WHALAN, MINNESOTA
MORE THAN A (STAND-STILL) PARADE! Head about five miles east of Lanesboro on the Root River State Trail, and you’ll find Whalan, a peaceful village with a fun history (think railroads, tobacco and mink farms), friendly people and more going on than you might imagine in a town whose population teeters near 63.
“Bikers often tell us they think Whalan is the nicest spot on the trail. Well, that’s something we don’t mind bragging about.” -WES HARDING WHALAN, MINNESOTA
“What’s going on in Whalan?” is a question usually answered in two ways. First answer, great pie. The Aroma Pie Shoppe, located near the bike trail, has served homemade pies for more than 30 years. “World Famous Pies” is painted on the side of its building. People believe it. Second answer, the also-famous “Stand-Still Parade.” On the third Saturday of May each year (2020 will be its 26th) this parade—where the spectators do the moving—draws throngs of happy people from across the region for the parade, food, music and a little dancing. It doesn’t get much better in Bluff Country.
There’s also Taste of the Trail (this year, September 12th) that celebrates Whalan’s Norwegian heritage. Have you ever tasted lefse or rommegrot? Give it a try. (Those strong of heart and taste bud can look for “blod klub” - blood sausage). While in town check out Gator Greens Mini-Golf Course and Treasures on the Trail gift shop. For winter fun there’s Whalan’s Annual Candlelight Ski, on the first Saturday in February. Cross-country ski, hike, warm up by the bonfire, enjoy soup and sandwiches from the Ladies Legion Auxiliary in the Town Hall. Small-town Minnesota at its best.
One question, two answers. Plenty more fit. What’s going on in Whalan? How about the July 4th Whalan Lutheran Church Softball Tournament, the first tournament ever inducted into the Minnesota Sports Hall of Fame? It became an all-girl tourney last year.
Here’s still another answer to our “what’s going on?” question. Cedar Valley Resort offers eleven log-sided cabins that accommodate from two to 38 guests, as well as the new Rustic Hearth Event Center. They call it “a Bluff Country paradise,” and that’s no
exaggeration, either. So there’s lots going on in this little town. We haven’t even mentioned the hiking, biking, fishing, tubing, canoeing and more that makes this entire area one of Minnesota’s great recreation destinations and a joy for the people who call it home. Come discover Whalan…it’s much more than a parade!
2020 EDITION
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