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By Charlene Corson Selbee

Looking for small-town charm, made-from-scratch croissants, and a steam engine or two? Mabel, Minnesota, has all that and more.

Located in the scenic historic Bluff Country of southeast Minnesota, surrounded by lush green, rolling farmland and the Big Woods, Mabel is a must-visit destination.

1. Hesper-Mabel Steam Engine Days

The Hesper-Mabel Steam Engine Days has been a beloved tradition since 1953 when it was held in Hesper, Iowa. This popular celebration draws visitors from across the Driftless Region to downtown Mabel. The festivities take place at Steam Engine Days Park at the south end of town.

Think of Steam Engine Days as an outdoor living museum, where you can learn about farming during the 19^th century, enjoy live musical entertainment, savor great food, watch three parades, attend a gospel church service, and let the kids join in the fun.

2. Mabel Sportsmen’s Park

Just four and a half miles from Mabel, this quiet well-maintained park is a local favorite with a lot of history.  Set along a fast-moving trout stream, it’s a beautiful spot that holds tons of memories for folks from Southeast Minnesota and just across the border in Iowa. Once home to a beloved Fourth of July celebration, the park still echoes with nostalgia.

Today, it’s still open to the public and perfect for camping, fishing, or just hanging out and enjoying a quiet picnic. The kids will love the playground. A Minnesota fishing license is required. Only members of the Mabel Sportsmen Club are allowed to use the gun range.

3. Newburg Vintage Home and Garden and Small Batch Bakery

A French-inspired bakery in the heart of the Midwest? Absolutely! Just minutes north of Mabel, in the quaint village of Newburg, this charming shop offers irresistible pastries and hands-on classes-yes, even how to make perfect croissants. Housed in a restored 100-year-old-plus mercantile, owners Irene and Gleen Fishburn have lovingly revived the space with personal, thoughtful touches. Outside, a stunning garden surrounds the bakery and welcomes visitors when the Zinnias reach full bloom in late July. Keep in mind, the bakery is only open on Saturday mornings. For updates and seasonal happenings, follow them on Facebook.

4. Mabel House Hotel

Enjoy a comfortable and relaxing stay at the historic Mabel House Hotel, the oldest running hotel in the state of Minnesota. A charming landmark conveniently located in the heart of town.  Conveniently located in the center of town, it’s the perfect home base for exploring the area, or joining in the excitement of Steam Engine Days. It’s an ideal spot to unwind after a day of adventure in this scenic corner of southeast Minnesota.

5. Nestling Pines Treehouse

Nestled just outside of Mabel at the edge of the Big Woods, the Nestling Pines Treehouse offers a unique lodging experience. This cozy, elevated escape allows you to unwind, reconnect with nature, and enjoy a restful night’s sleep surrounded by towering trees and tranquil scenery. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway or a quiet place to recharge, the Nestling Pines Treehouse promises a memorable stay unlike any other.

6. Larson’s Trustworthy Hardware

Step into a living piece of Mabel’s history at Larson’s Hardware, a longtime fixture in the community that’s as dependable as it is nostalgic. From everyday essentials to unexpected treasures, this classic small-town hardware store seems to have it all. If you’re searching for something, there’s a good chance you’ll find it here. With its friendly service and old-fashioned charm, Larson’s is more than a store-it’s a local institution.

7. Mabel Village Farm & Home

Mabel Village Farm & Home is the kind of store where you can find just about anything you need-and probably a few things you didn’t know you needed. Like many classic small-town hardware stores, it offers an incredible variety of items; kitchenware, canning supplies, tools, bird feeders and bird seed, office supplies, plants, clothing, boots, BBQ pellets, keys, batteries, seeds, toys, paint, stock tanks, tack, and so much more. It’s a one-stop shop for locals and visitors alike.

8. Mabel Flowers & Gifts

This quaint florist and gift shop is a must-visit. Step into LeAnn’s downtown store and soak up the fragrance, vibrant colors, and small-town hospitality. It’s the kind of place where everyone feels like a regular.

9. Debbie’s Corner

No trip to Mabel is complete without a stop to Debbie’s antique store, a local gem run by Mabel resident Debbie herself. Inside, you’ll discover a carefully curated collection of antiques and collectibles that reflect the spirit of the area, each piece with its own story to tell. Be sure to take a moment to admire the vibrant mural painted on the side of the building, a tribute to the town’s railroading history.

10. Steuart’s Natural Health Retail Store

Treat yourself with a visit to Steuart’s Natural Health Retail Store, located on Main Street in downtown Mabel. For over 40 years, Steuart’s has been offering natural health products-long before holistic wellness became mainstream. They specialize in pain relief salves.

11. El Dorado Mexican Restaurant

Mabel’s newest restaurant offers classic Midwestern favorites and traditional Mexican cuisine-something to please every palate. Start your meal with warm tortilla chips and a fresh red salsa, then enjoy a refreshing margarita that’s as pretty as it is tasty. Come hungry-the portions are generous, and the margaritas are large.

Photos by By Charlene Corson Selbee

Did you know that the 88-mile Historic Bluff Country National Scenic Byway cuts through Southeast Minnesota?

The byway was designated a State Scenic Byway in 1995 and a National Scenic Byway in 2002. The byway follows Minnesota Trunk Highway 16 from Interstate 90 near Dexter on the west to La Crescent on the east side of the state. The highway is recognized for its scenic beauty, plus it’s rich history and recreational opportunities.

The quaint Midwestern town of Whalan is located on the byway and is a must-visit when traveling the scenic byway. Do not be fooled by the fact that only 67 residents call Whalan home according to the 2020 census and the town covers only 0.46 square miles.

There is a lot to do in Whalan as evident by the following top 10 must-visit stops as shared by the Lanesboro Area Chamber of Commerce.

1. The Root River & Root River State Trail

Whalan is a beloved stop along the 60-mile paved Root River State Trail, offering easy access to the scenic river that winds through southeastern Minnesota.

Visitors can walk, run, or bike the trail, then relax by the riverbank, go tubing, cast a line for trout, or launch a kayak or canoe.

With a shaded park, picnic tables, and playground right off the trail, it’s an ideal spot to pause, explore, or simply take in the beauty of Bluff Country.

2. Whalan Museum (Historic Town Hall)

Located in a restored 1898 town hall, the Whalan Museum highlights the community’s history through vintage photographs, artifacts, and storytelling. Open on summer weekends and during events, it’s a charming way to connect with the town’s past and learn how Whalan grew from a rail stop to a trail town.

3. Ernie’s 1917 Station

This restored gas station offers a picture-perfect glimpse into early 20th-century Americana. Though the gas station is no longer operational, the station serves as a local landmark and favorite photo stop for bikers and road-trippers exploring Whalan.

4. Aroma Pie Shoppe

Located just steps from the Root River State Trail in picturesque Whalan, Aroma Pie Shoppe is famed for its scratch‑made pies—both sweet and savory—alongside sandwiches and soups. Open from seven days a week Memorial Day through Labor Day, it’s a must-stop destination in Bluff Country for cyclists, locals, and day‑trippers seeking a cozy atmosphere, friendly service, and world-famous pie.

5. Gator Greens Mini Golf

Tucked alongside the trail, this whimsical nine-hole mini golf course is great for kids, families, or anyone looking to add a little fun to their visit. It’s affordable, casual, and open Saturdays and Sundays Memorial Day through Labor Day.

6. Treasures on the Trail

This artisan boutique is a favorite among visitors looking for unique souvenirs, handcrafted gifts, and trail-themed treasures.

It’s located just steps from the trail and pairs perfectly with a leisurely afternoon of browsing and pie.

7. Cedar Valley Resort & Outfitters

This scenic bluff-country resort features spacious, fully equipped log cabins, a large retreat center for gatherings, and full outfitting services for river and trail adventures. With direct access to the Root River and trail, guests can bike, tube, canoe, or fish to their heart’s content, then unwind with on-site games and recreation. Known for its peaceful setting and warm hospitality, it’s a year-round favorite in Bluff Country.

8. Music in the Bluffs

Music in the Bluffs is hosted at the gazebo in Whalan’s city park; this free summer concert series features live music under the open sky. Locals and visitors alike bring chairs or blankets and enjoy a laid-back evening of bluegrass, folk, and acoustic tunes in a beautiful setting.

9. Whalan Ball Field

Whalan’s well-kept ball field is a favorite gathering place for players and spectators alike. It’s best known for hosting the annual Girls Fastpitch Softball Tournament every summer, which brings teams and families from across the region together for a fun-filled weekend of competition, cheering, and classic summer atmosphere.

10. Whalan Depot

The lovingly restored original train depot building, the Whalan Depot now serves as a seasonal gift shop and information center along the trail. Inside, you’ll find ice cream treats, locally made fudge, saltwater taffy, snacks, cold drinks, bike accessories, handmade gifts, trail gear, and even organic dog treats. The building retains its vintage character with original wood floors, a pot-belly stove, and early 1900s window etchings—and also offers Wi-Fi and tire inflation for cyclists.

Enjoy your visit to Whalan

This article was written in collaboration with Visit Bluff Country and the Lanesboro Area Chamber of Commerce.

Known as the Bed & Breakfast Capital of Minnesota, Lanesboro is the heart of Southeast Minnesota’s Historic Bluff Country. Steeped in history, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, and brimming with art, culture, shopping, dining, and outdoor adventures. Lanesboro offers everything you need for a refreshing and unforgettable staycation.

Not sure where to begin your visit? Here are 10 must-see stops to help you plan the perfect Lanesboro getaway:

1. Commonweal Theatre Company

Start your visit with a performance at the renowned Commonweal Theatre Company. A cultural cornerstone since 1989, this professional repertory theatre stages an engaging mix of comedies, dramas, and musicals throughout the year. Check their website for the latest schedule-you won’t want to miss a show.

2. Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center

Looking for an outdoor experience? Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center is a well-kept secret located on a scenic 250-acre campus just minutes outside Lanesboro. Eagle Bluff offers award-winning environmental education programs for students, families, and adults alike. The campus features public hiking and mountain biking trails, a high-ropes course, and hands-on learning opportunities such as wild edible foraging and maple syrup tapping. They also host seasonal public events, including the High Ropes Challenge, Root River Canoeing, and more.

3. Lanesboro Arts Center & St. Mane Theatre

Dive into Lanesboro’s art community. The Lanesboro Arts Center features juried work by over 90 regional artists, with rotating new exhibitions throughout the year. Just a short walk away, the St. Mane Theatre presents a vibrant mix of concerts, plays, indie films, and variety shows. In June, Lanesboro Arts hosts the annual Art in the Park festival in Sylvan Park—Southern Minnesota’s longest-running fine art fair—featuring more than 90 artist booths, live music, family-friendly art activities, food vendors, and free admission.

4. Historic Downtown Lanesboro

Make time to enjoy a leisurely stroll through downtown Lanesboro, where the charm of 19th-century architecture and a welcoming small-town vibe create the feeling of times past. Locally owned shops, charming cafés, pubs and breweries, theaters, inns and B&Bs, and art galleries line Parkway Avenue and Coffee Street. Flower adorned sidewalks invite you to slow down and explore. It’s the perfect place to wander, sip, shop, and soak up the town’s friendly, creative spirit.

5. Root River & Root River State Trail

Winding side by side through the heart of bluff country, the Root River and the 60-mile Root River State Trail offer some of Minnesota’s most scenic outdoor experiences. The calm, clear river is perfect for tubing, paddling, canoeing, and trout fishing. The adjacent trail winds through forests, farmland, and limestone bluffs, making it a favorite for cyclists, walkers, runners, and cross-country skiers. With Lanesboro as your base, you’ll find peaceful adventures and spectacular views around every bend.

6. Bluffscape Amish Tours

Step back in time on a guided Amish tour and discover the tradition of Old Order Amish communities near Lanesboro. Knowledgeable guides take you on a scenic countryside drive with stops at Amish farms and workshops featuring handcrafted furniture, quilts, baskets, baked goods, and more. This respectful cultural experience offers insight into a lifestyle centered around simplicity, craftsmanship, and community.

7. Lanesboro Historical Museum and Storytelling Phone Booth

Housed in a former mill office, this three-story museum brings Lanesboro’s history to life with engaging exhibits on early settlers, Native history, and local industry. Outside, the one-of-a-kind Storytelling Phone Booth invites you to hear real stories from our town’s past by simply picking up the receiver and pressing a button. The museum is also a key stop on the Lanesboro Talking Trail, an audio walking tour filled with local voices and tales.

8. Historic Stone Dam (and Riverview Campground)

Built in the 1860s from hand-laid stone, this dam once powered the mills that helped build Lanesboro. Today, it’s a picturesque spot ideal for photography, fishing, or quiet reflection. Nearby, Riverview Campground, a city-run, first-come, first-served campground with RV and tent camping, water/electric hookups, and access to Sylvan Park’s bathhouse, is just steps away from the river.

9. Sylvan Park

The heart of Lanesboro is Sylvan Park, a beloved community gathering space that offers playgrounds, picnic shelters, trout-stocked ponds, and a peaceful campground. It also hosts many of Lanesboro’s favorite annual events, including the Rhubarb Festival, Art in the Park, Buffalo Bill Days, and weekly farmers markets.

10. Church Hill Scenic Overlook

For sweeping views of Lanesboro and Bluff Country, head up to Church Hill. This scenic overlook provides a panoramic backdrop perfect for selfies, sunrises, or a peaceful moment of reflection. Don’t forget to bring your camera!

Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventure, local flavor, or a touch of small-town charm, Lanesboro has something for everyone. Come explore, unwind, and stay a while. Your perfect staycation awaits in the heart of Bluff Country.

See you in Lanesboro!

This article was written in collaboration with Visit Bluff Country and the Lanesboro Area Chamber of Commerce.