10 minute read
WHALAN: 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.
“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.
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.
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.
-WES HARDING WHALAN, MINNESOTA
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!
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
You’ll be amazed by all you can discover and experience here! Whether that happens in a cave (there’s one of the country’s best here), in Amish country, on the Root River in a tube, canoe or kayak, by birding in the bluffs or by hiking or biking on the Root River State Trail, Bluff Country calls out for exploration!
AMISH BACKROADS AUDIO TOUR (507) 467-8663 | (507) 467-2992 | amishbackroadstour.com Year-round—Mon-Sat: Drive in your car to Amish shops and sites guided by pleasant narration. Rent CD at Amish Experience or Stone Mill Hotel and Suites or download at website.
BLUFFSCAPE AMISH TOURS 102 Beacon St E | (507) 467-3070 | bluffscape.com Seasonal—Educational, respectful and fully narrated three-hour Amish tours visiting farms and shops. AD P. 14
INTERNATIONAL OWL CENTER 126 Cedar St E, Houston | (507) 896-6957 | internationalowlcenter.org Year-round—Experience big and small live owls up close and personal at the only owl education center in the USA! Open Fri, Sat, Sun and Mon. Live owl programs: See events on Lanesboro.com for details. AD P. 15
NATIONAL TROUT CENTER 120 Saint Anthony St S, Preston | (507) 765-2452 | nationaltroutcenter.org Holds hands-on workshops and clinics on stream ecology and fishing. Subjects may include fly casting, knot tying, fly tying, lure making, rod building, nature photography, insect identification and water quality sampling. Additionally, the NTC seeks to become the “go to place” for authoritative information about “All Things Trout.”
NIAGARA CAVE 29842 Co Rd 30, Harmony | (507) 886-6606 | niagaracave.com Seasonal—Rated one of the top caves in the U.S. and voted “Best Family Destination.” Underground waterfall, stalactites, fossils and more. AD P. 15
NIAGARA CAVE MINI GOLF 29842 Co Rd 30, Harmony | (507) 886-6606 | niagaracave.com An 18-hole mini golf course located on the grounds of Niagara Cave. Play the 18-hole course for $8, or 9-holes for $5. Group rates for organizations are available by appointment. AD P. 15
SCANDINAVIAN INN MYSTERY NIGHTS 701 Kenilworth Ave S | (507) 467-4500 scandinavianinn.com/mystery-nights Unique mysteries held in a B&B specifically designed to host them. Think Agatha Christie, but without the murder. Think 1940s, with your character actively participating in an evening of deception and intrigue. AD P. 29
STONE MILL HOTEL AND SUITES HISTORIC INN TOUR 100 Beacon St E | (507) 467-8663 | stonemillsuites.com Year-round—Free self-guided tours of the themed rooms and suites of our renovated 1884 historic hotel. AD P. 27
# ONLYINLANESBORO Guided Tours of Amish Country
A step back in time Lanesboro, Minnesota A step back in time Lanesboro, Minnesota
Step back in time and tour Amish at their farms and shops. Learn about the Amish culture while munching on buttery, sweet Amish cashew crunch! Fully narrated with a respectful, professional guide in an air-conditioned van or bus. Step-on guides available for large tour buses.
www.bluffscape.com Daily Tours April–October 10 am & 1:30 pm Saturdays in November No Sunday Tours Departures Stone Mill Hotel & Suites 102 Beacon St E, Lanesboro 507-467-3070 bluffscape@hotmail.com
ONE SMALL TOWN, MANY BIG STORIES
Tour this historic town as you explore the choices and changes that faced area inhabitants.
EXPERIENCE OWLS UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL
FORESTVILLE/MYSTERY CAVE STATE PARK • 507-765-2785 MNHS.ORG/FORESTVILLE
Houston, Minnesota
Open Fri/Sat/Sun/Mon 10 AM–5 PM Daily programs — check our website Adults: $7 / Ages 4–7: $4 / 3 & under: FREE 507-896-OWLS (6957) • InternationalOwlCenter.org
Please call or check our website for Fall–Spring hours.
& Outfi tters
Rustic Hearth Event Center New!
Open Year-Round!
CEDARVALLEYRESORT.COM
16 | # LANESBOROMN | # ONLYINLANESBORO 3 TO 8 BEDROOM CABINS 4 MINUTES FROM LANESBORO We accommodate Families. Reunions. Girls Weekends. Crafting Groups. Business Retreats. Couples. 507.467.9000
Small town, unique meetings, big results! Schedule your conference, reunion or retreat in the unique setting of Historic Lanesboro. It’s all available—from conference facilities and entertainment to catering, team-building, group tours, photography and more—make your group event the best experience yet! GROUP FACILITIES AND RENTALS
Thompson House Bed & Breakfast Inn James A.
LANESBORO COMMUNITY MEMORIAL CENTER 202 Parkway Ave S | (507) 467-3722 | lanesboro-mn.gov Year-round—Business conferences, reunions, weddings and dances. Capacity: 400 people.
THE RUSTIC HEARTH EVENT CENTER 905 Bench St, Whalan | (507) 467-9000 | cedarvalleyresort.com Surrounded by the beautiful bluffs of SE Minnesota's Driftless region, our Rustic Hearth Event Center has all the ambiance and amenities for your group's next event. It includes high-end video and audio integration, fully stocked catering kitchen, 2000 square foot meeting space with rustic stone fireplace, two breakout rooms and a beautiful deck. AD P. 16
SACRED CLAY COUNTRY INN 23234 Grosbeak Rd | (507) 467-9605 | sacredclayinn.com An ideal venue for weddings, family reunions and retreats. We have nine bedrooms. Five with private baths. No minimum stay. AD P. 31
SONS OF NORWAY HALL—HEIMBYGDA LODGE 200 Parkway Ave S | (507) 467-0100 (David Susag) Year Round—Newly renovated rental available for groups and family gatherings. Full kitchen. Capacity: 100 or 60 at tables. Call for rates.
Your Lanesboro adventure begins here. Call (507) 467-2253
Find the dam and you’ve found us!
Proclaimed the "Bed and Breakfast Capital of Minnesota" by the governor in 2009, Lanesboro offers a diverse array of lodging choices! Use this guide to find quality accommodations and the preferred amenities you’ve come to expect.
LANESBORO BED AND BREAKFASTS
BERWOOD HILL INN 22139 Hickory Rd | (612) 867-3614 | berwood.com
HABBERSTAD HOUSE B&B 706 Fillmore Ave S | (507) 467-3560 | habberstadhouse.com AD P. 19
HISTORIC SCANLAN HOUSE B&B INN 708 Parkway Ave S | (507) 467-2158 | scanlanhouse.com AD P. 27
JAMES A THOMPSON HOUSE B&B 401 Parkway Ave S | (507) 467-2253 | jamesathompsonhouse.com AD P. 17
O’LEARY’S B&B 707 Parkway Ave S | (507) 467-3737 | olearysbandb.com
SACRED CLAY COUNTRY INN 23234 Grosbeak Rd | (507) 467-9605 | sacredclayinn.com AD P. 31
SCANDINAVIAN INN 701 Kenilworth Ave S | (507) 467-4500 | scandinavianinn.com AD P. 29
NEARBY BED AND BREAKFASTS
OAKENWALD TERRACE B&B 218 Winona St SE, Chatfield | (507) 867-3806 | oakenwaldterrace.com AD P. 29 Rates Number of Rooms C ontinental or F ull Breakfast
$160- 225
$135- 299
$115- 200
$125- 160
$85- 130
$160- 260
$140- 170 5 F
6 F
6 F
3 F
5 C
9 F
5 F
Restaurant on Site Kitchen Meeting Room Bike Storage Free WiFi Fireplace and/or Whirlpool Handicap Accessible Children Welcome Pets Welcome
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$120- 210 6 F
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RESORTS
CEDAR VALLEY RESORT 905 Bench St, Whalan | (507) 467-9000 | cedarvalleyresort.com AD P. 16 Rates Number of Rooms C ontinental or F ull Breakfast Restaurant on Site Kitchen Meeting Room Bike Storage Free WiFi Fireplace and/or Whirlpool Handicap Accessible Children Welcome Pets Welcome
$150- 1250 11
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Access lanesboro.com and use our convenient search tool to check lodging availability.
Habberstad House Bed and Breakfast A most relaxing retreat
Choose from six luxurious guest rooms
scrumptious breakfasts made-from-scratch
Guest-focused amenities
