SCENE MAY 2022

YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

SOUTHERN MINN

MAY 2022

Places to EXPLORE in Southern Minnesota

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YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

CONTENT

MAY 2022 / VOLUME 10 / ISSUE 5

ONE TANK TRIPS

SOUTHERN MINN

CALENDAR PAGE 30

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Activities

ONE TANK W TRIPS

for adults and families

By JANE TURPIN MOORE Guest Contributor

e get it; COVID had your family sticking perhaps a bit closer together than was sometimes comfortable.

But with nearly 70% of Minnesotans vaccinated as of April and masks optional in most places, the itch is burning to spend quality time in each other’s company out of the house.

If you’re in the market for interesting daytrip destinations appealing to family members of various ages — without breaking inflation-challenged household budgets — rest assured, you can find them.

How about an outing to southeastern Minnesota? Even from the St. Peter/Mankato area, the drive can be accomplished in less than two and a half hours — and those located in Waseca, Northfield, Owatonna, Faribault or another nearby community can typically slice off that last half hour, or more, to the Winona vicinity.

Consider making your first stop at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum in Winona. In an appreciatively non-confusing manner, it’s open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.

Admission fees are reasonable, with free entrance for those four and under — and $3 rates for students of all ages. (Note: Students are admitted free each Tuesday.)

Since this dynamic nonprofit art museum and education center opened in 2006, it’s still new to many Minnesotans. Scenically located on the banks of the Mississippi River several blocks north of Winona’s downtown shops and restaurants, MMAM boasts six well-lit galleries and sweeping views of the river valley.

With the tagline “Great art inspired by water,” MMAM delivers. Hunting for the water connections in certain artworks might be enough to distract five- to 10-year-olds while teenagers can wander safely, and independently, through the galleries.

Adults will appreciate seeing original art created by famous artists—do the names Andrew Wyeth, Mary Cassatt, Vincent Van Gogh and Marc Chagall ring a bell?—while also having their worlds expanded with current exhibits like “Cloth

National Eagle Center as Community: Hmong Textiles in America.”

Through early May, take in award-winning Minneapolis photographer Eric Mueller’s fascinating “Reset 2021,” featuring over 50 examples of Mueller’s photo-a-day results that will captivate everyone in your crowd. Look for shots from Minnesota landmarks like the Minnesota State Fair and Bde Maka Ska, among other winners.

And if you’re truly budget-minded, aim to hit MMAM on either May 14 or Aug. 13, when MMAM hosts its “Seasonal Saturdays; $1 admission includes live music, art-making options, bingo, gallery walks and artist demonstrations.

Afterwards, grab a quick bite at Bub’s Brewing Company, a fast four-minute drive from MMAM. You’ll get a true taste of Winona along with a variety of menu items to satisfy everyone in your party.

Then pick your fowl: head approximately 35 miles north to the National Eagle Center in Wabasha or the same distance south to the International Owl Center (IOC) in Houston.

Choosing the southern option, you’ve got to hand it to the IOC; though a small operation, its dedicated employees are all-in on owl education and care of the owls on site.

Kids and adults alike will be fascinated to see varied owl species (Alice and Ruby are Great Horned owls, JR is an Eastern screech owl, Piper is a barn owl and Uhu is a Eurasian Eagle owl) up close. Feeding time is eye-opening, and if you’re lucky, the biggest one will swoop, demonstrating its impressive wingspan in harmless fashion.

Check out the owl skeletons and hear why owls’ heads seem capable of a 360-degree swivel—and learn how light these feather-puffed creatures actually are.

Places to EXPLORE in Southern Minnesota International Owl Center

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YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

Minnesota Marine Art Museum The IOC, which for years has sponsored an annual International Kids Owl Art Contest, sprung into action this March to mount an online auction of owl art received from Ukrainian children.

In just two short weeks, the IOC auctioned dozens of owl paintings and raised over $220,000, all of which has been donated to relief efforts benefiting Ukrainian kids. Now that’s what it means to give a hoot.

If your day on the road has stimulated appetites, maybe stop en route home at Rochester’s Mr. Pizza South, where their hand-

Activities Adventure Bound Camping Resorts 21943 630th Ave., Austin 507-607-0620 abcamping.com/beavertrails Air Insanity Indoor Trampoline Park 1607 US-14, Rochester 507-322-6197 airinsanity.com Bent River Outfitter 530 N Riverfront Dr B, Mankato 507-388-2368 bentriveroutfitter.com Bounce Town 1860 Adams St., Mankato 507-345-7737 bouncetownmankato.com Bounce World 4430 19th St NW, Rochester 507-316-0788 bounceworldmn.com Broken Paddle Guiding Co. 213 Main St. W, Wabasha 651-955-5222 brokenpaddleguiding.com kayak and stand up paddleboard tours & rentals Cannon Falls Canoe and Bike Rental 615 N 5th St, Cannon Falls 507-407-4111 cannonfallscanoeandbike.com

crafted pies — again, reasonably priced — will not disappoint.

Art and owl museums not your thing?

Remember easy-access, energy-burning options closer to home. Thrill-seekers might like Skydive Northstar in Waseca; disc golf fans can try the 18-hole St. Peter Disc Golf course at Riverside Park; skateboard enthusiasts can hone their moves at skate parks in either Waseca or Northfield; and people of all ages will enjoy the Sibley Park Petting Zoo in Mankato.

Whatever you decide, let this be said: There’s always some-

thing to do.

Freelance writer/collaborative pianist Jane Turpin Moore grew up in the Mankato area and is now based in Northfield. She blogs at timeformoore566445504. wordpress.com and fields emails at jturpinmoore@gmail.com.

Escape MSP 20730 Holyoke Ave SUITE 150, Lakeville 612-424-3845 escapelkv.com Grand Slam 12425 River Ridge Blvd, Burnsville 952-224-0413 grandslammn.com International Owl Center 126 E Cedar St,, Houston 507-896-6957 internationalowlcenter.org Jack McGowans Farm 20001 Hawkeye Ln., Mankato 507-625-2257 facebook.com/McgowanFarm Flaherty’s Northfield Lanes 1700 Highway 3 S #CO, Northfield 507-645-8322 flahertysnorthfieldlanes.com Kato Escape 619 S Front St, Mankato 507-327-4045 katoescape.com Kerfoot Canopy Tour 30200 Scenic Byway Rd, Henderson 952-873-3901 kerfootcanopytour.com zipline, aerial adventure park, sightseeing tours Lake Area Clubhouse 117 E Main St, Elysian 507-267-4611

Chesley Skate Park 161 Jaycee Ct., Mankato 507-387-8222 mankatoymca.org

Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store 20430 Johnson Memorial Dr., Jordan facebook.com/MinnesotasLargestCandyStor

Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota 224 Lamm St, Mankato 507-386-0279 cmsouthernmn.org

Motokazie Supercross 7000-7462 W 195th St., Jordan 952-601-1169 motokazie.com

Escape Challenge 6301 Bandel Rd NW, Rochester 507-722-2728 theescapechallenge.com

Skydive Northstar

National Eagle Center 50 Pembroke Ave, Wabasha 651-565-4989 nationaleaglecenter.org

Northfield Skatepark 801 Seventh St., Northfield Owatonna Archery Range 711 N Elm St., Owatonna ci.owatonna.mn.uc 2 acres, 10 shooting lanes Owatonna Bike/Skate Park 350 School St., Owatonna Helmets required River Rock Disc Golf Course 1025 Mineral Springs Pkwy., Owatonna 9-hole course Sand Creek Adventures 3101 220th St W, Jordan 952.492.5333 sandcreekadventures.com Sibley Park Petting Zoo 900 Mound Ave, Mankato mankatomn.gov/city-services-a-z

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SkyDive Northstar 35493 110th St., Waseca 507-291-5867 skydivenorthstar.com

The Bowling Center 1802 4th St. NW, Faribault 507-334-3262 faribaultbowling.com

SPAM Museum 101 3rd Ave NE, Austin spam.com/museum

Toners Lake Karting 8747 415th Ave., Janesville 507-835-1413 tonerslakekarting.org dirt oval karting

Sparetime 333 18th St. SE, Owatonna 507-451-2524 bowling, laser tag, arcades StPeter Disc Golf Course Riverside Park, St. Peter Near the intersection of Hwy. 22 & Hwy. 169 18 holes The 300 Club 504 North Main St., Le Sueur 507-665-6015 bolwing, restaurant, bar

Waseca Skatepark 527 6th Ave. SE, Waseca ci.waseca.mn.us WOW! ZONE 2030 Adams St., Mankato 507-625-26952030 Adams Street wowzonefec.com bowling, mini golf, arcade, laser tag

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A mural by Lynette Schmidt Yencho splashes color and stories onto the ceiling of the Owatonna Arts Center library.

Discovering history and the arts in Southern Minn Story & Photos By AUDREY KLETSCHER HELBLING www.mnprairieroots.com audrey@mnprairieroots.com

Gus’ Gas Station at the Village of Yesteryear in Owatonna hosts a car show in July.

The Little Prairie School District 15 School is preserved as a museum, across the road from Little Prairie United Methodist Church, rural Dundas.

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hen I consider southern Minnesota, I feel grateful to live in an area which values its rich history, heritage and the arts. During my 40 years here, I’ve discovered so much right in my backyard to entertain, educate, enlighten.

From one-room country schools turned museums in Morristown, Little Prairie and Millersburg to a sprawling two-story aged brick school turned museum in West Concord to a light-filled open concept exhibit space at the Steele County History Center in Owatonna, the region’s history is well-showcased. That’s just a sampling of the places I’ve toured, the places that await you.

Arts- and music-focused venues abound, too. Housed in historic theaters, old churches, downtown buildings, former Carnegie libraries, on college campuses and even in an old orphanage, these arts spaces fill our creative spirits.

I’ve enjoyed performances indoors and outdoors at summer concerts in parks and on church campuses. I’ve meandered “Green Giant Peas,” printed from through galleries, viewed art along the River Walk in Northfield and delighted in outdoor murals that splash color, stories, history hand-carved blocks and wood type, was among art from Tin Can Valley and culture into our communities.

Printing shown during a recent Arts The literary arts are also as accessible as poems posted along and Heritage Center of Montgomery recreational trails in Mankato and North Mankato, poems imprinted on sidewalks, books gracing bookstores, poetry readings exhibit.

YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

In pursuit

of genuine hospitality

Wedding dresses from the 1910s and 1920s were among those shown in the Steele County History Center’s 20162017 exhibit, “Wedding Traditions of Steele County.”

• 50 Rooms • Entirely Non-Smoking • 3 Fireplace Suites • 4 Whirlpool Suites • Indoor Pool & Whirlpool • Refrigerators and microwaves in Every Room • FREE High Speed Internet • FREE Hot Homestyle Breakfast

700 North Minnesota Ave., St. Peter, MN 507-931-6554

FRESH ART. LIVE MUSIC. Photos of Native Americans by Edward Curtis were featured in a past exhibit at the Arts and Heritage Center of Montgomery. and more. The arts are available and you needn’t look far to find them in southern Minnesota.

In Le Sueur County, I’ve discovered the thriving Arts and Heritage Center of Montgomery inside Hilltop Hall, an 1892 brick building on the National Register of Historic Places. The nonprofit aims to promote community and culture via artistic and historical displays. This cultural center in the self-proclaimed “Kolacky Capital of the World” is a favorite destination.

Recently, I viewed letterpress art there by Craig Kotasek of Tin Can Valley Printing, Le Sueur. Through mid-May the gallery features the art of Tri-City United High School students. Next up, quilt art followed by an exhibit of vintage radios. In the past, I saw a remarkable display of Western U.S. Native American vintage photos by noted photographer Edward S Curtis. To find that show in a small town like Montgomery impressed me.

Montgomery’s Arts and Heritage Center holds a down-home, unpretentious grassroots appeal, revealing that locals care deeply about their community and its strong Czech heritage.

Professional portraits of Kolacky Day queens and Masopust kings ring the narrow high-ceiling room. In the back gift shop, Czech glassware and gifts are for sale. And soon a Czech Dancer topiary created by artist Meghan Petricka, 2001 Kolacky Days queen and first-time winner of Discovery Plus “Clipped,” finds a permanent home here. She and her husband plan to craft a male dancing partner topiary, to be revealed at this summer’s Kolacky Days.

The arts and heritage center doesn’t confine itself to a building. Two years ago I viewed the works of artists displayed in storefront windows as part of “Celebrating Farmers and Agriculture Exhibit.” And just across the street from 108-year-old Franke’s Bakery—a must-stop for prune, poppyseed, apricot, apple, raspberry or blueberry-filled kolacky—an updated com-

munity mural tells Montgomery’s story. This is a must-visit small town with lots of appeal and a hometown brewery to boot.

About 40 miles away to the south and east of Montgomery, the Steele County Historical Society’s History Center and adjoining Village of Yesteryear are also on my “favorites” list, especially the 3,600 square foot Exhibit Hall featuring local history exhibits and occasionally traveling exhibits from the Minnesota

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OPEN GALLERY W-F 1-5 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 1-5 p.m.

SOUPER BOWL SWAP MEET [pottery swap/sale in the Arts Center of Saint Peter parking lot], July 16 HOT JAZZ FOR DECENT PEOPLE [free music in Minnesota Square Park Pavilion], July 8, 22, August 5, 19 artscentersp.org

This stained glass piece, “Rooster at Sunrise,” was among ag-themed art displayed in downtown Montgomery storefronts as part of a past exhibit hosted by the Arts and Heritage Center.

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This activity is made possible through grants from KMSU Radio and from the Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

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The Steele County Historical Society shares history at three Owatonna locations: The History Center and the adjoin- Vivid and psychedelic hues/patterns define “The 50’s ing Village of Yesteryear along Austin Road and then in the Orphanage Museum at West Hills Circle. and 60’s Room” at the West Concord Historical Society Museum.

CONTINUED from page 7 Historical Society.

Recently I toured “Steele County Makes Music.” I knew Owatonna was a bit of a music town. But this thoroughly-researched exhibit focusing on Steele County’s long music history reveals just how extensive that music scene. I learned about traveling teacher Rose Crickmore who rode into the countryside on horseback in the 1880s to give piano lessons. I learned about square dance clubs and church choirs and Wenger Corporation (produces music equipment) and local musicians and those who went on to make it big in the music industry. Like Adam Young of Owl City. And I observed, too, a bit of Czech heritage in a display of musician Victor Kaplan’s self-transcribed and arranged songbook, “Ceska Muzika” (including traditional Czech songs).

In my frequent visits to this history center in OwaThe updated downtown mural focuses on Montgomery’s story and history. tonna, I’ve viewed exhibits on a broad range of local

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history from wedding traditions (loved this one) to natural disasters to toys to butter to war and more.

Especially touching was the MHS Traveling Exhibit, “Transfer of Memory,” focused on Holocaust survivors.

A decade has passed since I toured the next-door Village of Yesteryear, historic buildings open May-September and site of the SCHS’s annual summer Extravaganza. The on-site gas station hosts “Gus’ Station Car Show,” in July. There are many other events throughout the year at this active historical society. I consider this one of the region’s best places to learn about and engage in history. I feel the same about the much smaller volunteer run Arts and Heritage Center of Montgomery.

Both await your discovery, right here in your backyard.

A native of the southwestern Minnesota prairie, Audrey Kletscher Helbling creates from Faribault, her home of 39 years. She’s grown to love this region and encourages locals to explore what’s right here in their backyard. You can find more of her writing and photography on her blog at mnprairieroots.com.

YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

One of the many murals found in historic downtown Faribault, this featuring the carnival ride which originated here.

Historic Hilltop Hall houses the Arts and Heritage Center of Montgomery and Posy Floral & Gifts.

A poem posted previously along the Minnesota River in the heart of downtown Mankato as part of the Mankato Poetry Walk & Ride.

Art, Music and History Centers Alexander Faribault House 12 First Ave. NE, Faribault Call for tours: 507-332-2121 rchistory.org Arts & Heritage Center 206 1st St N # 2, Montgomery sites.google.com/site/montgomeryartsandheritage Arts Center of Saint Peter 315 S Minnesota Ave., St Peter 507-931-3630 artscentersp.org Blue Earth County Historical Society 424 Warren Street, Mankato 507-345-5566 blueearthcountyhistory.com E. St. Julien Cox House 500 N Washington Ave, St. Peter nchsmn.org/visit/e-st-julien-coxhouse 507-934-2160 Farmamerica 7367 360th Ave., Waseca 507-835-2052 farmamerica.org Geldner Saw Mill & Park 46542 Beaver Dam Road, Cleveland co.le-sueur.mn.us Harkin Store 66250 County Road 21, New Ulm mnhs.org/harkinstore 507-628-5591 Kenyon Area Historical Society at The Gunderson House 107 Gunderson Blvd, Kenyon 507-298-1127 Le Sueur County Historical Society, Museum and Genealogy Center 301 Second St. NE, Elysian Phone: 507-267-4091 lesueurcountyhistory.org Little Prairie School 2980 130th St E, Dundas 507-332-2121 rchistory.org Mayo Civic Center 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester mayociviccenter.com Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center 1 Civic Center Plaza, Mankato mayoclinichealthsystemeventcenter. com

Millersburg Schoolhouse Museum 3300 Millersburg Blvd, Faribault 952-270-8764 Minnesota State Public School Orphanage Museum 540 West Hills Circle, Owatonna Orphanagemuseum.com 507-774-7369 Nicollet County Historical Society/Treaty Site History Center 1851 N. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter 507-934-2160 mnhs.org/traversedessioux Northfield Arts Guild 304 Division Street, Northfield info@northfieldartsguild.org 507-645-8877 Northfield Historical Society Museum 408 Division St. S, Northfield 507-645-9268 northfieldhistory.org Paradise Center for the Arts 321 Central Ave. N, Faribault paradisecenterforthearts.org 507-332-7372 Owatonna Arts Center 435 Garden View Ln, Owatonna oacarts.org Owatonna Farmers Market Central Park, Owatonna Saturdays 7am-3pm

Ottawa Stone Church 39024 Whittier St., Le Sueur 507-267-4091 Red Wing Marine Museum 935 Levee Road, Red Wing 651-442-7661 RedWingMarineMuseum.com Rice County Historical Society Museum 1814 NW Second Ave., Faribault 507-332-2121 rchistory.org Sheldon Theatre 443 W 3rd St., Red Wing sheldontheatre.org Sibley County Historical Museum 700 Main St., Henderson 507-248-3434 sibleycountyhistoricalsociety.com Steele County Historical Society Museum and Village of Yesteryear 1700 Austin Road, Owatonna 507-451-1420 steelehistorymuseum.org The Music Space of Owatonna 216 N Cedar Ave., Owatonna facebook.com/musicspaceow Vetter Stone Amphitheater 309 W Rock St., Mankato vetterstoneamphitheater.com

Lothar Meisel, from a long line of stringed instrument makers, crafted this violin in 1985. His musical story is included in “Steele County Makes Music.”

Waseca Art Center 200 State St. N, Waseca 507-835-1701 wasecaartscouncil.org Waseca County Historical Society Museum 315 2nd Ave. NE, Waseca 507-835-7700 historical.waseca.mn.us

West Concord Historical Society Museum 600 W 1st St, West Concord 507-527-2628 westconcordhistoricalsociety.org W.W. Mayo House 118 N. Main St., Le Sueur 507-665-3250 mayohouse@mnhs.org

Village of Yesteryear 1431 Austin Rd, Owatonna schsmn.org/village-of-yesteryear

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Hazelkin

River Valley Running

Old Town Mankato

Shopping destinations in Southern Minn

By JANE TURPIN MOORE Guest Contributor

G

irl, grab your bag — it’s time to go shopping!

Guys? Well, you should come too because there’s plenty of merch for you where we’re headed.

Just for kicks, let’s focus on a special stretch in my hometown: Mankato’s Old Town. If it’s been a hot minute since you’ve cruised North Riverfront Drive, plan to hit the strip soon.

Really, Old Town is a happening place in 2022. Boutiques, cafes and specialty shops have been quietly populating this historic downtown area in recent years.

While some of us spent the pandemic period hand-wringing, hibernating and catastrophizing, a motivated cadre of optimistic, entrepreneurial folks was busily planning the “next step,” looking ahead to when people would once again be out and about, eager for in-person shopping action and craving something new.

Proceeding with confidence were shop owners like Jenna Odegard, a 34-year-old ball of energy who not only kept her established child- and infant-focused store Bumbelou afloat—she also added a whole new one to the Old Town mix.

A few doors down from the delightful Bumbelou is Odegard’s riff on Joanna Gaines-type feel-good, look-good products—Hazelkin & Co. Hazelkin & Co. opened in late October 2021 at 415 N. Riverfront Drive and quickly found a following.

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Whether you’re in the market for luxurious throws, essential oils, cuddly robes or beard oil, Odegard has what you want. Of course she stocks candles, cookbooks and cards—but keep an eye out for brands (including Barefoot Dreams, Pendleton and Capri Blue) you’ll be hard pressed to find elsewhere in southern Minnesota.

Oh, and don’t miss Hazelkin & Co.’s large line of non-alcoholic beverages and gourmet food items.

A block away, at 511 N. Riverfront Drive, is Sonny and Dot Boutique, the brainchild of mother/daughter duo Amanda Kozitza, 38, and Elizabeth Mueller, 68.

Since last September, they’ve been enthusiastically offering up-to-the-minute clothing that appeals to multi-generational shoppers (input also comes from Kozitza’s 13-year-old fashionminded daughter).

Sonny and Dot Boutique—adorably named to honor the memory of the beloved aunt and uncle who raised Kozitza’s father—makes a point of having clothing that ranges from XS to 3X because Kozitza believes everyone should be able to dress in style, no matter their size or shape.

Speaking of “shape,” those wanting to improve or maintain theirs can get a boost at 605 N. Riverfront Dr., where River Valley Running tempts avid athletes, power walkers and couch-to5K aspirants alike.

Also locally owned, River Valley Running relocated to Old Town a few years ago from its previous spot in a strip mall near River Hills Mall. They still offer interested customers video gait analysis to help match feet to the best possible shoe.

Shoe brands on hand include Adidas, Asics, Hoka, New Balance, Reebok, Saucony, Nike, Mizuno and more. You can also find athletic wear, fitness aids like muscle rollers and energy gels and plenty of socks.

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Tired yet? Keep going! Just up the hill, at 900 N. Riverfront Dr., is Graif Clothing.

A family-owned Mankato menswear staple since 1924, Graif sells men’s suits, sport coats, ties and tuxes—but these days, women’s apparel is also part of their retail game.

Rental and purchase packages for wedding parties (or prom!) are definitely in Graif’s wheelhouse.

(If you’re located a little further east, there’s also a Graif store at 202 W. Bridge St., Owatonna.)

When you’ve really shopped till you’re ready to drop, Old Town can reinvigorate.

Pop in for coffee and maybe a slice of quiche, a bowl of granola with yogurt or some baked goods at the Coffee Hag, 329 N. Riverfront Dr. In the mood for something cold and creamy? You can’t go wrong at Mom & Pop’s, 629 N. Riverfront Dr., which supplies 32 ice cream flavors plus house-made gelato and sorbet.

Or cool off with a swig of 1919 Root Beer, frozen hot chocolate or an ice cream cookie sandwich. This stuff is droolworthy.

Back at 515 N. Riverfront Dr. is Wooden Spoon, where you can choose from any number of fresh baked items, soups of the day and pulled pork sandwiches, to name just a few options.

But don’t miss their specialty grilled cheese: the “Kato Classic” drips with a mixture of sharp cheddar, smoked provolone, feta and a secret-sauce roasted garlic spread on Italian sourdough.

That should fuel another hour of shopping on the Old Town strip — where everything old is new again.

Freelance writer/collaborative pianist Jane Turpin Moore grew up in the Mankato area and is now based in Northfield. She blogs at timeformoore566445504.wordpress.com and fields emails at jturpinmoore@gmail. com.

YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

Shopping

FIRE UP

THE GRI� With Schmidt’s Award Winning Brats and Wieners.

• Steaks • Chops • Burgers • Chicken Shopping Downtown Le Sueur South Main Street, Le Sueur facebook.com/Downtown LeSueur Downtown Northfield Division Street, Northfield downtownnorthfield.org boutiques, gift shops, coffee shops, restaurants Downtown Owatonna Cedar Avenue, Owatonna visitowatonna.org/historic-downtown boutiques, gift shops, coffee shops, restaurants

Downtown Red Wing Bush Street, Red Wing downtownredwing.org

Faribault Main Street Central Avenue, Faribault visitfaribault.com/historic-downtown

Downtown Rochester Broadway Avenue South, Rochester downtownrochestermn.com

Old Town Mankato 300-800 Riverfront Dr., Mankato facebook.com/oldtownmankato

Downtown St. Peter Minnesota Avenue, St. Peter boutiques, gift shops, coffee shops, restaurants

River Hills Mall 1850 Adams St, Mankato riverhillsmall.com

Downtown Waseca State Street, Waseca discoverwaseca.com

Say “Hej” to

HEJLÖV! Nordic-Inspired & Minnesota-Made

Trunk Show

• •

Totes & Handbags • Accessories •

Home accents Gifts

Saturday, May 7 | 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. at Swedish Kontur in St. Peter

Ultra Outlets 6750 W. Frontage Road, Medford ultraoutlets.com

Downtown Nicollet (507) 232-3438 schmidtsmeatmarket.com

Bicycle sales, service, parts, accessories, and repair Bike, Ski, and Skate rentals Soccer and Hockey Gear Monday - Friday • 10AM - 6PM Saturday • 9AM - 4PM 222 Bridge Street, Owatonna

507-451-1666 Celebrating

wonderful

straightriversports.com

Start A Family Tradition When You Come To The Guten Tag Haus German Cuckoo Clocks Steins Ornaments and more

Gut en Tag Hau s new ulm, mn

127 North Minnesota Street | Downtown New Ulm 507-233-4287 | GUTENTAGHAUS.COM ADD YOUR EVENT FOR FREE TO THE SOMINN SCENE CALENDAR. GO TO W W W. S O U T H E R N M I N N . C O M / S O U T H E R N _ M I N N _ S C E N E / & C L I C K + P R O M O T E Y O U R E V E N T

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Montgomery Brewing

Make the rounds at SoMinn breweries

& distilleries

Schell’s Brewhouse

By PAT GARRY Guest Contributor

T

en years ago, you could have visited all the wineries and breweries in southern Minnesota in a day.

Today, that task is simply out of the question.

There are a plethora of breweries/wineries/distilleries, within a short drive from anywhere. It’s a good time to be one who enjoys the occasional cocktail. Summing it up, locally, we have a proud, strong, growing and stable collection of wineries and breweries to keep us cheerful.

We have a long list of venues to visit in Southern Minnesota, and here’s a little guide through just some of them.

KINNEY CREEK BREWERY Owner and Head Brewer Donovan Seitz celebrates his 10th anniversary at Kinney Creek Brewery.

“Being Rochester’s first craft brewery since Prohibition, we strive to create a welcoming and entertaining environment for our guests,” said Seitz.

The venue boasts more than 40 tap lines, with 14 craft beers and 26 hard seltzers, all fire-brewed on Seitz’s nano production system. Aside from keeping the customers hydrated, there are also several games for guests to play, from giant Jenga to shuffleboard. The patio space is dog friendly and is a great spot to enjoy one of several outdoor fire pits on those summer evenings.

Kinney Creek Brewery observes its 8th Annual Picks n’ Pints event on July 2. This is a free event, held on the front patio, with drinks, music, games and more.

“We aspire to bring as many local aspects to our event as we can, from musicians and artists to food trucks and sound systems,” Seitz explained.

On Mondays and Thursdays, the venue offers happy hour from 4-6 p.m. - with BOGO 50% off pints. On Tuesdays, all growler refills are half-off. Every Wednesday is 2 Pints + 1 Pizza for $22 and Trivia starting at 7 p.m. There is live music for guests to enjoy, on Fridays and Saturdays. Along with fire-brewed craft beer and hard seltzers, Seitz also sells several apparel options, coozies, pints glasses, tackers and more.

B12

SOUTH BY SOUTHEAST MINNESOTA BREWING COMPANY

don’t know craft beer, we can help you find something you like.

There is a beer right here for everybody,” said Leung.

Co-owners Ann Fahy-Gust & Tessa Leung have operated South

by SouthEast Minnesota Brewing Company (SxSE for short) in Pine Island since September 2020. The ladies offer a fulltaproom with cheese, meats, pretzels, crackers and BB’s frozen pizza that guests can bake to order. They stock a local craft soda (Northern Soda), as well as an assortment of shandies or radlers (depending on the time of the year).

“We also have 3 acres of outdoor space that has a Rainbow play system for children. We are pet friendly outdoors, and there is even a mown path that connects us to the Douglas Trail,” said Leung.

“We have food trucks, comedy shows, bingo, and some live music starting this year too! Watch our Facebook page to see when these occur.”

Some of the fun things to do at SxSE include enjoying a monthly special beer release called the Scenic Series. Kids can play outside and run around while parents relax. The venue has a tent in the vineyard that can accommodate private events; and host comedy shows and live music. SxSE also sells pints, t-shirts, thermal mugs, stickers, coffee with our proprietary blend from LocAle Brewing Company Trail Creek Coffee Roasters, crowlers and growlers.

“We are a women-owned business, with a female master brewer. We are a near-zero waste brewery and we pride ourselves on providing a comfortable, cozy place where even if you

WHITEWATER WINES

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Entering their 13th season at Whitewater Wines in Plainview, Eric and Wanda Hanlon offer more than 30 wines for tasting, and they range from dry to sweet; in red, white, and blush. To better guide people through the extensive wine lists, the Hanlons provide wine flights specific to people’s palates; dry reds, dry red and whites, semisweet wines, etc. People can also purchase wine to drink by the glass or by the bottle.

“We offer a limited food menu of cheese, summer sausage and smoked salmon, however, we welcome people to bring in their own food,” said Wanda.

The property is rural on the bluffs of the Whitewater River. It boasts a two-acre prairie planting with mown walking trails throughout, along with 15 acres of woods also with groomed walking trails encompassing. Eric and Wanda host live, outdoor music events on Saturday evenings from 7-9, for the eight Saturdays between July 4 weekend and Labor Day weekend.

In addition to tasting/ drinking wine, the premises has a very large mown area with picnic tables, where people hang out, often playing yard games or flying kites.

Whitewater State Park is circa 10 miles down the road; for hikers, and Plainview has recently opened a few boutique shops for folks to enjoy.

YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

“We have complimentary bottles of water for everyone, and a few soda types for sale as a non-alcoholic option. We have a small merchandise corner with wine-related items,” Eric said.

The Hanlons moved from PA and purchased the property 26 years ago, with the plan to start a winery. They planted a small vineyard at the time and learned everything they could about growing cold, hardy grapes and making wine from them. They opened their doors to the public in 2010, and in 2021 they celebrated Eric’s retirement from the day job.

“We would be remiss if we didn’t mention our fantastic staff.

They all do a great job of engaging with our customers and of learning as much as they can about our wines to order, to answer customer questions, and to just offer information. They truly create the experience we want our customers to have when visiting Whitewater Wines. We are very much looking forward to our first season as sole, winery owners,” said the Hanlons.

ASPELUND WINERY AND PEONY GARDENS Aspelund Winery and Peony Gardens in Kenyon are owned by Bruce and Dawn Rohl. They started selling peonies in 2007 and opened the winery in 2015.

The peony roots are for sale, and the Rohls also offer wine tastings. Too, they serve glasses of wine, snack trays, and have bottles of wine for sale. Customers are welcome to bring in their own food. The first two weekends in June are generally the best time to come and see the flowers in bloom.

AWPG opened April 23 for the season, and they are available Saturdays and Sundays, 12-5 p.m. Wines, maple syrup and popcorn products can be purchased again starting April 23, 2022.

“Our garden sits on several acres and is open on the weekends, noon to 5 p.m. or by appointment. Talk to one of our experts to see which peonies are right for you. Visit us for an unforgettable experience in wine and peonies,” said Dawn.

HALF PINT BREWING COMPANY A going concern since December 2019, Mike McQuery is owner/Head Brewer at Half Pint Brewing Company in Waseca.

Amy McQuery is co-owner and the brewery is located on their property. Other owners are Todd and Jenni Norton, and Tim and Katie Dahle.

“We have beer, hard seltzer, gluten-reduced beer and homemade root beer. We also partner with Pleasant Grove Pizza Farm for pizza delivery,” Mike McQuery said.

Keepsake Cidery The McQuerys feature outdoor, live music five times per year in the summer; they bring in food trucks on occasion;, and their main event of the year is Hop Picking, at the start of September, when they invite the public out to help pick the hops. They offer outdoor games, and the McQuerys invite the public to walk through the hop yard and ask questions about how the hops growing process transpires.

The good folks at Half Pint sell the beer and soda for on-site consumption, and to go into growlers and crowlers. Also, they sell clothing and merchandise, adorned with the brewery logo.

“We are Minnesota’s first Farm Brewery and Taproom. We are

Discover Chankaska Winery...

unique in that we grow our own hops, which we use in the beer that we make right here at the brewery,” Mike said.

MOUSSE SPARKLING WINE COMPANY Josie Boyle, owner and winemaker of Mousse Sparkling Wine Co., opened the venue in September 2020 in downtown Jordan, after a few years of dreaming and planning.

Josie learned how to make sparkling wines while working in Michigan, and she dreamed of moving back to Minnesota to

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Travel TIME TO

-Shopping -Dining -German Culture -Breweries -Summer Festivals

Wine, cocktails, live music, patio dining, tours and more! www.chankaskawines.com ADD YOUR EVENT FOR FREE TO THE SOMINN SCENE CALENDAR. GO TO W W W. S O U T H E R N M I N N . C O M / S O U T H E R N _ M I N N _ S C E N E / & C L I C K + P R O M O T E Y O U R E V E N T

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Aspelund Winery

Angry Hog Brewery

CONTINUED from page 13 make sparkling wines from Minnesota grapes. Boyle specializes in sparkling wines, so there is a wide variety of those on the menu, but she also offers hard cider and still wines (without bubbles).

“When you visit, you can try a flight of wines, you can enjoy a glass of wine or share a bottle, and we have a selection of mimosas available year-round. We offer a few non-alcoholic beverages as well,” Boyle said.

The Mousse features live music every other Saturday evening from late May - September, and Josie has booked food trucks for every Saturday and some Sundays May through October.

Additionally, Josie has classes planned, such as Paint ’n’ Sip, craft

Whitewater Wines workshops, and bingo nights throughout the year.

The venue’s patio is a relaxing place to enjoy wine with friends and listen to live music on a Saturday evening, or try a mimosa flight on a Sunday afternoon. And it’s good to enjoy lunch or dinner from a food truck, or bring your own picnic to enjoy with your wine.

“We sell a selection of non-alcoholic beverages, appetizer-sized cheese and charcuterie plates, and our feature dessert is slices of Crepe Cake made by Suzette’s restaurant in Jordan,” said Josie.

As the only winery in Minnesota-specializing in sparkling wines, MSWC is a distinctive destination and offers a unique take on Minnesota wines.

CHAPEL BREWING Chapel Brewing in Dundas celebrates its 5th anniversary in September. The establishment is owned by Steve Schmidt and Tracie Vranich, and they are assisted by David Frost, Brewer. In addition to the intimate taproom (which was built as a chapel in 1880), the venue boasts a spacious deck and other outdoor seating, along the Cannon Riverside.

Customers are encouraged to bring in their own food or have food delivered from local restaurants. On Saturdays from May to October, there are food trucks and music on the deck.

“On alternating Thursdays, we release a small batch of ExperimentAle, each with a unique flavor profile, designed by our brewer,” said Schmidt.

The Chapel Brewing venue is located at the end of a biking/ walking/running trail that is a 6-mile loop to Northfield and back. It is also a short distance from Nerstrand State Park and several county parks. You can end your day at Chapel, enjoying the view of the Cannon River.

The spacious outdoor area is kid and dog friendly. In addition to craft beer and seltzer, Schmidt also has non-alcoholic kombucha and root beer, along with a variety of local snacks: meat sticks, cheese curds and pretzels. Chapel Brewery is a small-batch brewery on the banks of the Cannon River in Dundas and is open seven days a week.

KEEPSAKE CIDERY & WOODSKEEP ORCHARD

South x Southeast Minnesota Brewing Company

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Tracy Jonkman and Nate Watters are co-owners and partners in the Keepsake Cidery in Dundas. The venue offers a local food menu, and an array of natural hard ciders and other beverages, during all of the open hours; with plenty of both indoor and outdoor seating.

March-May Sat/Sun, 12-6 p.m. June-November Fri 4-9 p.m.; Sat 12-8 p.m.; Sun 12-6 p.m; Fridays June-Oct “Friday Night Cookouts” featuring guest chefs cooking outside at the farm; Saturdays 4-6 p.m., featuring local musicians; The Keepsake folks offer monthly festivals e.g. HerbFest in July, CheeseFest in August, FiberFest and OktoberFest in September, AppleFest in October and Thanksgiving Market in November (list not fully inclusive).

“We feature local products all season and have December Christmas markets on Saturdays. We also have space available for private or business parties to rent, and allow a limited number of

YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

weddings at the Cidery every year,” said Jonkman.

Keepsake is surrounded on three sides by the Cannon River Wilderness Area, with trail access from the Cidery grounds, so hiking into the beautiful river valley and then heading back up to the Cidery for Toasties, meat and cheeses, cider and more from the local food menu, is a great way to spend some time. We have plenty of both indoor and outdoor seating to accommodate during all types of weather, with games to play, orchards to stroll, animals to pet.

The Keepsake staff sells various natural, long aged, spontaneously fermented ciders, fortified ciders with apple brandy and ice ciders as well as house-made kombucha and other non-alcoholic beverages options.

“We are a perfect day trip for all types who want to experience a unique family run farm-based business in southern Minnesota — the old and young, families and couples, you and your dog, ciders lovers and soon to be cider lovers, you get the picture,” said Jonkman.

FOREMOST BREWING COOPERATIVE Foremost Brewing in Owatonna is cooperatively owned by 640-plus individual members. It is overseen by a board of 9 directors, voted in by membership, and a General Manager who oversees day-to-day operations. Foremost is a brew/pub that offers on-site brewed beer, food, wine, craft cocktails, non-alcoholic beverages, and live music in a family friendly environment.

The venue offers weekly happy hours, live music, monthly Pints with a Purpose Event–Raising money for local Owatonna organizations. “We offer a wide variety of on-site brewed craft beer.

Visitors can order a flight of beer to taste the different beers we offer, while enjoying our beautiful space located in downtown Owatonna. We are also a family friendly environment with something for everyone in their group,” said member and Marketing Coordinator Molly Kerr.

Beverages: on-site brewed beer, wine, craft cocktails, non-alcoholic homemade root beer & cream soda, other non-alcoholic options; Foremost merchandise: T-shirts, sweatshirts, pint and Belgian glassware, canvas bags, hats.

Foremost is about more than beer. Foremost Brewing Cooperative is the result of local people coming together to achieve their common goal of making Owatonna a more desirable place to live and visit, by creating from the ground up, a brew/pub that has become a local treasure. While you don’t have to be a member to eat & drink at Foremost, membership does have its perks. Like a free beer during your birthday month and exclusive member happy hours to name a few.

Mineral Spring Brewery

MINERAL SPRINGS BREWERY Owners Rod Baker, Mark Sebring, and Bill Cronin, opened Mineral Springs Brewery in its current location along Owatonna’s Riverfront in November 2019. It is a fully operational production brewery and taproom.

“We have both indoor and outdoor seating, bands every Saturday night, an array of food trucks (hosting 19 different trucks in 2022), and winter outdoor igloo seating. We also host an annual OktoberFest tent event in September, featuring polka bands, beer, and a great time,” said Bill Cronin.

In the summer, customers can enjoy one of the craft beers on Mineral Springs’ large patio. Enjoy that same beer in the winter in a private, unique settings in one of the cozy igloos.

“We have 14 operating tap lines, selling beverages that are all brewed just 40 feet away in our brewhouse. We also have a merchandise setup with apparel, glassware, stickers, and other unique gift ideas,” Cronin added. “We consider our place to be ‘Owatonna’s living room’—as a comfortable place to gather with friends and family over a great craft beer. We’d love to see you at MSB.”

ANGRY HOG BREWERY & TAPROOM Owners Kevin Jones and Joe Bower opened the Angry Hog Brewery & Taproom in Austin in June of 2018. This is a small NanoBrewery, striving to produce some of the freshest craft beer that one could ask for. The venue stocks 8 beers on tap, and they craft root beer too.

“Hogtoberfest, in September, is our biggest event, and occasional events vary, so watch Facebook for details,” said Jones.

During the summer, folks can enjoy some rays on the large outdoor patio, and some Saturday evenings there is live music.

There are occasional food trucks on Friday and Saturdays.

The guys sell craft beer and root beer on tap, T-shirts, sweatshirts and hats. Be sure to ask for a free sticker. Check to go specials on drinks.

IMMINENT BREWING Owners/operators Derek and Laura Meyers, opened their doors at Imminent Brewing in Northfield in June 2017. They are assisted by Justin Holden, Head Brewer; Jared Allerson, General Operations Manager; Katie Tauer, Tap Room Manager. All beers are crafted in-house by Head Brewer, Justin Holden, with the help of sidekick Jared Allerson and the support of a great team of owners, managers and staff.

Chapel Brewing “We offer a variety of nonalcoholic beverages and snacks, and we place a large emphasis on local products. Our team of exceptional beertenders are integral in helping us to cultivate relationships based on mutual respect and genuine care for our neighbors and customers.

One of our mottos is, Kind humans and friendly canines are welcome here,” Laura Meyers said.

Imminent Brewing presents a variety of events and activities, including Trivia, Live Music, and more. The venue stocks plenty of board games, and folks are permitted to bring in their own games as well.

Imminent Brewing does not currently have a kitchen, but the Meyers have a rotating

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W W W. S O U T H E R N M I N N SCENE. C O M

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Half Pint Brewing Company

Foremost Brewing Company

Kinney Creek

CONTINUED from page 15 lineup of food trucks to bring in for a fun variety of food options. The mantra at Imminent Brewing is “It’s About The Time.”

“It’s about the time we spend crafting delicious, fresh beer; it’s about the time we spend with our friends and neighbors, enjoying good conversation over said delicious, fresh beers! It’s also always just about time for something new in our rotating tap list!” said Laura.

Derek and Laura like to keep folks on their toes and are continuously changing up the beer menu. However, they also have a few “staple” favorite brews that are always on tap, such as the refreshing Dragon Squirrel Juicy IPA.

LOCALE BREWING COMPANY

Imminent Brewing

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The owners, Lauren and Jim Parejko, have operated LocAle Brewing Company in Mankato since October 2018. Jim and Lauren have about 14-16 beers on tap, consisting of light lagers, dark stouts, hazy IPAs, funky mixed culture sours, and fruited hard seltzers. They fill growlers and have a range of 750 (ml) crowlers or bottles available to-go.

“Our taproom has live music every few

weeks, as well as food trucks. During the summer months, we have group mountain bike rides that ride local trail systems on Thursday nights. We have our anniversary party in late January when we feature new beers and open new memberships for our taproom membership program (similar to a mug club),” said Jim. The Parejkos often partner with local businesses to host special events. This summer, LocAle is working with Bent River Outfitters, and their Friday night Happy Hour floats. People can float down the river on either a paddle-board or kayak, then they are shuttled to LocAle’s taproom for beer (generally a flight) that is included in their ticket.

“We are also the start and finish for the River Valley 100 bike ride in late summer. It is a regional bike ride that features either a 100-mile road ride or 100-kilometer gravel ride. It brings in riders from all over Minnesota and parts of Wisconsin. We have a food truck that provides food for the riders and often feature a few beer releases that day as well,” Jim explained.

Parejkos’ taproom is the perfect spot for groups of friends or families to meet for a relaxing time in the bright, open and airy space. They frequently open up the overhead doors during the warmer months, to extend the outdoor patio indoors.

“In our first competition as a brewery, two of our sour beers won awards, including 1st and 2nd place in the American Wild Ales category at the 2021 MN Brewer’s Cup, which featured hundreds of beers from most of Minnesota’s breweries,” said Jim. Many of Parejkos’ beers include or feature Midwest ingredients, like grain, hops, honey and fruit.

MONTGOMERY BREWING

YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

Charles (Chuck) Dorsey is owner/brewer, and he is assisted by Lindsay Simon, distribution; Josh Kaderlik, head brewer; and Ron Taylor, packaging lead. Montgomery Brewing is in its 7th year of business. The Brewing company is the first and only 100% blackowned brewery in the state.

“I don’t often mention/market that stat. Beer is my passion/ business. I don’t want my race to be any sort of bias to anyone’s pallet. But it is still a fun fact, and I am proud of it,” explained Chuck Dorsey.

Montgomery Brewing brews beer of all styles, with a focus on IPAs and fruited sours. There are 12 beers on tap at all times, with all beer to-go via crowlers or growlers. During the summer (MaySept) Chuck closes the street on the last Saturday of the month.

He hosts live music and provides a food truck. Chill on the street, have a beer (MB’s of course) and don’t forget to bring your own chair. It’s a fun time! “We brew great beer and love what we do.

Montgomery is a town that has a lot to offer—from award winning pizza (pizzeria 201), to a Beatles-themed golf course—local cidery (Montgomery Orchard)—our historic bakery (Franke’s), and so much more! Montgomery is a great place to visit,” Dorsey said.

The venue has sodas and bagged snacks available, along with plenty of merchandise for sale. Montgomery Brewing (current) is located and named after the brewery that started its roots in the town (same building) in the late 1800s, Montgomery Brewing Company.

“We’ve had big shoes to fill from day one, with so much history already here. I feel we are doing a good job and it’s awesome being able to integrate the past with the future,” added Dorsey.

AUGUST SCHELL

BREWING COMPANY The Marti family owns and operates Schell’s Brewing Company in New Ulm, with Ted as president, Kyle as vice-president, and Franz as facilities manager. Schell’s is an historic brewery, and while brewing and packaging beer is their main priority, they do much more.

Schell’s provides a Bier Halle for people to sit and enjoy a beer; a patio that overlooks the river; its renowned Biergarten—that offers outdoor seating; tours; a museum full of history; a bike trail trough the wooded area; deer and peacocks viewing; and beautiful gardens in which to roam around. Schell’s hosts its annual Bock Fest in March and Oktoberfest in October, with other, small events throughout the year.

While visiting the venue, folks can learn about years of brewing history, by taking a trip through the museum or on one of the scheduled tours. On a nice, warm day, one Mousse Sparking Wine Company can stroll around the historic gardens, taking in the thousands of flowers, and observing the over the world to come and experience the history that Schell’s frolicking deer and colorful peacocks, before stopping in the Bier- has to offer, so if it isn’t already on your bucket list, you should garten and relaxing with a beverage, under the majestic walnut add it now,” said Marketing Director Leigh Wendinger. trees. The Martis also offer 1919 root beer and Buddy’s Soda; in addition to a fantastic gift shop on-site, containing a wide variety Journalist-Copywriter-Editor-Feature Writer. My experience spans over 20 of merchandise. years, and I will apply my skills to help beef up any lifeless copy within your “We are the second-oldest family owned-brewery in the United website, brochure, press release, catalog, etc. Reach out at patgarry@charter.

States, as well as being Minnesota’s oldest. People travel from all net.

Breweries/, Wineries, / Cideries & Distilleries 10,000 Drops 28 Fourth St. NE, Faribault 10000drops.com Availability: Bottles Taproom: Yes Angry Hog Brewery 500 23rd Ave. NW, Austin angryhogbrewery.com Availability: Draft Taproom: Yes Aspelund Winery 9204 425th St, Kenyon aspelundwinery.com August Schell’s Brewing Co. 1860 Schell Rd., New Ulm schellsbrewery.com Availability: Draft, bottles, cans Taproom: See website Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery and Distillery 1179 E. Pearl St., Kasota 507-931-0089 chankaskawines.com Chapel Brewing 15 Hester St., Dundas chapelbrewing.com Availability: Draft, growlers Taproom: Yes Foremost Brewing Cooperative 131 W Broadway, Owatonna foremost.coop Availability: Draft, cans, growlers Taproom: Yes Giesenbrau Bier Co. 1306 1st St. NE, New Prague giesenbraubierco.com Availability: Draft Taproom: Yes Gravity Storm Brewer 309 Main Street N, Austin facebook.com/GravityStormBrewery Availability: Draft Taproom: Yes Half Pint Brewing Company 40099 150th St., Waseca www.halfpintbrew.com Availability: Draft, Growlers Taproom: Yes

Imminent Brewing 519 Division St. S, Northfield imminentbrewing.com Availability: Draft Taproom: Yes

Loon Liquors in Northfield 1325 Armstrong Rd., Northfield loonliquors.com Availability: Bottles Taproom: Yes

Indian Island Winery 18018 631st Ave., Janesville indianislandwindery.com

Mankato Brewery 1119 Center St., Mankato, MN mankatobrewery.com Availability: Draft, cans, bottles, growlers Taproom: Yes

Keepsake Cidery 4609 135th St. E, Dundas mncider.com Availability: Draft, bottles Taproom: Yes Kinney Creek Brewery 1016 7th St NW, Rochester Kinneycreekbrewery.com Availability: Draft, crowlers, growlers Taproom: Yes LocAle Brewing Company 228 Poplar St., Mankato localebrew.com Availability: Draft, cans, growlers Taproom: Yes

Mineral Springs Brewery 111 N Walnut Ave, Owatonna mineralspringsbrewery.com Availability: Draft, cans, growlers Taproom: Yes Montgomery Brewing Co. 306 2nd St. NW, Montgomery montgomerybrewing.com Availability: Draft, growlers Taproom: Yes

ADD YOUR EVENT FOR FREE TO THE SOMINN SCENE CALENDAR. GO TO W W W. S O U T H E R N M I N N . C O M / S O U T H E R N _ M I N N _ S C E N E / & C L I C K + P R O M O T E Y O U R E V E N T

Mousse Sparkling Wine Company 115 1st St E, Jordan moussewinery.com Next Chapter Winery 16945 320th St., New Prague nextchapterwinery.com Roets Jordan Brewery 230 Broadway St., Jordan roetsjordanbrewery.com Availability: Draft Taproom: Yes South x Southeast Minnesota Brewing Company 51146 US-52, Pine Island Sxsebrewingmn.com Availability: Draft, cans Taproom: Yes Tanzenwald Brewing Co. 103 Water St. N, Northfield tanzenwald.com Availability: Draft, growlers Taproom: Yes

Tilion Brewing Company 432 Mill St. W, Cannon Falls tilionbrewing.com Availability: Draft, growlers Taproom: Yes U4IC Brewing 23436 Union Trail, Belle Plaine u4icbrewing.com Availability: Draft, bottles, growlers Taproom: Yes Vintage Escaped Winery & Vinyard 8950 Dodd Rd, Kilkenny vintageescapeswinery.com Availability: bottles, glass & flights Tasting room: Yes Ward House 111 Elm Ave. W, Waseca wardhousebrewing.com Availability: Draft, growlers Taproom: Yes Whitewater Wines 10832 Fischer Hill Dr, Plainview Whitewaterwines.com

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Little Hill Berry Farm

Dig up some fun at

garden center & picking fields Saregent’s Nursery

DRUMMERS GARDEN CENTER AND FLORAL

By PAT GARRY Guest Contributor

G

etting the garden going is a rite of spring, and picking the eventually grown fruits and vegetables is a rite of summer.

Throughout Southern Minnesota, there are plenty of options for both of these activities, so we put together a list of businesses and venues.

And here is a guide to take you

through just some of them.

HOUSTON’S GREENHOUSE Currently owned by Bruce and Tamra Houston, Houston’s Greenhouse in Kasson has been family owned and operated for 45 years. The business is open all year long, and the staff grows its own bedding plants in the spring/summer; mums in the fall and poinsettias for Christmas.

The venue boasts five greenhouses, which feature a large selection of annuals, perennials and vegetables. Houston’s Greenhouse is famous for its Geranium quality and color selection. They also showcase a Garden gift shop, full of fun, garden gifts and supplies.

At Christmas time, along with their own poinsettia, Houston’s has a wonderland of Christmas gifts and Christmas trees.

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Owner/Manager Julie Drummer enjoys her 32nd year of business in Mankato. Drummers carries house plants for indoor spaces and greenhouse-grown annuals, vegetables, perennials, as well as a nursery with shrubs, trees, and fruits. There are design services for landscaping, seasonal outdoor containers including winter, and custom floral arrangements from the floral department.

“We specialize in providing gardening and plant education on each visit if help is needed. Our knowledgeable staff offers wonderful advice on plants to choose from,” said Drummer.

The design department is tied with Julie’s décor and gift section; with memorial items, seasonal indoor and outdoor décor; including winter décor and Christmas trees, and a new locally made product section.

Drummer said that every year they host seasonal Make and Takes, where customers can create their own planted container designs using seasonal plants. In March, it is Spring Planting Parties and Kids Planting Weekend, where children plant flowering annual containers to be grown in the greenhouse until May (past the threat of frost ).

In September, there is Fall Make and Take, where folks can use classic blooming fall plants like mums and fall décor; and in November, starting off the holidays, it is Spruce Top Pot Make and Take, where people use lovely evergreens and winter décor to create an outdoor pot that lasts all winter. Also, Drummers host educational events for new and seasoned gardeners, yoga in the greenhouse, floral design classes, crafts for adults and children,

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and private workshops.

Every season offers new fun things to do and see. The venue boasts a coy pond inside, with a waterfall to listen to the water and watch the large coy swimming around. Currently, annuals are growing in the retail greenhouse, so people can walk around the warm environs, with the smell of spring in the air and see the first blooms of the season.

At the beginning of May, the greenhouse is full of blooming annuals and tropical plants. When the weather is warm, children love the playground outside in the nursery, and they stop by the outdoor pond to observe the fish and tiny frogs sunbathing on the lily pads.

TRAVERSE DES SIOUX GARDEN CENTER Fred and Joy Struck started Traverse des Sioux Garden Center in St. Peter in 1980, and while still involved in the day-to-day activities, it is now managed by two of their sons, Karl and Keith.

“We are a true year-round garden center, and for every time of year, we offer something “green”. We grow our own flowering annuals and vegetable starts in the spring. We offer a full line of trees, shrubs, and perennials, along with offering a convenient installation of these items as well,” said Karl.

When the holidays roll around, Traverse is a great spot for Christmas trees, and they have all you need for winter decorating.

“However, what we might be best known for is that we strive to offer the best selection of house plants south of the Twin Cities, and we’d argue that we probably have just as many unique

YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

varieties and sizes as the big players in the metro,” Karl Struck explained.

The spectacular venue attracts numerous out-of-town visitors, who love to spend time with the plethora of house plants and tropicals. It is such a relaxing time to walk through the greenhouses and kind of be immersed in a different world.

SARGENT’S NURSERY Sargent’s Nursery in Red Wing is owned and operated by Dave Lewis, a fifth generation “Sargent”. This is a full-service garden center, offering annuals, perennials, veggies, seeds, herbs, trees, shrubs, evergreens, garden art and home décor, bulk mulch, rock, and landscaping materials.

Also, Sargent’s offers Landscape Design and Installation, and Garden Care Services! In January, the Nursery hosts an annual quilt show in their greenhouse, and it draws more than 1,500 visitors. The year 2021 was the business’s 15th. The venue hosts workshops throughout the year, on container gardening, holiday planters, fairy gardens and more. For some fun, the Red Wing Nursery has a potting bench and bulb bar, open throughout the winter, so folks can get their hands in the dirt, all year long, and leave the cleanup to the Sargent’s staff.

There is a beautiful boulevard garden to walk around and photograph. The property also boasts a massive collection of indoor plants, which is perfect to walk through on a rainy day, and the garden center is lush and full of color and beautiful inspiration all season long.

Red Wing Moss Baskets began in 1989 and the flowering jewels of downtown have grown to be an icon for the city. Sargent’s Nursery is proud to have been involved in this project from the start, and currently produces all of the Red Wing Moss Baskets

Traverse des Sioux Garden Center

Drummer’s Garden Center and Floral

that are displayed around town; along with many more sold directly to the public.

While they represent the city of Red Wing, the basket program is actually fully paid for by Red Wing’s Noontime Kiwanis Club (since 2004).

No tax dollars are used for flower basket expenses; with the Kiwanians having taken full responsibility for raising funds—for everything from the seeds to the fertilizer and the seasonal city employees who keep the baskets watered.

Donahue’s Greenhouse

Souba Greenhouse

SOUBA GREENHOUSE The establishment in Owatonna is owned by Bill and Debi Souba, Jody Hugley, and Jon DeMars. There is lots to see at Soubas.

Spring: Souba has the area’s largest selection of beautiful annual flower and vegetable plants, custom planting for customers/ businesses, (bring your containers and they will plant them for you). April: planting workshops, chic garden center featuring

unique containers and garden decor, and many made from local vendors.

Fall: mums, fall flowers, pumpkins, plus Jody’s roadside freshpicked vegetable stand.

Winter: porch pots, spruce container workshops, MN grown Christmas trees, and decor, some from local vendors.

There are spring, fall and winter planting workshops at the greenhouse. The Souba staff helps guests create beautiful containers for their homes. There are food truck weekends in May,

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featuring local business like Pleasant Grove Pizza farm and The Lunch Box. The greenhouse is located on the farm property, and many kids (and adults) enjoy seeing the animals: cattle, horse, sheep, goats and a miniature donkey. Soubas grows everything they sell, at the greenhouse; starting in December, with over an acre of connected greenhouses.

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sightful customer service and a fun plant shopping experience,” Bahr said.

TURTLE CREEK NURSERY AND LANDSCAPING The Owatonna business was established in 2005, by owners Eric and Patty Cornell, and it is managed by Jessica Lutgen.

“We are a full-service garden center and landscape company.

We offer annuals, perennials, hanging baskets, trees, shrubs, pottery, fountains, wrought iron, soils, fertilizers, gift decor, house plants and much more,” said Eric Cornell.

The Cornell’s Spring Open House is April 29, 30 and May 1. There will be specials running all weekend, along with door prizes to register for and free popcorn. The Cornells take pride in having top-quality plants at a fair price, and a very knowledgeable staff.

“People enjoy taking their time and walking around and looking at all of the fun things that we have to offer,” offered Eric.

DONAHUE’S GREENHOUSE Donahue’s Greenhouse in Faribault is owned by the Donahue family: Lois Donahue Cleary (retired), Kathy Donahue Nass, Julie Donahue Zweber, Mary Donahue, Mark Donahue, Tim Donahue, Jim Donahue, Mick Donahue. This year marks 50 years in business for the family.

Donahue’s Greenhouse specializes in clematis, a perennial flowering vine, and Donahue’s is one the nation’s leading producers, growing over 120 varieties. But that’s not all! They also offer annuals, perennials, the most beautiful hanging baskets, vegetable plants, rose bushes, tropical hibiscus, succulents and much, much more.

Donahue’s Greenhouse opened on April 20 for the spring season. For the best selection, it is recommend to stop in during April and May, as the quality plants go quickly. With 25,000 square feet of retail space encompassed in glass, one can walk in the front doors, rain or shine, and see all the spring blooming plants.

The week before Mother’s Day is a popular time, when multi-generations meet here to enjoy a few hours of springtime together. Mothers share with their adult children what they have learned about gardening over the years. It is truly a special time of year.

Garten Marketplatz

LITTLE HILL BERRY FARM Aaron Wills and Molly McGovern Wills have owned Little Hill Berry Farm in Northfield for 10 years. Each spring, starting in May, they have a spring plant sale.

“We sell a variety of berry plants, including blueberry plants for your home landscape and vegetable, herb, and flower plant starts for your garden or to grow in pots,” said Molly.

The plant sale is unique because the Wills offer plants that Knecht’s Nurseries and Landscaping

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GARTEN MARKETPLATZ The owners are Randy and Sue Lantz and Pete Rupprecht. The managers are Elsa Clay and Josh Rupprecht. Garten Marketplatz is celebrating its 25th year, and customers are invited to wander through the gardens and enjoy the peaceful setting of this Civil War-era farm.

Shop in granary and the large brick “Garten Haus” gift shop, and check out Southeast Minnesota’s largest selection of Minnesota hardy perennials, all grown on the 10-acre farm. “We host many special events throughout the year in our carriage house,” said Lantz.

KNECHT’S NURSERIES AND LANDSCAPING James Westlund is owner and general manager of Knecht’s Nurseries & Landscaping in Northfield, established in 1999.

Knecht’s offers a huge inventory of over 30,000 high-quality, Minnesota-hardy perennials, shrubs, and trees, with over 1,000 different varieties available.

“We have one of the largest hosta selections in the area, with over 100 varieties. We also have a wide selection of annuals, as well as landscape design and installation services,” said Tracy Bahr, staff representative.

The garden center is 10 acres of plant heaven. Walking among the trees, shrubs, and perennials that are for sale, is an experience in its own, especially for plant lovers. Visitors are also encouraged to stroll through the display gardens. If you’re into photography, bring a camera.

“We genuinely love what we do and we’re just as excited about plants and gardening as you are. In fact, many of us trial plants in our own landscapes, so we can give real-life, honest feedback. Our passion makes it easy to provide awesome and in-

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YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

have outstanding flavor and do well in the soils and climates. The varieties of berry plants that are offered, have been grown successfully on the Wills farm. The garden starts (vegetables, herbs, and flowers) are grown by a local, partner vegetable farm that Aaron and Molly partner with — Waxwing Farm. Waxwing starts the plants in their on-farm greenhouse and grows them using all organic practices.

“We have chosen varieties that Waxwing has found do well in our area and taste great. Plants you buy at big box stores are grown in warm, southern states and shipped to Minnesota in the spring. They aren’t adapted to our climate, and they are generic varieties that often lack flavor,” said Molly.

Little Hill offers pick-your-own berries in the summer, starting with blueberries in July and then pumpkins in the fall. There is also monthly yoga in the blueberry fields in the summer, special breakfast and dinner on the farm events on various Saturdays throughout the year. The Wills offer merchandise for sale and other products that they make from berries such as jam, fruit shrubs (a vinegar based drink), and elderberry syrup.

Journalist-Copywriter-Editor-Feature Writer. My experience spans over 20 years, and I will apply my skills to help beef up any lifeless copy within your website, brochure, press release, catalog, etc. Reach out at patgarry@charter. net.

Turtle Creek Nursery and Landscaping

Fruit Picking/, Garden Centers and Nurseries/ FRUIT PICKING Aronia Acres 15470 355th Ave Waseca facebook.com/purplepowersus aronia berries Emma Krumbee’s 311 E Enterprise Dr., Belle Plaine emmakrumbees.com/apple-orchard Apples, raspberries, summer vegetables Fireside Orchard & Gardens 2225 Lonsdale Blvd E, Northfield firesideorchard.com Apples Irish Mountain Orchard 24214 480th Street Elysian irishmountainorchard.com Apples, pears Little Hill Berry Farm 4339 320th St. W., Northfield littlehillberryfarm.com Blueberries, strawberries Lorence’s Berry Farm 28625 Foliage Ave., Northfield lorencesberryfarm.com Strawberries, raspberries, asparagus Minnesota Harvest Orchard 8251 Old Hwy. 169 Blvd., Jordan minnesotaharvest.net Apples Miracle Strawberry Farm 60687 T-41, Dodge Center miraclestrawberryfarm.com Strawberries Montgomery Orchard 15953 MN-99, Montgomery montgomeryorchard.com Apples Silkey Gardens 5561 115th St. E, Northfield silkeygardens.com Apples, raspberries, blueberries Straight River Farm 3733 220th St. E, Faribault straightriverfarm.com Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, apples

Trumps Orchard 1020 St Paul Ave., Faribault trumpsorchard.com Apples, plums Welsh Heritage Farms 20758 528th Ave Building 2, Lake Crystal welshheritagefarm.com Apples, jams, cheese and pie

Fruit Picking

GARDEN CENTER + NURSERIES Donahue’s Greenhouses 420 10th St. SW, Faribault donahuesclematis.com Greenhouse, outdoor area, clematis specialists, more Drummer’s Garden Center 281 St Andrews Dr #8584, Mankato drummersgardencenter.com Greenhouse, outdoor area, landscape design, more Houston’s Greenhouse 914 Mantorville Ave N, Kasson houstonsgreenhouse.com Greenhouse, gift shop Knecht’s Nurseries & Landscaping 1601 Hwy 19 W, Northfield knechts.net Tree, shrubs, evergreens, perennials, hostas Sargent’s Nursery 3352 N Service Dr, Red Wing sargentsnursery.com Greenhouse, garden center, outdoor area, more Souba Greenhouse 4003 Crane Creek Rd, Owatonna soubagreenhouse.com Greenhouse, outdoor area, wholesale, hay, more Traverse des Sioux 1702 US-169, St Peter tdsgardencenter.com Greenhouse, nursery, outdoor area, more Turtle Creek Nursery & Landscaping 2449 Rose St, Owatonna tcnursery.com Greenhouse, outdoor area, nursery, landscaping, more

Garden Centers and Nurseries Twiehoff Gardens 917 St Paul Ave, Faribault twiehoffgardens.com Greenhouse, vegetables, bird seed, more

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Canoes sit on the shore while the sun rises in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in September 2018. Aside from the Boundary Waters and Voyageurs National Park, the only option for a night under the stars is dispersed camping in state forests. (Evan Frost/MPR News 2018)

Not all of us can handle an

outdoor adventure,

By MARY CLOSNER Guest Contributor

but SoMinn offers plenty

“W

rite about trails/hiking/biking/ camping in Minnesota,” my editor said. “We’re trying to inform about day tripping, lakes, rivers and spending time outdoors in this region during the summer,” he said.

People who know me know the only reason I go outside is to get to my car. What do I know about any of this? Well, there are many different levels of this word “outdoor” in my book.

In our state, we’re lucky enough to have a gorgeous state park or trailhead everywhere you turn. Being surrounded by green and trees and lakes at every stop is something most of us take for granted. When I have a pal from the southwest come visit, they are agog at all the space and the constant foliage. I often have to remind myself to appreciate the lime green spring or the deep rusty fall by taking a different trek on my daily routine.

When it comes to embracing this whole outdoor thing, I’ve done it on many different levels over the years. I’ve done the “outdoor lite” version, where I’ve driven my 96-year-old mom for a car picnic at Lake Byllesby Park (Goodhue County) a tad west of Cannon Falls. We pull right up to the water and put the windows down to watch the little kids run around squealing, while we admire the boats as well as the afternoon sun glinting off the water.

I’ve also taken many a driving trip to Roberds Lake in Faribault to see the first light of day or a multi-hued sunset. And one can’t undervalue the occasional donut from a local hotspot right on the water (courtesy of the daily summer delights at Roberds Lake Resort & Campgrounds). You can rent a boat, a cabin or a campsite and have breakfast any time of day. Does it get any better than that?!

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Tetonka Lake in Waterville is another beautiful destination with a quaint little community. I’ve had dinner on the water and watched people fishing while I kept a close eye on my cocktail. Just the drive from Northfield to this spot tucked in the woods is lovely. There are lots of farms and animals to view along the route.

When I lived in Eagan, Lebanon Hills Regional Park was the big place for hiking. It made you feel like you were in the middle of nowhere when you were actually in the midst of a very busy and rapidly growing suburb. It’s a mountain bikers paradise. The whole place is like a breath of fresh air after a busy day.

Nerstrand Big Woods State Park is what I consider “outdoor medium.” It’s where you go to hike to the waterfalls and enjoy the lush “jungle” of giant ferns under a thick canopy of trees. My family enjoys this hike and it offers a ton of possibilities for terrific photography and pushing siblings into the water. Be sure to hit this spot during color season.

“Outdoor heavy” would mean actual tents are involved. I’m still recovering from a trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area years ago. I portaged; I drank powdered things mixed with lake water; I was one with nature. Between that and a rainy camping adventure in my youth, where my entire family enjoyed my bout of the whooping cough, I’m more apt to do “glamping” these days. You know, camping with tents that have beds and rugs and fireplaces and chefs. I still wanna view all the spectacular spots in my beloved state, I just want someone to bring me a latte while doing it.

So, whatever your level of outdoor comfort, make sure and take advantage of our natural setting and our gazillion lakes. Every hike I’ve been on, every fish I’ve caught (without baiting my own line mind you) and every canoe ride I’ve ever taken has left me with fabulous memories. Also, some sunburn … wear your darn sunscreen!

Mary Closner is 73 inches tall (according to her doctor) and has 9-foot ceilings in her home (according to her handyman). She lives in Northfield, making bad decisions so you don’t have to! Reach her at 1964minx@gmail.com.

YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

Camping, /Trails, Hiking, +Biking, / Parks, +Nature, /Lakes & Rivers CAMPING 21851 Bagley Ave., Faribault 507-332-8453 www.campfaribo.com Clear Lake Park & Campground 35194 Clear Lake Lane, Le Center primitive campsites, first come-first served Flandrau State Park 1300 Summit Ave., New Ulm 507-233-1260 dnr.state.mn.us camping, swimming, hiking Frontenac State Park 29223 County 28 Blvd., Frontenac 651-345-3401 dnr.state.mn.us camping, hiking trails Lake Washington Regional Park & Campground 47102 Washington Park Road, Kasota 507-357-8201 co.le-sueur.mn.us camping, fishing, canoe launch, playgrounds Land of Memories Campground 100 Amos Owen Lane, Mankato mankatomn.gov fishing, canoeing, boat landing Kamp Dells 14842 Sakatah Lake Road, Waterville 507-362-8616 www.kampdels.com Kieslers Campground & RV resort 14360 U.S. Hwy. 14, Waseca 507-835-3179 kieslers.com boat rentals, mini golf Mill Pond/Riverside Park & Campground 227 S Front St., St. Peter Boat launch, fishing pond, playground

Hidden Falls a Nerstrand Big Woods State Park. (Tony Webster/Creative Commons) Sakatah Lake State Park 50499 Sakatah Lake State Park Road, Waterville 507-698-7851 dnr.state.mn.us hiking, biking, camping Trails+Hiking+Biking Cannon Valley Trail 19.7-miles trail from Cannon Falls to Red Wing cannonvalleytrail.com Cannon Wilderness Park 3471 151st St. E, Faribault co.rice.mn.us canoe launch, hiking and horseback trails

City of Faribault trails 8.4 miles of trails Map: bit.ly/319fqsT City of Northfield trails 22 miles of trails Map: bit.ly/3g4b7nd City of Owatonna trails 17 miles of trails, including Buxton and Muckle ci.owatonna.mn.us/304/Trails

Courthouse Park Wilton Brideg Road, Waseca camping, walking, cross-country skiing and horseback riding trails Falls Creek Park 20506 Carr Ave., Faribault 507-332-6112 Goodhue-Pioneer State Trail When finished, the 47-miles trail will connect the Cannon Valley Regional and the Douglas State trails

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Campling

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Covill Park 507 Nymphara Ln, Red Wing red-wing.org/facilities/facility/details/ColvillPark-9 Boat launch, tennis courts, volleyball, walking paths Flandrau State Park 1300 Summit Ave., New Ulm dnr.state.mn.us Camping, swimming, hiking Frontenac State Park 29223 County 28 Blvd., Frontenac dnr.state.mn.us Camping, hiking trails Harmony Park 79503 298th St, Clarks Grove 507-402-8733 harmonypark.com Kaplan’s Woods Park, Kaplan’s Woods Parkway 1205 SW 18th St., Owatonna ci.owatonna.mn.us Paved trails, boat access, swimming Lake Byllesby Regional Park 8150 295th St. E., Cannon Falls co.dakota.mn.us/parks/parksTrails/LakeByllesby Campground, boating, trailhead Lake Kohlmeir beach 1550 Mosher Drive, Owatonna 507-774-7372 ci.owatonna.mn.us swimming, acquatic and trail equipment rentals Lake Washington Regional Park & Campground 47102 Washington Park Road, Kasota co.le-sueur.mn.us Camping, fishing, canoe launch, playgrounds Linnaes Arboretum 800 W. College Ave., St. Peter gustavus.edu/arboretum interpretive center, gardens, prairie

Trail along Lake Byllesby. (Photo courtesy of Tony Webster)

CONTINUED from page 23 High Island Creek Park 26428 341 Lane, Henderson co.sibley.mn.us Lebanon Hills Regional Park 860 Cliff Road, Eagan, 651-554-6530 Mountain biking trails

Cannon Wilderness Park 3471 151st St. E, Faribault co.rice.mn.us Canoe launch, hiking and horseback trails

Cedar Lake Regional Park 25875 Juniper Ave., New Prague 763-694-777 fishing, trails, picnic areas

Carleton College Cowling Arboretum One North College St., Northfield 507-222-4543 apps.carleton.edu/campus/arb

Courthouse Park Wilton Brideg Road, Waseca co.waseca.mn.us/Facilities Camping, walking, cross-country skiing and horseback riding trails

Minneopa State Park 54497 Gadwall Road, Mankato 507-386-3910 dnr.state.mn.us camping, fishing, bison herd Myre-Big Island State Park 19499 780th Ave., Albert Lea 507-668-7060 dnr.state.mn.us camping, hiking, canoeing

Kaplan’s Woods Park, Kaplan’s Woods Parkway 1205 SW 18th St., Owatonna ci.owatonna.mn.us paved trails, boat access, swimming Mill Towns Trail 3-mile multi-use trail currently links Dundas and Northfield Plans to run from Faribault to Cannon Falls Rasmussen Woods 555 Stoltzman Road, Mankato mankatomn.gov hiking, wildlife Sakatah Singing Hills Trail 39-mile trail runs from Faribault to Mankato dnr.state.mn.us/state_trails/sakatah Traverse des Sioux Trails 1851 N. Minnesota Ave., St. Peter facebook.com/TraverseTrails

OUTDOORS 7 Mile Park Hwy. 169 south of St. Peter co.nicollet.mn.us multiuse trails with equestrian parking, boat landing Beaver Lake County Park Steele County Road 28, Ellendale co.steele.mn.us hiking trails, boat dock, fishing pier Byllesby Park (Goodhue County) Hwy. 19, 1 mile west of Cannon Falls boat launch, picnic area

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YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

Nerstrand Big Woods State Park 9700 170th St. E, Nerstrand 507-384-6140 dnr.state.mn.us self-guided interpretive trail, Hidden Falls waterfall Ney Nature Center 28238 Nature Center Lane, Henderson 507-357-8580 neycenter.org historic farm site, trails, wildlife Okaman Park E. Elysian Lake Road, Janesville co.waseca.mn.us boat launch, walking trail Rasmussen Woods 555 Stoltzman Road, Mankato mankatomn.gov Hiking, wildlife Rice Lake State Park 8485 Rose St., Owatonna 507-414-6191 dnr.state.mn.us canoeing, nature observation

RIVERS + LAKES

Clear Lake, Waseca Boat launches: Off Clear Lake Drive across from Kieslers .

Handicapped accessible fishing pier.

North side of lake along Clear Lake Drive and adjacent to Lakeside Golf Course.

GEM Sailing MN 201 S Franklin St., Lake City 507-261-7473 GEMSailingMN.com Sail the boat or enjoy the ride.

Henderson Station River Access & Park 29030 River St., Le Sueur Lake Jefferson Fishing Pier 28211 470th Street, Madison Lake Loon Lake, Waseca Hwy. 14 DNR-assisted boat ramp 10th St. NW motor boats only Roberds Lake, Faribault Roberds Lake Boulevard Campgrounds and boat launches all around

The Tetonka Lake Aquatic Management Area features a new gravel trail around the lake fish spawning area. There also is a new gravel parking lot and road leading to the area. (Pat Beck/St. Peter Herald) Straight River Canoe Landing 5218 N Co Road 45, Medford

Tetonka Lake, Waterville City-owned access off First Street Campgrounds and boat launches all around

River Bend Nature Center 1000 Rustad Road, Faribault 507-32-7151 rbnc.org trails, interpretive center, picnicking Sibley Park & Farm 900 Park Lane, Mankato mankatomn.gov farm animals, playground Rush River Park 33503 Rush River Park Road, Henderson co.sibley.mn.us Horseback & hiking trails, swimming, camping Sakatah Lake State Park 50499 Sakatah Lake State Park Road, Waterville dnr.state.mn.us Hiking, biking, camping Traverse Des Sioux Park 1851 N Minnesota Ave, St. Peter mnhs.org/traversedessioux Walking trails, biking trails, scenic views

River + Lakes

Local Attractions

By TOM NELSON Guest Contributor

A

s the southern Minnesota area welcomes the warmer weather of spring and summer, the change in seasons also offers a wide range of opportunities to enjoy the many attractions that highlight the region. These attractions range from water parks to farmers’ markets and are sure to spark the interest of local residents of all ages.

The following is an overview of top local attractions available in the southern Minnesota region. A good starting point for any ventures in the area, or throughout Minnesota, is the Explore Minnesota website (www.exploreminnesota. com). The site contains a comprehensive list of activities, attractions and events in the state along with information on lodging and dining options.

Local visitors’ bureaus and area chamber of commerce website are another solid resource for trip planning and exploring the area.

WATER PARKS:

The Riverwalk Market Fair offers a wide range of produce, artisan foods and artwork along with entertainment every Saturday during the summer months and into the fall in Northfield.

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As the summer heats up, local water parks offer a great way to cool down. Three prime places to hit the pool in southern Minnesota include Owatonna’s River Springs Water Park, the Faribault Family Aquatic Center and the Waseca Water Park.

Opened in 2009, the River Springs Water Park provides a variety of aquatic activities including a tube slide, body slide, lazy river, lily pad walk, climbing wall and a zero depth pool area. The facility is scheduled to open on June 4 and both daily and season passes are available.

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producers and artists with a place to market their products and the Riverwalk Market Fair will run from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays starting May 21 through October 15.

“On average we host 80-90 total vendors with up to 60 vendors participating on any given Saturday,” said April Kopack, Riverwalk Market Fair Manager.

One of the largest farmer’s markets in the area, the Riverwalk Market Fair is looking to expand its entertainment lineup in 2022 with at least two to three musicians/entertainers each week on two “tent stages.”

“Personally, I feel the reasons for the fair’s popularity stem from the uniqueness of our downtown, riverfront and rural yet urban appeal to residents and travelers. Our recent survey shows that we increase the population of Northfield’s downtown district by up to 1,500 people on a Saturday.”

A mainstay in downtown St. Peter for more than 20 years, the St. Peter Farmers’ Market runs on Saturday mornings 8:00 a.m. to Noon during the months of June until the weather gets bad in October. Once the area produce starts to come in mid-summer, the market adds a second day of operation on Tuesdays from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The market’s is located in the parking lot of the St. Peter Food Co-Op at 228 W. Mulberry Street in St. Peter. Along with produce from local growers, the market also offers eggs, breads and baked good, pickles, jams and jellies, soaps, candles and locally made crafts.

In downtown Owatonna’s Central Park, the Owatonna Farmers’ Market runs from May to October on Saturday’s from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The market features local produce along with a variety of other locally created food products - and even homemade dog treats from the Aspen Trails Bakery.

PIZZA FARMS: CONTINUED from page 25 Located in Faribault’s North Alexander Park complex, the Faribault Family Aquatic Center offers a full range of aquatic fun.

Features at the Aquatic Center include two large flume slides, climbing walls, interactive water features, water basketball and volleyball, lily pad walk and a dump bucket. Daily passes and a variety of season pass options are available for the Faribault Family Aquatic Center, which is slated to open on June 4.

The Waseca Water Park also provides a fun selection of aquatic adventures including two refurbished water slides scheduled to reopen this summer. Other features include a water walk, water spray area, sheet flow curtain and a toddler turtle slide. Located in the city’s Northeast Park, the Waseca Water Park is open from June to Labor Day each year. Daily and season passes are available for the summer of 2022.

Kamp Dels is a resort located on the shores of Sakatah Lake in Waterville. Kamp Dels offers cabins and camping along with a full-line of family fun activities such as mini golf, a petting zoo, playgrounds, fishing, boating, and of course, a large water park.

The 38,000 square foot water park facility offers water slides, a sea creature water walk, climbing walls and diving boards.

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Facilities are open to guests of the resort and day passes are also available for purchase at Kamp Dels throughout the summer.

One other unique water feature to check out is in Red Wing.

In addition to a full-sized water park in Red Wing’s Colvill Park, the city also has a splash pad for youngsters at the Athletic Field Park. A gift to the community from the Red Wing Area Fund, the splash pad is ‘zero entry’ and admission is free with hours from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. during the season.

FARMERS’ MARKETS: The southern Minnesota area hosts several Farmers’ Markets throughout the summer months, which offer shoppers a bounty of local produce and foods along with a unique farm-to-table experience. Highlighted below are some of the summertime farmers’ markets in the region.

The Faribault Farmers’ Market is open Saturdays 7:00 a.m. to Noon from June through October and on Wednesdays from 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. from July through September. The market takes place in downtown Faribault’s Central Park.

A popular Saturday morning destination in downtown Northfield’s Bridge Square is the Riverwalk Market Fair. The mission of the fair is to provide Northfield-area farmers, artesian food

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A great way to enjoy a summer day or evening in the country and savor some outstanding food is a trip to one of the area’s two pizza farms.

The Pleasant Grove Pizza Farm in Waseca is open on Friday through Sunday from May to October and it is also open on Thursday evenings in June through September. Pleasant Grove’s menu includes a variety of oven-fired pizzas and guests are encouraged to bring their own side dishes, alcoholic beverages, tables, seating and utensils. The 55-acre farm provides a picturesque setting for dining and local musicians are also featured on selected days throughout the season.

Just outside of Northfield, the Red Barn Farm is a popular location to enjoy Neapolitan style pizza in an alfresco setting. Red Barn serves pizza on Wednesdays starting at 4:00 p.m. from May through October. Red Barn also has pizzas available on the third Sunday of each month from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and has occasional pop-up pizza nights on Friday evenings during the summer.

Visitors are welcome to bring their own side dishes and alcoholic drinks and they should also bring tables, eating utensils, chairs and plates. Red Barn’s general store does offer a selection of non-alcoholic drinks and snacks for sale. Please note that reservations are required and are open up to five days before you visit.

YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

A sea otter frolicking in the water at the Minnesota Zoo (photo courtesy of the Minnesota Zoo).

“We really do promote that you should bring everything with you - including napkins, plates, silverware, etc,” Red Barn’s Pat Winter said. “It is kind of like a takeout pizza and you are eating it on site.”

Red Barn has been serving up pizzas at its location for 12 years and it strives to locally source the ingredients for its pizzas whenever possible, which includes meat from nearby Nerstrand Meats and many items grown on site in the farm’s vegetable gardens.

The venue offers live music throughout the summer featuring local artists.

“For me on a pizza day, when I walk through the grounds and there are people everywhere having community, having some cocktails, eating pizza and listening to music playing - it’s my version of Woodstock on every Wednesday. It’s very peaceful here,” Winter said.

Of note, visitors on pizza days should be aware that the Red Barn does not take credit cards for purchases and they should bring cash or check only. Red Barn also offers space for wedding receptions and events on the weekends at its facility.

“You transform when you get out to an old farm in the middle of nowhere and there are chickens running around in the yard and the kids are petting the horses,” Winter said. “It brings you back to simpler times and there is a whole new sense of community when you see all the people gathering out here. It’s pretty inspiring and unique.”

ZOOS: Located in the Outlet Mall in Medford, the RAD (Reptile and

Amphibian Discovery) Zoo lists itself as Minnesota’s “premiere reptile destination.” The zoo features over 150 kinds of animals from all over the world including snakes, lizards, crocodilians, toads, frogs and salamanders. Visitors can get a chance to hold snakes and alligators, if they feel adventurous.

The RAD Zoo offers traveling wildlife programs for schools and other groups, where audience members can learn more about the animals and get a chance to see them up close and in person.

Opened in 1978, the Minnesota Zoo sits on 485 acres of land in Apple Valley and it is home to more than 4,500 animals and 505 species in a variety of exhibits. The zoo is slowly returning to normal operations after two years of dealing with COVID restrictions and closures. Daily hours are 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and from May 27 to Labor A brown bear enjoying a swim at the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley (photo Day, the Minnesota Zoo will offer extend courtesy of the Minnesota Zoo). summer hours from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Visitors must purchase their tickets in advance online and those are available at the zoo’s website: mnzoo.org “The zoo is a great destination to explore the natural world,” Minnesota

A calf is bottle fed as part of the Farm Babies exhibit at the Minnesota Zoo.

Images of the Red Barn Pizza Farm in Northfield. (Photos courtesy of the Red Barn Farm)

Zoo spokesperson Zach Nugent said.

Highlights include a large indoor tropics trail that remains at a constant 78 degrees year round and features lush greenery and exotic tropical animals such as the ringtail lemur. The indoor Discovery Bay exhibit gives visitors a glimpse into the world’s sea life and includes sand tiger sharks, turtles, fish and a Hawaiian Monk Seal.

Outside, the Northern Trail focuses on animals from the northern hemisphere with exhibits featuring tigers, brown bears and moose. Closer to home, the Minnesota Trail gives visitors an op-

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to the spring water found in the famed Vichy Springs of France and for many years after that the Owatonna spring water was bottled and served on dining cars in railroads around the nation.

Since that time, the park has become a favorite among residents and visitors alike. Features of the park include picnic shelters, paved trails, horseshoe pits, playgrounds and a disc golf course.

A Princess Owatonna statue highlights the park along with a fountain where visitors can partake in the “therapeutic” Mineral Springs water.

TANK EXPERIENCE:

The Caribou Gun Club and Hunting Preserve near Le Sueur, Minn. (photos provided by Caribou Gun Club). Of note, Traxler’s Hunting Preserve is currently closed until next year due to the bird flu outbreak.

CONTINUED from page 27 portunity to glimpse animals from the North Star state including grey wolves, river otters and wolverines.

“One of our big exciting activities at this time of the year is our Farm Babies event. It has been a popular event for about 20 years and we are starting Farm Babies on April 30 and that will run through June 5 at the zoo’s Wells Fargo Family Farm Exhibit,” Nugent said. “It is just a great celebration of Mother Nature, springtime on the farm and it has been a zoo tradition for many years and a favorite of the community.”

Nugent said the zoo will be hosting several different special summer events in June, July and August and you should check out the zoo’s website for details on those events as they become available.

SHOOTING SPORTS: Local sportsmen can have several spots in the area to hone their hunting and shooting skills at two southern Minnesota facilities.

The legendary Ahlman’s is located in Morristown and has been selling and servicing guns since 1943. The store features 1000s of guns for sale and it is home to rifle and pistol shooting lanes along with a handgun target shooting “fun area.” A destination location, Ahlman’s hosts the Morristown Gun Club, which offers a variety of clay target trap shooting venues. The club is open to the public and shooting hours are available during the summer months on Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and on Thursdays from 5:00 p.m. to dusk.

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A highlight of the summer at Ahlman’s is the annual Shooter’s RoundUp, which will takes place on the fourth weekend of August each year. The event offers visitors a chance to visit with manufacturers reps and test out new guns, experience a variety of shooting activities including the popular Wilderness Hunt, see trick shot artists and check out an old time melodrama in Ahlman’s re-created Wild West town on premise. Another event to watch for during the summer of 2022 is Delta 2022, which bills itself as one of the nation’s largest three gun shoots.

The host of international, national and regional events, Caribou Gun Club in Le Sueur offers a variety of target practice opportunities during the summer months of sporting clays, trap and skeet shooting along with gun and pistol shooting ranges.

The Caribou has league level and advance sporting clay courses set up in the summer along with six trap ranges and one skeet field. The rifle range at Caribou has 10 covered shooting stations with yardage ranging from 25 to 500 yards. The facility’s automate pistol range has 32 lanes, nine paper targets and 23 automate steel targets. If you would like to try out the sport, Caribou does offer shotgun rentals along with use of protective eyewear and ear plugs for the traps and skeet ranges. They do not offer rifle or handgun rentals. In the fall and winter, Caribou has 750 acres of land available for hunting pheasant and chukar.

MINERAL SPRINGS PARK One of Owatonna’a most well known parks, Mineral Springs Park gained prominence due to the spring water found at the park. In 1875, the Owatonna Mineral Springs Company was founded and it had an expert chemist analyze the water found at the famed spring. The chemist said the water was very similar

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History fans, adrenaline junkies and military buffs looking to take in a once-in-a-lifetime experience will need to check out Drive A Tank in Kasota. In operation since 2006, Drive A Tank is one of the few locations in the United States where individuals can get an opportunity to drive and operate a tank and other military vehicles, along with firing machine guns.

Drive A Tank offers a variety of tank driving options that include a range of different tank styles, including the chance to drive a World War II era Sherman tank. Customers also are provided with the option to add on car crushing to their experience at Drive A Tank.

The experience begins with a brief history of the tanks and military vehicles along with detailed safety training. A trained instructor accompanies each person throughout the tank driving experience and provides them with expertise on how to operate the machinery.

“You have people who don’t have experience with heavy equipment and they are in an unfamiliar place and they can get uncomfortable, so it is nice to have an instructor there to let them know they are doing a good job. That way everyone is successful,” Drive A Tank’s Tony Borglum said. “We get everybody’s feet wet by learning a little bit about tanks and a lot about safety,” On the course, the experience typically features the opportunity to put the tank through its paces on a driving course followed by car crushing at another location. The day is wrapped up with a chance to shoot machine guns and tour the facility’s workshops and repair areas.

Drive A Tank began as an idea when Borglum, who also works in the family’s construction and heavy equipment business, travelled to England to purchase a Ferret Scout Car armored vehicle with his father.

“One day I decided I wanted a Ferret scout car, which is a small British armored vehicle. Like most armored vehicles for sale in the United States they originate from Europe,” Borglum said.

“The U.S. Military has never sold or surpluses tracked armored vehicles. They’ve never had a program for that, so most of the stuff comes from Europe.

“My Dad and I went to England to drive around and thought it would be cool to see the place and maybe buy a Ferret. When we got there, we realized there were 13 places in the United Kingdom alone that did tank driving experiences and there was zero in the United States.

“Being a family of entrepreneurs and people who made money with heavy equipment it was pretty simple to connect the dots.

It was pretty much a no-brainer to buy some vehicles and get to work.”

The Borglum’s returned from their trip and set about building their tank driving business in Kasota in 2006. A confrontation with a neighbor about the unique business resulted in a flood of media coverage, which included national outlets such as Good Morning America and the USA Today.

YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

“We got a lot of press from that and in 2007 the business really started taking off. We couldn’t have bought that kind of advertising,” Borglum said.

Since that time Drive A Tank has become the industry leader in the business and has been featured on television shows like Larry The Cable Guy’s Only in America and worked with WWE Summer Slam on a promotion with Wargaming’s World of Tanks video game.

Part of the success of the business can be attributed to Borglum’s ability to use the family’s heavy equipment background to service, maintain and keep the tanks rolling.

“That is what kind of separates us from everyone else,” Borglum said. “We have our own on-site machine shops. C&C equipment, boring equipment and welding equipment. So we make a lot of parts ourselves and do a lot of special processes because parts are either impossible to get or they are going to be impossible to get.”

The other key to success is the appeal and interest that tanks have to a wide range of people.

“The people who are willing to travel the country to experience tanks all have a common thread and when you put them all together as a group they become friends very quickly. So it is a really neat experience.”

NATURE AREAS:

A selection of photos from the St. Olaf Natural Lands in Northfield (Photos courtesy of St. Olaf College)

The southern Minnesota region is home to several notable state parks and county nature preserves, where visitors can enjoy the area’s outdoor scenery. Popular stops in the readership area include Sakatah State Park (and Singing Hills State Trail), Nerstrand-Big Woods State Park, Rice Lake State Park and the Mill Towns State Trail. Two areas of significant natural interest that are a bit off the radar include Kasota Prairie just south of Kasota and the St. Olaf College Natural Lands, which are part of the college’s campus in Northfield.

The Kasota Prairie is managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and it features 45 acres of land in Le Sueur County and is considered part of the Big Woods system. Situated

on a rocky terrace above the Minnesota River, Kasota Prairie is home to a variety of native wildflowers and plants along with birds such as the horned larks and upland sandpipers. Before you visit, be aware that this site has no maintained trails or other recreational facilities.

The St. Olaf Natural Lands include more than 325 acres of restored tallgrass prairie, wetlands and woodlands. More than 40,000 tree seedlings and nursery stock have been planted as part of a reforestation project. Highlights for visitors include “Big Pond,” home to a variety of migratory waterfowl, and prairies

located to the south of North Avenue and Heath Creek, between Highway 19 and Armstrong Road. There is no charge to enjoy the Natural Lands and the best place to access the area is at the entrance near the Tostrud Center (1634 Campus Drive). The Natural Lands are open to the public without any current COVID restrictions. Visitors to the main campus will need to follow St. Olaf’s current COVID-19 protocols, which include a requirement that all visitors are up to date on COVID vaccines.

Local Attractions Ahlmans Guns/shooting range 9525 2. 230th St., Morristown 507-685-4243 ahlmans.com Arlington Raceway 801 W Chandler St., Arlington 507-380-6998 arlingtonraceway.com Caribou Gun Club 30649 380th St., Le Sueur 507-665-3796 caribougunclub.com gun club, hunting preserve Drive a Tank 550 Cherry St. W, Kasota 507-931-7385 driveatank.com Faribault Family Aquatic Center 1830 Alexander Dr, Faribault ci.faribault.mn.us/404/FaribaultFamily-Aquatics-Center Faribault Farmers Market Central Park, Faribault Saturdays 7am-noon (June through October) Wednesdays 1:30-5:30 pm (July through September) Kasota Prairie Scenic & Natural Area 367th Ave., Kasota Park on road shoulder dnr.state.mn.us Mineral Springs Park 1025 Mineral Springs Pkwy., Owatonna ci.owatonna.mn.us disc golf, horseshoes, paved trails Minnesota Zoo 13000 Zoo Blvd., Apple Valley mnzoo.org

Pleasant Grove Pizza Farm 41142 160th St, Waseca 715-523-0857 pleasantgrovepizzafarm.com music, pizza, farm Riverwalk Farmers Market 419 8th St. W, Northfield 847-441-1848 Saturdays 7:30 am-12:30 pm

RadZoo 6750 W Frontage Road, #402, Medford 507-455-1465 theradzoo.com reptiles and amphibians Red Barn Farm 10063 110th St E, Northfield facebook.com/RedBarnFarmPizza

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Red Wing Splash Pad 1333 Mason St. Red Wing red-wing.org zero depth River Springs Water Park 3065 St Paul Rd, Owatonna owatonna.gov/306/River-SpringsWater-Park St. Olaf Natural Lands 1520 St. Olaf Ave., Northfield wp.stolaf.edu/naturallands forest, prairie, wetlands, bluebird trail

St. Peter Farmers Market Corner of Mulberry Street & Minnesota Avenue, St. Peter facebook.com/stpFarmersMarket Saturdays 8:30-12:30 (May through October) Traxler’s Hunting Preserve 37699 Hunting Preserve Lane, Le Center 507-357-6940 traxlers.com Waseca Water Park 200 26th Ave NE, Waseca ci.waseca.mn.us/waseca-water-park

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SOUTHERN MINN

YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

.COM

CHECK OUT THE SCENE CALENDAR ONLINE FOR ADDITIONAL HAPPENINGS!

SEE MORE @ SouthernMinnSCENE.com event. From how to make sourdough bread to how to play pickleball.

Songwriter’s Rounds -- 7-9 p.m. April 28, The Grand Event Center of Northfield, 316 Washington St., Northfield.

Nine of Minnesota’s finest songwriters will do three rounds of original music. Each artist plays three of their songs. No cover for this event.

Donations appreciated.

Ephermals Tour -- 6-8 p.m. April 28, Cannon River Wilderness Area, 151st Street E 151st Street East, Faribault. Janet Petri, Master Naturalist will lead guests through the Rice County Wilderness Park in search of the numerous flowering spring ephemerals found in the park.

Something Rotten! --

7:30-9 p.m. April 28, Little Theatre of Owatonna, 560 Dunnell Drive, Owatonna. Something Rotten was lauded by audience members and critics, receiving several Best Musical nominations and hailed as “the funniest musical comedy in at least 400 years.” Tickets available online.

Jivin Ivan & The Kings of Swing

Family Fun Night -- 5:30-8 p.m.

April 29, 901 Ferry St., 901 Ferry St., Le Sueur. Games, inflatables and family activities from 5:30 to 7:30 and Dazzling Dave’s Yo-Yo Show from 7:15 to 8. Costs $5 per child. Concessions available.

Man’s Last Chance

-- 7-9:30 p.m. April 29, The Grand Center for Arts & Culture, 210 N. Minnesota St., New Ulm. Man’s Last Chance is a variety band, playing any music which they deem fit to play. From Beatles covers to 2000s post-punk they enjoy playing all music.

Free event. All are welcome.

-- 7-10 p.m. April 30, Waseca Art Center, 200 N. State St., Waseca.

Feel like your back in 1935 listening to The Kings perform Golden Era swing music.

Come in ready to dance or just sit and relax and feel the music. $10 for adults and $5 for students.

Finally Friday

Pretend Friend -- 6:30-10:30

p.m. April 28, Westwood Marina, 1400 Lake Washington Access Road, Kasota. Pretend Friend is bringing its high-energy bluegrass to Westwood Marina for the first time. Pretend Friend is tight, right, genre-defying progressive bluegrass out of Wichita, Kansas and has released new music and toured since 2017.

-- 4-8 p.m.

April 29, Mineral Springs Brewery, 111 N. Walnut Ave., Owatonna.

OTB Cafe - Old Town Bagels ice cream and El Rey Del Taco will be open from 4-8. Where’s Gary? performs live from 5-7.

Mizuki Fusion

Order Online! japanese & thai Restaurant

OPEN FOR CARRY OUT ONLY bento box • sashimi • teriyaki • hibachi • tempura soup and salad • sushi • maki • desserts

www.mizukifusion.com

119119 WW Bridge BridgeSt,St,Owatonna Owatonna| |507-214-3131 507-214-3131 || www.mizukifusion.com

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How-To Festival -- 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

April 30, Waseca Le Sueur Library, 408 N. State St., Waseca. Learn a wide variety of skills at this community-based interactive learning Hosted by Maurice’s & Blue Ox Boutique You’re invited to come see the newest fashions right before Mother’s Day. Let the guys have their fishing opener but keep their credit card. We’ll have snacks, some drawings, good company and check out new items for spring. Only one rule, NO MEN.

Vendors can reach out to faribaultbridalfair@gmail.com for a registration form or pick up a form at the Faribo West Mall office.

Cost for vendors are $30.

VocalEssence -- 7:30-11:30 p.m.

April 30, Sheldon Theatre, 443 W. Third St., Red Wing. Bob Dylan’s timeless music has been covered by everyone from Jimi Hendrix to the Kronos Quartet. Now it’s time to add a choir to the list. Join VocalEssence as they reimagine Dylan in The Times They Are A-Changin’: The Words and Music of Bob Dylan, commissioned in honor of his 2016 Nobel Prize in Literature and arranged by Steve Hackman. Kick back and hear Dylan’s music like it’s the first time all over again. Each concert will open with a performance by a local choir.

The Ladies Fashion Show May 7th • 2:00pm Faribo West Mall

*Free to attend, bring your daughters, granddaughter and friends.

YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

Ranae Lenor Hanson Presents Watershed -- 6-7 p.m. May 2,

Northfield Public Library, 210 Washington St., Northfield. Hanson’s book was recently named a finalist for a Minnesota Book Award. The book centers on a meditation on intimate connections between the health of the body and the health of the ecosystem.

Origami Enthusiasts -- 7-8 p.m.

May 2, Cannon Valley Makers, 300 Railway St. S., Dundas. Come and fold together. Bring your recent work. Ask questions, answer questions.

No experience required. Free event to attend.

Paper provided.

Trivia Mafia -- 7-9 p.m. May 5,

Giesenbräu Bier Co., 1306 First St. NE., New Prague. Come with a team or go it solo, the top two scores win gift cards and a third prize will be given with a bit more fortuitousness.

Girls Nite Out -- 4-9 p.m. May 6,

Bridge Square, Bridge Square Bridge Square, Northfield. Stop in participating stores for specials, giveaways and drawings throughout the night along with food and drink specials, live music and a variety of fabulous entertainment.

Use scratch off cards.

Margarita Mingle -- 4-9 p.m. May

5, The Mill Event Center, 310 Second Ave. SW., Waseca. A Cinco de Mayo event. Authentic Mexican food, children’s activities, Hispanic items for sale. Pastor Gabriel Reyes will speak about the meaning of Cinco de Mayo.

Mark Joseph Album Release

-- 6:30-9 p.m. May 6, Armory Square Event Center, 519 Division St. S., Northfield. Mark Joseph’s 2021 third full-length album, Vegas Motel, is a highly personal record rooted in the emotion of the year it was written (2020), yet reaching far beyond the confines of the times.

Mamacitas and Margs -- 4-7 p.m. May 5, Pippi Lane Boutique, 405 W. Elm Ave., Waseca. Margaritas, Pizzeria 201, Sailor’s Sweet Shoppe, Shopping and giveaway. It’s a time to celebrate moms, women and friendship.

Stop in with your gal pals for a night of fun.

Eden Road -- 7-10 p.m. May 6, 10,000 Drops Craft Distillers, 28 Fourth St. NE., Faribault. Eden Road plays a collection of popular rock and pop music from the 60s, 70s and 80s.

Senoritas and Margaritas

-4-8 p.m. May 5, Central Avenue North, Central Avenue N Central Avenue North, Faribault. Have fun with your friends in downtown Faribault and support local businesses during Ladies Night.

Over a dozen participating businesses, offering specials and entertainment.

Do you want to submit an event to this calendar?

Send details to editor@ southernminnscene.com.

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Get Southern Minnesota’s “best bets” every week on the SCENE Calendar in your newspaper.

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Maple Syrup Fun Run and Spring Craft & Vendor Fair 9 a.m.-1 p.m. May 7, American Legion Pancake Brunch -- 6-10 a.m. May --Post 37, 229 W. Nassau St., Saint Peter. Over a

Styx -- 7-11 p.m., Mayo Civic Center, 30 Civic Center Drive SE., Rochester. Tommy Shaw, James “JY” Young, Lawrence Gowan, Todd Sucherman and Ricky Phillips (along with the occasional surprise appearance by original bassist Chuck Panozzo), have performed more live since ’99 than all of the previous years of its career combined.

7, 1000 Rustad Road, Faribault. Distances include one mile, 5K, 10K, 25K, and 50K. All runners receive admission to the pancake brunch and if you register by April 18, a race t-shirt.

Register online. Proceed benefit RBNC.

dozen craft vendors will display their items in the Legion space.

dise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave. N., Faribault. Super Duos – ThSuper Duos – The Music of Simon and Garfunkel May 6th at 7:30 pm Ticket prices: Non-Member $20/ Member $15/ Student $10. 507-332-7372. Tickets $25.

Did we miss something?

Let us know! We may still be able to get an important event on one of our weekly pages that run in the newspapers.

-- 10:30 a.m.1 p.m. May 7, 1125 Swift St., 1125 Swift St., Saint Peter. Kick off with a short walk for anyone interested. Walk registration will begin at 10:30, walk at 11. The day will be filled with demonstrations, food, vendors, local animal orgs, and entertainment.

University of Michigan Men’s Gee Club -- 3:30-5:30 p.m.

From the Heart Run -- 8 a.m.noon May 7, Lake Kohlmier Beach, 1550 Mosher Ave., Owatonna. A race/run/walk to honor individuals fighting cancer. Register ahead of time online. T-shirt and packet pickup is May 6 and the race is May 7. 507-456-8909 .

Super Duos Simon & Garfinkel Music -- 7:30-9:30 p.m., Para-

P.A.W.S. Carnival

The Rustic Mamas’ Market

-- 9 a.m.-3 p.m. May 7, Steele County Four Seasons Centre, 1525 S. Elm Ave., Owatonna.

An upscale market with the best of the best hand picked vendors. Early bird shopping from 7:45-9:00 am.

May 7, Boe Memorial Chapel, 1523 Campus Drive, Northfield. The Men’s Gee Club presents To Repair in Northfield as part of a two-week tour across the Midwest, its first in three years.

The work was composed by Tesfa Wondemagegneh with a focus on inequity.

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Send details to editor@southernminnscene.com.

WE’RE BACK! Lets Paint the town

FARIBAULT’S SIP & PAINT!

Birthdays • Holiday Get Togethers • Girls Night Out • Couples Team Builders • Fundraisers • Event Space Suzanne guides your painting party through a step by step pre-selected painting. Painting with people you want to hang out with!

Located at The Upper East Side in historic Downtown Faribault.

Host your party at the studio or sign up for our public venues.

Enjoy a morning, afternoon or evening of fun and laughter.

The New Ulm Country Club is a picturesque 18-hole, par 71, semi-private course surrounded by Flandrau State Park and perched atop the bluffs of the Cottonwood River. The fairways are bordered by many mature oak trees.

The Country Club was established in 1929 as a 9-hole course and expanded to 18 holes in 1966. The front 9 saw a remodeling effort in 2001 with the addition of hazards, greenside moundings, tee boxes and sand traps to add overall depth to the course. We have leagues, tournaments and programs for every golfer.

Our clubhouse is open to the public and home to the Cottonwood Grill. It offers a variety on the menu for everyone. We offer a banquet area suited to host up to 350 guests.

We have a fully-stocked Pro Shop with the latest styles, equipment, and our PGA Professional,Tim Huffman, that can help with club fitting or repair.

Follow the Upper east side on Facebook for upcoming events & inspiration www.facebook.com/theuppereastside213

SUZANNE • THE UPPER EAST SIDE 507-339-1770 213 CENTRAl AvE. FARIbAUlT, MN B32

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YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

friendly neighbors into feuding enemies in this hilarious comedy of good intentions and bad manners. The playwright is the fou super nder of Latinx Theatre Commons.

Walter Salas-Humara and the Silos -- 7:30-9:30 p.m. May 7,

Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave. N., Faribault. The Silos featuring Walter SalasHumara, Johnathan Rundman, and Eric Kassel May 7th at 7:30 pm Ticket prices: Non-Member $20/ Member $15/ Student $10 Walter SalasHumara is the chief songwriter for. 507-3327372. Tickets $25.

Steele County Art Exhibition -- 1-4 p.m. May 8, Owa-

tonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Lane, Owatonna. The galleries will have some favorite artists that have been creating for years and there are also new artists showing. It is always a surprise to learn that one of your friends is an artist.

Mother’s Day Purse Bingo

-- 4-8 p.m. May 8, Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery, & Distillery, 1179 E. Pearl St., Kasota. Join for 13 games for the chance to win authentic handbags from Coach, Michael Kors or Kate Spade. Purchase packets ahead of time to participate. Food available from S&B BBQ. Drinks from Chankaska.

Lisa Bierer Gallery

3:30 p.m. May 7, Indian Island Winery, 18018 631st Ave., Janesville. Brunch buffet from 11-1 with free samples of the mimosa wine cocktail.

Jeremy Poland and Lantz Dale will play live music from 1 to 3:30. Music is free. Tickets needed for buffet.

-- 6-10 p.m. May 13, Mankato Playhouse, 12 Civic Center Plaza, Mankato. Here is Rydell High’s senior class of 1959: duck-tailed, hot-rodding Burger Palace Boys” and their gum-snapping, hip-shaking Pink Ladies. Shows Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Tickets online.

Do you want to submit an event to this calendar?

-- 1-5 p.m.

May 13, Arts Center of Saint Peter, 315 S. Minnesota Ave., Saint Peter. Local artist shares her most recent works.

Moms and Mimosas -- 11 a.m.-

Grease

Send details to editor@ southernminnscene.com.

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Native Gardens -- 2-6 p.m. May 8, Northfield Arts Guild Theater, 411 Third St. W., Northfield. Gardens and cultures clash, turning

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MOTHER'S DAY SPECIAL Don't miss your FREE $20 MGM Wine and Spirits Gift Card with every $100 Purchase at

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Thank You Mom !

Her Happy Place 217 South Minnesota Avenue St. Peter, MN (507) 931 - 0008

ADD YOUR EVENT FOR FREE TO THE SOMINN SCENE CALENDAR. GO TO W W W. S O U T H E R N M I N N . C O M / S O U T H E R N _ M I N N _ S C E N E / & C L I C K + P R O M O T E Y O U R E V E N T

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Member/ $10 Student. 507-332-7372. Tickets $25.

Spring Flea Market -- 9 a.m.-4 Mic Massacre

-- 7-11:59 p.m. May 13, Blue Moon Bar and Grill, 300 S. Webster St., Kasota. Performers include Double OH! x J Mose, Mr. Phix, GunnerB, BEAZY and ThatBoyC4. No cover charge.

Joyann Parker as Patsy

Them Coulee Boys -- 8-11:59

p.m. May 13, NaKato Bar & Grill, 253 Belgrade Ave., Mankato. Them Coulee Boys craft a brand of Americana that blends folk, punk, bluegrass, and rock’n’roll. They sing their conversational songs in 4 part harmony often with a banjo stomp and rhythm section punch.

p.m. May 14, 1814 Second Ave. NW., 1814 Second Ave. NW., Faribault. The Spring Flea Market will be on Saturday, May 14 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come and enjoy the day with an added event, the Cannon Valley Farmers Market and food trucks.

Trandy Blue -- 7-10 p.m. May 14,

11:30 p.m. May 14, Sheldon Theatre, 443 W. Third St., Red Wing. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund. The Pied Piper of Wuss Rock.

Alice’s Escape

Cline -- 7:30-9:30 p.m. May 13, Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave. N., Faribault. Joyann Parker as Patsy Cline May 13th at 7:30 pm Ticket prices $20 Non-Member/ $15

-- 9 p.m.May 14, 1 a.m., The What’s Up Lounge!, 701 N. Riverfront Drive., Mankato.

Stories.

Fantasy. Life. Through music. Hoping to leave a mark after we’re gone.

Jeremy Messersmith -- 7:30-

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Send details to editor@ southernminnscene.com.

10,000 Drops Craft Distillers, 28 Fourth St. NE., Faribault. Trandy Blue has performed professionally as a vocalist and guitarist along the St Croix River Valley in both Minnesota and Wisconsin for over 25 years. She is an accomplished and versatile musician.

Did we miss something?

Let us know! We may still be able to get an important event on one of our weekly pages that run in the newspapers.

Purse BingoStarfire Event Center

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YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

of the Lost Art Reception -Terrenos de la Feria -- 2-10 p.m. May 15, Steele Raiders 7-9 p.m. May 20, Northfield Arts Guild, 304 Division St. S.,

County Fair, 1525 S. Cedar Ave., Owatonna. Bull riding and live Spanish-language music, featuring Los Inquietos del Norte, La Autentica, Los Elegantes, Banda Rancha Viejo and more. Find tickets online.

Northfield. annual spring exhibition of artworks by students in Katherine Norrie’s Northfield High School Honors Art class. The students have worked tirelessly to prepare cohesive and professional thematic work.

Women’s Clothing from Small to Plus Size Unique Jewelry & Select Variety of Fashionable Shoes 142 Bridge Street, Owatonna Monday - Friday 10-6 Saturday 10-3 Shop Online at HiddenRoseBoutique.com

Flannel Gala -- 5-10 p.m. May 19, Armory Square Event Center, 519 Division St. S., Northfield. This annual fundraiser brings together the community of LBSA supporters and raises crucial support for programming that helps bring the power of possibility to people with special needs.

Her Crooked Heart -- 7:30-9:30 p.m. May 20, Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Ave. N., Faribault. Her Crooked Heart Friday, May 20 at 7:30 pm Member $15/ Non-Member $20/ Student $10 Rachel Ries, the writer, multi-instrumentalist, and producer behind Her Crooked Heart, demonstrates immense vuln. 507-332-7372. Tickets $20.

Specialty Grade Local Roaster Flavored Sample Packs Around the World in 12 Coffees

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band -- 7 p.m. May 19, Vet-

ter Stone Amphitheater, 310 W. Rock St., Mankato. This Nitty Gritty Dirt Band concert scheduled for Friday June 18, 2021 has been rescheduled to Thursday May 19, 2022. Please hold on to your tickets, as they will be honored for the new date. Tickets $43-$198.

Coffee Brewing Equipment, Subscriptions and Gift Cards

Crimson Road --

7-10 p.m.

May 20, 10,000 Drops Craft Distillers, 28 Fourth St. NE., Faribault.

A five-piece band with killer harmonies and extremely talented musicians. Playing the music that makes you feel good.

Wreckless -- 8-11:59 p.m. May 20, Brewsters Bar & Grill, 9856 50th St. W., Lonsdale. Wreckless ​is a variety band comprised of seasoned professional musicians with a shared passion for live performance. The music spans the gap from classic and current rock and country.

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Locally Owned and Operated Mon & Thur 10 AM - 6 PM Saturday 9 AM - NOON

435 26th St NE, Owatonna 507-413-0814

Send details to editor@ southernminnscene.com.

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ADD YOUR EVENT FOR FREE TO THE SOMINN SCENE CALENDAR. GO TO W W W. S O U T H E R N M I N N . C O M / S O U T H E R N _ M I N N _ S C E N E / & C L I C K + P R O M O T E Y O U R E V E N T

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Create Your Own Pollinator Sanctuary -- 10 a.m.-noon May 21, River Bend Nature Center, 1000 Rustad Road, Faribault. Pollinators are important players in our everyday lives whether we know it or not.

Create a sanctuary of native plants that will provide them food, water, and shelter. Cost is $65; $45 for members.

The 241s -- 9-11:59 p.m. May 20, The Doublewide, 421 Saint Joseph St., Elko New Market. Shake things up all night long with The 241s. It’ll be a doozy of a good time. No cover charge.

Vintage Car Cruise -- 6:30-7:45

p.m. May 23, Benedictine Living CommunityNorthfield, 2030 N. Ave., Northfield. A car cruise to help entertain the residents of Benedictine Living Community. The cruise runs through Northfield. Drivers will get swag bags.

Gun & Knife Show -- 9 a.m.-5 p.m. May 21, Ahlman’s Gun Shop, 9525 230th St. W., Morristown. Shop a huge selection of guns, knives and other equipment at one of the largest venues in the region.

Jigsaw Puzzle Derby Riverwalk Market Fair -- 9

a.m.-1 p.m. May 21, Bridge Square, Bridge Square Bridge Square, Northfield. Riverwalk Market Fair is a European open-air Saturday market. The market offers locally grown produce, artesian foods, and a selection of juried artwork and fine crafts. This is the first one of 2022.

VESELI, MN

Junk in the Trunk -- 10 a.m.-3

-- 10 a.m.noon May 21, Waseca Le Sueur Library, 408 N. State St., Waseca. Assemble a team of up to four players to compete in a jigsaw puzzle competition at Waseca Public Library. The first team to complete the puzzle wins a prize and bragging rights.

GREAT BURGERS GREATER PIZZA

Stop by in a car, truck, RZR, side-by-side, bicycle, motorcycle or snowmobile

WE’D LOVE TO SEE YOU!

p.m. May 21, 5746 Crane Creek Road, 5746 Crane Creek Road, Owatonna. Shop with vendors and crafters at this outdoor event. Free to attend.

7-8:30 p.m. May 25, Content Bookstore, 314 Division St. S., Northfield. Content is thrilled to host Katey Walter Anthony, PhD as she discusses her latest work, Chasing Lakes: Love, Science and the Secrets of the Artic.

Revival Music Festival Kid Dakota -- 6-10 p.m. May 21,

Kiesler’s Campground & RV Resort, 14360 Old Highway 14, Waseca. Solo acoustic performance. Private party for campground guests.

Kid Dakota is the musical moniker of Darren Jackson. Formed in 1999, Kid Dakota has released two albums on LOW’s Chairkicker’s Union - So Pretty (2002), and The West is the Future (2004) - and four albums on Graveface Records - A Winner’s Shadow (2008), Listen to the Crows As They Take Flight (2011), Denervation (2018), and most recently, Age of Roaches (2020).

Mondays 5 pm - 1 am Tuesday-Saturday 11:30 am - 1:00 am HAPPY HOUR M-F // 3 pm - 6 pm

Summer Fun: Volleyball Court • Bean Bags • Horseshoes Cozy Deck with a Fenced in Yard Winter Fun: Meat Raffle Second Friday of the Month • Bingo Thursdays

On/Off Sale Available

507-744-2370 | 9856 50th St. W, Veseli B36

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Katey Walter Anthony Presents Chasing Lakes --

-- 1211:59 p.m. May 27, Harmony Park Music Garden, 79503 298th St., Clarks Grove. Over the three-day festival, performers include The String Cheese Incident, The Infamous Stringdusters, Leftover Salmon, The Motet, Big Something, Boombox and more. Tickets online.

O-town Homegrown with The Heavenly States -- 5-11:30

p.m. May 28, The Music Space of Owatonna, 216 N. Cedar Ave., Owatonna. The Heavenly States in concert with special performances

by The Fur Suits, Sven Erik Olsen and friends, Burnsville City Limits, Elko New Market, and Julie Sweet. $20 in advance; $25 at the door.

Justin Moore -- 7:30 p.m. May 21,

Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza, Mankato. Justin Cole Moore (born March 30, 1984) is an American country music singer and songwriter, signed to Big Machine Records imprint Valory Music Group. For that label, he has released six studio albums. Tickets $37.75-$87.75.

Do you want to submit an event to this calendar?

Send details to editor@ southernminnscene.com.

YOUR GUIDE FOR PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO.

Do you want to submit an event to this calendar?

SOUTHERN MINN

Send details to editor@ southernminnscene.com.

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Ron Keel Band -- 7-11 p.m. May 27, Fairmont Opera House, 45 Downtown Plaza, Fairmont. Kick off Memorial Day Weekend with Ron Keel Band outside under the stars.

Ron Keel is an American original — a true rocker no matter what label you choose to apply.

YOUR GUIDE FOR

.COM

PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO. SCENE is a monthly arts and entertainment magazine that inserts into seven Southern Minn newspapers: Owatonna People’s Press, Faribault Daily News, Northfield News, Waseca County News, St. Peter Herald, Le Sueur County News and Kenyon Leader. Our calendar lets you know what’s to come; our columns give you local insights on music/ travel/entertainment/more, and our stories will let you know the places to shop, the things to do, the sights to see in this region.

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SPRING/SUMMER LINE-UP AT THE PARADISE Super Duos The Music of Simon and Garfunkel

Friday, May 6 7:30 PM

Her Crooked Heart (Residency) Featuring Rachel Ries

Friday, May 20 7:30 PM

The Silos featuring Walter Salas-Humara, Johnathan Rundman, and Eric Kassel

GALLERY OPENING

JoyAnn Parker as Patsy Cline

Saturday, May 7 7:30 PM

Friday, May 13 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Friday, May 13 7:30 PM

Mick Sterling presents “Beautiful Visions: The Songs of Van Morrison”

The Musical Version of the Hit Movie “The Bird Cage” La Cage Aux Folles Presented by The Merlin Players

GALLERY OPENING

Saturday, June 11 7:30 PM

June 17, 18, 23, 24, 25 at 7:30 PM June 19, 26 at 2:00 PM

Friday, June 24 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

For more information & tickets: www.paradisecenterforthearts.org • (507) 332-7372 321 Central Avenue North, Faribault, MN Ticket Pricing: $15 Members • $20 non-members • $10 students *Excludes The Merlin Players performances These activities are made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural fund.

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