBQ.

Friday night kicks off with a real crowd pleaser – the Best of the Midwest $20,000 Horse Pull at Mill Creek Park. The excitement starts at 6 p.m. Come watch the strength and teamwork of these amazing animals and their handlers in a truly unforgettable competition. Admission is free.

The ever-popular toad race is a fun event for the little cowpokes. They are encouraged to wrangle their favorite and fastest pet toad and bring them to the city park on Thursday night to compete. Just make sure that they are not over 2” in length.

Round up the young’uns and bait a hook and drop a line, do some relaxing, reel-spinning fun for cowpokes at the fishing tournament. A wild, sudsy time for older kids happens on Saturday afternoon.

Check out the “Stand Still” tractor parade on Saturday, August 9 at 6 p.m. at the Chosen Valley Care Center. Browse the vintage and modern tractors on display.

Organizers have rustled up a mighty fine lineup of free musical entertainment which can be found throughout Western Days at the city park. Listen to the sounds of the RavensFire Band, Dave Wilson and the Root River Jam, Chatfield Brass Band, Embers, and Brad Boice “Elvis Tribute Artist” and the Big Wave. Don’t forget to bring your lawn chairs and blankets.

End the celebration with a bang on Sunday, August 10 at 9:30 p.m. at Mill Creek Park. A heartfelt salute to veterans, followed by a sky full of sparkle.

Upcoming events in Bluff Country

• August 8, Rhythm by the River, Preston, Minn.

• August 8-11, Western Days, Chatfield, Minn.

• August 13-18, Ag Days Celebration, Spring Valley, Minn.

• August 14-18, Houston County Fair, Caledonia, Minn.

The Visit Bluff Country Magazine is delivered to more than 1,000 locations in 35 counties in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. This magazine has a mission of promoting tourism in the Historic Bluff Country (Driftless) region. 

For information on upcoming town festivals and events in Historic Bluff Country, vacation ideas for lodging, recreation, dining, and shopping, check out the magazine in print or online at www.visitbluffcountry.com.

By Charlene Corson Selbee

Looking for a buffalo you can snap a selfie with? Look no further! Head to Lanesboro from August 1-3 for the town’s annual Buffalo Bill Days celebration. Be sure to meet Buff the Buffalo, the town’s beloved mascot and don’t forget to share your photos using #BufftheBuffalo.

This long-running celebration pays homage to the legendary Buffalo Bill Cody, who is believed to have developed the idea for his famous Wild West Show in Lanesboro and held the first-ever dress rehearsal in Lanesboro. For history buffs, the Buffalo Bill in Lanesboro porch talks at the local museum will offer fascinating insights into the town’s storied past.

Committee Chair Kristen Asleson extends an invitation to all Fillmore County Journal readers, “On behalf of our entire committee, I am so excited for our community and visitors alike to come out and celebrate Lanesboro.  Buffalo Bill Days is a celebration of Lanesboro’s spirit, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone.  Bring your family and friends to join us for a weekend filled with smiles, community, and summer tradition – we have something for everyone!”

Families will enjoy the ever-popular Movie in the Park on Thursday evening at 8:30 p.m. This year’s feature film is “The Wild Robot.” Thanks to generous sponsors, many events throughout the weekend are free and family friendly.  Children and teens can take part in a city-wide scavenger hunt, with two themed adventures, “Buffalo Bill’s Lost Map” for older kids, and “Buff’s Big Adventure” for the younger ones. Those who complete the challenge will receive a prize.

The planning committee is introducing some exciting new events this year. Families will love the first annual Kids’ Fishing Tournament, where young anglers can test their skills. A Youth Volleyball Tournament will add a competitive edge to the weekend’s activities, and for those who enjoy music, a live DJ will keep the energy high in the beer tent on both days.

Many fan favorites will also return. The weekend includes a grand parade, live music, and sports tournaments. Families and individuals can take part in the Buffalo Roam Fun Run, enjoy a bite at the beer and brat tent, browse the local Farmers Market, watch the duck races, and cap off the weekend with a spectacular fireworks display. There will be bouncy houses, jumbo yard games, a water slide, and the ever-popular Pedal Pull for kids.

For information during the festival, stop by the information booth located next to the community center. There, visitors can purchase raffle tickets, purchase a rubber duck for the races, buy festival merchandise, and purchase Twins raffle tickets.

Upcoming events in Bluff Country

•August 1-3, Buffalo Bill Days, Lanesboro, Minn.

•August 1, Car Show at Buffalo Bill Days, Lanesboro, Minn.

•August 7-10, Western Days, Chatfield, Minn.

•August 8-10, Sweet Corn Days, Lime Springs, Iowa

The Visit Bluff Country Magazine is delivered to more than 1,000 locations in 35 counties in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. This magazine has a mission of promoting tourism in the Historic Bluff Country (Driftless) region. 

For information on upcoming town festivals and events in Historic Bluff Country, vacation ideas for lodging, recreation, dining, and shopping, check out the magazine in print or online at www.visitbluffcountry.com.

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

Canton was originally founded in 1879 as a stopping point for the railroad. At first its legal name was Boomer, depicting how fast it was built, but because another town in Minnesota had the same name, Boomer was changed to Canton. Canton’s population has remained constant over the years at under 400 residents. For many years its economy was based on agriculture. This has changed, however. Increasingly more of its citizens like the small-town flavor of Canton, the affordable housing, closeness to various large cities that offer employment and easy access to a major highway. Abundant pheasant, deer, raccoon, and turkey populations, as well as great trout streams, make hunting and fishing a major attraction around Canton. Groomed snowmobile trails run through the area and city. For more City of Canton information visit cantonmn.com.

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Canton Depot restoration project is progressing with plans to return the building to a downtown point of interest in process.

Canton’s train depot was built in 1879 by the Caledonia, Mississippi and Western Railroad Company. In 1880, the line transferred to Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific. In 1901, the narrow-gauge rails were widened to standard-gauge. For several decades the depot was the centerpiece of the community and surrounding area. By the 1950’s, train travel was waning in popularity due to the increased use of automobiles. Passenger service was discontinued in Canton in the mid-50’s. Freight rail continued for another 20 years, with the Preston to Reno Milwaukee Lines abandoned on October 27, 1976. A year later, the tracks were torn up and the land sold back to abutting property owners.

In 2011, Larry Huber, a native of Austin, Minnesota, purchased the building and gifted it to the Canton Historical Society. Restoration began three years later. The Canton train depot was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2018. The Canton Historical Society is continuing its efforts to renovate and restore the 1879 depot to its original state.

The restoration project has been the recipient of grant funds of $20,000 from the Harmony Community Association in cooperation with the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation and $17,000 from the Minnesota Historical Society. A gift in memory of Allan Sather, a former Canton resident, for $50,000 was earmarked for the project as well, according to the Canton Historical Society. The projects for this phase will be to stabilize the station master’s bay window, replace skirting on the bottom of the structure, construct a freight/passenger platform with ADA compliant ramp, repair chimneys and replace two windows. Completion will be in phases and will be dependent upon multiple factors. The Canton Historical Society is hopeful that contractors will be secured to complete their planned restoration projects in the upcoming year. Additional funding will need to be secured to fully complete the Depot Restoration. Persons with a passion for the history of trains in the area will be interested in tracking the progress of the project.

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American Legion Veterans Memorial Park has been developed into a must see in Canton, honoring military service members.

Canton American Legion Post 400 established the Veterans Memorial Park in the downtown square on Main Street, and it was dedicated May 30th, 2022. The park includes a flag display, military marker, benches, a bronze Field Cross statue, fire pit and 1,200 embedded bricks, some of which are engraved. There is a Memorial Day Program held annually at the park honoring fallen service members. To assist with funding its projects, the Legion Post has a fundraising pancake breakfast at the Canton Town Hall in the spring of each year. The post was organized in 1919, after the end of World War I, with fifteen charter members. It was named in honor of Paul H Blegan, the first World War I soldier to die in combat. To get information on post activities and events, visit Facebook American Legion Post 400 Canton, Minnesota. Interested persons can also purchase engraved pavers honoring veterans to have the post members install.

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

The Minnesota Conference of Methodism was organized in 1845, well before Minnesota became a territory in 1849. Although the congregation is reported to have been visited by circuit missionary Reverend Benjamin Crist in 1854, the congregation was officially organized in 1856 by Elder John L Dyer. Dyer donated the land and began construction of a stone church structure, financed by the sale of lots in the town of Lenora. The Panic of 1857 thwarted the development of the area and many pioneer families moved back east. Dyer left the community and moved to Colorado. Construction on the church stalled for the next eight years, with half-completed stone walls.

In 1865 the area was seeing financial prosperity again and a stone mason used material from the large uncompleted church to build a smaller structure. This building was not completed until 1866, when it was dedicated by Reverend Daniel Cobb. Due to the railroad bypassing Lenora, the church never prospered and closed as an active congregation in the late 1920’s.

It has been preserved by the church congregation in nearby Newburg and is now known as the Lenora United Methodist Pioneer center, open for occasional church services, special events and concerts. It is worth a visit to see the structure, constructed from locally quarried stone. Inside are hand carved pews, a pot belly stove, an old reed pump organ, as well as kerosene lamps which provide the lighting. It appears much like it did in its pioneer days, with no electricity or modern-day conveniences. The church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. Visit Facebook to see pictures of the area church: Lenora Methodist Episcopal Church.

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Elliota is a ghost town in Canton Township, Fillmore County, south of Canton on State Line Road.

Elliota was founded in 1853 by Captain James Elliott, the first settler, postmaster, and blacksmith. Elliota as originally listed in Fillmore County Section 32, 101-9; dated December 13, 1854; II. K. Averill, Jr. (United States deputy surveyor); established by J. W. Eliott. A post office was opened at Elliota in 1854, and remained in operation until it was discontinued in 1882. Elliota School, District 25, initially was established in the winter of 1855-56, in an addition to the house of C. B. Kimball, and was presided over by Sarah Allen, of Bellevue. This was east of the village, and during the following summer it was moved to the house of Andrew Cheney. In 1856, the stone schoolhouse was constructed. This served the purpose up to 1869, when it burned, and after quite a bitter contest a new schoolhouse was put up at a cost of about $500, on the northeast corner of section 31.

According to the 1880 census, there were 71 residents in the newly founded town. Elliota was reported to have been considered to be on the path of the railroad passing through the area, but in 1879 the depot and railroad line was constructed in Canton instead. Some of the homes built in Elliota were reported to have been moved to Canton after it was bypassed. All that remains in the former location of Elleota is the Elliota cemetery, located approximately 0.1 miles from the Winneshiek County, Iowa border in Section 32 of Fillmore County’s Canton Township. The earliest burials at the cemetery occurred around 1865. In 1955 the Elliota Cemetery Association filed Articles of Incorporation and the grounds were surveyed and platted. The public cemetery remains active and is the final resting place of many Winneshiek County and Canton area former residents.

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Canton-Scotland Presbyterian Church is a PCUSA-affiliated congregation.

Twelve charter members organized the First Presbyterian Church in 1884. Shortly after, construction started on the church, at a cost of $1,680, with the building dedicated in 1885. The Honorable W.W. Braden, former State Auditor, donated the church’s stained-glass window located in the front of the sanctuary. Braden came to Minnesota from Ohio in 1854 and farmed near Lenora, serving on the legislature in 1866-67 as well as eight years as Fillmore County Treasurer prior to his ten years of service as state auditor. Numerous improvements to the original structure have been made over the years. In 1928, a basement, complete with a kitchen, a restroom and dining area was added. In 1958, the inspiring stained-glass windows depicting the life of Christ were installed. An expansion project in the early 1990s included additional sanctuary seating and a pastor’s office on the main floor, a new entry way and elevator, expanded dining area, men’s and women’s restrooms and two Sunday school classrooms were also added all in the lower level.

The Presbyterian Church in Canton merged with Scotland Presbyterian (a small parish five miles north of Harmony) nearly 50 years ago. The Scotland name reference comes from the rural Richland Prairie Presbyterian Church, built in 1868 in Preston Township. It was called Richland Prairie because the natural terrain reminded the settlers of their native Scotland. In 1893, First Presbyterian and Richland Prairie began sharing a pastor. That partnership continued until the merger of the two congregations to form the present-day Canton-Scotland community of faith. Although membership today has dwindled over the years, Canton-Scotland has continued to be an active part of the community.

The close proximity of the area churches with their rich history would be of interest to those having family connections as well as visitors who enjoy religious historical sites and have interest in the congregations’ roots.

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The farmland around Canton, with its rich soils, was the first area of choice by the local Amish community, which began to settle just north of town in 1974. That community has grown steadily and now encompasses many acres. There are several Amish businesses in the area, from furniture businesses, garden shops selling plants and produce and also those selling Amish baked goods. Buggies are a common sight in town and in the countryside. U.S. Hwy. 52 between Prosper and Preston is a designated Amish Buggy Byway.

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On the third weekend in August, the people of Canton take a “Day Off.”

The city’s annual summer celebration dates back to 1903. At that time, Percy Young of the Canton Bank offered to bring a band to town to entertain during the Ladies Aid Society of the Church of the Assumption sponsored church supper. The following year, the celebration was moved downtown and on August 15, 2004, the whole town sponsored the first Canton Day Off festival. By WWI, the Day Off had become a regional event and special trains were run to bring in out-of-town visitors. Festivities were increased to include county championship baseball games, speakers, merry-go-rounds, aerialist acts and evening dances at the town hall.

Annual day off celebrations were held in Canton for over 50 years, discontinuing on August 15, 1955. It has subsequently been revived and currently Canton Day Off events include a BBQ contest, beanbag tournament and live music among other activities. Every fifth year, the community observes “the big one” with an expanded slate of events. The event is well publicized and visitors come annually to take part in the scheduled activities. For dates and events visit cantondayoff.com or the Facebook page for the Canton Community Association to follow their sponsored activities.

By Charlene Corson Selbee

Fillmore County’s farming heritage comes alive each year as seen through the eyes of the county’s youth.

The 167 annual Fillmore County Fair is July 21-26, in Preston, Minn.

One lifelong fairgoer emphasized, “The fair is all about the kids.” They emphasized the importance of visiting the kids’ exhibits, watching the livestock shows, cheering on horse events, and attending the livestock auction where the youth sell their animals.

No visit is complete without a stop at the 4-H food stand where you can choose from a menu of sausage breakfast sandwich, breakfast plate, hamburger, cheeseburger, meal deal (burger, milk and chips), walking taco, ham and cheese sandwich, turkey and cheese sandwich, hot dog, nacho, nacho grande, grilled cheese, French fries, chips, cinnamon roll, milk, coffee, water, and Pepsi products. All proceeds support the Fillmore County 4-H program.

While there may not be a traditional midway this year, the fair board has created a wide selection of fun activities for kids of all ages – including free bounce houses, bungee trampolines, laser tag, pony rides, Chatfield FFA Little Farm Hands, Kids Pedal Pull, Comedy Magic Show, and Western Shooting Gallery.

Older attendees will find plenty to enjoy as well. Traditional West End Contests take place each day of the fair at either 1 p.m. or 3 p.m.

• Wednesday: Lego Contest, Chili Contest

• Thursday: Jenga Block Building Contest, Apple Pie Contest

• Friday: Trash to Treasure Contest, Cinnamon Rolls Contest

• Saturday: Wood Pallet Reuse Contest, Chocolate Chip Cookies Contest

Adults can also take in the action-packed Ranch Rodeo on Wednesday, July 23, Tractor Pull on Thursday, July 24, and the T&C Rodeo on Friday, July 25  featuring: Bareback Riding, Calf Roping, Over 40 Calf Roping, Breakaway Roping, Team Roping, Mixed Team Roping, Saddle Bronc, Steer Wrestling, Girls Barrel Racing, Bull Riding, and the entertaining Shirt the Calf and Mutton Busting events.

Don’t miss the Demo Derby on Saturday, July 26, as well as the lawnmower competitions.

Enjoy live music on the Poet Stage, and live entertainment in the beer barn, including performances by Matt Cherokee, Melissa Schulz, Dueling Pianos, Unhinged, and The 70’s Magic Sunshine Band.

Shop local at the West End vendor show – a great place to find unique items and handmade goods.

Upcoming events in Bluff Country

• July 22, Music in the Park, Caledonia, Minn.

• July 24-26, Nordic Fest, Decorah, Iowa

• July 25-27, Houston Hoedown Days, Houston, Minn.

• July 26, Music on the Bluffs, Whalan, Minn.

• July 26, Engelhart Performance Car Show, Rushford, Minn.

• July 27, Music in the Bandstand, Peterson, Minn.

• July 31-August 3, Buffalo Bill Days, Lanesboro, Minn.

The Visit Bluff Country Magazine is delivered to more than 1,000 locations in 35 counties in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. This magazine has a mission of promoting tourism in the Historic Bluff Country (Driftless) region. 

For information on upcoming town festivals and events in Historic Bluff Country, vacation ideas for lodging, recreation, dining, and shopping, check out the magazine in print or online at www.visitbluffcountry.com.

By Charlene Corson Selbee

Looking for small-town charm, made-from-scratch croissants, and a steam engine or two? Mabel, Minnesota, has all that and more.

Located in the scenic historic Bluff Country of southeast Minnesota, surrounded by lush green, rolling farmland and the Big Woods, Mabel is a must-visit destination.

1. Hesper-Mabel Steam Engine Days

The Hesper-Mabel Steam Engine Days has been a beloved tradition since 1953 when it was held in Hesper, Iowa. This popular celebration draws visitors from across the Driftless Region to downtown Mabel. The festivities take place at Steam Engine Days Park at the south end of town.

Think of Steam Engine Days as an outdoor living museum, where you can learn about farming during the 19^th century, enjoy live musical entertainment, savor great food, watch three parades, attend a gospel church service, and let the kids join in the fun.

2. Mabel Sportsmen’s Park

Just four and a half miles from Mabel, this quiet well-maintained park is a local favorite with a lot of history.  Set along a fast-moving trout stream, it’s a beautiful spot that holds tons of memories for folks from Southeast Minnesota and just across the border in Iowa. Once home to a beloved Fourth of July celebration, the park still echoes with nostalgia.

Today, it’s still open to the public and perfect for camping, fishing, or just hanging out and enjoying a quiet picnic. The kids will love the playground. A Minnesota fishing license is required. Only members of the Mabel Sportsmen Club are allowed to use the gun range.

3. Newburg Vintage Home and Garden and Small Batch Bakery

A French-inspired bakery in the heart of the Midwest? Absolutely! Just minutes north of Mabel, in the quaint village of Newburg, this charming shop offers irresistible pastries and hands-on classes-yes, even how to make perfect croissants. Housed in a restored 100-year-old-plus mercantile, owners Irene and Gleen Fishburn have lovingly revived the space with personal, thoughtful touches. Outside, a stunning garden surrounds the bakery and welcomes visitors when the Zinnias reach full bloom in late July. Keep in mind, the bakery is only open on Saturday mornings. For updates and seasonal happenings, follow them on Facebook.

4. Mabel House Hotel

Enjoy a comfortable and relaxing stay at the historic Mabel House Hotel, the oldest running hotel in the state of Minnesota. A charming landmark conveniently located in the heart of town.  Conveniently located in the center of town, it’s the perfect home base for exploring the area, or joining in the excitement of Steam Engine Days. It’s an ideal spot to unwind after a day of adventure in this scenic corner of southeast Minnesota.

5. Nestling Pines Treehouse

Nestled just outside of Mabel at the edge of the Big Woods, the Nestling Pines Treehouse offers a unique lodging experience. This cozy, elevated escape allows you to unwind, reconnect with nature, and enjoy a restful night’s sleep surrounded by towering trees and tranquil scenery. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway or a quiet place to recharge, the Nestling Pines Treehouse promises a memorable stay unlike any other.

6. Larson’s Trustworthy Hardware

Step into a living piece of Mabel’s history at Larson’s Hardware, a longtime fixture in the community that’s as dependable as it is nostalgic. From everyday essentials to unexpected treasures, this classic small-town hardware store seems to have it all. If you’re searching for something, there’s a good chance you’ll find it here. With its friendly service and old-fashioned charm, Larson’s is more than a store-it’s a local institution.

7. Mabel Village Farm & Home

Mabel Village Farm & Home is the kind of store where you can find just about anything you need-and probably a few things you didn’t know you needed. Like many classic small-town hardware stores, it offers an incredible variety of items; kitchenware, canning supplies, tools, bird feeders and bird seed, office supplies, plants, clothing, boots, BBQ pellets, keys, batteries, seeds, toys, paint, stock tanks, tack, and so much more. It’s a one-stop shop for locals and visitors alike.

8. Mabel Flowers & Gifts

This quaint florist and gift shop is a must-visit. Step into LeAnn’s downtown store and soak up the fragrance, vibrant colors, and small-town hospitality. It’s the kind of place where everyone feels like a regular.

9. Debbie’s Corner

No trip to Mabel is complete without a stop to Debbie’s antique store, a local gem run by Mabel resident Debbie herself. Inside, you’ll discover a carefully curated collection of antiques and collectibles that reflect the spirit of the area, each piece with its own story to tell. Be sure to take a moment to admire the vibrant mural painted on the side of the building, a tribute to the town’s railroading history.

10. Steuart’s Natural Health Retail Store

Treat yourself with a visit to Steuart’s Natural Health Retail Store, located on Main Street in downtown Mabel. For over 40 years, Steuart’s has been offering natural health products-long before holistic wellness became mainstream. They specialize in pain relief salves.

11. El Dorado Mexican Restaurant

Mabel’s newest restaurant offers classic Midwestern favorites and traditional Mexican cuisine-something to please every palate. Start your meal with warm tortilla chips and a fresh red salsa, then enjoy a refreshing margarita that’s as pretty as it is tasty. Come hungry-the portions are generous, and the margaritas are large.

Photos by By Charlene Corson Selbee