Visit Bluff Country

A guide to Historic Bluff Country

Visit Bluff Country

Fall Colors Come Alive in Bluff Country

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By Charlene Corson Selbee

Colorful hills along the Mighty Mississippi River.
Photo by Charlene Corson Selbee

Fall colors are beginning to bloom in Bluff Country. A wide palette of yellows, oranges, golds, browns, reds, and greens draw residents and visitors alike, to experience Bluff Country.

Whether taking photos, visiting apple orchards, buying colorful mums, enjoying corn mazes with your children, picking out the perfect pumpkin to grace your home, visiting a local farmers market, enjoying the fall decorations, or driving the seven

Yards and towns are decorated with whimsical decorations.
Photo by Charlene Corson Selbee

scenic byways, you are guaranteed to fall in love with Bluff Country.

Fall is also the time when farmers are out in the fields harvesting crops so enjoy the picturesque farm scenes. Be sure to watch for slow moving farm equipment while traveling the winding and hilly roads of Bluff Country.

There are seven Scenic Byways that wind their way through Bluff County including the Great River Road along the Mississippi River, the 17-mile Apple Blossom Scenic Byway that loops through La Crescent, Dakota and Nodine; the 88-mile Historic Bluff Country National Scenic Byway on Minnesota Hwy. 16 from Highway 90 near Dexter all the way to La Crescent;  the Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Highway from Rochester south on US Hwy 63 to Spring Valley, follow MN 16 and US 52 to the Iowa border to Burr Oak; Highway 52 that connects Preston and Prosper is also known as the Amish Byway; the 32-mile Shooting Star Scenic Byway is a drive between Highway 56 and Highway 63 at Chester, Iowa and I-90; and the Driftless Area Scenic Byway in NE Iowa.

Upcoming Bluff  County events: 

• Now through October 21, SeptOberFest, Wabasha, Minn.

• September 28 – October 1, Oktoberfest, La Crosse, Wis.

• September 29 – October 1, NE Iowa Studio Arts Tour, Northeast Iowa towns

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 festival 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.

Fourth Winner of the Summer Takes Home Blackstone 4-Burner Griddle

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Congratulations to Brook Nagel of Harmony, Minn., who won a brand new Blackstone 4-burner griddle from a Visit Bluff Country Magazine drawing conducted on August 31, 2023.

Ariana Cervantes, of Decorah, Iowa, who won a brand new kayak from a drawing conducted on July 31, 2023.

Jill Heiderscheit, of New Albin, Iowa, won a brand new kayak from a drawing conducted on June 30, 2023.

Pamela Eddy, of La Crosse, Wis., won a brand new kayak from a drawing conducted on June 2, 2023.

As the magazine celebrates 38 years as the premier tourism publication of Historic Bluff Country (a.k.a. The Driftless Area), they are conducting prize giveaways each month from May through September. Prizes include kayaks, a Blackstone griddle and a Green Mountain grill.

The next drawing, for a brand new Green Mountain Ledge Prime+Pellet grill ($899 value), will be September 30, 2023. Please to go www.visitbluffcountry.com/thebest to enter this drawing.

The Visit Bluff Country Magazine, the premier tourism publication of the Historic Bluff Country (Driftless) region, is delivered to more than 1,000 locations in 35 counties in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

For information on upcoming town festival 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.

Over the summer months, Visit Bluff Country Magazine is giving away more than $4,000 in gift cards and prizes with four different contests.

The Visit Bluff Country Magazine Golf Tour offers $25 gift cards being given away with a contest on the Visit Bluff Country Magazine Facebook Page.

The Brewery, Distillery & Winery Contest runs on the Visit Bluff Country Magazine Facebook page.  This contest includes a weekly $25 gift card giveaway for 15 consecutive weeks.

Visit Bluff Country Magazine will also give away $100 in gift cards with the Choose Your Adventure Contest, accessible at www.visitbluffcountry.com/adventure.

Tapping of the Keg at Wykoff Fall Fest

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By Charlene Corson Selbee

Make plans to attend the annual Wykoff Fall Festival this weekend, September 21-24. Dave Schmidt will tap the keg at noon on Saturday at the fest grounds.

This year’s grand marshals are Ken and Marie Baker. On Saturday at 11 a.m. you’ll see them in  the popular Fall Fest parade.

Make plans to attend the festival’s dinner theater, Fall Fest Foul Play: Murder at Wykoff Casino on Thursday, September 21, from 6-8 p.m. at Wykoff Commons.

Return performers Matt and Brenda Stier will take the stage at the Wykoff Community Center on Friday, September 22, from 6-8 p.m. Freewill donations will be accepted.

Listen to the sounds of The Bandanas, Casey & The Good Timers, and Bourbon Stiletto at the fire hall from 12-6 p.m. on Saturday. The Firemen’s dance begins at 8 p.m. featuring music by Big Bang Entertainment.

Check out the food options! On Saturday only is the Lions Brat Stand, Amish Bake Sale, and St. John’s Bake Sale. On Saturday and Sunday attendees will enjoy Tommy’s Concessions, True Smoke Food Truck, and Wykoff Fire Relief Beer Garden. On Saturday night is the popular Wykoff Fire Department Chili Feed. A traditional German meal will be offered by the United Methodist Church on Saturday at 11 a.m. at the community center. On Sunday, September 24, the Historical Society will be serving breakfast at the community center from 8 a.m. until noon or until gone.

Kids will enjoy a full schedule of activities throughout the weekend including bounce houses, ax throwing, obstacle course, face painting, sand pile, dump truck raffle, candy bar bingo, carnival games, Nan Kids train ride, mini golf, medallion treasure hunt, and Balloons by Kevin. On Sunday kids have the chance to compete in the pedal pull.

Upcoming Bluff  Country events: 

•September 21-24, Boats and Bluegrass Festival, Winona, Minn.

•September 21-24, Cranberry Festival, Warrens, Wis.

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 festival 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.

What’s New at Applefest?

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Travel the Apple Blossom Scenic Byway during the 75th Applefest in La Crescent, Minn.
Photo by Charlene Corson Selbee

By Charlene Corson Selbee

Organizers have added two new events to the 75th annual Applefest schedule, September 15-17 in picturesque La Crescent, Minn. 

The festivities light up the town on Thursday, September 14, with the first-ever Torchlight Parade. Entries will line up at Veterans Memorial parking lot and travel through downtown La Crescent, ending in the Crucifixion parking lot. The parade is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. The annual King Apple parade takes place at 1 p.m. on Sunday. This year’s parade marshal is Doug Stavenau.

Be ready to shop at the first-ever Applefest Great River Makers Market which will take place at the La Crescent Area Event Center on Saturday, September 16 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The market features 37 vendors who will be selling everything from children’s clothing, fishing-inspired products, local honey, lavender, pet products, skincare, jewelry, hone décor, essential oils, food and drink, accessories, art, books, bakeries, bath and body, candles, ceramics, plus a little bit of everything.

The stage comes alive as five La Crosse bands take the stage during Applefest! Kick up your heels as country band Blue Collar 40 kicks off the festivities on Friday night from 6:30 to 8 p.m. followed by Something Familiar who will be playing your local tunes. On Saturday, Overplayed will rock the stage from 5:30-7:30 p.m. followed by country music band Hillbilly Rocketship at 8 p.m. Listen to the tunes of Daddy’s Girls – Round Two on Sunday from 5-9 p.m.

Include a visit to the La Crescent Area Historical Society History Center and Apple Museum for a slice of history. The museum is open Saturday during Applefest from noon to 4:00 p.m. Pick up a map at the center for a self-guided tour of the area’s orchards and apple stands located along the Apple Blossom Scenic Byway. While on the trail pick up a bag or two of crunchy delicious-tasting local apples and/or a jug of apple cider, and don’t forget a caramel apple.

Upcoming Bluff County events

• September 16, Great River Car Show & Cruise, Elkader, Iowa

• September 16, Sept-Oberfest, Wabasha, 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 festival 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.

Toot-Toot!

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Ride ‘em cowboys and cowgirls!
Photo by Charlene Corson Selbee

By Charlene Corson Selbee

Toot-Toot, the familiar sound heard every September in Mabel welcomes residents and visitors to the annual Hesper-Mabel Steam Engine Days, September 7-10.

The giant steam engines kick off both parades on Saturday and Sunday at noon. The Hesper-Mabel Calliope, a steam-whistle organ, takes its place among the steam engines as it whistles out familiar tunes. Do the iconic “wave” when Grand Marshals, Deb and Wayne Buxengard on Saturday and Cathy Peterson on Sunday pass by.

New this year is the six-person coed sand volleyball tournament on Saturday and Sunday. The tournament will take place on the new sand volleyball courts built by community volunteers and local businesses.

Over the past 71 years, the popular farm celebration has been known for fun challenging games and this year is no different. Sunday afternoon begins with the Kids in the Straw Coin Find for pre-school through fifth graders followed by the Mabel Lions mutton bustin’ competition. Kids will be talking about their wild ride on the four-legged woolly animal for days. Spectators will be splitting a gut as the kids roll off or as the sheep drops to the ground in protest with the child still on its back.

Rain or shine, the Hesper-Mabel Steam Engine Days parade goes on.
Photo by Charlene Corson Selbee

Follow the oohs and aahhs to the Hesper Lutheran Church and Mabel First Lutheran Church food stand located on the festival grounds. The food stand is open for breakfast and lunch from 7 a.m. through early evening. Try a slice of fresh baked pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

Molly B & Squeezebox takes the stage Saturday afternoon at the Mabel Lions beer garden, country singer Cory Farley will rock the stage Friday night, and on Saturday evening Rhino will entertain the crowd. Enjoy dancing to the sounds of the Lockharts on Thursday evening at the Mabel Legion, on Friday night dance to the tunes of Buck Hollow, and Saturday night is Flashback. On Sunday morning enjoy Highway 30 during the ecumenical church service on the festival grounds, and Palomino will be performing Sunday afternoon in the beer garden.

Other upcoming Bluff Country community celebrations:

•September 8-10, Watermelon Fest, Kellogg, Minn.

•September 8-10, Dairy Days, Platteville, Wis.

•September 9-10, Laura Ingalls Wilder Days, Pepin, Wis.

•September 9 – October 21, SeptOberFest, Wabasha, 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 festival 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.

Fun on the Mississippi River

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Hang out with family at Alma’s annual celebration.
Photo courtesy of Alma Music and Arts Festival Facebook page

By Charlene Corson Selbee

Looking for something to do Labor Day weekend on the banks of the Mississippi River? If so, check out the 20th Annual Alma Music & Arts Festival at the Alma Beach and Recreation Area in Alma, Wis. The fun kicks off on Sunday, September 3 at 11 a.m. Thanks to community sponsors and volunteers the event is free.

Event organizers promote the festivities as, “A day of art, food, and fine music showcasing the natural beauty of the river and bluffs.”

The names of the bands will entice attendees to the town’s last celebration of the summer. Patchouli takes the stage from noon to 1:30 p.m., followed by The High 48s from 1:30– 3 p.m. Four Pints will have attendees swaying from 3-4:30 p.m., and Left Wing Bourbon ends the day on a high note from 4:30-7 p.m.

Four familiar food trucks will make a welcomed appearance at the festivities again this year, including Two Scoops & a Bar, River Road Coffee, Rubio’s Family Mexican Restaurant, and Smoke-in D’s BBQ.

According to the festival website there will be “vendors featuring pastels, handweaving, fall and winter décor, photocards, prints, purses, pottery, silver and jewelry, glass art, walking sticks, candles, face painting, and much much more!”

What’s happening in Bluff County this week

• September 7-10, Hesper-Mabel Steam Engine Days, Mabel, Minn.

• September 8-10, Dairy Days, Platteville, Wis.

• September 8-10, Watermelon Fest, Kellogg, Minn.

• September 9 and 10, Laura Ingalls Wilder Days, Pepin, Wis.

• September 9, SeptOberfest, Wabasha, 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 festival 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.