By Charlene Corson Selbee 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 […]

By Charlene Corson Selbee Bluff Country stands out as an ideal destination for disc golf enthusiasts, boasting unparalleled scenery and diverse terrain unique to the region. From rolling fields, and sweeping rivers to towering limestone bluffs, the region offers a picturesque backdrop for a memorable disc golf journey from course to course. The sight of […]

By Charlene Corson Selbee Discover more than 170 miles of all-weather bike trails weaving through Bluff Country. Whether you’re a first-time rider or a seasoned trail enthusiast, the experience promises excitement and novelty with every journey. Riders of any age or proficiency level are ensured an unforgettable adventure along the scenic bike trails of Bluff […]

By Charlene Corson Selbee The Caledonia Balloon Rally was started in 1990 and is the only balloon rally south of Rochester, Minn., and has become an annual event. This year, the rally is scheduled for October 20-22. The 10 hot air balloons are coming from Minnesota, the surrounding states of Wisconsin and Iowa, and one […]

By Charlene Corson Selbee Toot-Toot, the familiar sound heard every September in Mabel welcomes residents and visitors to the annual Hesper-Mabel Steam Engine Days, September 7-10. The giant steam engines kick off both parades on Saturday and Sunday at noon. The Hesper-Mabel Calliope, a steam-whistle organ, takes its place among the steam engines as it […]

By Charlene Corson Selbee Looking for something to do Labor Day weekend on the banks of the Mississippi River? If so, check out the 20th Annual Alma Music & Arts Festival at the Alma Beach and Recreation Area in Alma, Wis. The fun kicks off on Sunday, September 3 at 11 a.m. Thanks to community […]

By Charlene Corson Selbee The first fall festival of the year has arrived. Head over to Cresco, Iowa, to immerse yourself in the Norman Borlaug Harvest Fest Friday, August 25 through Sunday, August 27. Borlaug is only one of seven people in the world to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, Presidential Medal of Freedom, […]

By Charlene Corson Selbee Local Caledonia resident, Luan Hammel’s 30-year Snoopy collection will be on exhibit during the Houston County Fair. The fair runs from August 16-20, in Caledonia, Minn. Fairgoers can find the collection in the Houston County Historical Society agricultural building. Hammel started the collection when she was in college after purchasing a […]

By Charlene Corson Selbee Join the community of Lanesboro, Minn. at the 39th Annual Buffalo Bill Days, August 3 through the 6. Family movie night kicks off the four-day event. The Disney movie “Encanto” will start at 8:30 p.m. in scenic Sylvan Park. New this year, a dunk tank! On Saturday, August 5, from 12-2 […]

By Charlene Corson Selbee The traveling half-size replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall was in Houston 19 years ago during the 2004 Hoedown Days and will be in town again this year in conjunction with the town’s well-known celebration. There will be plenty of time for Fillmore County Journal readers to visit the wall between July […]

By Charlene Corson Selbee Celebrate 165 years of tradition, food, entertainment, and exhibits at the 2023 Fillmore County Fair, July 17-23. The fairgrounds is located just minutes west of Hwy. 52 in Preston. Food is one of the top reasons fairgoers attend county fairs. Food, especially fair food, challenges all five senses. Whether it is […]

By Charlene Corson Selbee Fresh, nutritious, and delicious tasting veggies are now in season! Shoppers will now find a large selection of veggies. In addition to veggies, shoppers will find a selection of jams, pickles, mushrooms, jerky, fish, beef, wine, flowers, homemade pie and bread, handmade dog treats, baby ducks and chicks, handcrafted items like […]

By Charlene Corson Selbee Kick off the Fourth of July weekend at one of the many outdoor music concerts scheduled in Bluff County this summer.  Community Spirit Caledonia, a community-driven group of volunteers, is hosting the annual Music in the Park series. The four outdoor music concerts are held at the Gazebo Park, within walking […]

By Charlene Corson Selbee You do not have to be Norwegian or a kid to enjoy Spring Grove’s Syttende Mai celebration Wednesday. May 17 through Sunday, May 21. On May 17, Norwegians celebrate the 1814 signing of the country’s constitution. In Norway Constitution Day is a party for everyone especially children. Spring Grove has planned […]

By Charlene Corson Selbee

By Charlene Corson Selbee Traditionally, pilgrimages are thought of as a journey to a sacred place in a foreign county searching for a higher good that leads to a life-altering experience. Family genealogists go on pilgrimages to learn or expand their knowledge about their roots which leads to personal transformations. Visitors come to the Bluff […]

By Charlene Corson Selbee It is not difficult to find a hiking trail in picturesque Bluff Country, as many communities proudly claim at least one hiking trail. Bluff Country terrain offers trails for all ages and skill levels. The landscape includes miles of rolling hills, scenic overlooks, woods, rivers, rocky bluffs, farms, charming towns, wildlife, […]

By Charlene Corson Selbee This is the year to explore the karst topography both above and below ground in the driftless region. Years 2021 and 2022 are celebrated as the International Year of Caves and Karst. “The 24,000 square miles of the driftless area is almost the size of Iowa and Wisconsin and encompasses four […]

By Charlene Corson Selbee The bluff country of NE Iowa, SE Minnesota, and SW Wisconsin offers miles of unspoiled scenic beauty to make your horseback riding trip memorable, fun, and challenging. Riders will find trails that offer water obstacles, woods, flatlands, hills, bluffs, rocks/gravel, scenic overlooks, challenges, and unknowns. Some trails are suitable for beginners […]