Visit Bluff Country

By Charlene Corson Selbee

Surrounded by massive limestone bluffs along the mighty Mississippi River, Brownsville combines the beauty of untouched nature with the warm embrace of small-town charm. This tranquil river town is renowned for its unique blend of community, history, and recreational opportunities that cater to residents and visitors alike. Whether you’re seeking serene landscapes, vibrant local culture, or outdoor adventures, Brownsville offers an exceptional destination filled with a lengthy history, memorable experiences, and community spirit.

1. The River Station convenience store in Brownsville is a vital hub for our small river town, providing residents and visitors with everyday essentials, fuel, and friendly service. The River Station is conveniently located at the intersection of County Road 3 (Main Street) and Minnesota State Highway 26 which runs parallel to the Mississippi River and is part of the Great River Road National Scenic Byway.

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2. Wild Cat Park & Landing, located along the scenic Mississippi River is a popular tourist attraction that draws visitors for camping, boating, fishing, and breathtaking river views. On the premises there are two public boat landings: one on the north side of the park and one on the south side of the park. The campground offers 35 seasonal sites, 51 electrical sites, and 8 primitive sites. There is a small playground centrally located in the park. The on-site office has a small concession space to accommodate the campers and visitors with essential camping supplies and a variety of snacks and treats available for sale.

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3. Saxon Hall is a beloved staple in Brownsville, known for its welcoming atmosphere and delicious, locally famous pizzas. It serves as a gathering place for families, friends, and visitors, adding warmth and flavor to the heart of this small town.

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4. Lawrence Lake Marina is a lively and popular attraction on the Mississippi River, featuring a Tiki Bar that offers great food, drinks, and entertainment in a scenic waterfront setting. It attracts both locals and tourists, serving a key destination that supports recreation, tourism, and community connection to this popular river town.

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5. The Wildcat Saloon, located in Brownsville, is a locally owned favorite known for its welcoming atmosphere and delicious Friday night fish fry. It’s a cherished gathering spot that brings the community together and adds to Brownsville’s small-town charm.

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6. Shellhorn Bar & Grill is a short drive down river from Another restaurant frequented by locals and visitors alike featuring filling bar food, live entertainment, and outdoor seating.

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7. Brownsville Overlook, located about three miles south of Brownsville on Highway 26 is a popular destination for birdwatchers. The site offers a paved parking lot with ample space and mounted spotting scopes for visitors to enjoy the views. During peak migration season-mid-October to mid-November- a portable, accessible restroom is available on-site. If the Brownsville Overlook is busy, consider visiting the Highway 26 Overlook, located roughly one mile farther south. Visitors are reminded not to park along the highway and that weekdays are less crowded.

By Charlene Corson Selbee

Summer in the Midwest wouldn’t be complete without the joy of community celebrations. Two standout events are set to bring that spirit to life the weekend of June 27-29 in Bluff Country. Laura Days in Burr Oak, Iowa, and Brownsville Days in Brownsville, Minn., invite locals and visitors alike to enjoy rich traditions, local culture, and small-town charm.

These events offer something for everyone, whether you’re drawn to live entertainment, delicious festival fare, nostalgic activities, or simply a chance to make new memories with family and friends.

Community celebrations feature favorites including: colorful parades, softball tournaments, bingo, kids’ activities, classic car shows, outdoor gospel service, cornhole tournament, and fireworks.

The festivities in Burr Oak begin with bingo and live music at Barney’s Bar and Grill. Saturday features the always-popular parade, pie auction, pioneer games for kids, and tours of the Masters Hotel.

Author and Speaker Cindy Wilson will give a special presentation of “The Hard Winter of 1880-1881,” offering visitors an immersive glimpse into the life of the Ingalls family. The evening wraps up with a performance by the Buck Hollow Band, while Sunday begins with an outdoor gospel service featuring local favorite Brad Boice.

Brownsville’s festivities cater to all ages. Kids will enjoy a coin dig, scavenger hunt, pedal tractor pull, dunk tank, and inflatables, while adult visitors will enjoy live music from Melissa McCarthy and One Accord, a cornhole tournament, and a classic car show on Sunday. The weekend wraps up with a crowd-pleasing fireworks display.

These annual festivals are made possible through the dedication of volunteers from local service organizations like the Lions Club, and attractions such as the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum in Burr Oak.

Come celebrate summer, share in the traditions, and create lasting memories at Laura  Days and Brownsville Days, two can’t miss events that bring communities together through fun, history, and heart.

Upcoming events in Bluff Country

•June 21 – Gammel Dag Fest, Peterson, Minn.

•June 24 – Music in the Park, Caledonia, Minn.

•une 25-29 – Mighty Howard County Fair, Cresco, Iowa

•June 27-29 – Brownsville Days, Brownsville, Minn.

•June 27-29 – Laura Ingalls Wilder Day – Burr Oak, Iowa

•June 28 – Music on the Bluff, Whalan, 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

This year marks the 10th anniversary of Founders Day being held in downtown Caledonia. The celebration has grown from a one-day to a three-day community celebration filled with memorable homegrown activities. Previously held at the county fairgrounds, the event was moved downtown 10 years ago to support local businesses. Today, the focus remains firmly on the city’s historic downtown.

Festivities kick off Thursday evening, June 12, with St. Mary’s School Summer Bash, featuring music, games, a dunk tank, and walking tacos.

A popular event is the Cheeseburger Drive-Thru, hosted by the American Dairy Association, which takes place on Friday night, June 13, from 5-8 p.m. at the fairgrounds.

“We truly feel that there is something for everyone,” shared event organizer Helen Olson.

Saturday, June 14, starts off with the Caledonia Fire Department Fireman’s Pancake Breakfast, held from 7-10 a.m. at the fire station. Don’t miss the annual fire department’s water fight Saturday afternoon in front of the fire station.

New this year is Krazy Dayz, a one-of-a-kind street sale on Kingston Street featuring over 20 pop-up vendors. Expect vintage items, artisan goods, handmade crafts, furniture, skincare products, crocheted items, baked goods, candles, dog treats, clothing, and more. In addition to the vendors, there will be live glassblowing, music, free outdoor games for adults and kids, permanent jewelry, and temporary tattoos.

Also new this year is a scavenger hunt. Sign up at the beer tent by 12 p.m. Teams of two will search throughout the city limits to locate pieces of Caledonia’s history.

Saturday also includes the annual 5K Run/Walk and the popular Randy Klinski Memorial Car Show from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The beer tent opens at 11 a.m., and a bean bag tournament will take place during the day. The Founder’s Day Parade steps off at 4 p.m.

Enjoy live music Saturday night at the Main Stage featuring Bruce & Virgil followed by the Jay R. Brink Band.

Kids will enjoy the Children’s Outdoor Adventure Funfest at Gazebo Park – activities, crafts, games, inflatable fun, climbing wall, tie-dye, and snacks from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. A sawdust pile at 1 p.m. at Gazebo Park and kid’s activities from 4:30-8 p.m. on Main Street will round out the day.

Other Upcoming events in Bluff Country:

• Free Iowa resident fishing, June 6-8, Iowa waters
• Rhubarb Festival, June 7, Lanesboro
• Rhythm by the River, June 12, Preston
• Art in the Park, June 14, Lanesboro

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.

PHOTO: Addison Solum was the 2024 winner of the bubble gumball guessing game. She not only took home the title, but all 460 gumballs. Her winning guess was 467. Photo submitted

Presented by Lanesboro Arts on Saturday, June 14^th in scenic Lanesboro, MN

Lanesboro Arts is proud to present the 44^th annual Art in the Park fine art festival on Saturday, June 14^th, 2025, in Lanesboro’s Sylvan Park with 90-plus fine art and craft booths, family art activities, local food and beverage vendors, and live music. This event will run from 10 am to 5 pm, providing visitors an ample amount of time to view and purchase fine art, connect with others, and enjoy the festivities. Renowned for quality, variety and value, Art in the Park is a family-friendly art fair that attracts thousands of regional patrons to Sylvan Park each year.

The focal point of Art in the Park is of course the art! Fine art and craft artist booths encircle Sylvan Park underneath canopies of shade, featuring a wide variety of artist-made work by over 90 artists from the tri-state region. There will be original paintings, photography, fine jewelry, textile rugs and quilts, hand-thrown ceramics, stained glass, blown and fused glass sculptures, artworks utilizing reclaimed wood, metalwork, woven baskets, embroidery, and more. In addition to art vendors, there will be art demonstrations at various booths, as well as family and youth art activities!

If perusing all the artist booths works up an appetite, Art in the Park food and beverage vendors have you covered with delicious and locally prepared foods and craft beverages. Available food options in 2025 include home grown locally sourced or foraged ingredients (Heimstead); tacos, enchiladas, and more (Taqueria El Sueño); barbeque sandwiches (Biggen’s BBQ); brats and hot dogs from Lanesboro High School TexMex Fundraiser. The Farmers Market will also offer fresh food and healthy snack stands. Beverages will be offered by Location Lanesboro Podcast. Craft beer will be provided by Lanesboro’s very own Sylvan Brewing, KARST Brewing of Fountain, and Kinney Creek Brewery of Rochester.

Come for the art, stay for the live music! Throughout the festival, live music in the Sylvan Park Gazebo will keep energy high. The Rutabaga Brothers (10:00-11:30 am) is a southeast Minnesota-based upbeat blues ensemble. Marques Morel (12:00-1:30 pm) is an American songwriter, storyteller, and wandering troubadour with a wholly unique Midwestern-twang of folk music. Molly Brandt (2:00-3:30 pm) was named 2023 and 2024 Americana Artist of the Year at the Midwest Country Music Awards and has been making waves in the independent music scene across the region. Driftless Jazz (4:00-5:00 pm) will round out the day with smooth, easy-listening jazz standards. Take a break from perusing art to soak up the music!

Admission to Art in the Park is free. Accessible parking is available at Sylvan Park. Socialized dogs on leashes are permitted.

Art in the Park is presented by LANESBORO ARTS and is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund. For more information call 507-467-2446 or visit www.lanesboroarts.org/aip