Visit Bluff Country

Caledonia resident Dana Boler captured the stunning photo featured on the cover of the 2025-2026 Visit Bluff Country magazine. Taken last June at Hidden Spring Peony Farm with her iPhone – no filters or adjustments – the image highlights the farm’s vibrant pink peonies in peak bloom, a personal favorite of Dana’s. The farm is located just minutes from Spring Grove along Highway 4. 

Dana and her husband Nathan are parents to two young boys, Brooks and Briggs. Dana is a health and wellness coach, author of a children’s book “Raisins Help you Poop,” and as a hobby creates content for B Your Best Wellness Coaching, where you will see more of her photography.

The Boler family loves the outdoors and is enjoying exploring Bluff Country since moving to the area. One of their favorite spots is Beaver Creek Valley State Park, which they visit weekly, just outside of Caledonia.

Photo by Charlene Corson Selbee

Meet Guest Curator Dr. Nancy Coleman at Vesterheim, the National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School, at an opening reception of the new exhibit “Pioneering Pages: Forming the New American Woman” on May 9, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Museum Building. Dr. Coleman will give a gallery walk at 5:30 p.m. The exhibit is open through May 18, 2026.

The exhibit tells the story of “Kvinden og Hjemmet” (Woman and Home), a national magazine for women first published in 1888 in Iowa by Norwegian immigrant sisters Ida and Mina Jensen. The magazine offered information to help Norwegian immigrant women adapt to American ways of life, but it was much more! By and for women, the publishers and writers advocated for women’s education, equality, and suffrage.

“Vesterheim is pleased to work with Norwegian scholars Dr. Nancy Coleman, Dr. Eva Marie Syversen, Anne Kari Vasaasen, and Solveig Glesaaen to shed light on an important part of the story of Norwegian immigration history and Norwegian-American life,” Vesterheim Chief Curator, Laurann Gilbertson, said.

This exhibit is made possible by a generous gift to the Vesterheim Annual Fund by the Tomson Family Foundation.

Vesterheim, the National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School, welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds to engage in the conversation of the American immigrant journey through the lens of the Norwegian-American experience. Vesterheim offers innovative and interactive exhibits, classes, and programs, both at the dynamic campus and park in scenic Decorah, Iowa, and online at vesterheim.org and Vesterheim social media. For more information on exhibits, classes, programs, tours, membership opportunities, and ways to donate and volunteer, connect at vesterheim.org, (563) 382-9681, and Vesterheim, 520 W. Water St., P.O. Box 379, Decorah, IA, 52101-0379.

Explore is excited to announce that Drift Cycle Bike Share is launching for the 2025 season in the city of La Crosse, Wisconsin on April 23, 2025 at 4:30pm at the Western Technical Drift Station. Drift’s 4th year saw tremendous growth with more registered users and total rides than the previous year, covering 12,994+ miles, 675,678+ calories, and 11,694 pounds of CO2 offset. Through 2024, Drift Cycle was also able to host 79 programs, demos, and events in the La Crosse area.

The success from 2024 has led to more than 20 new bikes, a new website and app, and 5 new stations in progress. They would like to thank their sponsors for their continued support throughout 2024 who have made these successes possible. Drift is also excited to announce that starting in April, they will have a new full-time Manager to oversee the program, part-time staff, and operations.

The new app will provide a smoother bike rental experience and has better promotion and marketing features. This will join the improvements made in previous years such as allowing payments with Google Pay and Apple Pay, multi-rentals up to 4 bikes per user, and membership plans increasing to unlimited 1 hour rides. A bike ride and demo to see the improvements and fleet first hand with the committee, sponsors, and media is scheduled for April 23th at 4:30pm at the Western Technical Drift Station.

A limited number of additional bikes are available for order right now, so contact Drift if your business, organization, or institution is interested in sponsoring bikes or a station. Additional support will help Drift with community efforts to improve the infrastructure for bicyclists and pedestrians, provide a healthy and sustainable alternative public form of transportation for more areas of need in this community, and get people out biking to explore our beautiful area. Future planned phases hope to serve additional sponsors and rider demand so that someday 150+ bikes may be widely available throughout the La Crosse area and region.

The bike share will provide a new transportation option for residents and tourists with affordable memberships of either $7.50 for 3 days, $10 per month, $25 per season, or $50 per year for unlimited 60 minute rides. There is also an option to pay-per-ride, without a membership, for $1 per 30 minutes. Staff and students of sponsors who register with their organization email receive 50% rentals.

Users are able to rent up to 4 bikes at a time from one account, ideal for families and small groups. New users get a free 60-minute ride, compliments of the sponsors, by entering the promo code 57WLZ7 upon their first sign-up. Keep an eye out for the orange racks and bikes that say “Drift Cycle” around town. The bikes, racks, and signs are already being installed for this year and the system will be available in limited locations for beta testing and fine-tuning of the system throughout April.

Learn more at www.driftlax.org.

Exciting news from CCA! We’re wrapping up the season with an amazing mix of music from folk to 80’s Party Hits, along with lifelong learning lectures, yoga, and our new sound healing sessions! Stay tuned for our summer and Fall/Winter Stage and Studio Series announcements in late May. Plus, we’re already planning an incredible 2026 season! We look forward to seeing you at an upcoming event. Enjoy the sunshine and join us at the CCA!
Betsy Koehnen, Interim Executive Director

Next Up On Stage:

Twitty & Lynn: A tribute to Conway and Loretta
April 26th

This country music duo consisting of Tre Twitty, the grandson of Conway Twitty, and Tayla Lynn, the granddaughter of Loretta Lynn. They perform a tribute show honoring their grandparents’ legacy, featuring both covers of their grandparents’ songs & original material.

Derby Day
May 3rd

We are beyond excited to share that Chatfield Center for the Arts (CCA) is hosting a spectacular event!
We’d LOVE for you to join us! 🥂🎉 Mark your calendars for May 3 at 4pm, where we’ll be celebrating an evening filled with derby flare, inspiring messages, and unforgettable moments. 🎤✨
Expect dazzling entertainment, delicious food stations and an overall fabulous night! 🎶🍽️ Let’s make this a night to remember! 🌙
Don’t forget to wear your derby attire, especially a hat! This is a night you won’t want to miss! 💖✨

It’s About Time
May 4th

Brad Boice
May 10th

www.chatfieldarts.org

DECORAH, Iowa – The Nordic Fest Board of Directors is proud to announce the 2025 Nordic Fest Honorees, celebrating individuals whose dedication to Nordic Fest, meaningful contributions to the community, and ongoing support of local traditions have made a lasting impact. These honorees will be celebrated throughout Nordic Fest weekend, July 24–26, 2025, including during the opening ceremonies and the Grand Parade.

2025 Nordic Fest Skål Recipient – Dave Smutzler

The Nordic Fest Skål Recipient is an individual or individuals who have demonstrated exceptional and continuing support of the Fest.

For more than three decades, Dave Smutzler has been a steadfast presence in Decorah, dedicating himself to both public service and the vibrant traditions of Nordic Fest. A native of Rushford, Minnesota, Dave arrived in Decorah in 1991, beginning a long and distinguished career with the Decorah Police Department. Over 32 years, he served in various capacities, concluding with four years as Chief of Police and as the Decorah City Liaison with the Nordic Fest Board of Directors before retiring in 2023.

Dave’s first Nordic Fest experience came in 1991, when he was a rookie police officer assigned to the overnight shift. One of his earliest responsibilities was placing ‘No Parking’ signs in the thick summer heat— an exhausting but essential task. Despite the challenges, Dave quickly grew to love the festival, volunteering for as many extra shifts as possible. Even early on, he noted how Nordic Fest transformed the town, bringing an influx of visitors, lively energy, and a feast of flavors to enjoy.

In personal interests, Dave is an avid canoer, a passion that blends seamlessly with one of his favorite Nordic Fest events – the Kanoløpet. He has not only participated in the canoe race but also claimed victories in 2008, 2010, and 2011. The other sporting events are among his Fest favorites too, along with the diverse entertainment lineup.

When Dave became Police Chief, he was invited to join the Nordic Fest Board of Directors. The opportunity provided a vital, new avenue for collaboration between law enforcement and event organizers, especially in areas like traffic control, public safety, and the restructuring of the Beverage Garden.

A true Nordic Fest enthusiast, Dave has attended nearly every Fest since 1991. His favorite treat? Lefse, hands down, with butter and sugar, always getting two rolls to enjoy both sugar variations. For Dave, Nordic Fest has always been “the great reunion”,  a time when families gather, old classmates reconnect, and the streets fill with familiar faces. Now retired, he experiences the festival from a new perspective—enjoying concerts with his family, dining downtown, and watching the parade with his grandson Pax.

2025 Nordic Fest Grand Marshal – Diane Ott Whealy

Nordic Fest Grand Marshal is an individual or individuals who have provided outstanding services to the Community.

Since 1975, Diane Ott Whealy has been a powerful advocate for preserving agricultural heritage and fostering community. As co-founder of Seed Savers Exchange (SSE), she has helped safeguard heirloom seeds and promote biodiversity, leaving a lasting mark on Decorah and beyond.

Diane’s journey in seed preservation began in Missouri with SSE co-founder Kent Whealy. What started with a few cherished seeds and a shared dream evolved into a globally recognized nonprofit. In 1984, Diane and her family moved SSE’s growing operations to Decorah, drawn by her childhood ties to the area and the town’s welcoming spirit. Attending Nordic Fest that summer confirmed it—Decorah was the right home.

Today, SSE is headquartered at Heritage Farm, a 900-acre sanctuary in Decorah’s Driftless Region. The farm is home to over 25,500 seed varieties, including 640 potato strains, 1,042 apple trees, and 340 grape vines. It serves as a hub for conservation, education, and community connection, offering walking trails, gardens, and a peaceful retreat for visitors.

Through Diane’s leadership, SSE has not only preserved genetic diversity but also enriched Decorah—creating jobs, attracting global visitors, and infusing the community with cultural and agricultural richness. “We did our homework and chose Decorah, and we haven’t regretted it since,” Diane says. “What started with a handful of seeds and a dream has flourished because of passion, community support, and good timing.”

Diane understands that seeds are more than biology—they’re cultural heritage. Just as her grandfather brought over seeds from Bavaria, she sees a parallel with Norwegian immigrants who brought their own varieties to Iowa. SSE has even helped return heirloom seeds to their countries of origin, reconnecting people with their agricultural roots.

Beyond her work, Diane has embraced Decorah’s traditions. A former Nordic Dancer parent, she treasures Nordic Fest—especially the parade, the dancers, and favorite foods like rømmegrøt and varme pølse. Her presence continues to strengthen the bonds between land, legacy, and local life.