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News

Experience, Brownsville, a Quaint River Town on the Mississippi River

June 24, 2025 by Visit Bluff Country

By Charlene Corson Selbee

Surrounded by massive limestone bluffs along the mighty Mississippi River, Brownsville combines the beauty of untouched nature with the warm embrace of small-town charm. This tranquil river town is renowned for its unique blend of community, history, and recreational opportunities that cater to residents and visitors alike. Whether you’re seeking serene landscapes, vibrant local culture, or outdoor adventures, Brownsville offers an exceptional destination filled with a lengthy history, memorable experiences, and community spirit.

Photo Submitted
  1. The River Station convenience store in Brownsville is a vital hub for our small river town, providing residents and visitors with everyday essentials, fuel, and friendly service. The River Station is conveniently located at the intersection of County Road 3 (Main Street) and Minnesota State Highway 26 which runs parallel to the Mississippi River and is part of the Great River Road National Scenic Byway.

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  1. Wild Cat Park & Landing, located along the scenic Mississippi River is a popular tourist attraction that draws visitors for camping, boating, fishing, and breathtaking river views. On the premises there are two public boat landings: one on the north side of the park and one on the south side of the park. The campground offers 35 seasonal sites, 51 electrical sites, and 8 primitive sites. There is a small playground centrally located in the park. The on-site office has a small concession space to accommodate the campers and visitors with essential camping supplies and a variety of snacks and treats available for sale.

Saxon Hall
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  1. Saxon Hall is a beloved staple in Brownsville, known for its welcoming atmosphere and delicious, locally famous pizzas. It serves as a gathering place for families, friends, and visitors, adding warmth and flavor to the heart of this small town.

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  1. Lawrence Lake Marina is a lively and popular attraction on the Mississippi River, featuring a Tiki Bar that offers great food, drinks, and entertainment in a scenic waterfront setting. It attracts both locals and tourists, serving a key destination that supports recreation, tourism, and community connection to this popular river town.

Photo Submitted
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  1. The Wildcat Saloon, located in Brownsville, is a locally owned favorite known for its welcoming atmosphere and delicious Friday night fish fry. It’s a cherished gathering spot that brings the community together and adds to Brownsville’s small-town charm.

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  1. Shellhorn Bar & Grill is a short drive down river from Another restaurant frequented by locals and visitors alike featuring filling bar food, live entertainment, and outdoor seating.

Photo by Charlene Corson Selbee
  1. Brownsville Overlook, located about three miles south of Brownsville on Highway 26 is a popular destination for birdwatchers. The site offers a paved parking lot with ample space and mounted spotting scopes for visitors to enjoy the views. During peak migration season-mid-October to mid-November- a portable, accessible restroom is available on-site. If the Brownsville Overlook is busy, consider visiting the Highway 26 Overlook, located roughly one mile farther south. Visitors are reminded not to park along the highway and that weekdays are less crowded.

Filed Under: News

Celebrate Small-Town Spirit at Laura Days and Brownsville Days

June 23, 2025 by Visit Bluff Country

Brownsville Day parade entry promoting the town’s Fire Rescue. Photo by Charlene Corson Selbee

By Charlene Corson Selbee

The Mabel American Legion Post 299 leads the Laura Days parade. Photo by Charlene Corson Selbee
The Mabel American Legion Post 299 leads the Laura Days parade. Photo by Charlene Corson Selbee
Brownsville Day parade entry promoting the town’s Fire Rescue. Photo by Charlene Corson Selbee
Brownsville Day parade entry promoting the town’s Fire Rescue. Photo by Charlene Corson Selbee

Summer in the Midwest wouldn’t be complete without the joy of community celebrations. Two standout events are set to bring that spirit to life the weekend of June 27-29 in Bluff Country. Laura Days in Burr Oak, Iowa, and Brownsville Days in Brownsville, Minn., invite locals and visitors alike to enjoy rich traditions, local culture, and small-town charm.

These events offer something for everyone, whether you’re drawn to live entertainment, delicious festival fare, nostalgic activities, or simply a chance to make new memories with family and friends.

Community celebrations feature favorites including: colorful parades, softball tournaments, bingo, kids’ activities, classic car shows, outdoor gospel service, cornhole tournament, and fireworks.

The festivities in Burr Oak begin with bingo and live music at Barney’s Bar and Grill. Saturday features the always-popular parade, pie auction, pioneer games for kids, and tours of the Masters Hotel.

Author and Speaker Cindy Wilson will give a special presentation of “The Hard Winter of 1880-1881,” offering visitors an immersive glimpse into the life of the Ingalls family. The evening wraps up with a performance by the Buck Hollow Band, while Sunday begins with an outdoor gospel service featuring local favorite Brad Boice.

Brownsville’s festivities cater to all ages. Kids will enjoy a coin dig, scavenger hunt, pedal tractor pull, dunk tank, and inflatables, while adult visitors will enjoy live music from Melissa McCarthy and One Accord, a cornhole tournament, and a classic car show on Sunday. The weekend wraps up with a crowd-pleasing fireworks display.

These annual festivals are made possible through the dedication of volunteers from local service organizations like the Lions Club, and attractions such as the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum in Burr Oak.

Come celebrate summer, share in the traditions, and create lasting memories at Laura  Days and Brownsville Days, two can’t miss events that bring communities together through fun, history, and heart.

Upcoming events in Bluff Country

•June 21 – Gammel Dag Fest, Peterson, Minn.

•June 24 – Music in the Park, Caledonia, Minn.

•une 25-29 – Mighty Howard County Fair, Cresco, Iowa

•June 27-29 – Brownsville Days, Brownsville, Minn.

•June 27-29 – Laura Ingalls Wilder Day – Burr Oak, Iowa

•June 28 – Music on the Bluff, Whalan, 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 festivals 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.

Filed Under: News

Founders Day Celebrates 10 Years in Downtown Caledonia

June 5, 2025 by Visit Bluff Country

By Charlene Corson Selbee

This year marks the 10th anniversary of Founders Day being held in downtown Caledonia. The celebration has grown from a one-day to a three-day community celebration filled with memorable homegrown activities. Previously held at the county fairgrounds, the event was moved downtown 10 years ago to support local businesses. Today, the focus remains firmly on the city’s historic downtown.

Festivities kick off Thursday evening, June 12, with St. Mary’s School Summer Bash, featuring music, games, a dunk tank, and walking tacos.

A popular event is the Cheeseburger Drive-Thru, hosted by the American Dairy Association, which takes place on Friday night, June 13, from 5-8 p.m. at the fairgrounds.

“We truly feel that there is something for everyone,” shared event organizer Helen Olson.

Saturday, June 14, starts off with the Caledonia Fire Department Fireman’s Pancake Breakfast, held from 7-10 a.m. at the fire station. Don’t miss the annual fire department’s water fight Saturday afternoon in front of the fire station.

New this year is Krazy Dayz, a one-of-a-kind street sale on Kingston Street featuring over 20 pop-up vendors. Expect vintage items, artisan goods, handmade crafts, furniture, skincare products, crocheted items, baked goods, candles, dog treats, clothing, and more. In addition to the vendors, there will be live glassblowing, music, free outdoor games for adults and kids, permanent jewelry, and temporary tattoos.

Also new this year is a scavenger hunt. Sign up at the beer tent by 12 p.m. Teams of two will search throughout the city limits to locate pieces of Caledonia’s history.

Saturday also includes the annual 5K Run/Walk and the popular Randy Klinski Memorial Car Show from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The beer tent opens at 11 a.m., and a bean bag tournament will take place during the day. The Founder’s Day Parade steps off at 4 p.m.

Enjoy live music Saturday night at the Main Stage featuring Bruce & Virgil followed by the Jay R. Brink Band.

Kids will enjoy the Children’s Outdoor Adventure Funfest at Gazebo Park – activities, crafts, games, inflatable fun, climbing wall, tie-dye, and snacks from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. A sawdust pile at 1 p.m. at Gazebo Park and kid’s activities from 4:30-8 p.m. on Main Street will round out the day.

Other Upcoming events in Bluff Country:

  • Free Iowa resident fishing, June 6-8, Iowa waters
  • Rhubarb Festival, June 7, Lanesboro
  • Rhythm by the River, June 12, Preston
  • Art in the Park, June 14, Lanesboro

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.

PHOTO: Addison Solum was the 2024 winner of the bubble gumball guessing game. She not only took home the title, but all 460 gumballs. Her winning guess was 467. Photo submitted

Filed Under: News

44th annual Art in the Park fine art festival in Lanesboro

May 19, 2025 by Visit Bluff Country

Art in the Park

Presented by Lanesboro Arts on Saturday, June 14th in scenic Lanesboro, MN

Lanesboro Arts is proud to present the 44th annual Art in the Park fine art festival on Saturday, June 14th, 2025, in Lanesboro’s Sylvan Park with 90-plus fine art and craft booths, family art activities, local food and beverage vendors, and live music. This event will run from 10 am to 5 pm, providing visitors an ample amount of time to view and purchase fine art, connect with others, and enjoy the festivities. Renowned for quality, variety and value, Art in the Park is a family-friendly art fair that attracts thousands of regional patrons to Sylvan Park each year.

The focal point of Art in the Park is of course the art! Fine art and craft artist booths encircle Sylvan Park underneath canopies of shade, featuring a wide variety of artist-made work by over 90 artists from the tri-state region. There will be original paintings, photography, fine jewelry, textile rugs and quilts, hand-thrown ceramics, stained glass, blown and fused glass sculptures, artworks utilizing reclaimed wood, metalwork, woven baskets, embroidery, and more. In addition to art vendors, there will be art demonstrations at various booths, as well as family and youth art activities!

If perusing all the artist booths works up an appetite, Art in the Park food and beverage vendors have you covered with delicious and locally prepared foods and craft beverages. Available food options in 2025 include home grown locally sourced or foraged ingredients (Heimstead); tacos, enchiladas, and more (Taqueria El Sueño); barbeque sandwiches (Biggen’s BBQ); brats and hot dogs from Lanesboro High School TexMex Fundraiser. The Farmers Market will also offer fresh food and healthy snack stands. Beverages will be offered by Location Lanesboro Podcast. Craft beer will be provided by Lanesboro’s very own Sylvan Brewing, KARST Brewing of Fountain, and Kinney Creek Brewery of Rochester.

Come for the art, stay for the live music! Throughout the festival, live music in the Sylvan Park Gazebo will keep energy high. The Rutabaga Brothers (10:00-11:30 am) is a southeast Minnesota-based upbeat blues ensemble. Marques Morel (12:00-1:30 pm) is an American songwriter, storyteller, and wandering troubadour with a wholly unique Midwestern-twang of folk music. Molly Brandt (2:00-3:30 pm) was named 2023 and 2024 Americana Artist of the Year at the Midwest Country Music Awards and has been making waves in the independent music scene across the region. Driftless Jazz (4:00-5:00 pm) will round out the day with smooth, easy-listening jazz standards. Take a break from perusing art to soak up the music!

Admission to Art in the Park is free. Accessible parking is available at Sylvan Park. Socialized dogs on leashes are permitted.

Art in the Park is presented by LANESBORO ARTS and is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund. For more information call 507-467-2446 or visit www.lanesboroarts.org/aip

Filed Under: News

Dana Boler Photography on the Cover of Visit Bluff Country Magazine

May 8, 2025 by Visit Bluff Country

Caledonia resident Dana Boler captured the stunning photo featured on the cover of the 2025-2026 Visit Bluff Country magazine. Taken last June at Hidden Spring Peony Farm with her iPhone – no filters or adjustments – the image highlights the farm’s vibrant pink peonies in peak bloom, a personal favorite of Dana’s. The farm is located just minutes from Spring Grove along Highway 4. 

Dana and her husband Nathan are parents to two young boys, Brooks and Briggs. Dana is a health and wellness coach, author of a children’s book “Raisins Help you Poop,” and as a hobby creates content for B Your Best Wellness Coaching, where you will see more of her photography.

The Boler family loves the outdoors and is enjoying exploring Bluff Country since moving to the area. One of their favorite spots is Beaver Creek Valley State Park, which they visit weekly, just outside of Caledonia.

Photo by Charlene Corson Selbee

Filed Under: News

Join Vesterheim to Celebrate Syttende Mai, Norway’s Constitution Day

May 7, 2025 by Visit Bluff Country

Vesterheim, the National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School, invites everyone to celebrate Syttende Mai, Norway’s Constitution Day, on May 16, with activities on campus in Decorah and a live fiddle concert. Admission is free all day, and the museum and store will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Syttende Mai is the day Norway ratified its constitution in 1814 at Eidsvoll and Norwegians celebrate with excited crowds—especially children—marching through the streets, waving flags, and singing songs. This event is made possible by a generous gift to the Vesterheim Annual Fund from Craig Trygstad and Lynne Coleman.
In the Museum Store, there will be a book signing by Amy Shaw from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. At 10:45 to 11:45 a.m., a Guided Heritage Park Tour will be available.
In Vesterheim’s Bethania Church, fiddler Vidar Skrede will play from 12:00-12:30 p.m. Vidar Skrede is a freelance Nordic folk musician, playing fiddle, Hardanger fiddle, and guitar. He is from Norway and currently lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He has a background in the traditional music of Rogaland, his home area in the southwest of Norway, and has a masters degree in Nordic folk music at the Royal Academy of Music in Stockholm, Sweden. He is known for playing in several bands, such as Geitungen, AAMOS, Secret Carpet Club, and Lynx Lynx.
Outside in the museum campus, the Children’s Parade throughout Vesterheim Heritage Park will begin at 1:00 p.m., free ice cream treats from Decorah’s Culvers will be served, and Decorah’s Nordic Dancers will perform after a brief welcome from Vesterheim President/CEO Chris Johnson at 1:45 p.m. Norwegian flags will be given out at the parade, and everyone is invited to march along. The Nordic Dancers began in Decorah in 1966 and include a senior and junior group of dancers. The dancers begin as third graders and make a 10-year commitment to continue through high school.
Celebrate the new forging studio with Vesterheim! There will be a ribbon cutting at 9:00 a.m. at the forge (north side of 418 W. Water St.) and a chance to see the forge. Then join us in Vesterheim Commons for an opening reception.
In case of inclement weather, the parade and Nordic Dancers will be canceled. All other activities will continue as planned.
Vesterheim, the National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School, welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds to engage in the conversation of the American immigrant journey through the lens of the Norwegian-American experience. Vesterheim offers innovative and interactive exhibits, classes, and programs, both at the dynamic campus and park in scenic Decorah, Iowa, and online at vesterheim.org and Vesterheim social media. For more information on exhibits, classes, programs, tours, membership opportunities, and ways to donate and volunteer, connect at vesterheim.org, (563) 382-9681, and Vesterheim, 502 W. Water St., P.O. Box 379, Decorah, IA, 52101-0379.

Filed Under: News

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Bluff Country News & Stories

Experience, Brownsville, a Quaint River Town on the Mississippi River

June 24, 2025

Celebrate Small-Town Spirit at Laura Days and Brownsville Days

June 23, 2025

First Kayak winner of the 2025 Summer

June 12, 2025

Founders Day Celebrates 10 Years in Downtown Caledonia

June 5, 2025

44th annual Art in the Park fine art festival in Lanesboro

May 19, 2025

Dana Boler Photography on the Cover of Visit Bluff Country Magazine

May 8, 2025

Join Vesterheim to Celebrate Syttende Mai, Norway’s Constitution Day

May 7, 2025

New Exhibit at Vesterheim Museum

April 25, 2025

Drift Cycle Bike Share Launching in the City of La Crosse

April 17, 2025

Wrapping up the season!

April 15, 2025

Nordic Fest Board of Directors Announces 2025 Honorees

April 10, 2025

24th Annual Bluff Country Studio Art Tour

April 3, 2025

Celebrate Beer, Wine & Cheese Fest & Taster’s Eve!

April 3, 2025

Vesterheim New Forging Studio Opens in May 2025

April 1, 2025

Commonweal Theatre to present “The Half-Life of Marie Curie”

March 28, 2025

Announcing Call for Visual Artists for Summer Group Show at Lanesboro Arts Gallery

March 18, 2025

Artist Meg Frank brings mixed media art quilt project to Lanesboro

March 18, 2025

Four Regional Musicians Headline Songwriters Showcase on April 12

March 14, 2025

Commonweal Theatre Announces Details for its 2025 Season

March 6, 2025

Vesterheim Folk Art School Hosts Norwegian Weaving Instructor and Introduces On-Demand Classes

February 26, 2025

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