Visit Bluff Country

A guide to Historic Bluff Country

Visit Bluff Country

Cycling Adventures Await on the Bike Trail

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By Charlene Corson Selbee

Discover more than 170 miles of all-weather bike trails weaving through Bluff Country. Whether you’re a first-time rider or a seasoned trail enthusiast, the experience promises excitement and novelty with every journey. Riders of any age or proficiency level are ensured an unforgettable adventure along the scenic bike trails of Bluff Country, beckoning them to return for more.

In the stunning Bluff Country, every trail offers a breathtaking collage of picturesque vistas. Cyclists can enjoy multi-use trails throughout the year, surrounded by miles of scenic landscapes, including the mighty Mississippi River, sprawling fields, as well as green pastures, calming ponds, meandering streams, and ancient forests. The warmth of hospitality in Bluff County ensures encounters with friendly locals and visitors alike as visitors explore the countryside.

The Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail is a photogenic 18-mile multi-use trail that connects the communities of Harmony and Preston, MN with the Root River State Trail. In addition to biking, visitors enjoy hiking and in-line skating during the summer and cross-country skiing in the winter.

The Root River State Trail is a forty-two-mile trail that runs from Fountain, Minn., to Houston, Minn., along the lazy Root River. It is rated one of the top 10 trails in Minnesota. The trail constructed on an abandoned railroad bed is level making it wheelchair accessible except for a steep half-mile segment making it a challenge for some users. Visitors enjoy biking, jogging, walking, in-line skating, and cross-country skiing on the trail.

The Shooting Star Bike Trail, a 28.75-mile paved trail between LeRoy and Austin, MN passes through Lake Lousie State Park and the Minnesota farming communities of Rose Creek, Adams, and Taopi.

Trout Run Trail is a 12-mile asphalt surface that circles Decorah along the Upper Iowa River and through stunning Iowa farm fields and the Decorah Trout Hatchery, home to the famous Decorah eagles. Bikers, hikers, Cross-Country Skiers, and Nature watchers use the trail.

Prairie Farmer Recreational Trail, a 20-mile trail built on an abandoned railroad bed is open year round and connects Calmar, Ridgeway, and Cresco, IA. Users will enjoy biking, hiking, jogging, nature viewing, and cross-country skiing on the trail as they enjoy the views. There are five access points with parking along the trail.

The Wagon Wheel Trail, a 1.6-mile trail takes visitors through the backwaters of the Mississippi River near La Crescent, MN creating a one-of-a-kind opportunity to view wildlife and wildflowers. Hikers and bikers will enjoy this trail as they will not run into others exploring the wetlands. The trail is open year-round and is an easy route, taking less than 30 minutes to complete. This trail provides access to the new pedestrian bridge that connects the trail to downtown La Crescent and passes through the Upper Mississippi National Wildlife and Fish Refuge.

La Crosse River State Trail is a 22-mile trail between La Crosse and Sparta. The trail is rated as easy and goes through parks and forests and is open to walkers and bicyclists from spring through fall and snowmobiles in the winter. A state trail pass is required for all people aged 16 or older biking, cross-country skiing, horseback riding or in-line skating.

Pedal the Great River State Trail, stretching 24.5 miles from its starting point in Onalaska to the charming town of Trempeleau, WI. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery that unfolds before you as you travel along this picturesque route. The trail travels along eighteen enchanting waterways, crosses the Black River on a 287-foot historic farmer railroad trestle and along Lake Onalaska and the BNSF railroad. Cyclists can stop and visit the Nicholls Hopewell Mound, and the Upper Mississippi and Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuges.

Enjoy biking Bluff Country!

Photos by Charlene Corson Selbee

Scanlan takes home grand prize of Green Mountain Grill

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Congratulations to Meggan Scanlan of Caledonia, Minn., who won a brand new Green Mountain Grill ($999 value) from a drawing conducted on September 30, 2023.

Photo by Jason Sethre
  • Brook Nagel, of Harmony, Minn.,
    won a brand new Blackstone 4-burner Griddle from a drawing conducted on August 31, 2023.
  • Ariana Cervantes, of Decorah, Iowa,
    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 have conducted prize giveaways each month from May through September. Prizes include kayaks, a Blackstone griddle, and a Green Mountain Grill.

The Visit Bluff Country Magazine 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 gave away more than $4,000 in gift cards and prizes with four different contests.

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

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

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

10 Hot Air Balloons Will Take to the Sky Over Caledonia

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By Charlene Corson Selbee

The Caledonia Balloon Rally was started in 1990 and is the only balloon rally south of Rochester, Minn., and has become an annual event. This year, the rally is scheduled for October 20-22.

The 10 hot air balloons are coming from Minnesota, the surrounding states of Wisconsin and Iowa, and one is coming from South Dakota. They will lift off from the field behind the Caledonia High School at 4:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday evening and on Saturday and Sunday morning at 7:30 a.m.

Rally organizer Marian Gavin reminds attendees, “Balloon flights are weather dependent, and safety always comes first.” Remember that whether balloons fly or not is at the pilot’s discretion. Keep a watchful eye on the Caledonia Balloon Rally Facebook page for updates on the balloon rally: www.facebook.com/caledoniaballoonrally.

Participating pilots are Russ Lucas, Dodge Center, Minn.; Lynn Huppert, Ellsworth, Wis.; Chris Keefe, Cross Plains, Wis.; Rodney Newkirk, Rochester, Minn.; Tim Cloyd, Runnells, Iowa; John Parezo, Sioux Falls, S. Dak.; Jeff Trzebiatowski, Appleton, Wis.; Terry Dorshorst,

Welcome to the Caledonia Balloon Rally.
Photo by Charlene Corson Selbee

West Salem, Wis.; Sean Eakin, Tomah, Wis.; and Kevin Kamp, Marion, Iowa.

Tom Cloyd from Runnells, Iowa, is this year’s balloon meister. The balloon meister is in charge of and coordinates all the balloon activities at a balloon event. He/she makes sure that the pilots meet all the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements.

Selfie time! Bring your camera to capture the picturesque balloons as they inflate, lift off, and fill the sky with bright colors. #2023CaledoniaBalloonRally

On Saturday, October 21, after the balloon rally, head to the Caledonia City Auditorium Gymnasium from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a free event. Enjoy a freewill donation hot dog lunch, a gift basket extravaganza launch, photo booth, Balloons by Kevin, pumpkin decorating, canvas painting for kids, musical chairs, face painting and tattoos, toss games, lollipop pull,and more. Local author Leanne M. Benson will lead storytelling activites throughout the day.

Upcoming Bluff  County events: 

• October 20-21, Oktoberfest, Prairie du Chien, Wis.

• October 21, Arts & Crafts Fair, Rushford, Minn.

• October 28, Haunted Harmony, Harmony, Minn.

• October 28, 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.

Uffda Fest is Back

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Viking Memorial Park is where the fun happens during Uffda Fest.
Photo by Charlene Corson Selbee

By Charlene Corson Selbee

The community of Spring Grove, Minn., has come together to resurrect the town’s former festival, Uffda Fest. The fall festival celebrates the town’s Norwegian heritage and promotes the town’s vibrant downtown. The festival takes place October 6-8.

Trivia question. What does uffda mean? The word uffda as defined by Wikipedia is “of Norwegian origin, the phrase was brought by Scandinavian Americans to the Upper Midwest, New England, and Pacific Northwest regions of the United States during the 19th century, where its meaning was broadened to express also surprise, astonishment, exhaustion, or relief.”

You will be surprised and astonished at the events community businesses and nonprofit organizations have come up.

Walk and run races are a popular addition to community events and Uffda is no different except for one thing it is a .10K race. That’s right! A 328’ race and participants can walk, run, hop, skip, jump or whatever from the American Legion to Rockfilter Distillery.

Another unique event is the hot dish contest sponsored by the Sons of Norway Valheim Lodge at the Giants of the Earth Heritage Center. On Sunday, October 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. you can vote for your favorite hotdish. Cooks have a chance to win great “Uff Da Worthy” prizes, based on the People’s Choice Votes.

Ole’s Rag Tag Uff Da Band kicks off at 7 p.m. on Friday night, October 6. Participants will have one and only one rehearsal before the inaugural “Uff Da” processional tour. The ad hoc musical group will stop at the Chamber of Commerce, Viking Park, and the Old-Time Barn dance.

There will be an old-time barn dance on Friday evening from 7:30-10:30 p.m. featuring the sounds of Bob Bovee and Pop Wagner.

Garage sales will be happening around town all weekend. Watch for signs!

From September 25 through October 7, residents and visitors are encouraged to support Spring Grove’s one-of-a-kind businesses. Fill a “Shop Local to Win” card for a chance to win prizes.

Vendors will be set up in Viking Memorial Park from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

Hands-on activities and contests include a sidewalk chalk art contest, a spring bulb planter station at Hidden Springs Peony Farm, a scarecrow contest, paint a gnome, or make your own hat.

There will be food! What would a Norwegian celebration be without Norwegian food? On Saturday the Giants of the Earth Heritage Center will be serving lefse, rømmegrot, rømmegrot bars, pickles, etc. to eat for a freewill offering. The Spring Grove Athletic Boosters will be selling pork burgers and pork chops in Viking Memorial Park from 11 a.m. until they are all gone on Saturday, October 7. Legion Post 249 is hosting a food stand at the Peanut Gallery starting at 3 p.m. on Saturday.

Upcoming Bluff

County events: 

• October 3-5, Cranberry Harvest Days, Warrens, Wis.

• October 7, Harvest Festival, Elkader, Iowa

• October 7, Apple Affair, Galesville, 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.

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.