Visit Bluff Country

A guide to Historic Bluff Country

Visit Bluff Country

Third kayak winner of the summer

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Congratulations to 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 will be 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 Blackstone Outdoor 4-burner Griddle ($429 value) will be August 31, 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 1,000locations 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.

Over the summer months, Visit Bluff Country Magazine will give 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 that will be given away with a contest on the Visit Bluff Country Facebook Page.

The Brewery, Distillery & Winery Contest runs on the Visit Bluff Country Magazine Facebook page.  This contest will include a weekly $25 gift card giveaway for 13 consecutive weeks.

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

Fall has Arrived in Howard County

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The Norman Borlaug Heritage Farm south of Cresco.
Photo by Charlene Corson Selbee

By Charlene Corson Selbee

The first fall festival of the year has arrived. Head over to Cresco, Iowa, to immerse yourself in the Norman Borlaug Harvest Fest Friday, August 25 through Sunday, August 27.

Borlaug is only one of seven people in the world to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the Congressional Gold Medal.

“An unforgettable celebration paying homage to our rich heritage and legacy of the esteemed Dr. Norman Borlaug,” explained Howard County Business & Tourism Community & Business Development Specialist Spiff Slifka.

The Norman Borlaug Heritage Foundation will have farm tours on Saturday, August 26 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Norman Borlaug’s birthplace and boyhood farm sites located just minutes south of Cresco.

On Thursday evening check out the open-air market in Beadle Park from 3-6 p.m. followed by the tractor show, kids’ activities and a free meal at Accura HealthCare from 4-7 p.m.

Early Friday evening, Crestwood High School is conducting tours of their new addition. The beer tent opens at 5 p.m. and Friday night is puzzle and bingo night at the Harvest Fest tent.

Tour the Norman Borlaug Heritage Farm on Saturday, August 26.
Photo by Charlene Corson Selbee

Start Saturday off with breakfast at the VFW hall from 7-10 a.m. followed by the Cruise to Cresco car show from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in downtown Cresco. The steak cook-off in Beadle Park starts at 8 a.m. and ends at 6 p.m. on Saturday and runs from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Join in the fun at the first annual pickleball tournament on Saturday at Evans Court.

In celebration of 135 years, CUSB Bank is hosting a free lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the bank’s parking lot with live entertainment by JR Brink Band. The bank is hosting kids’ games, bounce houses, and a petting zoo from 12-4 p.m. and the Buffalo Alice Band will be performing from 2-6 p.m. in the bank parking lot.

At 3 p.m. the veterans will start serving their steak and pork loin dinner in the VFW hall on Saturday and again on Sunday at 12:30 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

At 4:30 p.m. the Harvest Fest Parade kicks-off. Note that there is a new route this year.

Head to the Harvest Fest tent Saturday night at 9 p.m. for three hours of live music featuring northeast Iowa’s local country singer Cory Farley.

On Sunday morning enjoy a down home ranch breakfast at the Cresco Country Club from 8 a.m. to 12 noon. At 2 p.m. is the annual ice cream social at historic Kellow House.

Other Bluff Country events happening this weekend.

• Hole in the Sock Gang 1880s Street Theatre, McGregor, 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 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.

Snoopy Collection on Exhibit During the Houston County Fair

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The Houston County Historical Society is hosting three free show and tell presentations in the agricultural building during the fair. Photo by Charlene Corson Selbee

By Charlene Corson Selbee

Local Caledonia resident, Luan Hammel’s 30-year Snoopy collection will be on exhibit during the Houston County Fair. The fair runs from August 16-20, in Caledonia, Minn.

Fairgoers can find the collection in the Houston County Historical Society agricultural building. Hammel started the collection when she was in college after purchasing a calendar. She was immediately hooked on Snoopy, the slick white dog, and the Peanut gang. The exhibit is only half of her collection.

Fair goers will also have an opportunity to view a collection of Houston County images. A volunteer has spent a lot of time processing, cleaning, sorting, labeling, and filing the society’s collection of 22,000 plus glass negatives. A slide show of images will be available to view during the fair in the agricultural building. The society is hoping that visitors will be able to help identify the people in the pictures.

Another new exhibit is the Turning of the Quilts in the agricultural building. Volunteers will explain the history of the Turning of the Quilts and the Murphy bed as well as stories of the 20 quilts. Presentations are on Thursday, August 17, Friday, August 18, and Saturday, August 19, at 1:30 p.m.

Ever wished you could tour the historical buildings located on the fairgrounds? All four of the buildings (Presbyterian Church, Flatten-Swenson Pioneer Home, Mayville Town Hall and the Daley School) located on the fairgrounds will be open during the fair. “The four buildings are everything the settlers were looking for when they settled in the new world,” explained Vice-President Debra Way. There will also be demonstrators throughout the fair.

The agricultural building and the historical buildings will be open Thursday from 12-8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Sunday from 12-3 p.m. There is no admission fee to tour the buildings and attend the presentations, thanks to volunteers that staff the buildings.

There will be plenty of traditional fair activities happening during the fair and lots of delicious food.

Snoopy and Peanuts collection on display during the Houston County fair.
Photo by Charlene Corson Selbee

Other Bluff Country events happening this weekend.

• August 17-20, SEMBA Summer Bluegrass Festival, Houston, Minn.

• August 17-25, Apollo Music Festival, Houston, Minn.

• August 18-20, Canton Day Off Celebration, Canton, Minn.

• August 19, Art-A-Fest, Charles City, Iowa

• August 19, LizFest/Apple Blossom Bike Tour, La Crescent, Minn.

• August 19, Bluff Land Tri: Run, Bike, Hike, Rushford, Minn.

• August 10-20, Art in the Park Fine Arts Festival, Elkader, 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 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.

Wearing of the green

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By Charlene Corson Selbee

The Irish music reaches the depth of your soul and will have your feet stomping and your body waving to the fast-paced music. You might jump up out of your seat and start dancing the jig. Plenty of Irish music will be at the 18th Annual Irishfest in La Crosse, Wis., August 11-13.

Take a selfie with Clancy at the 18th Annual Irishfest August 11-13 in La Crosse, Wis.
Photo courtesy of Irishfest La Crosse

Say hi to the green and orange-clad with red hair leprechaun, Clancy, and don’t forget to take a selfie with him. He will be roaming the fest grounds all three days.

There will be many free activities for the Wee Folks, including an arcade for 10-year-olds and up. Watching the little ones is sure to be fun!

There are also highland games for the adults, a tug-of-war competition, a mashed potato eating contest, Irish Road bowling, and a fiddle contest.

Don your kilts and register for Killian’s 5K Kilt Run/Walk Saturday at 10 a.m.

Purchase a raffle ticket or two for a chance to win a trip for two to Ireland, a 2024 Irishfest La Crosse VIP weekend package for two, or a beautiful Irish theme quilt.

The annual fest offers a unique opportunity to research your Irish roots. Suppose this is your first attempt at genealogy. In that case, volunteers from the La Crosse Area Genealogical Society will be available to help you, and the La Crosse Public Library archives provide access to library resources on the internet and at the local library.

The vendor’s market sports everything from Irish sportswear, jewelry, sweaters made in Ireland, kilts, belts, footwear, fairy and dragon figurines, Irish silver and pewter pendants, bracelets, face painting, body art, glitter tattoos, jewelry, bags, Irish gifts, and one-of-a-kind items made from used whiskey barrels.

Rumor has it you want to make sure you sample all the tasty food available onsite.

Other Bluff Country events happening this weekend:

•August 10, Rhythm by the River, Preston, Minn.

•August 10-13, Western Days, Chatfield, Minn.

•August 11-13, Irish Fest, La Crosse, Wis.

•August 11-13, Fish Days, Lansing, Iowa

•August 11-13, Sweet Corn Days, Lime Springs, Iowa

•August 11-13, Millville Valley River Days, Millville, 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.

Summer fun in Lanesboro

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Meet Buffalo Bill in Lanesboro at the town’s annual Buffalo Bill Days.
Photo courtesy of Laneboro Chamber of Commerce

By Charlene Corson Selbee

Join the community of Lanesboro, Minn. at the 39th Annual Buffalo Bill Days, August 3 through the 6.

Family movie night kicks off the four-day event. The Disney movie “Encanto” will start at 8:30 p.m. in scenic Sylvan Park.

New this year, a dunk tank! On Saturday, August 5, from 12-2 p.m., take aim at the Lanesboro Fire Department, from 2-4 p.m. teachers will be waiting in line to get soaked, and from 4-6 p.m. it will be the coaches turn. On Sunday, August 6, from 12-2 p.m., high school students will be taking the “hot” seat and from 4-6 p.m. community officials will be joining in on the fun.

Chairperson Kristen Asleson shared that the influx of softball teams has picked up. You do not want to miss the men’s softball tournament this year.

Asleson also mentioned that anything you want fried you will be able to get. Check out Stumpy’s Concessions for pizza, fries, strips, corn dogs, fried pickles, etc.; Charlie’s Concessions is serving cheese curds, onion rings, corn dogs, and drinks; Abby’s menu includes sandwiches, fried food, and drinks; L & L Kebab House has gyro sandwiches; Big Dog Concessions is serving everything fried; The Snack Shack has mini donuts, cotton candy, nachos, pretzels with cheese, slushies, and drinks; and Fillmore County American Dairy Association is serving soft serve ice cream.

Fillmore County Cattlemen will be serving up their famously delicious steak dinner, supporting the Lanesboro EMS on Friday, August 4. 

Dance in the street to Blue Ringers, a pop, rock, and country band, on Friday night from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Next 2 Nothing will be rocking the beverage and brat tent from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. on Saturday.

Other popular events include the car cruise in at the community center, beverage and brat tent, farmers market, live music, bingo, co-ed volleyball tournament, and men’s softball tournament, Buffalo Roam 5K and one-mile run, golf tournament, Grand Parade, and fireworks at dusk on Saturday night, and duck races.

Buffalo Bill Days apparel (t-shirts and hats) is available at the city office.

Organizers remind visitors and residents to shop locally. The stores are open all day.

Other Bluff Country events happening this weekend:

• August, HARC Art Month, Houston, Minn.

• August 4-5, Wapsi Days Festival, Riceville, 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 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.

Second kayak winner of the summer

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Congratulations to Jill Heiderscheit, of New Albin, Iowa, who 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 will be 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 kayak will be July 31, 2023. Please go to 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.

Over the summer months, Visit Bluff Country Magazine will give 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 that will be given away with a contest on the Visit Bluff Country Facebook Page.

The Brewery, Distillery & Winery Contest runs on the Visit Bluff Country Magazine Facebook page.  This contest will include a weekly $25 gift card giveaway for 13 consecutive weeks.

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