By Charlene Corson Selbee
Next time you are traveling through Chatfield, Minn., include time in your itinerary to get to know the gateway to Bluff Country or plan your next Bluff Country outing to Chatfield.
Chatfield is located minutes south of Rochester, nestled along the Root River on US Highway 52 in the heart of the “Chosen Valley.” Home to over 3,000 people and the only stoplight in the county, heck, it’s the only stoplight on 52 from the Twin Cities to Iowa. The town will lure you in with its small-town charm.
Parks and Tupers Goose
Enjoy over 64 acres dedicated to parkland, including a variety of parks. From Mill Creek with fishing, volleyball, and walking trails to Groen Park that offers a picnic shelter and play equipment, to the city park with large shade trees, picnic tables, restrooms, and play equipment, there is a park for everyone to relax or play in.
Hillside Nursery
On your way into or out of Chatfield, or stop twice at Hillside Nursery, just three miles north of Chatfield, which began as a dream in 1998 for Gerry and Sandy Gathje has grown into a picturesque garden center with an amazing atmosphere filled with fun and unexpected treasures. Beginning the first week in May, the Little Farm Petting Zoo is open for snuggling with bunnies and kittens or playing with the farm animals. It is a garden center, so don’t forget to purchase a selection of healthy plants for your flower beds and your vegetable garden. Don’t forget to check out the garden shop for a wide selection of garden art and garden tools. They also offer special events and workshops throughout the spring, summer, and fall including the annual open house, Kids Day, Mother’s Day Celebration, Music on the Farm, and Plant a Vegetable Patch.
Chosen Valley Golf Club
Are you looking for a challenging golf course? Look no further than the 9-hole golf course nestled in the “Chosen Valley” of Southeastern Minnesota. The course is open to the public and conveniently located along US Highway 52, the CVGC offers scenic views and rolling terrain, making for challenging play at a reasonable price for golfers of every skill level. The course plays 2,933 yards from the deepest tees for a par of 35.
Chatfield Growers and Makers Market
Shop local with a visit to the Chatfield Area Growers & Makers Market. The market is open May through October on Thursdays from 3 – 6 p.m. The market is located on Fourth Street between the City Park and the Chatfield Center for the Arts. Visitors will find a wide selection of locally grown produce, freshly baked goods and bread, canned goods, pork and beef products, homemade soaps and lotions, bracelets, and much more.
Kappers’ Big Red Barn
This may be your favorite stop thanks to the variety of flavors of ice cream at Kappers’ Big Red Barn. The family-run micro-dairy, tucked into a picturesque valley in Chatfield, has been in operation since 2004. In addition to the ice cream, Grade A milk is produced, processed, and packaged in glass half-gallon bottles on the Farm. Don’t forget to pick up a package of squeaky cheese curds.
Chatfield Center for the Arts
The Chatfield Center for the Arts (CCA) is a vibrant cultural hub located in Chatfield, Minnesota. It serves as a community gathering place that celebrates the arts through a diverse range of performances, exhibitions and educational programs. Housed in a beautifully restored building, the center offers welcoming space for artists and audiences alike, fostering creativity and engagement. Originally built in 1916 to serve as an institution of learning for the children of Chatfield, the historic property now houses programming in the visual and performing arts to inspire and connect future generations. The Center is comprised of the fully renovated 658-seat potter auditorium and an adjoining 2-story former school that features convertible performance spaces, multipurpose rooms, and visual art studios in the making.
Chatfield OHV Trail
Chatfield OHV Trail located in southeastern Minnesota, this 19-mile trail was developed by a group of neighbors with a passion for ATVs. The trail is entirely on private land and leads riders through backdrops of field, forest, pasture and woods. Please respect the private landowners and stay on the marked trails.
Oakenwald Terrace Bed & Breakfast
Are you planning to stay overnight? This pristine 1897 home has thrilled those who have toured it for many years. The three-story, twenty-one-room Victorian mansion encompasses over 10,000 square feet and is overflowing with antiques and collectibles. Oakenwald is a museum of sorts, so allow time to explore and feast your eyes on the wonderful woodwork and evident craftsmanship. Oakenwald Terrace is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
All six suites are large, comfortable and have their own private bath.
Chatfield Music Lending Library and the Chatfield Brass Band
Founded by Jim Perkins in 1969, the Chatfield Brass Band has maintained a rich tradition of community concerts, with members ranging in age from 16 to 85, hailing from 15 communities throughout SE Minnesota. The band performs in an eight-week “Music in the Park” summer concert series in the Chatfield Band Shell, centrally located in the city park. The Chatfield Brass Band, Inc. also operates the Chatfield Music Lending Library, a cataloged collection of band, orchestra, and sheet music that they lend to the public. The music lending library gives bands a unique opportunity to perform classic band literature that may be out of print and unavailable elsewhere.
Lost Creek Hiking Trail
Do you need to stretch your legs? The Lost Creek Hiking Trail is a 10.7-mile out-and-back trail that offers a moderately challenging hiking experience. The trail offers a well-maintained and well-marked path, suitable for both hiking or running. You will see a variety of landscapes, including farmland, forests, prairies, and stream crossings- providing a scenic hiking experience.
