5 minute read
A PLACE LIKE WHALAN
THE WHO, WHAT, WHERE AND WHY OF WHALAN, MINNESOTA
The Root River State Trail is 60 miles of top-quality bike path from Fountain to Houston. Along the way it’s dotted with small towns and villages that give bikers fun places to pause and play. One of those stops–Whalan–is the tiniest; it may also be Bluff Country’s best-kept secret. Let’s learn more about it.
WHO is Whalan? It’s a town with a population holding steady just south of 70, a close-knit mix of long-time residents, new arrivals, and “weekenders.” Friendly folk, all.
WHAT is Whalan? A unique little village that surprises you with all it has going on for such a quiet, tucked-back corner of Bluff Country. The bike trail cuts through the middle. On each side you’ll find fun things to enjoy, explore and eat. The Aroma Pie Shoppe offers delicious (world-famous, they rightly claim) pie and sandwich fare. You’ll also find a fun museum, the Treasures on the Trail gift shop, mini-golf, O’s Poppin Kernals, Ernie’s 1917 Filling Station, and lodging options (including the award-winning Cedar Valley Resort, Cyclin Inn, Bluffview Guest House, the Blossom Valley Inn, and whole-house rentals). Not to mention fishing, kayak and canoe fun on the Root River. On July 4th you’ll find a girls fastpitch softball tournament. On the first Saturday after Labor Day is Taste on the Trail featuring Norwegian fare. (Rommegrot, anyone?)
Since May of 2021, Whalan also has the “Depot.” Located just yards off the trail, the “Depot” offers ice cream treats, cold drinks, candy and snacks-on-the-go for busy bikers. (A big seller? Fresh fudge from Valley Fudge and Candy in Coon Valley, Wisconsin). Artisan gifts-and-crafts and bike accessories are available, too. Housed in the 1880s-vintage original railroad depot (look for window etchings and carved initials from long-ago travelers), the Depot is open May through October.
WHERE is Whalan? Between Lanesboro (a four-mile bike ride) and Peterson (a ten-mile bike ride). If you aren’t in the pedaling mood, Whalan is easily accessible off State Highway 16.
WHY…Whalan? Because with all the beautiful, relaxing and refreshing scenery in this part of southeast Minnesota, you won’t find a better spot to take that all in than Whalan.
Let’s add another “W”...WHEN. When should you plan your next visit to Whalan? How about right now! Bringing good food to Lanesboro: Interesting produce, coffee, cheese, groceries, chocolates, and sundries.
Visit the WALL OF
CHOCOLATE!
Small town, unique meetings, big results! Schedule your conference, reunion or retreat in the unique setting of Historic Lanesboro or Whalan. It’s all available—from conference facilities and entertainment to catering, team-building, group tours and more—make your group event truly memorable! » lacc.mn/venues
BLUFF COUNTRY HALL MEETING & EVENT CENTER
106 Parkway Ave S | (507) 467-2999 | rootriverinn.com/event-space Bluff Country Hall accommodates groups from 6 to 35 people. With a full kitchen, large table and flexible space plan this 1000 sq ft space will host your complete event. . AD P. 31
LANESBORO COMMUNITY MEMORIAL CENTER
202 Parkway Ave S | (507) 467-3722 | lanesboro-mn.gov Open 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 bluffs, the Event Center has all the ambiance and amenities for your group's next event: 2,000 sq ft meeting space w/stone fireplace, 2 breakout rooms, catering kitchen, a/v and deck. AD P. 23
New Business in Town New LACC Member
SONS OF NORWAY - HEIMBYGDA LODGE
200 Parkway Ave S | (507) 467-0100 Open year-round. Newly renovated rental available for groups and family gatherings. Full kitchen. Capacity: 100 or 60 at tables. Call for rates.
WEDDINGS AT SACRED CLAY COUNTRY INN
23234 Grosbeak Rd | (507) 250-3696 | sacredclayinn.com/weddings-events A ''manor home'' for a magical story-book wedding weekend celebration: Sacred Clay's 9 guest rooms, with rustic barn venue and 103 acres of woodland trails, open meadow and meandering creek. AD P. 21, 29
» Due to ongoing precautionary measures, please check online for up-to-date business and event information. » lacc.mn/ssl
"A GREAT PLACE TO PLAY" CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12
mention caves and sinkholes). The driftless has water, too, countless spring-fed rivers, creeks and streams with clear and consistently cool (50 degrees year-round) running water, a perfect breeding ground for all those trout we mentioned.
There are also good reasons why the Root River Rod Company is in Lanesboro. Steve’s love for all things fly-fishing, including its history and equipment, led to him becoming an expert in bamboo rods, including how to craft them by hand. He dreamed of owning his own shop someday where he could sell used and new bamboo rods. About seven years ago his family was on one of their frequent fishing-and-fun trips to Lanesboro when his daughter spotted a building for sale. “Hey, dad, there’s a place for your business,” she said. He looked, they bought, they renovated (Steve’s former full-time career as an interior carpenter certainly helped) and the dream became reality: The Root River Rod Company. “Pretty quickly we expanded the idea from a rod shop to a full-service fly-fishing business,” he says. “It’s gone well, we’ve seen 20-25% growth each year—even during covid. We’ve got a staff of four and love seeing people come in year-round to browse, shop and talk fishing.” What advice would he give to someone thinking about opening a business in Lanesboro?
“It’s important to have resources behind you to get started and to do your research,” he says. “But I’d say go for it—there’s nothing like being your own boss and seeing your dreams come true.” history and thrill of fly-fishing, and a craftsman who makes and sells treasured bamboo rods. He’s also a man who had a dream, and made it come true in Lanesboro, Minnesota.
Lanesboro has lots of fish…and lots of dreams, too. Maybe you have a dream of creating your own business. For ideas and information, contact the Lanesboro Area Chamber of Commerce at lanesboro.com.
