Visit Bluff Country

By Charlene Corson Selbee

Traditionally, pilgrimages are thought of as a journey to a sacred place in a foreign county searching for a higher good that leads to a life-altering experience. Family genealogists go on pilgrimages to learn or expand their knowledge about their roots which leads to personal transformations.
Visitors come to the Bluff Country of SE Minnesota, NE Iowa, and SW Wisconsin to learn more about their ancestors and walk in their footsteps. Bluff Country is a hotbed for family genealogists because European emigrants landed in this area thanks to the mighty Mississippi River and the landscape. The emigrants either passed through this area as they traveled west or settled in scenic Bluff Country.

Kevin Lee, president, Decorah (Iowa) Genealogy Association (DGA), said, “There is a map at DGA that shows where visitors are from. They are from all around the world. Many visitors stay a night or two, so they can conduct research.”

Sara Sturgis, executive director Fillmore County Historical Museum and Library in Fountain, Minn., expanded, “Seventy percent of our visitors are family genealogists.”

Bluff Country is home to a vast array of resources. In addition to research libraries and museums, there are also enthusiastic experts to assist researchers in their search.

Starting on a genealogy journey can cause one to pause and ponder where to start. Experienced genealogists recommend starting at home. First, talk with the family elders and record their stories to help guide your journey. Also, look around the house for diaries, family Bibles, artifacts, and photographs, as these are all part of your family’s history and will provide clues that will be useful.

President Stacey Gossling, Winneshiek County Historical Society, in Decorah, Iowa, shared, “The second most searched topic on the internet is genealogy.”

It is helpful to check out the online resources before venturing out. Online resources save time, answer questions, and conjure up new questions. Area historical societies offer limited subscriptions to online resources. For example, the Winneshiek County Historical Society has an Ancestry.com subscription that offers limited access and a subscription to Fold3, the premier online collection of military records.

A smartphone comes in handy for taking photos and shooting videos, recording interviews, taking notes, and GPS. However, be prepared to pay with cash because some research libraries do not accept debit or credit cards and charge a fee for assistance and copies or ask for donations. As a reminder, cell service might not be available in all areas of the bluff region, especially in the deep valleys, so have a backup plan.

Do not rush! Make sure to include time to leisurely look through the abundance of documents, files, and photographs. Resources available at research libraries and museums include public records for births, deaths, marriages, naturalization, probates, early land records, clippings, photos, online newspaper database, obituaries, plat maps, business directories, state and federal census records, school records, military records, yearbooks, family histories, township histories, county histories, cemetery records, and newsletters.

At the Giants of the Earth Heritage Center in Spring Grove, Minn., they have a video recording of area residents that they have interviewed and recorded, plus they also offer DNA testing.
Do not be afraid to ask questions. Take time to visit with the genealogy experts. It is suggested that you call and make an appointment because many centers have limited hours. Check out their websites first before venturing out, as you can request information online.

Fillmore County Historical Society Center and the Giants of the Earth Heritage Center both offer space for family reunions.

According to the Giants of the Earth Heritage Center website, “The Center has a community gathering space including a large pull-down screen. Families gathering for a reunion can take advantage of a sound-proof filming studio to preserve family stories today that will be available to the young people of the future so they can see and hear preceding generations of the family that they did not get to meet.”

Don’t forget to visit cemeteries. Cemeteries provide a wealth of family history. Ask at the historical museums and centers for a map of the cemeteries or a list of cemeteries. In addition, the Winneshiek County Historical Society and the Decorah Genealogy Association created a trail of cemeteries to assist visitors in finding the county’s cemeteries. The map includes GPA coordinates.
Ninety-year-old Georgia Rosendahl, an active volunteer at Giants of the Earth Heritage Center, mentioned that the Center has a complete list of cemeteries in the area. Genealogist John Erickson shared, “The museum in Peterson (Minnesota) has an Index of Cemeteries of most of the cemeteries in the neighborhood.” In addition, Findagrave.com is touted as a reliable online resource that includes photos and information.

Sheila Craig with the Preston Historical Society (PHS) mentioned that Preston, Minn., has a Historic Outdoor campus that includes a 1902 Milwaukee Elevator, 1939 Milwaukee Road box car, 1951 Milwaukee Road caboose, and a Milwaukee Road motor car. In addition, PHS created a historic walking tour map available on the town’s chamber website.
In addition to maintaining a research library, county historical societies are responsible for the county museums. County museums contain enormous collections of artifacts donated by area families. The Houston County Historical Society (Minnesota) has multiple rooms and a variety of historic buildings to tour.

Caution! Once you start on your pilgrimage to trace your family’s roots, it will become addictive, and it will morph into a much bigger project than you could ever imagine. Moreover, the journey will prove to be unending.

By Charlene Corson Selbee

It is not difficult to find a hiking trail in picturesque Bluff Country, as many communities proudly claim at least one hiking trail.

Bluff Country terrain offers trails for all ages and skill levels. The landscape includes miles of rolling hills, scenic overlooks, woods, rivers, rocky bluffs, farms, charming towns, wildlife, and birds.

In Preston, Minn., check out Isinours Junction, which connects with the 18-mile-long Harmony-Preston Valley Trail. There are two interpretive signs on the trail. The first one features the “lost depot,” The other sign highlights the historic “turntable.”

Just 20 minutes south of Rochester, Minn., is Chatfield. Chatfield is located on the Root River Trail and proudly boasts the Lost Creek Hiking Trail. The 6.5-mile trail runs in one direction alongside private land, with parking at Groen Park in Chatfield. The trail is maintained by the Bluff Country Hiking Club, which describes the trail as a natural surface trail. This technical trail features steep climbs and blufftop vistas, several creek crossings, and challenging terrain. The trail is open to the public year-round except during firearms season in November. Brochures are available at either trailhead or in the city park at the visitor’s information center. In February, the hiking club hosts a Candlelight Snowshoe Hike. Snowshoes are available from the club.

Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center outside of Lanesboro, Minn., has over nine miles of trails open to the public seven days a week, dawn till dust! Eagle Bluff Advancement Director Joe Goetzke shares, “There are many species of birds for viewing on our campus, including bald eagle, indigo bunting, tufted titmouse, pileated woodpecker, scarlet tanager, American redstart, and more! Winter fun on the trails includes snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Goetzke summarizes, “Enjoy incredible views and breathtaking beauty from our scenic overlooks.”

Alltrails.com shares that Maglessen Bluff Park is a 1.5-mile lightly trafficked loop trail in Rushford, Minn., features a great forest setting and is suitable for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, and nature trails. Dogs are allowed to use this trail but must be kept on a leash.

The Norwegian Ridge Birding & Nature Trails, located on the east side of Spring Grove, Minn., is a combination of three mowed trails (1-, 2-, or 3.5-mile option) that winds over bridges and through meadows, deciduous forests, agricultural lands and around ponds. The trail is open yearlong for hiking nine months of the year and snowshoeing the rest of the year. Parking is available at the grocery store near the trailhead.

Apple Blossom Overlook Park is in Dakota, Minn. According to the La Crescent Chamber of Commerce, it is an easy 7-minute drive up to the top of the Scenic Apple Blossom Drive (Elm St.). The Chamber of Commerce director shared that those visitors will be treated to sweeping views of the main channel of the Mississippi River and the Driftless region. A 1.5-mile looping trail with oak-hickory-birch woods and goat prairies provides a variety of scenery for hiking and snowshoeing. The wide trails are suitable for all abilities.

Executive Director Julie Hatlem, La Crescent Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism, recommends visitors check out Vetsch Park, “A gem of a park.” The park is in La Crescent city limits and offers a variety of looping trails and terrain with access to the top of the bluff.

Hatlem suggested Eagles Bluff Park. The La Crescent park offers a variety of wooded hiking trails that take you up to the top of the bluff.

“Great River Bluff State Park located in Winona, Minn., sits high on the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River; scenic overlooks are easily reached by walking trails and offer a chance to get away in the quiet bluff country. Oak-hickory woods, pine plantations, and goat prairies provide excellent birding, scenery, hiking on over six miles of trails and nine miles of mostly intermediate level cross-country ski trails,” shared Hatlem.

Are you looking for a leisurely stroll? Como Falls is located behind the fire station in Hokah, Minn.

Recommended Wisconsin hiking trails in the Prairie du Chien, Wis., area include Lawler Park and Nelson Dewey State Park. In addition to offering a variety of terrain, scenic overlooks, birds, and wildlife, both parks share historical stories of the area. Lawler Park offers a river walk with interpretive markers detailing the many layers of Prairie du Chien history. The Nelson Dewey State Park is part of the original estate of Wisconsin’s first governor, Nelson Dewey.

La Riviere Park, a 300-acre nature park located in SE Prairie du Chien, is managed for its natural beauty, wild plants, and wildlife. There are six miles of nature and hiking trails. Winter activity includes snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and sledding. Wildlife abounds in this nature park and is a bird watchers’ haven. Prairie du Chien has been a Wisconsin Bird City since 2013.

The Prairie du Chien area highlights include the one-mile Sturgeon Slough Hiking Trail. The trail is accessed from the rest stop on Hwy. 18 between Prairie du Chien and Marquette, Iowa.

Yellow River State Forest, near Harpers Ferry, Iowa, and Effigy Mounds National Monument, offers more than 50 miles of multi-purpose trails for all skill levels. Hikers traverse through mature forests.

Visitors and residents flock to Pikes Peak State Park, McGregor, Iowa, Mt. Hosmer Lookout and Park, Lansing, Iowa, and Effigy Mounds National Monument, Harpers Ferry, Iowa, to take in the picturesque vistas of the mighty Mississippi River. Have your camera ready to snap pictures of the eagles soaring in the sky above the bluffs. Hiking trails are available at all three locations.

When in Northeast Iowa, visit Decorah, a haven for walkers. Check out the 11-mile Trout Run Trail, Prairie and Butterfly Garden, Dunning Springs, Phelps Park, Palisades Park, Twin Springs, and the Decorah Fish Hatchery. Dogs on leash are welcome.

Spend a quiet day at Cardinal Marsh, Wildlife Management Area, minutes from Ridgeway, Iowa, taking photos of butterflies, dragonflies, birds, and wildlife.

Now, head outside and enjoy Bluff Country!

By Charlene Corson Selbee

The bluff country of NE Iowa, SE Minnesota, and SW Wisconsin offers miles of unspoiled scenic beauty to make your horseback riding trip memorable, fun, and challenging.
Riders will find trails that offer water obstacles, woods, flatlands, hills, bluffs, rocks/gravel, scenic overlooks, challenges, and unknowns. Some trails are suitable for beginners to advance riders.

Need some gear? Deb Thompson, the owner of Hoffmann Stables located outside of Preston, Minn., on Highway 52, explained that they do not have any trails or rent horses. But, Thompson stressed, “We carry all the equipment needed for horses and riders.” Hoffmann Stables is the first stop before riders head to the Forestville Mystery Cave State Park.

Forestville Mystery Cave State Park is a short 7.7-mile drive from Preston and is open for horseback riding from May to October. A trail pass is required to use the trails and is available online at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website dnr.state.mn.us or at the park.

Forestville has 55 horse campsites, with 23 of the sites having electricity. Riders can make reservations online at the DNR website.

There are 17 miles of horse trails in the park. This park is unique from other parks because riders and their horses can stroll through the main street in Historic Forestville, a living history museum. Matt Eidem, Historic Forestville site manager, shared, “The horses really add to the atmosphere at Historic Forestville and really looks like a lot of fun for the folks who are coming through.”

Outback Ranch is located southwest of Houston, Minn., in the Yucatan Valley at the base of the wooded hills. Owner Holly Wieser mentioned that they do not rent horses. She explained that the ranch owns 260 acres with 40 miles of private trails. Wieser shared, “Our visitors like riding here because there is a variety of trails – woods, overlook, grass, rocky, and sandy. Riders like that we have individual pastures.”

There are camping spots with electrical, cabins, bunkhouses, and primitive camping, as well as tent camping at the ranch.

One of many online testimonies. “I belong to a group of about 120 trail riders form SE Minnesota. We get together every Wednesday for a day ride somewhere in the area from Red Wing to the Iowa border. They look forward to the ride here on the Outback trails and the Wet State Forest. The trail system has whatever challenge you want, from easy flat riding to challenging terrain. The views are spectacular!” – Dennis Eich.

Outback Ranch connects to the Wet Bark Recreation Area. There are 11 miles of horseback riding trails. The trails go through the woods, have scenic overlooks, rolling to steep trails, and grassy to rocky trails. Riders should note that there are no water crossings, so there is no place to water the horses while on the trail. There are five primitive campsites in the campgrounds. It is recommended that horses be in good condition!

The horse trailer parking area at Wet Bark Recreation Area has picket lines and a small corral. Portable corrals are allowed in the parking area. A trail pass is required.

A well-kept secret is the Sawmill Trail, located on the east side of Spring Grove. The trailhead is located behind the Farmer’s Coop Elevator on the south side of Highway 44. There is no campground, but overnight camping and parking are allowed on the grassy knoll. There are no porta potties or water, just a fire ring, and new highlines.

The 10-mile Sawmill Trail is an easy trail that crosses all private land. The trailhead overlooks the picturesque valley and meanders through wooded areas crossing Highway 27 and 16 and the sawmill, which the trail is named after. Spring Grove resident and rider Lori Stoen explained, “There is very little rock, so shoes are not necessary unless your horse has sensitive feet.”

La Riviere Park, a 300-acre nature park near Prairie du Chien, Wis., is touted as one of the region’s largest horse camps. The park has a six-acre camp with 80 campsites with water and electrical hookups. The campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Camping is free. Donations are accepted.

There are six miles of horse trails in the park with access to additional trails off the park on private property. Riders experience the many wonders of nature as the trails take them through the woods to open fields and many hills and valleys. Some trails are not marked, and several can be challenging to the inexperienced rider.

The 8,500-acre Yellow River Forest near Harpers Ferry, Iowa, offers 38 miles of equestrian trails that weave in and out through oak-hickory woods home to wild turkeys, deer, Cooper’s hawks, and woodchucks. Several scenic overlooks in the Paint Creek Unit are accessible by horseback. In addition, there are two large primitive campsites at Little Paint Creek Unit.

“Happy trails to you, until we meet again.” – Roy Rogers and Dale Evans