Visit Bluff Country

A guide to Historic Bluff Country

Visit Bluff Country

Blackstone 4-Burner Griddle Winner

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Photo by Jason Sethre

On August 31, 2024, Marissa Ristau, of Preston, Minn., won a brand new Blackstone 4-Burner Griddle from a drawing for the Visit Bluff Country Magazine Best of the Best contest.

Kelley Hudson, of Brooklyn Park, Minn., won a brand new kayak from the same contest on July 31, 2024.

Maria Stemper, of Caledonia, Minn., won a brand new kayak from the same contest on June 30, 2024.

Katie Semling, of Fountain City, Wis., also won a brand new kayak from the same contest on May 31, 2024.

As Visit Bluff Country Magazine celebrates 39 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 Grizzly cooler, and a Green Mountain Grill.

The last drawing of the season will be held on September 30, 2024, for a brand new Green Mountain Grill pellet grill.  Please go to www.visitbluffcountry.com/thebest to enter for a chance to win.

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.

Over the summer months, Visit Bluff Country Magazine will giveaway over $4,000 in gift cards and prizes.

Third Kayak winner of the Summer

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Photo by Jason Sethre

On July 31, 2024, Kelley Hudson, of Brooklyn Park, Minn., won a brand new kayak from a drawing for the Visit Bluff Country Magazine Best of the Best contest.

Maria Stemper, of Caledonia, Minn., won a brand new kayak from the same contest on June 30, 2024.

Katie Semling, of Fountain City, Wis., also won a brand new kayak from the same contest on May 31, 2024.

As Visit Bluff Country Magazine celebrates 39 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 Grizzly cooler, and a Green Mountain Grill.

The last drawing of the season will be held on September 30, 2024, for a brand new Green Mountain Grill pellet grill. Please go to visitbluffcountry.com/thebest to enter for a chance to win.

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 explore this website.

Over the summer months, Visit Bluff Country Magazine will giveaway over $4,000 in gift cards and prizes.

Second Kayak winner of the Summer

by

Photo by Jason Sethre

On June 30, 2024, Maria Stemper, of Caledonia, Minn., won a brand new kayak from a drawing for the Visit Bluff Country Magazine Best of the Best contest.

Katie Semling, of Fountain City, Wis., also won a brand new kayak from the same contest on May 31, 2024.

As Visit Bluff Country Magazine celebrates 39 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 Grizzly cooler, and a Green Mountain Grill.

The next drawing for a brand new Blackstone griddle will be held on August 31, 2024. Please go to www.visitbluffcountry.com/thebest to enter for a chance to win.

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.

Over the summer months, Visit Bluff Country Magazine will giveaway over $4,000 in gift cards and prizes.

First Kayak winner of the Summer 2024

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On May 31, 2024, Visit Bluff Country Magazine conducted the first prize giveaway drawing of the summer, which was a brand new kayak. As the magazine celebrates 39 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 Grizzly cooler, and a Green Mountain Grill.

The next drawing for a brand new kayak will be June 30, 2024. Please go to www.visitbluffcountry.com/thebest to enter for a chance to win.

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.

Over the summer months, Visit Bluff Country Magazine will giveaway over $4,000 in gift cards and prizes with four different contests.

The Visit Bluff Country Magazine Golf Tour kicks off this next week, and $25 gift cards 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 17 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.

PHOTO:
Katie Semling, of Fountain City, Wis., alongside her son Barett, stood next to their brand new kayak that Katie won in a recent contest.
Photo by Jason Sethre

Indulge Your Senses This Summer

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By Charlene Corson Selbee

Live music in Bluff Country
Bring your friends and family and enjoy live music in picturesque Historic Bluff Country city parks.
Photo submitted

Picture a tranquil Midwest summer evening lounging in a lawn chair or relaxing on a blanket. As local bands blast out familiar tunes, you will find yourself swaying or dancing to their melodies. Indulge in the savory taste of a grilled bratwurst topped with mustard and sauerkraut or enjoy the crunch of fresh popped popcorn, all while sipping a refreshing cold beverage.

Eight communities in historic Bluff Country host free musical events during the summer.

Every community boasts its own distinctive title for their outdoor music concerts. From Decorah’s inviting Lawn Chair Nights to Whalan’s scenic Music in the Bluffs, and from Spring Grove’s vibrant Music and Market to Chatfield’s lively Music in the Park, each event promises its own unique charm. Join in the rhythm at Preston’s Rhythm by the River, immerse yourself in Spring Valley’s Music in the Park, or groove along at Caledonia’s Music in the Park. Don’t miss out on Peterson’s Summer Music Series! Names like these are guaranteed to entice participation.

Summer attendees can anticipate a lineup of beloved local bands gracing the stages this summer throughout Bluff Country. Enjoy the sounds of Mollie B, Lost Faculties, Rutabaga Brothers & Sister Mariah, Almost Amish, River Crossing, The Lonely Knees, LP and the 45s, Gopher Tones, The Chubs, Pete’s Pool Hall, Buck Hollow Band, The Riff Rangers, Trouble Shooter, Chatfield Brass Band, The Notochords Big Band, Kevin Ryan, Frank Moore, Prairie Smoke, Main Street Harmony, Tom Conrad, or Joe & Jackie Cody.

Each event showcases local bands and provides concessions for attendees. Guests are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets and are welcome to bring along a picnic basket if desired.

Music Schedule

• Music in the Park, Caledonia – Tuesday, June 25, July 9, 16, 23, 30. Picnic in the Park at 5:30 followed by music from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Gazebo Park in downtown Caledonia.

• Music in the Park, Chatfield – Thursday, June 6, 13, and 20 from 7-8 p.m. Sunday, June 30 from 7-8 p.m. at Chatfield City Park.

• Lawn Chair Night, Decorah – Thursday evenings on the courthouse lawn or Washington Street outside Impact Coffee in downtown Decorah.

• Summer Music Series, Peterson – Sunday, July 7, 14, 21, and 28 from 5-7 p.m. at the historic bandstand.

• Rhythm by the River, Preston – Thursday, June 13, July 11, and August 8 from 6-8 p.m. at Trailhead Park.

• Music and Market, Spring Grove – Every Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. at Viking Memorial Park.

• Music in the Park, Spring Valley – Friday, June 7, 14, 21, 28, and July 5, 12, and 19 from 6:30-8:30 at Spring Creek Park.

• Music in the Bluffs, Whalan – Fri., May 31 from 6-7:30 p.m., Sat. July 20 from 4-7 p.m., and Sat. August 17 from 4-7 p.m. at the gazebo in the Park.

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.

Join the Disc Golf Craze

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By Charlene Corson Selbee

Bluff Country stands out as an ideal destination for disc golf enthusiasts, boasting unparalleled scenery and diverse terrain unique to the region. From rolling fields, and sweeping rivers to towering limestone bluffs, the region offers a picturesque backdrop for a memorable disc golf journey from course to course. The sight of eagles soaring overhead, and the flowing Mississippi River adds to the unique charm of this destination.

Novice and seasoned golfers alike can test their skills on a varied terrain that includes natural and man-made obstacles, such as water hazards, stately pines, rocks and boulders, changes in elevation, playgrounds, an icehouse, a log cabin, picnic shelters, playgrounds, and even a vegetable garden, adds an extra layer of excitement to the game.

Disc golf is a year-round sport in the upper Midwest, with many courses remaining open even in the winter. Playing in the snow is for those that want to enjoy the game and not set records.
The sport is promoted as one of the best lifetime fitness activities suitable for all ages and skill levels.

One of the benefits of disc golf is its cost-free nature, as many courses are in public parks with no fees. At minimum players only need one disc to play, though experts recommend beginners start with three, a putter, midrange and driver for a more rounded experience. Due to all the walking, wear comfortable athletic shoes and wear a bucket hat to shield oneself from the sun. Tip: Bring along a portable radio and speaker to listen to while playing.

Preston, Minnesota’s newest course adds a unique twist, allowing players to engage in various sports on the same course. A basket built into the ground at the bottom of the disc basket opens up possibilities like playing soccer. If you do not have a disc, stop by the Preston Library and check one out. In other towns, stop at their library to see if they have discs to check out.

For more detailed information on each course, visit the Professional Disc Golf Association website at www.pdga.com or download the UDisc Disc Golf app on your cell phone. The app is free.

As you embark on your disc golf journey in Bluff Country, be prepared for an adventure filled with diverse landscapes, challenging courses, and welcoming communities, leaving you with cherished memories and a deepened love for the sport.

Photos by Charlene Corson Selbee