Visit Bluff Country

A guide to Historic Bluff Country

News

Lunch & Learn at Good Earth Village: Speaker George Thompson

by

George Thompson will be our special guest on Tuesday, February 25, for our Lunch & Learn series.

George grew up in St. Louis and moved to Rochester in 1968, during tumultuous years of the Civil Rights Movement, to work at IBM. At the time, George was one of very few Black men in the region. Over 55 years later, George has many stories from decades of his life and leadership in southeastern Minnesota, where he has always sought to serve and to create community.

George believes that when we understand each other and our differences, we have the best foundation for a strong community. His presentation, “An Hour in My Shoes,” will explore his experiences as a Black husband, father, friend, business man, and leader in southeastern Minnesota. He will offer stories and perspectives as a truly remarkable family man, neighbor, and leader.

Doors open at 11. Separate goodwill offerings will be collected upon entry for lunch and for our speaker. For more information and to register, visit www.goodearthvillage.org/lunchandlearn

Tuesday, February 25, 2025
25303 Old Town Drive, Spring Valley, Minnesota
Log Lodge
Doors open at 11:00 am

Commonweal Theatre announces Apprentice Capstone Project: True West

by

THE EXPLOSIVE, KNIFE-EDGE DARK COMEDY BY PULITZER PRIZE-WINNING PLAYWRIGHT SAM SHEPARD OPENS MARCH 8 

(Lanesboro, MN) The Commonweal Theatre Company is excited to announce the 2025 apprentice capstone production: True West by Sam Shepard.

There will be one preview performance on Friday, March 7, and the show will officially open on  Saturday, March 8. The production runs through March 22. For more details and to purchase  tickets, visit www.CommonwealTheatre.org or call (800) 657-7025.

True West examines the sibling rivalry of two estranged brothers, Austin (a screenwriter), and Lee (a petty thief), as they reconnect at their mother’s house while she is away. Conflict ensues between the two as Austin struggles to focus on writing his screenplay with Lee’s constant distraction. Tension builds between the brothers as they continue to clash and explodes after a life-changing meeting with a Hollywood producer. This dark comedy masterfully explores sibling rivalry, artistic passion, the American dream, and how people are more alike than they are different.

Director Cody Beyer says, “Put simply, I love this play. Sam Shepard was a master at using gritty and animalistic characters to reflect the hypocrisy within societal standards. True West is a story of belonging and finding the line between dreaming and making dreams a reality, and I’m so excited to work with the apprentice class to bring it to life.” Apprentice Bri Angle adds, “A big reason the apprentice company was drawn to this show is because of the relevance we feel this play has with our lives as young artists. Shapard uses a sizzling plot and wild characters to convey themes of artistry, ambition, and family in a unique and thought-provoking way.”

Since 2008, the Commonweal has offered exciting, demanding, and rewarding apprenticeships intended to help young theatre artists transition into the professional world. For eleven months, each apprentice is immersed in the workings of producing professional non-profit theatre.

The current apprentice class arrived in the spring of 2024 and had a variety of acting and technical roles throughout the Commonweal’s season. At the culmination of the apprenticeship, the class is given a budget to produce their own show. Not only does the apprentice company make up the entire cast of True West, but they also comprise the production, design, and administrative teams—mirroring the artist/administrator model of Commonweal’s resident ensemble.

Anya Golovko (Austin) is designing props and sound and serving as co-marketing director; Bri Angle (Producer/Mom) is acting as the company manager, co-marketing director, as well as lighting and costume designer; Dylan Delegardelle (Lee) is the scenic designer, technical director, and development director. The production team is also made up of Commonweal resident ensemble members Cody Beyer (director and fight choreographer), Lizzy Andretta (rehearsal stage manager), and Synth Manuel (performance stage manager).

Playwright Sam Shepard had a thriving career in both theatre and film. Most notably, he won the 1979 Pulitzer Prize for his play Buried Child. He also starred in the 1985 film adaptation of his play Fool for Love. True West premiered at the Magic Theatre in San Francisco in 1980. It has gone on to be produced at the Steppenwolf Theatre Company and had two runs on Broadway in 2000 and 2018.

All performances of True West are at the Commonweal Theatre, 208 Parkway Avenue N., in downtown Lanesboro, MN. Tickets are $20, with discounts available for students, season pass holders, and seniors. Please be advised that this production includes strong language.

For more information, visit www.CommonwealTheatre.org or contact the box office (800) 657-7025.

ABOUT THE COMMONWEAL THEATRE COMPANY

Since 1989, the professional artists of the Commonweal have brought to life soulful stories told with honesty and creativity. Located in the heart of southeast Minnesota’s bluff country, Lanesboro (pop. 720) is home to the company’s theatre in its historic downtown. Under the leadership of producing artistic director Hal Cropp, the company boasts a distinctive organizational model with resident ensemble members (who have come from all over the country to make their home in the area) fulfilling the day-to-day artistic and operational needs of the company as artist/administrators.

Barnetimen Children’s Hour at Vesterheim

by

Vesterheim, the National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School, welcomes preschoolers and their caregivers to the museum for Barnetimen Children’s Hour, on Tuesday, February 18, at 10 a.m. Meet in the lobby of the Museum Building to explore objects and stories in the collection and make fun art.

Meet in the lobby of the Museum Building to explore the textures and patterns on objects that feature hearts, then create heart-inspired art before enjoying a snack.

Barnetimen programs are free and geared toward 3- to 5-year-olds, but all ages are welcome. New programs are offered in person at the museum the third Tuesday of the month from 10-11 a.m., September through April.

No reservations are needed, but larger groups of 10 or more are asked to contact the museum the day before the program to help with planning. For more information, please contact Jennifer Kovarik, Vesterheim Collection Manager, 563-382-9681 or jkovarik@vesterheim.org.

This program is supported by generous gifts to the Vesterheim Annual Fund from David and Brenda Carlson and Norwegian Mutual Insurance Association.

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, 520 W. Water St., P.O. Box 379, Decorah, IA, 52101-0379.

Uffda Fest is Back

by

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

by

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

by

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.