Visit Bluff Country

A guide to Historic Bluff Country

Visit Bluff Country

Announcing Call for Visual Artists for Early Career Artist Exhibition at Lanesboro Arts Gallery

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Lanesboro, Minn. – Lanesboro Arts is pleased to announce an opportunity for early career visual artists from Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa to display their work in a professional gallery setting at Lanesboro Arts. The show will run from February 8 through March 30, 2025. Applications are due December 9, 2024 at noon. Accepted artists will be contacted by December 20. 

The Early Career Artist Exhibition will be curated by an advisory committee made up of BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and disabled artists involved in the Equitable Systems Change Program. Lanesboro Arts has launched the Equitable Systems Change Program for the Lanesboro Arts Gallery as a commitment to a thorough review and change of current systems and processes, based on detailed recommendations to align practices with equity values and more deeply serve BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ artists. 

Lanesboro Arts defines an “early career artist,” or emerging artist, as an individual who has great potential in their artistic practice but has not yet received major recognition, has not yet been substantially celebrated for their work and / or has not yet established significant “footing” within their field. This particular show will prioritize early career artists who also identify as BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and/or disabled; however all early career artists are welcome to apply. All visual arts media are eligible. Artists may be any age, but Lanesboro Arts specifically invites those artists with limited exhibition experience to apply.

To apply, artists may complete the online application available on the Lanesboro Arts website. From the homepage of lanesboroarts.org, click on ‘Artist Opportunities’ on the sidebar, and then on ‘Early Career Artist Application’. To complete the application, artists are asked to submit images via Google Drive or Dropbox. All visual arts media are eligible – both 2-D and 3-D. For those who prefer, you may submit a video application to gallery@lanesboroarts.org, with the subject line “Early Career Artist application”.

Wall pieces chosen will need to be framed and include a hanging wire in the back; all work in the Early Career Artist Exhibition will be for sale as per consignment agreement (40% gallery, 60% artist). Each accepted artist will receive a $500 stipend for exhibition costs, and will have the option of assisting with installation.  Transporting the work to and from Lanesboro will be the responsibility of the artist; however, for this show, we are able to offer a mileage stipend for those who request it up to $250. The deadline for work delivery will be January 31, 2025. 

The Early Career Artist Exhibition will open on Saturday, February 8, 2025, with an artist reception from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Lanesboro Arts Gallery.

The Lanesboro Arts Gallery is located at 103 Parkway Ave. N. in Lanesboro, Minnesota. The organization provides year-round arts programming and serves as a regional catalyst for artistic excellence and educational development, by providing diverse art experiences for people of all ages. For more information, visit www.lanesboroarts.org.

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

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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.