Summer Fun 2021

Summer fun

Your guide ot summer events l a r t n e C t s e W n i Minnesota!

SUMMER FUN 2021 | 1

WHY COME TO APPLETON, MINNESOTA? • Appleton Area Off Highway Vehicle Park; 2 miles NE of Appleton on Hwy 59 • Campgrounds • Canoeing & Kayaking • State-of-the-art Playground at Riverview Park • Aquatic Center • 9-hole Frisbee Golf Course • Dog Park

• Applefest – 3rd weekend in September • Appleton Golf Course; 9 beautiful holes along the Pomme de Terre River • Close to Lac qui Parle Lake, Refuge & State Park, Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge, Chippewa Prairie, Marsh Lake, Lake Oliver, and Artichoke Lake • Great Hunting, Fishing, Birding, and Snowmobile Trails • Summer Concerts in the Park

sota!

Why NOT Come to Appleton, Minne appletonmn@mchsi.com www.appletonmn.com | facebook.com/AACCMN

WE LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR VISIT!

Summer fun

Table of Contents

Antique Car Run ����������������������������������������������������������������������������Pages 70-71 Aquatic Center ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Page 10 Area events ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Pages 17-18 Camping ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Pages 63-68 Churches ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Page 58 Community celebrations ������������������������������������������������������������Pages 4-5 Community ed ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Page 16 Community theater ������������������������������������������������������������������ Pages 54-55 County fairs ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Page 19 Farmers Markets ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Page 36 Fishing bait shops ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Page 49 Fishing lakes �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Pages 46-49 Fitness calendar ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Page 69 Fourth of July ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Page 37 Gardens ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Page 20 Glacial Ridge Trail ��������������������������������������������������������������������� Pages 30-33 Golf courses ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ Pages 28-29 Historic centers ���������������������������������������������������������������������������� Pages 34-35

Historic sites ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Pages 24-25 Libraries ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Page 35 Music concerts ����������������������������������������������������������������������������� Pages 50-52 Nature areas �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������Pages 60-61 OHV parks ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Page 53 Old-time weekends ������������������������������������������������������������������������������Page 59 Parks and Rec �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Page 16 Prairie Pothole �������������������������������������������������������������������������������Pages 56-57 Prairie Woods ELC ��������������������������������������������������������������������Pages 72-73 Racing ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Page 74 River routes ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Pages 42-43 Robbins Island ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Page 11 Rockin Robbins ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Page 9 Rodeos, bull riding ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������Page 62 Ski Team �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Pages 22-23 Stingers baseball ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Page 13 Willmar Fests ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Page 8 Willmar bike, walk ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Page 44

SUMMER FUN 2021 CREDITS

Summer fun

Your guide to summer events in West Central Minnesota!

Produced by West Central Tribune.

Content by Donna Middleton, Carolyn Lange, Tom Cherveny, Shelby Lindrud, Linda Vanderwerf and Tom Elliott. Photos by Erica Dischino and staff. Editing by Kelly Boldan. Overall and cover design by Christopher Johnson. Summer Fun logo design by Josie Gerezek. Marketing by: Christie Steffel, Angela Richardson, Christine Riemersma, Rhea Yeadon and Steve Ammermann.

SUMMER FUN 2021 | 3

SUMMER FUN 2021 | 3

n i g e b n u F r e m m u S Let the

C

West central area offers an array of community celebrations

ommunity events are being celebrated all around the area this year after most events were canceled in 2020 because of COVID-19. Some details for local events may still be in flux so check with their websites and social media pages for details.

Communities celebrations over the Fourth of July are in a separate article.

JUNE 4-6, GROVE CITY WINDMILL DAYS: website is www.grovecitymn.com/windmill-days/ JUNE 9-13, RENVILLE SUGAR BEET DAYS: grand parade at 3 p.m. Saturday. Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ groups/356679094464837 JUNE 11-12, KANDIYOHI KANDI IS DANDY DAYS: grand parade at 11:30 a.m. Saturday; website is cityofkandiyohimn.com/ or the Kandiyohi Men’s Club on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kandimensclub 4 | SUMMER FUN 2021

JUNE 13-20, MONTEVIDEO FIESTA DAYS: Facebook page is www.facebook.com/montevideofiestadays

JUNE 23-27, DAWSON RIVERFEST: on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DawsonRiverfest

JUNE 15-20, ATWATER FESTIVAL DAYS: website is www.atwaterfestivaldays.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ Atwater-Festival-Days-1726910184238510

JUNE 24-26, GRANITE FALLS WESTERN FEST: PRCA rodeo at Lee Mar Ranch; website is www.granitefallsprcarodeo.org/ or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ westernfestrodeo

JUNE 16-19, PAYNESVILLE TOWN AND COUNTRY DAYS: with the grand parade at 7 p.m. Thursday; website is www.paynesvillechamber.org JUNE 16-20, BIRD ISLAND ISLAND DAYS: website is www.birdislandcity.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/IslandDays-162967003867500 JUNE 19, MONTEVIDEO MILWAUKEE ROAD HERITAGE CENTER EVENT: 9th annual craft and vendor show, 9 a.m.to 4 p.m., 320-269-9563; website is www.montevideomrhc.org/ or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/search/ top?q=MontevideoMRHC

JUNE 25-27, MADISON SUMMERFEST: Facebook at www.facebook.com/City-of-MadisonMN-106941826001888 JULY 4, AREA See separate article for community celebrations over the July 4th holiday.

JULY 7-11, DANUBE FUN DAYS: on Facebook at www.facebook.com/danubefundays JULY 8-11, LITCHFIELD WATERCADE: grand parade 6 p.m.

Saturday; website is www.watercade.com

JULY 16-18, COSMOS SPACE FESTIVAL: Facebook at www.facebook.com/cosmosspacefestival JULY 16-18, MADISON DRAGON FEST: Facebook at www.facebook.com/City-of-MadisonMN-106941826001888

JULY 8-11, BROOTEN BONANZA VALLEY DAYS: Facebook at www.facebook.com/brooten56316 JULY 9-11, CLARA CITY PRAIRIE FEST DAYS: on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ClaraCityPrairieFest JULY 12-18, NEW LONDON WATER DAYS: website is www.newlondonwaterdays.com JULY 10, BLOMKEST APPRECIATION DAY: parade at 4:30 p.m.; on Facebook at www.facebook.com/barb.blomkest.3

AUG. 27-29, RAYMOND RAYMOND HARVEST FEST: on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ Raymond125thYear SEPT. 18-19, APPLETON APPLEFEST: Chamber Facebook at www.facebook.com/AACCMN

JULY 19-25, OLIVIA CORN CAPITAL DAYS: website is www. corncapitaldays.com/ on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CornCapitalDays JULY 23-25, KERKHOVEN TOWN AND COUNTRY DAY: Facebook at www.facebook.com/City-ofKerkhoven JULY 23-35, GLENWOOD WATERAMA: parade 1 p.m. Sunday; website is www.waterama.org AUG. 6-8, PENNOCK PENNOCK FUN DAYS: Facebook at www.facebook.com/pennockfundays AUG. 7-8, LAKE LILLIAN FUN DAYS: on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LakeLillianFunDays

JULY 14-18, SACRED HEART SUMMER FEST: Facebook at www.facebook.com/ SacredHeartSummerfest

AUG. 8, BECHYN CZECH HERITAGE FESTIVAL: 30th annual festival, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; 320-522-1218

JULY 15-18, BENSON KID DAY CELEBRATION: 90th celebration, parade at 10 a.m. Saturday; on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BensonMNKidDay

AUG. 13-14, BELGRADE AUGUSTFEST: parade 4 p.m. Saturday; on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ belgradeaugustfest

SUMMER FUN 2021 | 5

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IS IS SUMMER!

Sacred Heart Summer Fest • July 14-18 SUMMER! Renville Dandy Lion Disc Golf Course Danube Fun Days • July 7-11 Olivia Corn Capital Days • July 19-25 Bird Island Island Days • June 17-19 Hector Corn Chaff Days • July 6- 11

HEALTHY SHAKES

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SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY, COME OUT AND ENJOY ALL OF THE SUMMERFEST ACTIVITIES!

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322 Park Ave. E • Renville, MN 56284 (320) 579-2012

Stop in for Breakfast!

Best place to start your day!

Kathy’s

Place Home Town Diner

Hours: 6am - 7pm Mon - Tues, Th - Sat 6am - 2pm Wed • 8am - 2pm Sun

(320) 765-2229 101 E Maple St, Sacred Heart, MN 56285

200 W Maple Street, PO BOX 397 Sacred Heart, MN 56285 (320) 664-411

WWW.CITIZENSALLIANCEBANK.COM

Thirsty Thursday EVERY week: $2 domestic beer & $8 Taco Salad!

Bone-In-Wings every Tuesday 11a.m. - 8p.m.

DINE-IN ONLY Starting May 4th -Aug. 31st Nov. 2nd - Feb. 22nd

SACRED HEART LIQUORS ON/OFF SALE

River Bottom Cruise May 19th-Aug. 4th Every Wednesday starting @ 4p.m. come - and go!

Sacred Heart Liquor Store Grandview Valley Winery Belview Bar & Grill Call for details!

Drawings being held the last Cruise.

Summerfest July 16th Big Mike entertainment 9p.m. - 12:30a.m.

Drawings throughout the night

July 17th Bean bag tournament 11a.m.

Pre sign up by July 9th

Sunday Summerfest ATV ride 2p.m.

Drink and food specials all week long!

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SUMMER FUN 2021 | 7

n u f s t s e F r Willma 1 2 0 2 n i s return Willmar’s community celebration is June 23-26

W

illmar Fests will be back for its 74th year in 2021, after being canceled in 2020 due to the Covid19 pandemic. The city celebration will be held June 23 through June 26.

Willmar Fests, a four-day city festival filled with family friendly fun, was formed from four city celebrations from the past – International

Fest, Aqua Fest, Frameries Fest and Kaffee Fests.

The community celebration includes a block party, royalty and ambassador coronations, story hour, tennis tournament, Stingers baseball, pancake feed, two parades and a kids carnival.

Willmar Fests’ purpose is to

encourage the imagination, talents and creativity of the people living in the Willmar area.

The schedule is subject to change and might also have to be updated due to pandemic restrictions. Up to date information will be available at www.willmarfests.com and on the festival’s Facebook page.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23

6:00 pm – Willmar Fests Kiddie Parade

9:00 am – Coffee with the Candidates - TBD

6:30 pm – Fireman’s Challenge

3:00 pm – 5:00 pm – Willmar Fests Ambassador Coronation- WEAC

2:00 pm – Senior Ambassador Coronation at Willmar Community Center

7:00 pm – Stage Entertainment to be determined

6:30 pm – Pie & Ice Cream Social at Robbins Island

FRIDAY, JUNE 25

7:30 pm – Prairie Winds Summer Band Concert at Robbins Island THURSDAY, JUNE 24 4:30 pm – Willmar Fests Block Party Kickoff at 5th & Becker Ave Food trucks, various vendors, activities and more – Kick Off with Q102 – Meet the Willmar Fests Queen Candidates – Crowning of the Willmar Fests Junior Royalty 5:30 pm – Willmar Fests Kids Fun Run 8 | SUMMER FUN 2021

7:30 am Willmar Fests Chamber Connection at Heritage Bank 7:05 pm – Willmar Stingers Baseball Baker Field at Bill Taunton Stadium 8:00 pm Movies in the Park at Robbins Island featuring SATURDAY, JUNE 26 7:00 am – 1:00 pm Willmar Fire Department Pancake Feed-Willmar Fire Station 10:30 am – Grande Day Parade – Downtown

7:30 pm – “The Little Crow Ski Show” 10:00 pm – Q102 Lakeland Broadcasting’s “Works Over Water” Fireworks Show

r e m m u s s n i b b o R Rockin 3 1 y l u J n r u t e r s t r conce R

ockin’ Robbins, a free outdoor concert series presented by the Willmar Rotary Club, will have the same band lineup for the 2021 outdoor concert series that was planned in 2020 prior to the pandemic lockdown.

The concerts will take place in the newly renovated Robbins Island Regional Park in Willmar from 5 to 9 p.m on Tuesdays.

The event includes free kids activities, food trucks and vendors, a beer and wine tent, local craft market, and a free shuttle from three convenient park and ride locations.

The opening act starts at 5 p.m. and the headliner starts at 6:30 p.m. Bring your own lawn chair.

July 13 — Chase & Ovation, a Prince tribute show based out of Minneapolis.

The only one of its kind, Chase & Ovation has been performing the music of Prince live in concert for the past 11 years.

This high-energy production brings you the very best of Prince throughout his expansive career in an arena-caliber concert experience.

July 27 — Wild Angels: “The Women of Rock, Pop & Country” features three of Minnesota’s most beloved singers —Pamela McNeill (lead vocalist of the Fabulous Armadillos), Mary Jane Alm (Minnesota Music Hall of Fame recipient), and Aimée Lee. Featuring a seven-piece band, The Handsome Devils, these talented musicians perform hits by some of the greatest “female divas” the music world has ever known, including Adele, Madonna, Janis Joplin, Heart and more.

July 20 — Mason Dixon Line was formed in 2018 by brothers Justin & Jason Ploof, along with seasoned musicians Micah Barrett and Tony Mazzone. The band focuses on country rock hits of the 1960s, ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s by country music Hallof-Famers and icons. The group has been the supporting act for some of country music’s biggest names, including Tanya Tucker, Sawyer Brown, Craig Morgan and more.

Aug. 3 — The Fabulous Armadillos have been wowing Rockin’ Robbins crowds since the very first event in 2016. Featuring an eight-piece band and music that crosses all genres and age groups, they’ll round out the 2021 lineup with their high-energy show.

The Rockin’ Robbins website is www.rockinrobbins.com/ SUMMER FUN 2021 | 9

The center employs Red Cross-trained lifeguards and features a zero-depth pool with interactive toy features, a six-lane 25-yard recreational pool, a poolside climbing wall, two towering water slides, children’s slide and concession stand. Amenities include chaise lounges, umbrellas and picnic tables. Special events are planned in June through August and will be listed at the pool and online.

Daily admission is $3 for swimmers and observers. There are also group rates and individual and family season passes available.

Birthday parties — The aquatic center is booking birthday parties and other get-togethers. The entire center can be rented out for after-hour private group events. For more information, call 231-8490.

All special events at the DOAC will be posted on the DOAC Facebook page www.facebook.com/DOACWillmar othing feels better on a hot summer day than a dip into a pool or lake, or even just a run through a sprinkler. Willmar ROBBINS ISLAND has several ways to keep cool. The Dorothy Olson Aquatic Swimming is allowed at the Virgil Olson Beach during Center with its pools and slides, Rice Park Splash Pad and daylight hours. The sand beach can be reached via a its multiple water features and Foot Lake at Robbins Island paved walking path along Foot Lake; vehicle parking Regional Park all offer hours of summer fun for children and also available. adults alike. There are also swimming lessons available RICE PARK SPLASH PAD through Willmar Community Education.

Rice Park Splash Pad opened for the season in early DOROTHY OLSON AQUATIC CENTER May. The new pad has replaced the old wading pool and Located at 1601 22nd St. S.W., seasonal phone number: includes several different water features.

320-441-2018. The aquatic center is scheduled to open Swimming lessons - For information about lessons call for the season June 10, weather permitting. Open daily 320-231-8490 or check www.willmar.k12.mn.us/communityed.

12 to 7 p.m. However, the center will not open for the day if the air temperature is 68 degrees or cooler. Check website There are several different class options for different ages before visiting. and abilities, all held at the Willmar Middle School pool.

h t i w s p a l w e f a Swim s c i t a u q A r a m l l Wi

N

Be ready for

adventure in and out of the

water!

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Our team approach, advanced techniques, and positive outcomes are just some of the reasons we’ve been recognized nationally and remain the region’s most preferred orthopedic providers.

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d n a l s I s n i b Rob e v o r p m i o t continues n u f r e m m and offer su

R

obbins Island Regional Park has undergone some big changes over the last few years. A new fourseason shelter opened in 2020 and work is nearing completion on improvements to the roadway and parking lots. There are also plans to renovate other shelters located throughout the park. The improvements will provide for even more opportunities for fun, relaxation and recreation at the 55-acre park.

The park is located between Willmar and Foot lakes on the northside of Willmar. The park includes one of the largest playgrounds in the state and is also home to a natural trail, swimming beach, disc golf course and more.

DESTINATION PLAYGROUND The Destination Playground provides fully accessible fun for children of all ages. Children are able to run and play through different themed areas, including a castle, train and farm, as well as zipline and a spider bouncer. With different types of slides, swings and climbing apparatuses, the 19,000 square foot playground is the largest fully

accessible playground in the state, with special playground equipment specifically for children with disabilities.

The project was funded through private donations, constructed by community members in May 2017 and opened to the public in June 2017.

SHELTERS

Due to upcoming construction at the park, only the new four-season shelter at Robbins Island is available to rent this summer. The four season shelter can be rented for $110. The shelter at Rice Park is also available to rent. To reserve a shelter, call 231-8490 or download the rental form on the city website.

PRAIRIE WINDS CONCERT BAND The Prairie Winds Concert Band performs music favorites during free evening outdoor concerts at Robbins Island in Willmar. Concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. June 9, June 16, June 23, June 30. The band will feature a variety of music from its programs, including classic standards, marches, Broadway, big band and Dixieland. Audience members are invited to bring a blanket or lawn chair. Cancellation in case of extreme weather will be announced on local radio.

ROCKIN’ ROBBINS

Free outdoor concert series sponsored by the Willmar Rotary Club to raise money for Robbins Island improvements. Each event includes free concert, food vendors, DISC GOLF COURSE beer/wine tent, kids’ activities and Redesigned in 2018, Robbins Island artisan market. Concerts take Disc Golf course is 18 holes and place at Robbins Island from 5 to travels through Robbins Island and 9 p.m. on Tuesdays July 13 (Chase Hedin Park. Disc golfers navigate & Ovation: Salute to the Music of around trees, hills and lake water.

Prince), July 20 (Mason Dixon Line), A downloadable map of the course July 27 (Wild Angels: Women of can be found at www.willmarmn.gov/ Rock, Pop and Country) and Aug. 3 parks_and_trails/disc_golf_course.php (Fabulous Armadillos).

SUMMER FUN 2021 | 11

Stop by today & visit with our staff.

We look forward to seeing you!

Your source for Quality Farm Equipment, Parts, and Service.

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r e f f o s r e g Stin , l l a b e s a good b s n o i t o m o r fun p Willmar’s Northwoods League team has something going on every home game

T

he Willmar Stingers have made Baker Field at Bill Taunton Stadium a fun place to be since 2010.

The Stingers play in the 22-team Northwoods League. It’s a summer collegiate wood-bat league that features baseball players who retain their college eligibility.

It’s a great training ground for players, many of whom end up playing professionally. For Willmararea baseball fans, the team provides a high-level of competition and the chance to see future major leaguers.

Current Stingers in the majors include Kansas City Royals third

baseman Hunter Dozier. Former Stinger Anthony Bemboom has played catcher and even pitched an inning for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim this season. Former Singer pitcher Ty Tice also made his major league debut this season with the Toronto Blue Jays.

But what sets the Stingers apart from just the great baseball are the promotions.

This year’s schedule includes the home opener on Wednesday, June 2. Former Minnesota Twins manager Ron Gardenhire throws out the first pitch before the Stingers take on the

Eau Claire Express.

Other notable promotions include Baseball Cap Giveaway Night on June 7, Barry Bobblehead Giveaway Night, Trading Card Giveaway Night on Aug. 6 and Fan Appreciation Night on Aug. 14.

There are many more Follow the Stingers at the stadium, in the West Central Tribune and online at: wctrib.com or epaper. wctrib.com.

For additional information, visit www.northwoodsleague.com/ willmar-stingers/.

2021 STINGERS PROMOTIONAL SCHEDULE June 2: Home opener featuring special guest appearance by former Minnesota Twins Ron Gardenhire; post-game fireworks June 3: Books and Baseball Night June 7: Baseball Cap Giveaway Night June 8: Miles 4 Mentors Night June 9: Teacher Appreciation Night June 10: Friends and Family Night June 14: Flag Day June 15: Barry Bobblehead Giveaway Night June 19: Veterans Appreciation Night; post-game fireworks June 20: Youth Jersey Giveaway Night June 21: KMS Marching Band Night June 24: Litchfield Night June 25: Willmar Fests Night June 26: Youth Baseball and Softball Night June 28: Puzzle Giveaway Night June 29: Ruff’s Wings and Sports Bar Gift Card Giveaway Night July 8: Barry Plush Doll Giveaway Night

July 9: Hanson Communications Night July 10: KCEO Night; post-game fireworks July 14: Kids’ Day, 12:05 p.m. game July 14: Kandiyohi Power Cooperative Night July 22: T-Shirt Giveaway Night July 23: Green Mill Gift Card Giveaway Night July 29: Ag is Everywhere and Barry and Blue Gnome Giveaway Night July 30: Team Poster Giveaway Night July 31: Classic Car Show Night; post-game fireworks Aug. 6: Trading Card Giveaway Night; post-game fireworks Aug. 7: Community Night by Willmar Police Department; all kids free admission courtesy of Green Mill; post-game fireworks Aug. 8: Friends and Family Night Aug. 13: Healthcare Heroes Night Aug. 14: Fan Appreciation Night; post-game fireworks SUMMER FUN 2021 | 13

Enjoy Western Fest

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14 | SUMMER FUN 2021

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Friday 6:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Friday 6:00 a.m. - 6:45 p.m.

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– ALZHEIMER’S AWARENESS – June 21 – WESTERN FEST & PRCA RODEO – June 23-26 – BLUENOSE GOPHER GRAVEL BIKE RACE – July 24 – ROCK FEST – August 28 – SOCIABILITY RUN & YELLOWSTONE TRAIL – September 11

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860 HIGHWAY 212 W, PO BOX 68 GRANITE FALLS, MN 56241 (320)564-4522 WWW.CITIZENSALLIANCEBANK.COM SUMMER FUN 2021 | 15

d E y t i n u m m o C & c e R d n a s Park T

Plenty of fun to be had around Willmar

here will be plenty of fun to be had this summer for people of all ages.

Both the Willmar Parks and Recreation Department and Willmar Community Education offer a variety of classes, camps and leagues.

Weather-related announcements can be obtained by calling 320-231-8493 or tuning to local radio stations Q102/102.5 FM, 95.3 FM and 1590 AM.

WILLMAR PARKS AND RECREATION

Willmar Parks and Recreation Department activities this year include a wide range of sport camps and leagues, from football and gymnastics to baseball and tennis. The full catalog of programming can be found at www.willmarmn.gov/parks_ and_recreation_land/index.php.

Registration can be completed online or by mail to Parks and Recreation, 2707 Arena Drive, Willmar, MN 56201.

Following is a sampling of programs available: Summer Soccer: A six week soccer course for grades kindergarten through 4th grade. Staff will teach students different soccer skills such as kickin, passing and scoring. Starts June 15 through July 22, practices on Tuesdays and Thursdays, games Wednesday evening and Saturday jamborees. To be held at Westwind Field.

Park It!: Park It! Will bring games, sports and craft activities to four city parks from 1 to 4 p.m. June 14 to July 29, with the goal to get kids away from the video games and outside to enjoy the parks.

The schedule for the program is Mondays at Miller Park, Tuesdays at Lincoln Park, Wednesdays at Rice Park and Thursdays at Hilltop Park.

No registration is required.

Outdoor Pickleball: An adults doubles pickleball league for advanced and intermediate players to be held from June 21 to August 20. Teams scheduled to play against each other each week, but when is up to the teams.

Baseball and Softball: There are several baseball and softball programs and leagues for children and adults put on by Parks and Recreation. The leagues include T-ball, youth baseball and softball, co-rec, Women’s 5 vs. 5 vs.

5, and a men’s and church league. More information and registration can be found in the program catalog.

16 | SUMMER FUN 2021

WILLMAR COMMUNITY EDUCATION

Willmar Community Education is offering a wide range of education and enrichment activities for ages from babies to seniors. The entire listing for community education, as well as registration, is at www.willmar.k12.mn.us/communityed.

Some programming will be held remotely.

Stop Motion Camp: Inspiring artists and animators in grades 3 to 5 can learn all about stop motion animation.Will learn about and create claymation, pixelation and cut-out motion. Held from 1:45 to 2:45 p.m. June 15-17 at Lakeland Elementary.

Fashion, Faces & Flowers: Budding fashion designers, make up artists and florists can use their imaginations while learning to draw and color. Will be held remotely using pre-recorded video lessons. Students can watch the lessons at their own pace and convenience.

Karatics: Martial arts training without testing or belts. An Americanized version of Karate that teaches about kicks, punches, blocks and combinations. Open for all ages 12 and over. A video series for beginners and advanced students.

Online music lessons: Online music lessons for piano and guitar. Video lessons with use of an online book.

WILLMAR COMMUNITY AND ACTIVITY CENTER

Willmar Community and Activity Center is located at 624 Business Highway 71 N.E., has programs, special events and services structured to meet a wide variety of needs and wants from a play area for children, socialization for senior citizens and events and classes for all ages.

The center is a place to meet friendly people, read the newspaper or a book, have a cup of coffee, take advantage of health, wellness, computer and woodshop opportunities and participate in continuous free activities from concerts and dances to games and crafts. For more information and upcoming events visit the Community Parks and Rec website, the Community Center Facebook page or call 320-262-5288.

Card gatherings: Each day of the week learn and play a new card game from Bridge to Whist. The fun is from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Fridays. Free and open to the community. Those with questions can call 320-262-5288.

Nintendo tournaments and friendlies: Come play Super Smash Brothers and MarioKart at the Community Center.

Monthly tournaments. For more information and to sign up call 320-262-5288

WILLMAR CIVIC CENTER

The Willmar Civic Center hosts a wide range of events and activities from sports to trade shows. Areas within the center can be rented for events. More information available at www.willmarmn.gov/civic_center/index.php.

Movies in the Parking Lot: Fridays, movies to begin at dusk in the parking lot of the Willmar Civic Center. This year’s slate of Disney films are June 18 (“Onward”), July 16 (“Moana”), Aug. 20 (“Soul”), Sept. 17 (“Raya: The Last Dragon”), at Robbins Island Park. Free admission.

More information available on the Willmar Parks and Recreation Facebook page.

Kites and Kids: Come design and fly your very own kite at the Willmar Civic Center. Free event is from 5 to 7 p.m. July 23. Registration is encouraged.

SWANSSON FIELD RECREATIONAL COMPLEX

Swansson Field Recreational Complex is located at Willmar Avenue Southwest.

For spectator sports, check out the city softball leagues played Monday through Friday at the Swansson Field complex, which has ample bleacher space for fans to cheer on their favorite teams. Baker Field at Bill Taunton Stadium, home to the Willmar Stingers, has more than 100 amateur games played, with concessions sold at each game.

Books and Baseball: June 3, starting at 6:30 p.m. Includes reading on the field and children receive a free book. Tickets available at the Willmar Public Library.

YMCA

The Kandiyohi County Area Family YMCA, located at 1000 Lakeland Dr. S.E., in Willmar offers a wide variety of programs for area and summer residents.

They offer birthday parties, Child Watch, child care, preschool and school-age activities, Kids’ Club, mentoring, programs for active older adults, health and wellness programs and events for youth and adults, lifeguard training, swimming lessons and summer camp.

For more information, visit www.kandiymca.org.

r e m m u s e h t r o f e c a l p n i s t n e v e A variety of Some other area events over the summer include: American Dairy Association annual Dairy Days farm open house will be from 4 to 7 p.m. June 16 at the Rod and Naomi Lindquist farm, 1780 90th St. SE, Kerkhoven. The Kerkhoven Fire Department will be serving a pancake supper to raise money; Facebook at www.facebook.com/KandiADA

Movies in the Parking lot, Willmar Parks and Recreation presents four free movies in the Willmar Civic Center parking lot this summer. “Onward” at 9 p.m. June 18, “Moana” at 9 p.m. July 16, “Soul” at 8 p.m. Aug. 20 and “Raya and the Last Dragon” at 7 p.m. Sept. 17.

Curd Fest 2021, Redhead Creamery’s third annual event celebrating all things cheese curd

from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 19 at JerLindy Farms, north of Brooten. Music, breweries, food trucks, wineries, selfguided dairy farm tours, $12 in advance at RedheadCreamery.com or $15 at the door. Children 11 and under are free.

Website is www.redheadcreamery.com or on Facebook at www.facebook. com/RedheadCreamery Continued on page 18

www.mnwest.edu • 800-658-2330 A member of Minnesota State.

An Affirmative Action Equal Opportunity Educator/Employer.

SUMMER FUN 2021 | 17

Continued from page 17 Green Lake Lutheran Ministries 37th annual quilt auction will be July 24-24 at the Green Lake Bible Camp in Spicer.

There will be a quilt review from 3 to 8 p.m. Friday and again from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday.

There will be two groups of quilts to bid on. The first group will be auctioned off live with bidding in person and online beginning at noon on Saturday. The second group will be auctioned off online only starting on July 19 and the bidding will close at 5 p.m. July 24.

There will be silent auction items available for bidding in person and online beginning July 19. It will close at 4 p.m. July 24. Website is www. gllm.org/quilt-auction.html or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ GreenLakeLutheranMinistries FarmFest plans are being made for Minnesota Farmfest 2021 on Aug. 3-5 at the Gilfillan Estate, southeast of Redwood Falls. Website is www. ideaggroup.com/farmfest or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ MNfarmfest

Upper Sioux Community Pezihutazizi Oyate Traditional Wacipi, plans underway for Aug. 6-7 pow wow; on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ USCWACIPI Meander Art Crawl, a free self-guided tour of artist studios featuring 40 local artists from the Upper Minnesota River Valley will be Oct. 1-3. It includes more than 30 individual studios in and near the western Minnesota communities of Ortonville, Appleton, Madison, Milan, Dawson, Montevideo and Granite Falls.

Website is artsmeander.com/ and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ MeanderArtCrawl Lakeside Summer Dances at the Lakeside Ballroom in Glenwood have been cancelled. The group hopes to restart their dances in the fall season.

Embrace your

Oasis 320.231.1620 310 Cty Road 9 SE, Willmar, MN | Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9:30-5. Sat. 9:30-3 18 | SUMMER FUN 2021

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1 2 0 2 n i e m u s e r s r i a f County weet s o s d e m e e s never fun Old-fashioned

I

n 2020 there were no ferris wheels, 4-H exhibits, demolition derbies, barns full of animals primped for competition and cotton candy and pronto pups.

All those beloved traditions were put on hold when the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the cancelation

of county fairs all across the state.

All area counties are planning to hold their fairs this year, although there are still some unknowns regarding possible restrictions on capacity on the grounds and in buildings. Some of those restrictions could affect 4-H shows.

Many counties were still in the process of securing contracts for carnivals and entertainment at presstime.

The events listed here are only a partial listing, and events are subject to change. Check the fair websites, or their social media pages, for additional information and updates.

YELLOW MEDICINE COUNTY FAIR July 22-25 Fairgrounds in Canby Free admission and free parking.

Grandstand shows include Demo Derby on Thursday, Tractor Pull on Friday and Baja races on Saturday. Shows start at 7 p.m.

Other events Thursday include the Wendinger Polka Band at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. On Friday the Bramble Park Zoo performs at 5 p.m. and the Hicktown Mafia band plays after the tractor pull. On Saturday the ag olympics will be at 1 p.m., DonB magic and juggling at 2:30 and 4:30 and the Red Letter Band at 6 p.m. with another performance after the races.

On Sunday a community church service will be held at 10:30 a.m. a kids pedal pull at 1 p.m.

Mandana’s balloon creations noon till 6 p.m., Bob and the Beachcomber’s kids show at 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Website: www.ymcfair.org

Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for ages 11-17, ages 10 and under and over 70 will be admitted free. Entry is free on Sunday.

Website: www.meekerfair.com

exhibits will take place all three days.

Website: www. renvillecountyfair.org

CHIPPEWA COUNTY July 28 – Aug, 1 Fairgrounds in Montevideo Gate admission will be charged but all events inside the gates, including grand stand events, will be free.

The grandstand acts include a performance by the Fabulous Armadillos, bull riding, car races, Johnny Holm and Sherwin Linton.

Website: www. hippewacofair.com POPE COUNTY FAIR Aug. 4-7 Fairgrounds in Glenwood There is no gate admission and parking is free.

The grandstand shows include a ranch rodeo at 7 p.m. on Thursday, bucking bulls at 7 p.m. on Friday and tractor pull at 3 p.m. on Saturday. A demolition derby will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, along with food vendors, even though the fair activities will be over.

Website: www. popecountyfair.org MEEKER COUNTY FAIR August 5-8 Fairgrounds in Litchfield

KANDIYOHI COUNTY FAIR Aug. 11-14 Fairgrounds in Willmar Gates open at 11 a.m. Wednesday, and at 8 a.m. daily thereafter.

Gate admission is $7 for adults, $3 for seniors (on Thursday only), $2 for students K-12; children pre-kindergarten will be admitted free. Season passes are $20 gate pass, $15 parking pass.

Daily parking is $5 per car/truck. A season ticket allows you to come and go as many times as you want during the 4-day fair.

Grandstand four-day wrist bands are also available $25 per adult, $15 ages 5-12.

Featured events include bull riding on Wednesday, KRA stock car races Thursday, truck and antique tractor pull Friday and a demolition derby Saturday.

Free entertainment includes the Los Moralitos Circus, hypnotist Freddie Justice and a presentation about the 150th anniversary of Kandiyohi County. Free music will be presented every day on the fairgrounds.

Wednesday is Veterans Day, Thursday is Senior Day and Saturday is Kids’ Day. Website: www.kandifair.com RENVILLE COUNTY FAIR Aug. 12-14 Fairgrounds in Bird Island Events on Thursday include the Red Dirt Road Band, Great Frontier Rodeo, comedy stage hypnosis and fireworks.

Friday’s lineup includes a demolition derby, kids tractor pull, cow pie bingo and a performance at 8 p.m. by the Fabulous Armadillos.

Entertainment Saturday includes a bean bag tournament, Boch Fest Boys, kids tractor pull, Circus Science Spectacular and music by the Full Throttle Band.

A carnival and inflatables, antique tractor show, Hasse Family Petting Zoo, tech room, Ms Jazee, mobile dairy classroom, vendor booths and 4-H

SWIFT COUNTY FAIR Aug. 18-22 Fairgrounds in Appleton Grandstand events include a ranch rodeo, antique tractor pull and a yet-unnamed national act.

There will be free, live music every evening on the fairgrounds at the newly expanded Chuck Brown building. The expansion, and construction of a new fair office, is being completed in memory of Scott “Montana” Smith, a Swift County Fairboard member who was killed in an accident in 2020.

Magician DonB! will be strolling the grounds on stilts, author, photographer and Minnesota historian Doug Ohman will be speaking and Miss Minnesota Rodeo Queen will be on the grounds on Thursday.

Laser tag, food vendors and 4-H exhibits are all scheduled for the event. For the first time, the carnival this year will feature a ferris wheel.

Website: www. swiftcountyfair.org LAC QUI PARLE COUNTY FAIR Sept. 9-12 Fairgrounds Madison Gates open at 9 a.m. daily, admission is $5 for ages 12 and over and includes parking; admission is free for ages 11 and under and for active military personnel with a military ID. On Thursday a performance by the White Sidewalls will be the featured entertainment.

Events Friday include magician DonB, Alfy’s World of Robotic Puppets and White Keys Band.

Saturday there will be a pedal pull, veggies races, diaper derby, Alfy’s World of Robotic Puppets, Teddy Bear Band, Street Talk, Eclipse, demo derby and the Minnesota High School Rodeo.

Sunday’s events include DonB, Sherwin Linton, Minnesota High school Rodeo and Wissota Car Races The carnival will be Gopher State Expositions.

Website: www. lqpfair.com SUMMER FUN 2021 | 19

s n e d r a g Local s r o t i s i v r o bloom f 29 ly u J is t h ig N e Horticultur

T

he region’s gardens put on a colorful show each summer for visitors to enjoy.

Whether you like to stroll or simply sit and look at the flowers, here are some places that are worth a visit.

Anderson Garden is a miniarboretum on the northeast shore of Lake Ripley on the edge of Litchfield; access is from Minnesota Highway 22.

The public garden has many varieties of exotic and familiar flowers, shrubs and trees that can be viewed from a paved, handicapped-accessible walking path. Plants bloom all season long to create a colorful experience.

A gazebo in the park is a popular site for summer weddings and afternoon teas. For reservations, call Litchfield City Hall at 320-693-7201 or download a copy of the city’s special use permit form, found at www.ci.litchfield.minn.us, and mail it to Litchfield City Hall, 126 Marshall Ave. N. 55355.

While in Litchfield, make another stop at Central Park downtown, where the bandstand has been restored to its 1910-era glory.

An Old World-style fountain is the centerpiece of Selvig Park in downtown Willmar. The small formal park, at the corner of Fourth Street and Becker Avenue, was created to commemorate Willmar’s relationship with its sister city of Frameries, Belgium. It is landscaped with flowers, shrubs and benches.

In the town of Dawson, Scandinavian lore comes to life in the form of gnome 20 | SUMMER FUN 2021

statues that populate Gnome Park on U.S. Highway 212 and can be found scattered at businesses and private yards around the city.

A prized collection of hand-carved wooden gnomes is on display at the Dawson Public Library.

Learn about plant and agricultural research at the West Central Research and Outreach Center, located one mile east of the University of Minnesota-Morris campus on Minnesota Highway 329.

The outdoor gardens are open to the public from sunrise to sunset and include rose gardens, shade gardens, a heritage garden, children’s garden, water gardens and an international garden with flowers and shrubs from all over the world.

Since 1990 the garden has been on the All-America Selections list of display gardens for testing new varieties of plants. It also is an AllAmerica Selections flower trialing site.

A scenic overlook garden interprets the region’s prairies, rivers, agriculture and environment. It is designed to integrate the gardens with a bike and walking trail maintained by the city of Morris.

Pamphlets are available for selfguided walking tours.

The center will host its annual Horticulture Night July 29 from 4 to 8 p.m. Check the website, wcroc.cfans. umn.edu/, to see whether it will be in-person or virtually.

For more information, call 320-589-1711.

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Medallion Hunt Begins

FRIDAY - AUGUST 6TH 7 PM ������������������� Bean Bag Tournament at Horseshoe Bar (6:30 Registration) - Food and Beverages Available

SATURDAY - AUGUST 7TH 7 AM – 11 AM������ Firemen’s Pancake Feed 8 AM ������������������� Kid’s Fun Run 9 AM ������������������� DrexMart Auction - American Surplus & Mfg/Ice Castle 10 AM ����������������� Kid’s Pedal Pull in the Park 11 AM ����������������� Kid’s Activities in the Park Noon ������������������� Vendors/Food/Basket Display in the Park 4 PM ������������������� Grand Parade 5 PM ������������������� Sportsmen’s Club Meal, Fun & Games in the Park 5:30 PM �������������� Kid’s Raffle - Basket Auction/Fund Raiser 7 PM ������������������� C & C Raffle LIC#02920, $1,500.00 Grand Prize Lots of Cash Prizes & Numerous Other Prizes 8 PM ������������������� Street Dance “Red Dirt Road” • Food & Beer Garden

SUNDAY - AUGUST 8 9:30 AM �������������� Community Worship in the Park 11 AM ������������������ Tractor Pull in South Park West Central Antique Power Collectors

MANY OTHER ACTIVITIES PLANNED FOR THE WEEKEND! MATT 320-212-2469

FIRST STATE AGENCY

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320.664.4444 320.979.0667

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Antique Tractor Pull August 8th, 2021 starting at 11am

SUMMER FUN 2021 | 21

“Crow ” ss e n t Fi Little Crow Ski Team is back on the water in 2021 with fitness center theme

T

he Little Crow Ski Team is ready to get back on the water in 2021 to wow audiences with a dynamic show featuring pyramid building, jumping, ballet and barefoot skiing on the scenic Middle Fork of the Crow River in New London.

The team, which started in 1979, includes about 50 skiers of all ages and another 50 volunteers who drive the tow boats, organize three miles of ropes and sell concessions on show nights at Neer Park.

Because of the pandemic, all shows were canceled last year.

But the team spent last summer practicing and fine-tuning their skills that will be on display this year.

The theme for the show – which includes a comedy storyline that weaves together the show on the shore with what the skiers are doing on the water – is called “Crow Fitness.”

The team performs nearly every Friday evening from June through August on its home waters at 22 | SUMMER FUN 2021

Neer Park, 313 2nd Ave. SE in New London. Additional shows will also be held during the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

The home shows will be June 4, 11, 18 and 25; July 1,2,3,9,16 and 30 and August 6, 20 and 27. Shows begin at 7:30 in June and July and at 7 p.m. in August.

There will be no Friday shows at Neer Park on July 23 and Aug. 13 because the team will be at out-ofstate competitions. However, extra shows at Neer Park will be held July 1-3 to celebrate Independence Day. The ski team will host its first ever “Knotty Girl Swivel Skiing Tournament” July 10 at Neer Park that is expected to bring around 40 out-of-town skiers and their families to New London.

The team will compete in two tournaments including the Midwest Regional Tournament, July 23-25, in Aberdeen, South Dakota and the National Show Skiing Tournament

Aug. 12-15 in Janesville, Wisconsin.

The team will perform at 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 2 at Robbins Island Park during the Willmar Fest activities.

Updated information can be found at www.littlecrow.com or the Little Crow Water Ski Team Facebook page.

Admission for home shows is $5 for adults and $3 for students.

Preschool children get in free.

Reserved seating is available for $8 at www.littlecrow.com. Season passes are also available.

Neer Park has bleacher seating, but those seats are often full about 45 minutes before show time, especially in July and August. Hillside seating is also available; bring a blanket or lawn chair.

Parking is located outside of Neer Park. A limited number of handicap parking spaces are available in the park. A deck is provided for those in wheelchairs to view the show.

Little Crow Ski Team 2021 Show Calendar JUNE

Friday, June 4, 7:30 p.m. at Neer Park Friday, June 11, 7:30 p.m. at Neer Park Friday, June 18, 7:30 p.m. at Neer Park Friday, June 25, 7:30 p.m. at Neer Park Saturday, June 26, 7 p.m. at Robbins Island Park, Willmar

JULY

Thursday, July 1, 7:30 p.m. at Neer Park Friday, July 2, 7:30 p.m. at Neer Park Saturday, July 3, 7:30 p.m. at Neer Park Friday, July 9, 7:30 p.m. at Neer Park Saturday, July 10, Knotty Girl Swivel Skiing Tournament at Neer Park Friday, July 16, 7:30 p.m. at Neer Park July 23-25, Midwest Regional Tournament at Aberdeen, South Dakota.

Friday, July 30, 7:30 p.m. at Neer Park

AUGUST

Friday, Aug. 6. 7 p.m. at Neer Park Aug. 12-15, National Tournament at Janesville, Wisconsin.

Friday, Aug. 20, 7 p.m. at Neer Park Friday, Aug. 27, 7 p.m. at Neer Park Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students.

For more info go to: www.littlecrow.com

Kandiyohi Kandiyohi County County Area Area Family Family YMCA YMCA Kandiyohi County Area Family YMCA 1000 1000 Lakeland Lakeland Drive Drive SESE KandiyohiKandiyohi County Area Family YMCA 1000 Lakeland SE County Area Drive Family YMCA Willmar, Willmar, MN MN 56201 56201 1000 Lakeland Drive SE Kandiyohi County Area Willmar, MN 56201 1000 Lakeland Drive SE Family YMCA 320-222-9622 320-222-9622 Willmar, MN 56201 320-222-9622 Willmar, MN 56201 DriveSE 1000 Lakeland 320-222-9622 320-222-9622

Willmar,MN56201 320-222-9622

SUMMER FUN 2021 | 23

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y t n u o C i h o y i d n a K n i y r o t s i h e r o l p Ex T

he history of Kandiyohi County is rich, diverse and filled with stories of exploration, conflict and growth. For those eager to learn more, the Kandiyohi County Historical Society has provided a road map to some of the county’s most unique and significant landmarks.

More than 40 sites have been marked throughout the county. All of them are easily accessible and can be toured in a day.

Brochures are available at the Historical Society Museum, with a description of each site and its location.

One of the historical sites is a log cabin more than 150 years old. It was built by Lars and Guri Endreson.

The cabin is one of the few actual buildings remaining from the early days of settlement and the U.S.-Dakota Conflict of 1862.

The Endresons had built the cabin, cleared the land and were developing a typical frontier farm when the conflict broke out.

On Aug. 21, 1862, the family was attacked.

Lars and one son were killed, another son wounded and two of the daughters taken prisoner. Guri and an infant daughter hid in the cellar and managed to escape.

The following day she hitched up an ox cart and, with her surviving son and the baby, went for help to the Erickson cabin.

There she found Erickson and Solomon Foot, wounded. She tended their wounds and loaded them on the cart, eventually reaching safety at Forest City in Meeker County, where she was also reunited with her daughters.

The Endreson cabin, now on the National Register of Historic Places, can be visited during the summer. Take U.S. Highway 12 west from Willmar, then go north on County Road 5 for four miles and turn west on 67th Avenue Northwest.

Follow the directional signs to the site.

Guri Endreson was buried in Vikor Cemetery, four miles north of Willmar on County Road 5. A state monument was dedicated to her in 1962 at the site of her grave.

Two more cabin sites from this era include the Erickson cabin and Solomon Foot’s cabin.

Foot was the first European settler of Willmar Township. He and neighbor Oscar Erickson were wounded in the Dakota Conflict and rescued by Guri Endreson.

The marker for Foot’s cabin can be found north of Willmar on U.S. Highway 71, then west three-fourths of a mile on 26th Avenue Northeast.

The marker for the site of the Erickson cabin is north of Willmar on Highway 71, then west on 41st Avenue Northeast, then

south a short distance on 15th Street.

The first European settlers’ home in the county was a 14-by-15-foot log cabin. The cabin no longer exists, was built by E.T. Woodcock in 1856. He and his wife lived there for a winter to meet homestead requirements. Their daughter, born the following spring, was the first European child born in Kandiyohi County. The Woodcock home marker is on the north edge of Spicer.

A man named Joshua Gates is believed to be the first farmer in Kandiyohi County.

He arrived in 1857 and broke sod that same year. Trained as a teacher, he later organized his own school for children in the Diamond Lake area and eventually became a county superintendent of schools. The Gates homestead marker is half a mile north of County Park 3 on County Road 4.

However, Kandiyohi County’s history began long before the first European tilled soil here.

The first inhabitants of what is now Kandiyohi County were American Indians, attracted by the fertile prairie, hardwood forests and many lakes. Two markers at the Kandiyohi County Courthouse, near the golden statue of the mythical Chief Kandiyohi, tell the stories of these people and how Kandiyohi County got its name.

The county’s earliest inhabitants left behind a series of burial mounds on the east side of Green Lake. Most have been worn down by weather, cultivation and construction, but a few are still visible in backyards, farmyards and near County Park 5.

The marker is four miles east of Spicer on County Road 10, then 2½ miles north on County Road 4.

The Mdewakanton tribe of the Santee Dakota later lived at several camp sites on the shores of area lakes, usually selecting the north and east shore to take advantage of prevailing winds. One of the largest former camp sites is marked at County Park 5 on the northeast shore of Green Lake.

Another is on Lake Wakanda. The marker is five miles south of Highway 12

on County Road 8, then one mile west on County Road 3. Lake Wakanda, “Place Where the Spirit Dwells,” was named by the Dakota.

Once Europeans arrived in the area and began settling here, their communities grew with a speed that even the Dakota-U.S. War could not slow.

In 1866, Green Lake Village was established, along with a post office for the area. A grist mill, later converted into a generator, is now a resort. The marker is north of Spicer on state Highway 23 and one-half mile east on County Road 30.

The railroad reached the site of Atwater (Hotel Atwater is on the National Register), Kandiyohi and Willmar in 1869. More communities soon emerged.

Four sections of land were included in the W.D. Washburn ‘bonanza farm.’

Begun in 1877, it was abandoned a few years later when it proved to be financially unsuccessful. The Washburn farm marker is two miles north of Prinsburg at the intersection of county roads 1 and 80.

A great train wreck west of Atwater on June 23, 1882, took the lives of 13 men and injured 19. The train, a construction unit, derailed in Summit Lake. A mass grave for the unclaimed bodies of the victims is in Fairview Cemetery in Willmar. A marker is at the site of the wreck, three miles west of Atwater on Highway 12 and one-half mile south on County Road 4.

During the Great Depression, farmers banded together to prevent the sale of their farms, forming the Farm Holiday Association, which became the largest organization supporting farmers seeking agricultural reform.

The birthplace of the Farm Holiday movement was in Lake Elizabeth Township; the site is marked at the intersection of county roads 4 and 20.

The Farm Holiday movement was active from 1932 until 1938. The Svea School and the Glader/Bosch farmstead in Lake Elizabeth Township, both National Register sites, also were early meeting places for Farm Holiday members.

For additional information visit www.kandiyohicountyhistory.com SUMMER FUN 2021 | 25

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July 11th Church Day Open to public until September 30th Lac Qui Parle Mission Church Day Mission Church www.chippewahistory.org

July 29-August 1st Chippewa County Fair @chipcofair www.chippewacofair.com

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p u t i e Te Regional golf courses provide variety of challenges

T

here is certainly no shortage of courses to choose from for golf enthusiasts in the Willmar area.

From a resort setting to the comeas-you-are backdrop, 22 golf courses in the West Central Tribune area offer a myriad of fairways, bunkers and scenic backgrounds.

The season is in full swing and many courses await a call for tee time reservations.

Following is a listing of area golf

courses, some of which are open to the general public and some require memberships.

The courses that require memberships may be used by those who live outside the membership area by paying green fees. Most courses are closed for league days at various times each week.

“Slope rating” is a rating that dictates the difficulty of the course, based primarily on length, number of

hazards and number of trees. A rating of 113 is the national average. Ratings lower than 113 are easier to play while those above 113 are more difficult.

Ratings may range from the low 60s to 150. The slope rating allows the golfer to figure his handicap according to the course he is playing on. The slope rating listed is for the men’s white and women’s red tees.

For more information on area golf course go to www.mngolf.org

APPLETON GOLF COURSE North edge of town along Pomme de Terre River The course plays along the river on several holes and has some rolling hills. It has three par 5s and three par 4s. The fairways are average in width and fairly open.

9 holes, par 36, 3,053 yards for men and 2,985 yards for women; slope rating of 118 for men and 119 for women. Cart rentals available. No reservations taken for tee times, 320-289-2513.

BENSON GOLF CLUB West Highway 9 in Benson A course with lots of trees, it has three holes on the west side of the Chippewa River, golfers must play across the river three times.

18 holes, par 72, 6,313 yards for men; 5,994 for women; slope rating of 125 for men and 124 for women. 320-842-7901.

THE CROSSINGS Highway 212 west of Montevideo The course runs north-south on top of and below the bluff overlooking the Minnesota River valley. The river comes into play on five holes as a water hazard. Trees come into play on several holes.

18 holes, par 72, 6,190 yards for men; 5,735 yards for women; slope rating of 127 for men and 121 for women. Reservations are taken up to 7 days in advance, 320-269-6828.

DACOTAH RIDGE GOLF CLUB 13 miles south of Olivia on state Highway 71, ½ mile west on Renville County Road 2 The course, designed by Rees Jones, melds perfectly into the prairie.

18 holes, par 72, 6,217 yards, slope rating of 136 for men and 141 for women. Tee times 24 hours depending on availability, 507-697-8050.

DAWSON GOLF COURSE On northwest edge of town An older course with some nice trees, slightly rolling, all par 4s except for one par 3 9 holes, par 35, 2,837 yards; slope rating of 112 for men and 119 for women.

Tee time reservations are unnecessary, 320-769-2212.

EAGLE CREEK GOLF CLUB North edge of Willmar, just west of Highway 71 The front nine includes a full-size driving range. The back nine has steeper grades, mature trees and the water hazards.

18 holes, par 72, 6,098 yards for men; par 73, 5,208 yards for women; slope rating of 130 for men and 127 for women.

Reservations for tee times are available three days (public) in advance, 320-235-1166.

GRANITE RUN GOLF COURSE Highway 67, south edge of Granite Falls

The course is hilly with some trees, and newly revamped greens and improved, elevated tee boxes. There are a couple of doglegs, two par 5 holes and three water hazards.

9 holes, par 36, 2,902 for men, 2509 for women; slope rating 128 for men and 126 for women. 320-564-4755.

HAWK CREEK COUNTRY CLUB Northeast edge of Raymond, along Highway 23 This gently rolling course has play crossing Hawk Creek on the 5th, 6th and 8th holes. There are mature trees and some small trees.

9 holes, par 36, 3,126 for men; 2,428 yards for women; slope rating of 123 for men and 120 for women. Reservations are taken for tee times up to 24 hours (public) in advance, 320-967-4653.

ISLAND PINE Southwest edge of Atwater The rolling course has natural wetland areas and an island green on the par 3 18th hole. There are seven doglegs, four par 5’s and four par 3’s with large greens.

18 holes, par 72; 6,336 for men; 5,194 for women, slope rating of 130. Reservations are taken for tee times (320-974-8600) 14 days in advance.

28 | SUMMER FUN 2021

Continued on page 29

Continued from page 28 KORONIS HILLS GOLF CLUB Highway 23, one mile west of Paynesville A somewhat hilly course, with several holes carved out of the trees. It has narrow fairways and several difficult par 3 holes.

18 holes, par 71, 6,005 yards for men; 5,070 for women; slope rating of 124 for men and 116 for women. Tee times taken one week in advance, 320-243-4111.

LITCHFIELD GOLF CLUB On Pleasure Drive on the southwest edge of town Located near Lake Ripley, the course is challenging with trees and water hazards.

18 holes, par 70, 6,086 yards for men; 4,997 for women; slope rating of 126 for men and 121 for women. Reservations are taken for tee times, 320-693-6059.

LITTLE CROW COUNTRY CLUB Highway 23 midway between Spicer and New London With seven ponds, 33 sand traps, creeks, intervening water hazards, and lots of trees, this course is challenging. The fairways are average in width.

27 holes, par 72, 6,217 yards for men and 5,393 yards for women on Willows/ Pines; 6,400 and 5,442 on Pines/Oaks; 6,337 and 5,373 on Oaks/Willows; slope rating average of 132 for men and 127 for women. Reservations for tee times taken up to seven days in advance, 320-354-2296.

MADISON COUNTRY CLUB South on Highway 75, west on State 40 An old course with many mature trees and some hills. There is one par 3 and the rest are par 4s.

9 holes, par 35, 2,802 yards for men and 2,715 for women; slope rating of 125 for men and 122 for women. No reservations needed except for weekends, 320-598-7587.

MINNEWASKA GOLF CLUB West from Glenwood on Highway 28, turn north on Golf Course Road The rolling, semi-hilly terrain overlooking Lake Minnewaska will challenge the average to the better-than-average golfer and the greens are all moderately bunkered.

18 holes, par 72, 6,212 yards for men; 5,136 yards for women; slope rating of 133 for men and 126 for women. Reservations can be made up to a week in advance and are advised, 320-634-3680.

OAKDALE COUNTRY CLUB 7 miles northeast of Buffalo Lake on Renville County 8.

On the north shore of Lake Ellie, the course is somewhat hilly, with 90-foot wide fairways. Four holes have doglegs and number 6 is played across an extension of the lake.

18 holes, par 72, 5,304 yards for men; 5,138 yards for women; slope rating of 117 for men and 121 for women. Tee times seven days in advance, 320-587-0525.

OLIVIA GOLF CLUB On southeast edge of town, 3 blocks south of courthouse This course features tree-lined fairways and water hazards, including one par 3 which requires you to play over water.

9 holes, par 36, 3,171 yards for men; 2,609 yards for women; slope rating of 118 for men and 116 for women. 320-523-2313.

PEZHEKEE GOLF COURSE South of Glenwood on state Highway 104,turn right on Pezhekee Road.

One of a few resort golf courses in Minnesota. The fairways cut through a maple, basswood and oak forest, lush greens, varied natural terrain, bridges, overlooking Lake Minnewaska. Several water hazards, evenly balanced with par 3s, fours and fives, some ravines and fairly deep woods.

18 holes, par 72, 7,263 yards for men; par 75, 6,295 yards for women; slope rating of 119. Reservations are taken for tee times. (1-800-3568654 or 634-4501).

POMME DE TERRE GOLF COURSE 3 miles south of Morris on state Highway 9 A rolling course with narrow fairways and sand situations affecting four holes.

Each hole has two or three tree lines.

Both the par 3s have water hazards.

18 holes, par 72, 5,995 yards for men; 4,889 yards for women; slope rating of 129 for men and 119 for women. Tee time reservations accepted, 320-589-1009.

PRAIRIE VIEW GOLF COURSE East edge of Brooten along Highway 55 The wide-open prairie course has three water hazards. A reversible 9 hole course, play one direction one day and other direction the next day.

9 holes, par 36, 3,078 yards for men; 2,627 yards for

women; slope rating of 126 for men and 121 for women. Reservations five days in advance, 320-346-2677.

REDWOOD FALLS GOLF CLUB 101 E. Oak Street, Redwood Falls One of the most scenic courses in the state features an island green on No. 3 and a 90-foot drop overlooking the Redwood River Valley on No. 17 18 holes, par 70, 5,698 yards for men; 4,958 yards for women; slope rating of 120 for men and 113 for women. Call for tee times, 507-627-8901.

STONEY CREEK GOLF COURSE One mile south, two miles west of Renville Nine-hole course has a very good layout, is challenging and scenic.

9 holes, par 36; 3,438 yards for men; 3,266 yards for women; slope rating of 144 for men and 141 for women. Call for tee times, 320-329-8400.

VALLEY GOLF COURSE East edge of Willmar, just off Lakeland Drive on Becker Avenue This course has some hills and creeks to cross. A 9-hole course with a few stands of old trees.

9 holes, par 35, 2,479 yards for men, slope rating of 105; 2,212 yards for women. No reservations taken for tee times.

SUMMER FUN 2021 | 29

Glacial Ridge Trail Scenic Byway

30 | SUMMER FUN 2021

Map Key DOUGLAS COUNTY

1. Runestone County Park 2. Runestone Museum 3. Douglas Co. Historical Society 4. Andes Tower Hills 5. Big Ole 6. Carlos Creek Winery 7. Lakes, Lakes & More Lakes

KANDIYOHI COUNTY

8. Green Lake Bible Camp Chapel 9. Kandiyohi County Museum 10. Old Log Church 11. Endreson Cabin 12. Robbins Island 13. Monongalia Historical Museum 14. Green Lake 15. Prairie Woods ELC 16. Threshing Rig Alley

POPE COUNTY

17. Fort Lake Johanna 18. Pope County Museum 19. Terrace Mill & Stone Arch Bridge 20. lndherred Lutheran Church 21. Mount Lookout 22. Starbuck Marina/Hobo Park 23. Ann Bickle Heritage House 24. Barsness Park & Campground 25. Holly Skogen 26. lndian Mounds Park

SWIFT COUNTY

27. Swift Falls Village 28. Swift Falls County Park 29. Swift County Museum 30. St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church 31. Swift County Courthouse 32. Christ Episcopal Church 33. Kerkhoven Heritage Church 34. Sabin House 35. Ambush Park 36. Pillsbury Park

STATE PARKS

37. Lake Carlos State Park 38. Glacial Lakes State Park 39. Sibley State Park 40. Monson Lake State Park

THE NATURE CONSERVANCY

41. Moe Woods 42. Ordway Prairie 43. Leif Mountains 44. Sheepberry Fen Bike Trails 45. Glacial Lakes Trail 46. Central Lakes Trail 47. Glacial Ridge Trail

e t u o r c i n e c s e h t Travel along T

he Glacial Ridge Trail, first designated a state trail in May 1969, may not be the fastest way to travel to Glenwood from Willmar — but it is a much more scenic alternative.

Signs direct you along the Minnesota Scenic Byway through the rolling slopes to Spicer, around Green Lake into the Lost Valley area and to scenic New London and Sibley State Park.

From the park, it takes you north to the Timber Lake Trail on through the hills, swamps and lakes of Norway Lake Township. North from Sunburg, you drive past the Ordway Prairie and can stop at the Lake Johanna Lookout to survey the rolling kames and native prairie countryside. There’s also the Terrace Mill and Glacial Lakes State Park along the way, as well as scenic views of Lake Minnewaska.

The Glacial Ridge Trail consists of more than 200 miles of designated highways that wind through towns, past historic sites and near at least one famous author’s home — Sinclair Lewis.

But what’s most apparent to people who travel this scenic route is its distinctive landscape.

Thousands of feet of glacial ice covered west central Minnesota 10,000 years ago.

When the last Ice Age ended, the glacier receded, leaving behind lakes, waterways, sand beds and gravel ridges.

Some of the best of those features can be seen on the roads of the trail, which are marked with signs bearing an arrowhead symbol.

Available maps make the roads easier to follow, and show the locations of several points of interest, such as prime bird-watching areas, which have been added.

Willmar, the southernmost point of the trail, marks the dividing line where the glacier ended. To the south is flat farmland; to the north, a mixture of prairie, lakes and rolling hills left behind when the glacier receded.

The so-called “Bonanza Valley” around Belgrade and Brooten is a broad sand plain that was deposited as glacial meltwater flowed north and

east. The Crow and Chippewa rivers developed to carry the water away.

From Fort Lake Johanna, a former military outpost, there’s a view of a series of conical hills, known as kames, formed by glacial potholes filled with rock and gravel.

After passing through Glenwood and Starbuck and making a detour east to Sauk Centre, the trail ends at its northernmost point — Alexandria.

There are plenty of signs, so it’s tough to get lost. Still, it’s good to have a brochure with you, because the trail makes several loops.

Maps are available from the Kandiyohi County Tourist Information Center on East Highway 12 in Willmar and at the Glenwood Chamber of Commerce, 200 N. Franklin St. Here are some highlights to look for on the Glacial Ridge Trail: • Lost Valley, which is particularly scenic in the fall, at the trail’s easternmost end, winds up and down hills through a hardwood forest.

• Ordway Prairie between Sunburg and Glenwood.

• Terrace Mill is a restored grain mill in the town of Terrace, set in the valley of the Chippewa River. The mill hosts several festivals during the summer and fall.

• A collection of old threshing machines is on the “boot hills” above “Threshing Rig Alley,” a two-mile section of road north of Sunburg.

• Sauk Centre is the site of the Sinclair Lewis Home and Museum.

Lewis’ novels include “Main Street” and “Babbitt.”

• Attractions in Glenwood include the Bickle House, Morning Glory Gardens and Mount Lookout.

• Four state parks lie along the trail: Sibley State Park, west of New London; Monson Lake State Park, south of Sunburg; Glacial Lake State Park, south of Starbuck; and Carlos State Park, north of Alexandria.

• Good spots for bird watching are the area between New London and Sibley State Park; Eagle Lake, north of Willmar; Timber Lake Road, east of Sunburg; and the Ordway Prairie and Fort Lake Johanna area.

SUMMER FUN 2021 | 31

e s r o h e d i r r o k l a Hike, bike, w Glacial Lakes Trail takes a trip through countryside

The Glacial Lakes Recreation Trail provides plenty of opportunities for a variety of outdoor activities across Kandiyohi County’s prairie lakes region.

The trail is paved with asphalt for 22 miles between Willmar and the Kandiyohi/Stearns County line.

The segment from Willmar to New London has 10 miles of parallel, grass treadway for horseback riding, while the New London to the Kandiyohi/ Stearns County line segment has grass shoulders to accommodate this

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activity. The smooth-surfaced trail winds through the heart of the county’s scenic resort communities, lakes and wooded hills.

Popular swimming areas at Saulsbury Beach on Green Lake in Spicer and the Mill Pond in New London are close to the trail.

Trail users can also watch the waterfowl in wetlands, spot wildlife — such as white-tail deer and butterflies — in the rolling-hill woodlots along the trail and enjoy refreshments at unique restaurants,

ice-cream shops and coffee shops in Spicer and New London.

The Glacial Lakes Trail connects to Sibley State Park near New London via three miles of paved shoulder along County Road 148.

In Paynesville it connects to the 20 mile Lake Koronis Recreation Trail around Lake Koronis.

There are five parking lots to use the trail. Find them on the PDF map on the DNR website www.dnr.state. mn.us/state_trails/glacial_lakes/

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g n i r o n o H e g a t i r e our h Historical societies and history centers open for summer

H

istory buffs can learn a thing or two about west central Minnesota by visiting historical centers in Kandiyohi County.

The Kandiyohi County Historical Center in Willmar is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Saturday. Memorial Day through Labor Day. The Center on North Business Highway 71 features a museum, a one-room school, a log shed and a Great Northern locomotive; admission $3, ages 12 and up.

The Sperry House, built by Willmar pioneers in 1893, will offer guided tours from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays through Labor Day, $3 per person, pre-registration required. Open by appointment during the week.

The Guri Endreson site, located on County Road 5, with field road gate open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Guided tours available by appointment.

Tourists may pick up maps of historical sites at the Center.

For more information or to preregister, call 320-235-1881 or e-mail kandhist@msn.com or check the Facebook page at @kandihistory.

Atwater Area Historical Society and Museum, 500 Pleasant Avenue West, is open by appointment; call 34 | SUMMER FUN 2021

Carol at 320-266-7626, Jon at 320-444-0337, Sue at 320-220-0970 or Jo at 320-295-1354.

The Norway Lake Log Church is a replica of the original church and is located west of New London off of County Road 40 on 99th St. N.W. It is open from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturdays, July 10 through Aug. 7 with a service at 7:15 p.m., or by appointment by calling 320-905-1539. The annual celebration is planned for Aug. 15; website is www.nllha.org or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups Raptor Ridge Natural History Museum is located at 212050 Co. Rd. 40 N.E. in Spicer. Call 320-354-8820 for hours. Features collections of butterflies, seashells, rocks, minerals, Indian artifacts and dinosaur bones collected by Larry and Barb Levin.

Admission is free.

AREA TOUCHES OF HISTORY

For a glimpse of regional history, travel to Litchfield to experience the Meeker County Museum at the G.A.R Hall, 308 Marshall Ave. N. near Central Park. The Frank Daggett Post No. 35 was constructed in 1885 by veterans of the Civil War, and is the last remaining Hall of it’s kind in Minnesota and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Attached

to the rear is the Meeker County Museum & Research Library, which includes two floors worth of exhibits highlighting Meeker County’s origins, love of music, participation in world wars, country schools, and much more. Both the museum and the G.A.R. Hall are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. Admission is $3 for adults and free for children under 12. Call 320-693-8911.

Continued on page 35

Continued from page 34 Paynesville Historical Museum, 251 Ampe Drive, Paynesville. Exhibits include Indian artifacts, personal and household items from 1860s to 1970s, agri-culture, and a one room schoolhouse. The museum is open June 1 through Labor Day, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

The Chippewa County Historical Society’s centers include Chippewa City, Swensson Farm Museum and Lac qui Parle Mission. For information about them or to schedule an appointment out of regular hours, call 320-269-7636 or visit www.chippewacohistory.org.

Chippewa City, 151 Pioneer Drive, Montevideo, is a re-creation of a late 1800’s village, complete with town square and boardwalk as well as a centrally located bandstand/gazebo.

Its 24 buildings cover 20 acres and include a church, schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, general store, millinery and dress shop and buggy shop.

The city is open May 29 through Sept. 6. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Friday and 1 to 5 p.m. on weekends and holidays; Sept.

7-30 the city is open weekdays only; adults $5, students $2, 5 and under are free.

The Olof Swensson Farm Museum, a 17-acre farmstead located six miles east of Montevideo on state Highway 7 and five miles south on County Road 15, preserves turnof-the-century farm life and features a 22-room house, timber-frame barn and the remains of a gristmill. The farm is open from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, May 29 through Sept. 5; adults $5, students $2, 5 and under are free. A horse power show is held at the farm the second Saturday in September from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Private tours available by appointment.

The Lac qui Parle Mission was the Minnesota Territory’s first Protestant mission and is one of the few remaining in the state. The reconstructed building houses exhibits of the missionaries and their work; the Dakota people; and Joseph Renville, who invited the missionaries to Lac qui Parle.

The site is located north of Montevideo on County Road 13 and is open daily through Labor Day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; free admission.

The world’s largest ball of twine can be found in the Darwin City Park.

Francis A. Johnson started collecting twine in 1950. Eventually the ball on his front lawn grew so large it had to be moved with railroad jacks. It was recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records in 1979, weighing 8.7 tons and measuring 11 feet high and 40 feet around.

Libraries in Kandiyohi County COUNTY LIBRARY HOURS

Kandiyohi County libraries are open for grab-and-go service, curbside pickup and computer time.

Atwater: Monday noon to 6 p.m.; Tuesday-Thursday 2 to 6 p.m.; Friday noon to 4 p.m.; 322 Atlantic Ave., Atwater; 320-974-3363.

Lake Lillian: Monday and Tuesday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; 431 Lakeview St., Lake Lillian; 320-905-2152.

New London: Monday noon to 5 p.m.; Tuesday and Friday 1 to 5 p.m.; Wednesday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.;

Saturday 9 a.m. to noon; 15 Ash St. S., New London; 320-354-2943.

Raymond: Monday, Wednesday and Friday 1 to 6 p.m.; Tuesday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; 208 Cofield St. N., Raymond; 320-967-4411.

Spicer: Tuesday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wednesday noon to 7 p.m.; Thursday and Friday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; 198 Manitoba St., Spicer; 320-796-5560.

Willmar: Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; 410 Fifth St. S.W., Willmar; 320-235-3162.

SUMMER FUN 2021 | 35

s t e k r a m s Farmer r e m m u s r o set f a e r a e h t in

Glenwood: 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays, parking lot south of Pope County Museum on State Highway 104.

Willmar: 11 to 5 p.m., Wednesdays, May 26 through October, Uptown Willmar parking lot, next to Aldi’s.

Litchfield: 2 to 5:30 p.m. Thursdays, May 20-Oct. 28, Community Market in Muddy Cow parking lot.

Benson: 3 to 5:30 p.m., Thursdays, June 24 through mid-October, Railroad Park on Main Street.

Montevideo: 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., Thursdays, starting in mid-June, Smith Park, across from City Hall Willmar: 7 a.m. to noon, Saturday’s, May 29, at Uptown Willmar parking lot, next to Aldi’s.

New London: 8 a.m. to noon, Saturdays, June 12 through Oct. 2, Holm Park.

Willmar: 6:30 a.m. to noon, Saturdays, July 10 through October, American Door Works parking lot on east Highway 12.

Montevideo: 8 a.m. to noon, Saturdays, starting in mid-June, Smith Park, across from City Hall Glenwood: 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., Saturdays, parking lot south of Pope County Museum on State Highway 10

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F

amily friendly events are held in several area communities on the Fourth of July, with food, parades, music and fireworks intertwined with patriotic celebrations of Independence Day. Here’s a look at some of the celebrations across the region:

MAYNARD

Maynard’s Fourth of July activities will kick off with parades – a kiddie parade at 10:30 a.m. and the Grand Day Parade at 11 a.m.

After the parade, there’s a picnic in the park and entertainment in the afternoon.

Fireworks will go off at dusk.

The event is sponsored by the Maynard Lions Club.

PAYNESVILLE

Two lake associations will celebrate Independence Day with boat parades.

The Rice Lake boat parade will be held Saturday, July 3, beginning at 2:00 p.m. The decorated boats are to begin lining up at 1:30 by Fisher’s Resort. The lake is between Eden Valley and Paynesville.

The Koronis Lake boat parade begins at 2 p.m., July 3. Boats are to

line up beginning at 1:30 p.m. at Koronis Ministries. The Koronis Lake Association sponsors a fireworks show at dusk. The lake is just south of Paynesville.

PRINSBURG

The Fourth of July celebration in Prinsburg will be on July 3.

This event begins with the Freedom Fun Run at 8 a.m., which has a 2.5-mile running route and 1.5-mile walking route. It also includes Adam’s Race for children from preschool through eighth grade. The distance for that race is based on a child’s age.

There is no entry fee for runners/walkers.

Registration begins at 7:15 a.m. in front of Central Minnesota Christian School.

Event sponsors make a donation to Central Minnesota Christian School for

each person who finishes the walk or run.

Online registration will be available on the school’s website beginning in June.

For more information about activities, go to www.cmcschool.org/support/ freedom-fun-run-adams-race.cfm There will be a free-will donation pork dinner from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the school.

The rest of the day will include a variety of entertainment, inflatables and patriotic celebrations in town, with a parade at 5 p.m.

All proceeds for the day support the school.

SPICER

Located on beautiful Green Lake, the city of Spicer draws thousands of people seeking sun and fun during the July 4th holiday.

A weekend of celebration begins with the opening of the annual Briggs Motley Arts & Crafts Show from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 3-5.

Continued on page 40 SUMMER FUN 2021 | 37

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Continued from page 37 A sand volleyball tournament and the Hoops by the Lake 3 on 3 basketball tournament will be on July 3.

A boat parade on Green Lake begins at 10 a.m. July 3. Those interested in participating are asked to line up at the old Spicer Castle location. The Danny Boy from Green Lake Cruises will lead the parade around the lake.

The Fourth of July kicks off at 8 a.m. with a Lion’s pancake breakfast and church on the beach. The

Grand Parade begins at 10 a.m., and fireworks are at dusk over Green Lake.

The annual street dance featuring the Fabulous Armadillos begins at 8 p.m. July 3.

The annual Green Lake Road Race starts from Saulsbury Beach the morning of July 5. The event brings runners from around the state and has many divisions. To register go to signmeup.com/reg/ form/124193/registration.

Check www.spicermn.com for additional information about Fourth of July activities.

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a s i e r u t Adven y a w a e k o r t paddle s

P

addling enthusiasts call the waters of West Central Minnesota the “Boundary Waters of Southern Minnesota,’’ and for good reason. The rivers and streams of west central Minnesota are waters where you can get away from the crowds and enjoy a wilderness-like solitude.

And, they are easy-to-reach and offer a wide variety of paddling adventures.

Maps are available from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and on its Web site detailing the river routes on the Minnesota River, Little Crow River and portions of the Chippewa and Pomme de Terre Rivers.

Or, paddling enthusiasts Lynn and Robert Diebel published a popular guidebook “Paddling Southern Minnesota’’ (2007, Trail Press of Madison, Wis.) It offers narrative accounts of possible routes, put-in locations and maps.

Here’s your abbreviated guide to some of the best: Continued on page 43

42 | SUMMER FUN 2021

Continued from page 42

MINNESOTA RIVER

There are more than 330 miles of waterway to explore, starting at Big Stone Lake and reaching the Mississippi River at Fort Snelling.

Of course, there’s ample opportunity to make two- or three-hour excursions to discover short but exciting segments of the river. The Minnesota River meanders through an oversized valley carved by the Glacial River Warren. The glacial waterway carved a path some 200 feet deep and two miles wide. It offers the modern explorer scenic vistas of wooded blufflands, towering granite outcrops and tree-lined shore lines.

There is no portion of the river lacking scenery, but arguably the most scenic portion of the river runs from the Upper Sioux Agency State Park south of Granite Falls to Redwood Falls. This portion of the river offers some of the most dramatic examples of the granite outcrops.

CHIPPEWA RIVER

Officially designated as a state canoe route, the Chippewa River offers gentle paddling during normal water conditions and surprising scenery of islands, woodlands and steep bluffs. The best paddling is found above the Watson Lion’s Park.

Starting points for adventure include Ambush Park in the city of Benson,

Big Bend and the Lentz Landing at the Minnesota Highway 40 bridge east of Milan.

LAC QUI PARLE RIVER

The Lac qui Parle River offers an opportunity to surprise an incredible array of wildlife, from eagles and owls to softshell turtles the size of wheel covers. The river’s sharp bends, towering cut banks and occasional whitewater makes every outing an adventure. The most popular route is an approximate 3-hour paddle from Lac qui Parle County Park to Lac qui Parle State Park near the confluence with the Minnesota River.

POMME DE TERRE RIVER

The fast-moving Pomme de Terre offers opportunities to surprise otters and an astonishing variety of birds, while viewing the changing prairie and woodland landscape. The Pomme de Terre also offers some of the area’s best angling opportunities for walleye. Popular trips include runs from the Swift County Park on U.S. Highway 12 north of Appleton to the city of Appleton, and from Appleton to Marsh Lake.

HAWK CREEK/YELLOW MEDICINE RIVER

When water conditions are right, Hawk Creek and the Yellow Medicine River offer some of the state’s very best whitewater paddling

opportunities. Each spring the two waterways attract whitewater enthusiasts from around the state.

On both waterways, be prepared to be on your own. There are very few intersecting bridges or signs of civilization as the waters race toward the Minnesota River.

Trips on Hawk Creek often start near or upstream of U.S. Highway 212 and continue to Renville County’s Skalbakken Park at the confluence with the Minnesota River.

Trips on the Yellow Medicine River often start at the Minnesota Highway 274 (Wood Lake road) bridge and continue to the confluence with the Minnesota River at the Upper Sioux Agency State Park.

It’s advisable to scout out water conditions before attempting a trip, or contact Clean Up the River Environment at 320-269-2984 for information on water levels.

Real-time data on water flows on Hawk Creek are also available online at: www.dnr.state. mn.us/waters/csg/ index.html

LITTLE CROW RIVER

It gets its start in Pope County, but the North Fork of the Little Crow River is best for canoeing as it leaves the Lake Koronis Spillway near Paynesville. There are rapids and hidden snags to watch for, but much of the river is well suited for family canoeing.

SUMMER FUN 2021 | 43

e k i b d n a k Wal r a m l l i W around

W

hether you love to walk or bike, the city of Willmar offers many opportunities for both around town. The city has a variety of trails, pathways and roads listed as walk and bike routes, giving users a nice view of the city, its natural resources and its history.

BICYCLING IN WILLMAR

The BikeWillmar Bike Share program launched in May, with 40 bikes and 10 bike docking stations across the city. For a low-fee, riders can rent a bike to ride, whether they need it to get to work, do errands or just want to take a leisurely bike ride around town. The program is run on the KoloniShare system, which has other bike share programs in the country.

Once you have a bike, Willmar offers miles of trails and roads marked as dedicated bike paths, with some of them connecting to larger trail systems like Glacial Lakes. On Facebook at www.facebook.com/ BikeWillmar The Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota has named Willmar a Bicycle Friendly Community due its advocacy of biking and a vision to create bike connections throughout the city and the surrounding area.

WILLMAR WALKS

Established in 2010, Willmar Walks is three marked routes through 44 | SUMMER FUN 2021

downtown Willmar. The routes take walkers by some of Willmar’s historical sites, like Bethel Church, the Frost House, the old Tribune building and 310 Third Street Southwest, the oldest commercial building in town. There are a total of 18 points of interest on the walks.

Each of the three routes start at Selvig International Park, which is dedicated to Willmar’s two sister cities. A banner at Selvig Park shows the Willmar Walk routes and where the points of interest are located.

Brochures on Willmar Walks are also available at the Willmar Public Library, LuLu Bean’s and Rick’s Cycling & Sports Center.

The Red route is one-mile long. It heads west for one block on Becker Avenue, then south on Fifth Street to Minnesota Avenue, then west two blocks to Seventh Street, north to

Becker Avenue, then jogs east and north to Litchfield Avenue and south back to Selvig Park.

The Green route, which is 1.5 miles long, follows the Red route to Seventh Street, then south to Kandiyohi Avenue, east to Second Street, then jogs north to Becker and west to Selvig Park.

The Blue route is the longest, at two miles. It also follows Red and Green to Seventh Street, then heads north to Ella Avenue along Foot Lake and east to First Street, then south to Litchfield Avenue. At Litchfield, the route heads west for three blocks, then south one block to Selvig Park.

Willmar Walks is a joint effort between Rice Memorial Hospital, Kandiyohi County Public Health, Willmar Design Center, Willmar Lake Area Chamber of Commerce and the Kandiyohi County Historical Society.

r e m m u s s i h t e l c y c i b a n o Take a ride Y

ou can take a ride in your neighborhood or try one of the biking events in west central Minnesota this summer.

GRANITE FALLS — Bluenose Gopher 50, Sun, 7a.m. – 5 p.m., Bluenose Gopher Public House, 681 Prentice St. he first annual Bluenose Gopher 50 gravel road bike race. For more information, www.bluenose.coop/bluenosegopher50

JUNE 5

MARSHALL — Pedal for a Purpose, 8 a.m.5 p.m., Marshall Area YMCA, 200 S A St, Marshall Info at: runsignup.com/Race/MN/ Marshall/pedalforapurpose

JULY 17

Pirrotta Park, 159 Lake Ave. N., Spicer.

The communities of Willmar, Spicer and New London are coming together for a community bike ride. Each group will meet in Spicer for a picnic.

JULY 24

LITCHFIELD — Tour de Meeker, Saturday, 7 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Meeker Memorial Hospital & Clinics, West Building, 520 S. Sibley Ave. For more information, www.mntrails.com/event/tour-de-meeker/

MINNESOTA EVENTS

For more information for biking events across Minnesota, see:

AUG. 14

► Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota, www.bikemn.org/events

GARY, S.D. — The Day Across Minnesota, starts in Gary, South Dakota, and ends in Hager City, Wisconsin. 240 miles of Minnesota gravel roads by bicycle in a single day. Information at: www.runsignup.com/Race/MN/Willmar/ JaredAnezMemorial5K

► Minnesota Bike Trail Navigator, www.mnbiketrailnavigator.blogspot. com/2020/10/2021-minnesota-bike-toursrides-races.html ► Minnesota Trails, www.mntrails.com/12minnesota-bike-events-in-the-next-12months/

SEPT. 17

WILLMAR — Mayor’s Bike Ride, 5 p.m.,

RATING 42

CROW

FIT

JUNE

Every Friday ■ 7:30pm at Neer Park

JULY

Friday, July 2nd ■ 7:30pm at Neer Park Saturday, July 3rd ■ 7:30pm at Neer Park Friday, July 9th ■ 7:30pm at Neer Park Sunday, July 11th ■ 1:00pm at Lake Ripley in Litchfield Friday July 16th ■ 7:30pm at Neer Park JULY 23RD - JULY 25TH ■ NO SHOW - Regional Tournament in Aberdeen Friday July 30th ■ 7:30pm at Neer Park

S

2021 Season

Y R EA

CE L

EB

19

7 9 - 2021

AUGUST

Friday, August 6th ■ 7:00pm at Neer Park August 13th - 15th ■ No Show National Tournament in Janesville Wisconsin Friday, August 20th ■ 7:00pm at Neer Park Friday, August 27th ■ 7:00pm at Neer Park

Tickets are available online at

www.littlecrow.com

or will be available at Neer Park in New London before the show.

*Covid guidelines will be in place. *Subject to change as rules change.

SUMMER FUN 2021 | 45

e n i l a t s a C e h t e r e h ‘W ’ n i g e B s Lake W

hen it comes to fishing, Kandiyohi County is all about choices.

Few places on the planet are blessed with so much blue water surrounded by rich fields of corn and soybeans.

Granted, the lakes won’t be confused with the Ontario backcountry, but on the other hand they are nearby and easily accessible to anglers of all ages — by boat, dock or shoreline.

There are more than 25 fishing lakes in the county, most north of U.S. Highway 12. Some are secluded, others are well-settled. Some are deep, some shallow, some are sprawling

and others compact.

Walleye and northern pike are abundant. Bass fishing also is a draw on selected lakes. Pan fishing for crappies, bluegills and sunfish works on most all water bodies.

Local knowledge is found at bait and station stores scattered throughout the lakes area. Helpful sources are found, too, at county and private campgrounds, at the state park and all resorts.

A pole, a bobber and a worm on a hook gets you started. At the right spot on a quiet lake, wading or dock

fishing can bring the same big smiles as radar fishing for trophy fish in a high-tech bass boat.

Minnows, leeches and the always popular crawlers can be found at bait shops around the Little Crow Lakes area. Please look for the list of bait shops in this publication.

Remember, fishing is one-part knowledge, two parts luck and 100 percent worthwhile.

The information in the lake capsules that follows is provided by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division.

LAKE ANDREW Maximum depth: 26 feet.

Acres: 814.

Fishing: Walleye, northern pike, bluegill, crappie, and largemouth bass. Walleye adult, fingerlings and yearlings are stocked every other year. Numbers and sizes of walleyes are good.

Water clarity: 7.83 feet.

Structure: Abundant emergent vegetation, including bulrush.

Accesses: one in Sibley State Park and one on the south shore.

(pondweed species) have been historically variable in the lake.

Access: access is on the north side of lake, with parking and turnaround limited.

Access: southeast corner of the lake.

BASS LAKE Maximum depth: 31 feet.

Acres: 52.

Fishing: The primary gamefish species that anglers have sought include largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie and northern pike.

Water clarity: 3 feet.

Structure: Emergent vegetation (bulrush) is present along the northeast and southeast corners. Water quality and clarity are moderate, but algae blooms can occur during the late summer months. Submergent vegetation densities 46 | SUMMER FUN 2021

BIG KANDIYOHI LAKE Maximum depth: 15 feet.

Acres: 2,692; length of shoreline: 10.4 miles.

Fishing: Walleye, northern pike and channel catfish. The lake is stocked with walleye fry.

Water clarity: 2.5 feet.

Structure: Little structure and few submerged beds of vegetation.

Access: northeast side and southwest side of the lake.

CALHOUN LAKE Maximum depth: 10 feet.

Acres: 618.

Fishing: Northern pike, bluegill and crappies. Walleye may be found due to a connection to Green Lake by the Middle Fork Crow River.

Water clarity: 6.3 feet.

Structure: Abundant submerged and emergent vegetation.

LAKE CARRIE Maximum depth: 26 feet.

Acres: 81.

Fishing: Bluegill, crappie, yellow perch and northern pike.

Water clarity: 3.3 feet.

Structure: Submergent vegetation is limited to water depths less than two feet.

Access: west side of the lake.

CROW RIVER RESERVOIR Maximum depth: 14 feet.

Acres: 855.

Fishing: Northern pike, some crappies and walleye. Walleye are not stocked.

Northern pike are abundant and of average size.

Water clarity: Moderately turbid.

Structure: Moderate structure with abundant submerged vegetation, especially in protected bays.

Accesses: In New London at State Highway 9 bridge and County Road 31 bridge and one-half mile north of New London.

Continued on page 47

Continued from page 46 DIAMOND LAKE Maximum depth: 27 feet.

Acres: 1,565.

Fishing: Walleye, northern pike, bluegills and crappies. Walleye fingerlings are stocked when natural reproduction is inadequate. Quality northerns are common.

Water clarity: 11 feet.

Structure: Moderate structure with some bulrush stands on the east shore and north point.

Accesses: southeast side and west side of the lake.

EAGLE LAKE Maximum depth: 67 feet.

Acres: 824.

Fishing: Bluegill, sunfish and perch are abundant. Walleye and northern pike are present, but lower in number. The lake is stocked for walleye, and a northern pike spawning area is operated.

Water clarity: 8.5 feet Structure: Moderate.

Access: south end of the lake.

EAST SOLOMON LAKE Maximum depth: 14 feet.

Acres: 706.

Fishing: In recent years, anglers have reported good fishing success for walleye, northern pike and largemouth bass.

Walleye fry or fingerlings are stocked into East Solomon every even year.

Water clarity: 12 feet.

Structure: Aquatic vegetation stands (hardstem bulrush, pondweeds, etc.) are common.

Access: northeast side of the lake off of County Road 5.

LAKE ELIZABETH Maximum depth: 9 feet.

Acres: 1,054.

Fishing: Walleye, northern pike and crappies. The lake is stocked for walleye.

Northern pike angling is good.

Water clarity: 3 feet.

Structure: Little structure with limited submerged vegetation.

Access: north side of the lake.

ELKHORN LAKE Maximum depth: 41 feet.

Acres: 87.

Fishing: Fishing pressure is relatively low in Elkhorn Lake. Anglers generally seek northern pike, largemouth bass, bluegill or black crappie.

Water clarity: 12.5 feet.

Structure: Submergent vegetation is moderately abundant within the shallow areas.

Access: east side of lake off of a residential gravel road that ties into County Road 8.

LAKE ELLA Maximum depth: 12 feet.

Acres: 136.

Fishing: The lake is managed for walleye as the primary species with crappies, yellow perch, northern pike, largemouth bass, and bluegill as secondary species.

Water clarity: 2.25 feet.

Structure: Submergent vegetation is rare and limited to water depths less than one foot.

Access: southeast side of the lake along County Road 86.

LAKE FLORIDA Maximum depth: 40 feet.

Acres: 674.

Fishing: Walleye, northern pike and bluegill. Florida is a good early-season walleye producer.

Water clarity: 10.5 feet.

Structure: Some structures on the northwest shore.

Access: north side of the lake.

FOOT LAKE Maximum depth: 24 feet.

Acres: 694.

Fishing: Walleye, black crappie and bluegill. The two basin lake has been stocked for walleye and channel catfish.

Water clarity: 3 feet Structure: Limited structure with moderate submerged vegetation.

Accesses: south shore in the county fairgrounds for northwest basin, southeast shore in Robbins Island Regional Park for the southeast basin.

GAMES LAKE Maximum depth: 42 feet.

Acres: 515.

Fishing: Northern pike, bluegill and some crappie, walleye and largemouth bass.

Water clarity: 8.5 feet.

Structure: Emergent vegetation (bulrush) is moderate in Games Lake (northwest shore and bay areas, east shore areas). Submergent vegetation densities within the lake are moderately abundant within the littoral zone areas.

Access: southeast corner of the lake.

GEORGE LAKE Maximum depth: 24 feet.

Acres: 224.

Fishing: Northern pike, bluegill and some crappie, walleye and largemouth bass.

Water clarity: 11 feet.

Structure: Limited structure with moderate submerged vegetation.

Access: northwest corner of the lake.

GREEN LAKE Maximum depth: 110 feet.

Acres: 5,406.

Fishing: Walleye, northern pike, bluegill, crappie, and smallmouth and largemouth bass. Walleye stocking has occurred every year with fry, fingerling, yearling and adult.

Water clarity: 8.6 feet.

Structure: Abundant structure and limited vegetation. Low densities of Eurasian water milfoil have been documented in Green Lake primarily near the Spicer public access, swimming beach, city dock, Indian Beach Lagoon, and several isolated areas since 2000.

Accesses: There are five public accesses around the lake.

Continued on page 48 SUMMER FUN 2021 | 47

Continued from page 47 HENDERSON LAKE Maximum depth: 57 feet.

Acres: 73.

Fishing: Local anglers have experienced good fishing success in recent years for a variety of species — including bluegill, northern pike, sunfish and yellow perch — in Henderson.

Water clarity: 13.67 feet.

Structure: Submergent vegetation stands (coontail, water moss, bushy pondweed, flatstem pondweed) are moderate in density.

Access: north side off of County Rd. 10.

LAKE LILLIAN

Maximum depth: 7.8 feet.

Acres: 1,149.

Fishing: Lillian is managed for walleye as the primary species with northern pike, crappies and yellow perch as secondary species.

Water clarity: 6 feet.

Structure: Submergent vegetation was generally sparse throughout the lake.

Access: northeast side of the lake, ¼-mile west of County Road 4.

LONG LAKE (HAWICK) Maximum depth: 46 feet.

Acres: 286.

Fishing: Northern pike, bluegill, walleye and largemouth bass. There is a 12-inch maximum size limit on largemouth bass

with one bass over 20 inches allowed Water clarity: 10.5 feet.

Structure: Moderate structure with submerged and emergent vegetation.

Accesses: northwest end and northeast shore of the lake.

LONG LAKE (WILLMAR) Maximum depth: 16 feet.

Acres: 1,575.

Fishing: Walleye. Northern pike and walleye are present in moderate numbers.

Water clarity: 10.58 feet.

Structure: Moderate structure with submerged and emergent vegetation.

Accesses: northeast side and south side of the lake.

Continued on page 49

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Continued from page 48 NEST LAKE Maximum depth: 40 feet.

Acres: 945.

Fishing: Walleye, northern pike, bluegill, crappie and smallmouth bass. Walleye fingerlings are stocked every other year.

Water clarity: 5.4 feet.

Structure: Some islands and structure, abundant submerged vegetation on the north and east shores.

Accesses: west and east sides of the lake.

NORWAY LAKE Maximum depth: 33 feet.

Acres: 2,344.

Fishing: Walleye, northern pike, crappie, bluegill and largemouth bass.

Walleye fingerlings are stocked when natural reproduction is inadequate, and a northern pike spawning area is operated.

Good-size northern pike are available.

Water clarity: 3.5 feet.

Structure: Main lake has moderate structure and points and bays. The west basin has little structure. Eurasian water milfoil was found scattered throughout the West Norway basin in August of 2001 and in the Big Norway basin during 2005. Eurasian milfoil is present at low to moderate densities in the West Norway and Big Norway basins.

Accesses: south shore of the main lake and south shore of the west basin of the lake.

POINT LAKE Maximum depth: 32 feet.

Acres: 164.

Fishing: Bluegill, northern pike, walleye and yellow perch.

Water clarity: 5.83 feet.

Structure: Submergent (muskgrass, filamentous algae, sago pondweed) and emergent vegetation (hardstem bulrush, reed canary grass) stands are abundant to common.

Access: east end of lake off of U.S. Highway 71.

RINGO LAKE Maximum depth: 10 feet.

Acres: 716.

Fishing: Walleye, northern pike and crappie. The lake is stocked for walleye.

Ringo is a good early-season lake for one- to three-pound walleyes.

Water clarity: 1.17 feet.

Structure: Limited structure with abundant emergent vegetation, including bulrush.

Accesses: north side of the lake; shore fishing structures have been placed on the northeast shore of the lake off Highway 71.

SWENSON LAKE Maximum depth: 14 feet.

Acres: 109.

Fishing: The DNR manages the lake for walleye, northern pike, black crappie, and bluegill.

Water clarity: 6 feet.

Structure: Aquatic vegetation (sago pondweed, coontail, hardstem bulrush) species and densities are limited within the lake.

Access: north shore one mile east of County Road 1.

LAKE WAKANDA Maximum depth: 15 feet.

Acres: 1,664.

Fishing: Walleye fry are generally stocked every other year or after years of poor fry survival.

Water clarity: 1 foot.

Structure: Submergent vegetation densities are variable in Wakanda. Sago pondweed is usually the most frequently occurring submergent species. Bluegreen algae blooms are often intense and common during mid to late summer months.

Accesses: southeast side off of County Road 3 and north side two miles east of U.S. Highway 71 and 1.5 miles south of County Road 88.

WILLMAR LAKE Maximum depth: 14 feet.

Acres: 435.

Fishing: Walleye, channel catfish and some crappies. Walleye fry are stocked every other year. Good shore fishing.

Walleye in the one- to three-pound range are abundant.

Water clarity: 2 feet.

Structure: Moderate structure with fair emergent vegetation.

Access: southwest shore on Robbins Island Regional Park.

WEST CENTRAL AREA BAIT SHOPS Kandiyohi County Big Kandiyohi Lake West, 995-6599 Kandiyohi County Big Kandiyohi Lake East, 664-4707 Kandiyohi County Diamond Lake, 974-8520 Kandiyohi County Games Lake, 354-4453 Kandiyohi County Green Lake, 796-5564 J&J Highway 71 Bait and Tackle at Eagle Lake, Willmar, 235-4097 Barney’s on Eagle Lake, Willmar, 231-9708 Dilley’s Resort, West Norway Lake, 354-4266 Runnings Outdoors, Montevideo, 269-6025 Hilltop Stop, Paynesville, 243-3133 Mel’s Sports Shop, Spicer, 796-2421 Mitlyng’s Bait and Tackle, Watson, 269-5593 Pete’s Surplus, New London, 354-2626 Runnings, Willmar, 235-1325 Schmidty’s, Darwin, 693-0019 Skindelien’s Bait, New London, 354-2423 Wakanda Bait, Svea, 995-6121 Editor’s note: The West Central Tribune welcomes additions, deletions or corrections to this list. Email sports@ wctrib.com or news@wctrib.com.

SUMMER FUN 2021 | 49

M

n i s t r e c n o c r o o d t u O a e r a l a r t n e c t s e w

other Nature and regional musicians are teaming up this summer for a variety of free outdoor community concerts.

Folk artists, country musicians, bluegrass bands, concert musicians, marching bands and rock-androllers can all be found at area parks, wineries, backyard breweries and city streets.

Some musical events are held on a weekly or monthly basis, like the Prairie Winds Concert Band at Robbins Island Park in Willmar, and some are one-time community events, like Porchfest in New London.

Seating is provided at some venues but it’s advisable to bring your own lawn chairs.

GRANITE FALLS

Live music will be held 4-7 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month, June-September, as part of the Maker’s Market along the Minnesota River in downtown Granite Falls. The “Ring of Kerry” will perform at the June 3 event and the Granite Falls-based band, “Sooner than Now” will perform July 1. Musicians for the Aug. 5 and 50 | SUMMER FUN 2021

Sept 2 events will be announced later. Check their website www. granitefallsarts.org/makers-market, and on Facebook at www.facebook. com/events/1746553962189343/

Combo; June 17, Radio Acoustic and June 24, Everett Smithson Band. The rest of the musicians will be announced. The website is glacialridgewinery.com

LITCHFIELD

NEW LONDON PORCHFEST

Litchfield Downtown Council’s presents “Thriving Thursdays” from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Central Park in downtown Litchfield. The Thursday concerts are June 3, Mitchell Hall & The Tennessee Trio; June 10, Terry Shaw; June 17, Swinging Country; June 24, Tim & Mary Nelson; July 1, Everett Simpson Band; July 15, Pill Poppers; July 22, Matthew Lease; July 29, Sarah Dollerschell & Daughters; Aug. 12, John Beck duo; Aug. 19, The MTVs and Aug. 26, Flannel Flag. On Facebook at www.facebook.com/ groups/1686898771377304

GLACIAL RIDGE WINERY

The Summer concert series will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. starting June 3 at the winery between Spicer and New London on Highway 23. They will be in the pavilion if it rains. The Thursday concerts set are June 3, John Dokken; June 10, Mill Pond Jazz

The New London Porchfest will begin at 11 a.m. June 5 in New London beginning with the dedication of the City Stage to the late Mayor Bill Gossman. There will be music on front porches within the area bounded on the north by First Street Northeast, on the south by First Street Southeast, on the east by Birch Street and on the west by Main Street. Maps will be available. Music on City Stage will be Kyle Ollah at 2:3 p.m. and Charlie Parr and Liz Draper at 3:30 p.m. Miss Myra will be at Goat Ridge Brewing at 7 p.m.

GOAT RIDGE BREWERY

Goat Ridge Brewery in New London will have live and original music every Saturday evening. Check out the schedule on the Website goatridgebrewing.com/ and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ goatridgebrewing/ Continued on page 51

Continued from page 50

DANUBE

Concerts will be presented at 7 p.m. Tuesdays at the Depot Museum park gazebo in Danube; June 8, Tim Eggebraaten; June 22, Wheelhouse Trio; July 8, Los Lobos Nortenos on Thursday as part of Danube Fun Days; July 20, Custom Made and Aug. 3, The Kingery Family.

PRAIRIE WINDS

The Prairie Winds Band will present concerts at 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, at Robbins Island Park in Willmar.

The dates are June 9, June 16, June 23 and June 30. Band practice is at 6 p.m. in the park. Website is www. prairiewindsconcertband.com/ or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ prairiewinds/

PIONEERLAND BAND FESTIVAL

As of press time it had not been decided if the annual June 14 Flag Day band festival and parade in Benson would be held. Check their Facebook page for more information www.facebook.com/PioneerlandBand-Festival

VIKINGLAND BAND FESTIVAL The 37th annual Vikingland Band Festival parade marching

championship will be at 1:30 p.m.

June 27 in Alexandria. The festival committee has discussed three optional formats for the event and will refine the plan as the date gets closer. The website is www.marching. com/events/vbf/index.html and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ VikinglandBandFestival

APPLETON

The summer concerts will be at 7 p.m. at the Riverview Park Bandstand in Appleton. At press time, a few of the dates had not been finalized. In case of inclement, but not severe, weather, the concert will be in the ‘52 Wing Auditorium. The Tuesday concerts are June 29, The Wendinger Band; July 6, The Kingery Family; July 13, to be announced; July 20, Bob’s Big Band; July 27, Honky Tonk Stardust Cowboys and Aug. 3, to be announced.

PAYNESVILLE

The Community Concert Series will be at 6 p.m. at Veterans’ Park in Paynesville. The schedule for the Thursday concerts are July 1, Gig Noonan; July 8, Walter’s Wheelhouse Trio; July 15, Terry Nelson Band and July 22, Everett Smithson Band; website is www.paynesvillece.com/

summer-concert-series.html

SPICER

The Music in the Park will be from 4 to 6 p.m. beginning July 18 at Pirrotta Park on the shores of Green Lake in Spicer. The schedule for the Sunday concerts are July 18, Custom Made; July 25, Blues Brothers; Aug. 1, Ava Hanson and a drum circle; Aug. 8, Harper Chord; Aug. 15, Crow River Junction and Aug. 22, Ali Gray’s Country and 2 Hicks and a Chick.

Website is www.explorespicer.com/ and on Facebook at www.facebook. com/1953247054903222

WHITNEY MUSIC

Bi-weekly indoor concerts are from 6 to 7 p.m. on Thursdays at Whitney Music in Willmar. Check the website for dates and musicians. www. whitneymusic.com

HINTERLAND VINEYARDS

Hinterland will not have music on Thursdays this year but will have other events including trivia nights, painting with Eva Margaret, shopping nights with vendors, crafts and fresh produce and more. The Website is www.hinterlandvineyards.com/ and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ hinterland.vineyards Continued on page 52 SUMMER FUN 2021 | 51

Continued from page 51

ROCKIN’ ROBBINS

Free outdoor concert series sponsored by the Willmar Rotary Club to raise money for Robbins Island improvements. Each event includes free concert, food vendors, beer/wine tent, kids’ activities and artisan market. Concerts take place at Robbins Island from 5 to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays July 13 (Chase & Ovation: Salute to the Music of Prince), July 20 (Mason Dixon Line), July 27 (Wild Angels: Women of Rock, Pop and Country) and Aug. 3 (Fabulous Armadillos).

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Take it fo f road T

OHV parks offer all kinds of fun

he Appleton Area Recreation Park has a total of 315 acres to accommodate off-highway vehicle riders – all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles and four-wheel drive trucks – from all over the state.

There is no admission fee to the park, but vehicle registration or outof-state trail passes are required.

The park is located two miles northeast of Appleton on U.S. Highway 59. Hours are from sunrise to sunset.

The OHV park includes 10 miles of truck trails, 15 miles of ATV/OHM trails, a 1.5-mile OHM practice track and three enduro tracks.

It also offers several technical areas for Off Road Vehicles (trucks) including rock crawls, stair steps, trails and hill climbs.

The park also includes a youth ATV training course and a youth OHM practice track, jumps, play areas, sand dunes and a shelter and picnic area.

There is an additional hiking and cross-country ski trail around the perimeter.

A map is posted in the picnic shelter at the start of the trails and offers different levels of difficulty for different levels of riders. There is also a list of rules and regulations to make people aware of the laws that need to be followed for their safety. The park

is open to all-terrain vehicles, offhighway motorcycles and trucks and snowmobiles.

All OHVs must be registered with license plates visible and all riders under 16 must have the appropriate safety certificate.

The park was created with funds from the National Recreation Trails Program and Minnesota Grant-inAid. Most of the trail development work was done by the Swift County Department of Parks, Drainage and Wetlands with leased equipment and volunteer ATV enthusiasts.

Some areas of the park are closed periodically due to high water conditions; watch for postings at the park or call for more information

about the OHV park and updates at 320-843-5341. Information is also available at www.swiftcounty.com by clicking on the County Parks option and then on Appleton OHV park option.

FREEDOM RIDGE

Jeep climbing and 4×4 off roading is also available at Freedom Ridge south of Atwater. Located at 1130 195th Street Southeast, off Kandiyohi County Road 2, the area is an old gravel pit, and offers hours of off-road fun, camping and more. For information email info@ freedomridgerocks.com or check them out at www.facebook.com/ FreedomRidgeRocks/ SUMMER FUN 2021 | 53

The stage is alive at n r a B e h T Theatre S

tages have been silent during the COVID-19 pandemic, but community theatres are slowly opening up with different activities.

New events are expected to be added throughout the season, so check websites for updates.

THE BARN THEATRE, WILLMAR

The Barn Theatre was busy doing virtual readers’ theatre performances but hosting free theatre workshops during the pandemic but will have actors on the stage for live performances again this summer.

The first performance is June 10 and 11 with the production of “Love Letters”

by A.R. Gurney. Showtime is 7:30 p.m.

Festivities continue with a Block Part

on July 21, where Barn patrons can celebrate the return of live theater.

“A Comedy of Tenors,” written by Ken Ludwig and directed by Tom Orth, will be presented Aug. 11-13 at 7:30 p.m., August 14 at 4 p.m. and Aug. 16-19 at 7:30 p.m. There will be no digital performance of this production.

In September “Escanaba in da Moonlight,” written by Jeff Daniels and directed by Thomas Rosengren, will be presented Sept. 16-18 at 7:30 p.m. with a matinee on Sept. 19. The show continues Sept. 23-25 at 7:30 with another matinee on Sept. 26.

Founded in 1965 in a former horse barn, The Barn Theatre has been offering community theater to local audiences for more than 50 years.

Located in the Cardinal Square building in downtown Willmar, it has theater seating for 220. Amenities include handicapped parking, handrails on aisle seats and hearing assist devices.

The mission of The Barn Theatre is “to provide affordable, quality performing art to the community.”

The Barn promotes community involvement, affords opportunities for personal growth for its volunteers, displays and develops talent, and provides leadership for the fine arts.

For more information, contact The Barn at 320-235-9500; 321 Fourth St. S.W., downtown Willmar; visit the website at thebarntheatre.com or find The Barn Theatre on Facebook.

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uring the pandemic, the Little Theatre volunteers took the time to make some interior improvements to the historic facility, including building a cocktail bar that will be open during live performances that are steadily being added to the theatre’s busy schedule.

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THE LITTLE THEATRE, NEW LONDON

The New London Little Theatre is shifting its focus from producing stage plays to “art by appointment” experiences and other types of organic live performances, including the monthly Open Mic. Held at 7 p.m. on the second Friday of each month, Open Mic features local musicians, storytellers, poets, comedians and other live performers. During the pandemic, Open Mic performances have been held virtually and viewed on Facebook and their website. Starting in July Open Mic will be before a live audience in the updated theatre, which now includes a new cocktail bar.

At 7 p.m. on June 19 the theatre will present an original live comedy skil called “100 Years Ago Today” about the people and community events in New London.

An “Art by Appointment” theatre performance is scheduled for July 30 - Aug. 1 and Sept. 3-5 a live theatre performance is planned for the city’s first ever Artist in Residence program.

The Little Theatre, 24 Central Ave. E., was built in 1921 as a community playhouse and restored and modernized in the 1990s to preserve its role and history as a local center for the arts. Additional updates were made in 2020 while the theatre was closed during the COVID pandemic.

For more information, visit newlondonlittletheatre.com.

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y a D e l o h t o P Prairie 1 1 r e b m e t p e S d e l u d e h sc

he 38th annual Prairie Pothole Day is set for September 11 near New London.

The outdoor celebration includes dog trials, black powder shoot, archery competition, slough scoot, walk in the woods, kids’ activities, food, raffle, duck calling contest, goose calling contest and more.

It is held at Stoney Ridge Farm near the intersection of State Highway 9 and U.S. Highway 71 north of Sibley State Park by the Prairie Pothole Conservation Association, a new 501c3 nonprofit organization.

Over the past 37 years, an estimated 4,000 patrons descended

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on the farmstead to play games, learn about the environment, and maybe win a raffle prize or two if they are lucky.

Events run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

More information on their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ PrairePotholeConservationAssociation

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COME WO R SH I P WI T H US Church on the Lawn! All Are Welcome!

Worship with us outdoors at 10 a.m. Sundays, May 30 thru Labor Day. Bring lawn chairs or blankets, or worship from your vehicle. *In case of bad weather, we will move worship indoors at 10 a.m., following state and county COVID precautions.*

Immanuel Lutheran - ELCA

300 3rd St. S., Atwater, MN - 320.974.8695 Find us on Facebook: Immanuel Lutheran - Atwater MN

Vacation Bible School Free for Grades K-6 June 7-11 6:00-8:30pm

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s d n e k e e w Old-time in 2021 n o k c a b e ar

O

rganizers are planning to resume their old-time weekends in 2021 after shutting down last summer for COVID-19. The threshing shows and old machinery are featured at

Heritage Hill, Hanley Falls and Atwater while the Forest City Stockade will have their summer rendezvous.

Be sure and check their websites or Facebook pages for current information closer to the event.

HANLEY FALL

The Good Old Days & Threshing Show will be Aug. 7-8 on the grounds of the Minnesota Machinery Museum in Hanley Falls. This year it is featuring International Havestor. Website is www.mnmachinerymuseum.com/ and HERITAGE HILL The Minnesota Valley Antique Farm on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ Power and Machinery Association Minnesotas-Machinery-Museum will have their annual show June FOREST CITY 18-19. The tractor feature The Stockade Rendezvous will be is a Farmall M owned by Aug. 21-22. The Forest City Stockade is a reminder of how life was like back Sam Ashling. Minnesota in 1862. You can tour historic buildings, Chapter 15 International which also show the progress Harvester Collectors of Forest City in the form of new will be on site and there construction. The Stockade familywill be a tractor drive friendly event allows you to step on June 17. Heritage Hill back in time and enjoy friendly show site is four miles people, delicious food, and many east of Montevideo on the corner of Minnesota pioneer activities. Website is www.forestcitystockade.org/index.html Highway 7 and and on Facebook at Chippewa County www.facebook.com/Forest-CityRoad 7. Website is Stockade www.heritagehill.us/ and on Facebook at ATWATER www.facebook.com/ Threshing Days will be Sept. 11-12 heritagehillshow at the site on the east side of Atwater.

Minneapolis Moline are the featured machines this year. Website is www.atwaterthreshingdays.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ Atwater-Threshing-Days SUMMER FUN 2021 | 59

e r a s a e r a Nature h t a p n e t a off the be W

est central Minnesota abounds with natural areas that showcase the region’s lakes, prairies and examples of native plant and animal life.

Among those worth a visit: The 600-acre Ordway Prairie Preserve is one of the largest native prairie tracts in the state.

The glacial till prairie is made up of meadows, wetlands and woods. It is home to a variety of plant and animal life, including the rare Hill’s thistle and the Poweshiek skipper butterfly.

The prairie, acquired by the Nature Conservancy in the 1970s, is located off Minnesota Highway 104 north of Sunburg. It can be reached via a rest area on the Lake Johanna Hill.

Lund Prairie, covering 110 acres, is one of the region’s most recent

additions to the Nature Conservancy.

About half of this preserve is untouched native prairie. It contains more than 200 different species of native grasses and flowers.

Lund Prairie is 25 miles west of Willmar on Minnesota Highway 40.

Granite outcrops and wetlands are interspersed with prairie at the 40-acre Prairie Smoke Nature Center in Upper Sioux Agency State Park, south of Granite Falls. The area has been restored with native plants.

Regal Meadow is a 185-acre preserve exemplifying the region’s native mix of prairie, forest and wetlands. Hikers may be able to spot a rare lady-slipper, the state flower, in marshy areas of the meadow.

Owned by the Nature Conservancy, the Regal Meadow is located on

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160th Street Northeast, two miles north of Hawick.

The 2,000-acre Chippewa Prairie Nature Preserve is a rich site for plant and bird diversity and is well known for grassland birds. The prairie chicken has been reintroduced here.

The land has never been tilled and has hundreds of species of native natural grasses and wildflowers. An old ox-cart trail provides a 2-mile trail for hikers and bird watchers.

Cooperatively owned and managed by the Nature Conservancy and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the preserve is four miles northwest of Milan along the upper Lac qui Parle Lake.

Continued on page 61

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Willmar 320-235-7396 Benson 320-842-7501 Granite Falls 320-564-1888 Montevideo 320-321-1142

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Continued from page 60 Swedes Forest is seven miles south of Sacred Heart on Renville County Road 9 and 1½ miles west on a gravel road.

It contains granite outcrops and the rare five-lined skink, which lives in open, sunny bedrock exposures near oak habitat.

Blue Devil Valley is on the south edge of Granite Falls.

Follow Minnesota Highway 23 south for half a mile, then go west on County Road 39 a few hundred yards.

This nature area is home to one of the state’s largest known populations of the five-lined skink. Prairie plants such as the brittle cactus, little bluestem, harebell and pasque flower are found among the granite outcrops and scattered burr oak.

Gneiss outcrop is located southeast of Granite Falls.

Follow U.S. Highway 212 east for 1.5 miles to County Road 40, then continue south one mile. Gneiss outcrops comprised of the most ancient rock in the world, some 3.6 billion years old, dominate the landscape and surround a natural lake.

These rugged outcrops are also home to some of the state’s most unique plant communities. The rare Great Plains prickly pear and brittle cactus endure the desertlike environment of the rocks. Rare plants like the Carolina foxtail, little barley and mousetail sprout in shallow depressions among the outcrops.

Bruce Hitman Heron Rookery is a short ride from Brooten to Lake Johanna. Follow Stearns County Road 8 three miles west and then go three miles south on County Road 37.

The rookery is one of the state’s largest and most diverse nesting sites for water bird colonies. Large numbers of great blue herons, great egrets, doublecrested cormorants and black-crowned night herons nest here. Rare bird species — among them the little blue heron, snowy egret, yellow-crowned night heron and cattle egret — also have been spotted visiting or nesting at the site.

Green-backed herons are also known to nest here.

Note: The island is closed from April 1 to July 15 to protect the nesting colonies.

SUMMER FUN 2021 | 61

d n a s o e Rod g n i d i R Bull

R

odeo and bull riding in the region has top cowboys and cowgirls on their respective circuits. Here are summer events in west central and southwest Minnesota: June 24, 25 & 26 — Western Fest Stampede Rodeo, Granite Falls June 24, 25 & 26 — Buffalo Championship Rodeo, Buffalo July 16 - 8 p.m. — Edgerton Great Frontier Bull Riding, Edgerton July 17 — Grant County Fair Rodeo, Grant County Fairfrounds, Herman July 17 — Sacred Heart Bull Riding, Sacred Heart July 31 - 6:30 p.m. — Montevideo Bull Riding, Chippewa County Fair, Montevideo Aug. 7 - 7 p.m. — Litchfield Bull Riding, Meeker County Fair, Litchfield Aug. 11 -7:30 p.m.— Willmar Bull RIding, Kandiyohi County Fairgrounds, Willmar Aug. 12 - 7 p.m. — Bird Island Bull Riding, Renville County Fairgrounds Aug 11 — Kandiyohi County Fair Bull Riding, Kandiyohi County Fairgrounds Aug. 12-13 — Lyon County Fair PRCA Rodeo, Marshall Aug. 29-30 — Minnesota State Fair & High School Rodeo, St. Paul 62 | SUMMER FUN 2021

e k i h r o c i n c i p , p Cam Enjoy the great outdoors

W

hen you’re looking for a place to “park yourself” for a picnic, a weekend getaway in a tent or a month-long stay in an RV – there are numerous state, county, community and private parks and campgrounds in west central Minnesota to meet the desires of every camping and outdoor enthusiast.

These parks are wrapped in – and around – the area’s diverse environment of lakes, woods and prairie landscapes and draw people from all over the country.

Whether you want to go fishing on freshwater lakes, swimming and sunbathing on sandy beaches, biking on miles of trails,

horseback riding, birding, geocaching and sightseeing there is a park in the area to meet your recreational wish-list.

KANDIYOHI COUNTY PARKS

Kandiyohi County’s seven parks feature a variety of beautiful accommodations for a summer getaway.

Sitting on the edge of gorgeous fresh-water lakes ringed with mature native trees, the parks provide easy access to swimming, fishing, boating and stunning sunsets.

Five of the parks have campgrounds, with space available to accommodate

large recreational vehicles and cozy enough for tents and campfires to make family vacations complete.

The parks are located in different corners of the county and each park has a different topography and offers different amenities that provide unique experiences to campers and day-visitors.

Most of the county parks feature playgrounds, picnic areas, modern restrooms, camp stores, swimming beaches and boat accesses, to name a few of the popular amenities. The number of campsites vary at each park, as well

Continued on page 64

Area

Restaurant Guide The River’s Family Restaurant serving the best American food in the Montevideo area.

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riversfamilyrestaurant.com • A variety of signature wines • Local craft beers • Made from scratch pizza with the freshest quality ingredients Year Round Hours: Thursday: 3pm-9pm • Friday & Saturday: 11am-11pm (kitchen closes at 9) Sunday: 12pm-6pm

42703 Grandview Ave, Belview, MN • 507-938-9463 • gvwinery.com

Willmar - Clara City - Appleton - Dawson

• • • • • •

Restaurant 254-3204 C-Store 254-3108

Warm Mini Cookies ATM Lottery Gift Cards Burgers Pizza

• • • •

Tacos Salads Take & Bake Pizza Broaster Chicken “Fresh From the Coop”!

SUMMER FUN 2021 | 63

Continued from page 63 as the number of campsites that have access to electricity, sewer or water.

The camping fees are different at each park, with seasonal and weekly camping rates are available at most. For more detailed information about fees and amenities, call the individual parks or access the county’s website at www. co.kandiyohi.mn.us All reservations will be online at www.kcmn.us/departments/ county_parks/index.php Big Kandiyohi Lake County Park West is located on the west side of Big Kandiyohi Lake, 10 miles south of Willmar.

The lake is known for northern, walleye, bullhead and crappie fishing year ‘round.

In the spring of the year, the park is known for its excellent crappie fishing in the bay, next to the campground, which has 94 campsites. The park also has a swimming beach, camp store, modern showers and toilets, playground, boat access, picnic area, a shelter, camping pads, campsites with water and electricity, gas and a dump station. Call 320-995-6599 for more information.

Big Kandiyohi Lake County Park East is located on the east side of Big Kandiyohi Lake, 18 miles south of Willmar, or 6 miles north of Lake Lillian off County Road 8. The park, which has 80 campsites, has an excellent sandy swimming beach and access to shoreline fishing with walleye, northern, crappies and bullheads popular and frequent catches. The park has a beach, boat access, camp store, playground, picnic area, shelter, modern showers and toilets, campsites with electricity, gas, bait and a dump station.

Call 320-664-4707 for more information.

Diamond Lake County Park is located on Diamond Lake’s western shore and has 80 campsites. It is located 4 miles north of Atwater, or 6 miles southeast of Spicer, on County Road 4. Diamond Lake is known for its lunker walleyes and scrappy northerns. The campground has sites with access to water, sewer and electricity, and the park also has a beach, boat access, camp store, bait, gas, playground, picnic area, shelter, camping pads, modern showers and toilets, and a dump station. Call 320-974-8520 for more information.

Saulsbury Beach County Park is on the southern shore of Green Lake and located in the heart of the city of Spicer. It features a shady picnic area and popular swimming beach, with lifeguards on duty from 1 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. There are changing rooms and toilet facilities in the park and a boat access is located next to the park. There are no campsites at this park.

Green Lake County Park is on the northeast shore of Green Lake, a deep lake that’s popular for its clear water, good fishing and boating recreation. The park is located 5 miles north of the city of Spicer on Northshore Drive. The park has 61 campsites with camping pads, water, sewer and electricity available. The park also features a swimming beach, boat access, camp store, game room, playground, picnic area, shelter, modern showers, toilets, bait and gas. Call 320796-5564 for more information.

Lake Carrie County Park is a small secluded park located on Lake Carrie, five miles southeast of Atwater on a dead-end gravel road off of Kandiyohi County Road 86. It includes a boat landing and large grassy parking area but no camping. The clear water of Lake Carrie is a popular spot for anglers.

Games Lake County Park is located on the east shore of Games Lake, which is part of the “Norway Lake Chain of Lakes” which includes 2,800 acres of water known for excellent fishing, including northern pike and bluegill. The campground has 56 campsites with camping pads, and access to water and electricity and two camper cabins. The popular park features a sandy swimming beach with lifeguards on duty from 1 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m., a large picnic area, enclosed picnic shelters that can be reserved for events, game room, playground, modern showers and toilets, boat access, boat rental, bait, gas and dump station. Besides having typical services and camp accessories, this park store also features a restaurant with meals served all day.

The park is 14 miles north of Willmar, or 9 miles northwest of New London, on County Road 5. Call 320-354-4453 for more information.

RESORTS

There are privately owned resorts, campgrounds and an RV campground in the region. Many offer cabins, camping, and boat and motor rentals at a variety of locations on lakes.

Information about what those businesses have to offer can be

obtained by looking at their ads in this section or by calling the Willmar Lakes Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, 320-235-3552.

STATE PARKS

Reservations Required All campsites in Minnesota state parks and recreation areas now require a reservation before they may be occupied.

The park system recommends making reservations before leaving home because cell phone coverage and wi-fi can be unpredictable at some parks.

For spontaneous campers, there are same-day reservations with no reservation fees available whether you’re booking your site from home, from the road or even from the park.

To reserve a campsite, go to www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/stay_ overnight/index.html or call 866-857-2757 from 8 a.m to 8 p.m.

Permits To visit the park, vehicles require a vehicle permit. Daily permits are $7 and annual permits are $35 and good at all 75 Minnesota state parks and recreation areas for a full year from the month of purchase.

Fort Ridgely State Park Located south of Fairfax, Fort Ridgely State Park features the Fort Ridgely Historic Site, several campgrounds, two picnic areas, fishing, 1930’s era historic stone buildings and 13 miles of hiking and horse trails.

The Fort Ridgely Historic Site contains the ruins of a military outpost. Built in 1853, it was used as a training base for Civil War volunteers and to provide protection during an influx of immigrants to the Dakota Territory. The fort came under attack during the U.S-Dakota War of 1862.

The fort was abandoned by the Army in 1867, fell into disrepair, and in the 1930s the Veteran Conservation Corp began restoring the buildings. The site was placed on the National Register of Historic Place in 1970.

The Historic Site hosts a museum and restored foundations that are managed by the Nicollet County Historical Society.

The historic site grounds are open for self-guided tours and the museum is open Friday through Sunday from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The park also contains several graves and monuments connected to the U.S.-Dakota War at the Fort Ridgely Cemetery.

A paved, 7-mile bike trail connects the town of Fairfax to the park.

Camping: There are 31 drive-in campsites at the campground, including 15 electrical sites. There are also three secluded walk-in sites and one group campsite that are about 1,000 feet from the parking area. Water spigots and vault toilets are available, however there are no flush toilets or showers available in the main campground.

A horse camp has 14 sites, including 13

Continued on page 65 64 | SUMMER FUN 2021

Continued from page 64 with electricity. Water is available at each horse campsite. The horse campground also has a modern toilet and shower building. Box stalls are available to rent.

A farmhouse that sleeps six people is available. A stone picnic shelter can be rented by the day.

The park is located at 72158 County Road 30, Fairfax, MN 55332.

For more information call: 507-426-7840 or email: fortridgely.statepark@state.mn.us Glacial Lakes State Park Tucked away in the quiet, rolling hills of Minnesota’s glacial terrain near the city of Starbuck, this park offers miles of hiking and horseback trails, swimming and fishing in the cool, clear water of Signalness (Mountain) Lake, Kettle Lake and Baby Lake — which are known for their panfish.

Stand on top of the scenic glacial hills and experience the vast, open prairie which once dominated Minnesota.

Wildflowers and prairie grasses blanket the landscape from spring through fall.

A shady, spacious campground is available; horseback riders and backpack campers can camp at the horse camp and at remote sites. A picnic area deck overlooks Signalness Lake.

The park is located 5 miles south of Starbuck Camping: The main campsite is located on Mountain Lake.

It has 37 drive-in sites, 14 with electricity, and access to modern restrooms. There are two seasonal camper cabins and for four year-round camper cabins.

The park has four walk-in or backpack campsites scattered throughout the park for quiet and remote camping. Some of the sites involve a short hike of one-tenth of a mile, to one remote site on Baby Lake that can only be accessed by making a 2½-mile hike.

The horse camp has eight sites. A horse trail pass is required for every rider 16 years and up.

The Southeast Group Campsite, which can accommodate up to 50 people, has a picnic shelter with lights and outlets, space for a maximum of three RV campers requiring electrical hook-up, and space for multiple tents.

The park has rowboats, canoes and kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards available for rent in the summer.

The park is located at: 25022 County Road 41, Starbuck, MN 56381 For more information call the park at 320-239-2860 or email: glaciallakes.statepark@state.mn.us

Lac qui Parle State Park Lac qui Parle State Park is a bird-lovers’ paradise with thousands of migratory Canada geese and other waterfowl using the area as flight stop-over. The park, near the city of Watson, is located alongside the 33,000-acre Lac qui Parle Wildlife Management Area, with Marsh Lake serving as an important nesting area for the white pelican.

Lac qui Parle is the French translation for “lake that speaks,” which is the name the Dakota Indians gave to the lake, perhaps because of its large bird population that creates a chorus of honking and quacking — especially during spring and autumn.

The park isn’t just for the birds, however.

Lac qui Parle Lake is known as one of the state’s best walleye fishing lakes. Paddle the lake or cast a line and catch walleye, northerns, perch or crappie; explore one of the trails by foot or horseback; and visit the historic Fort Renville and Lac qui Parle mission sites.

Camping: Upper campground: The 30-acre campground has 43 camping sites, including 37 with electricity and nine that have electricity, water and sewer hook-ups.The lower campground has 24 sites with electricity at 21 sites.

Tent camping is available throughout the park. There are three walk-in sites that offer more secluded, primitive camping.

There are three seasonal camper cabins with electric heat and air conditioning.

A modern shower building with toilets is available.

There are two rustic group campsites for tent camping only that can each accommodate up to 50 people. There is no electricity and no modern toilet facilities at the group camps.

The park has a swimming beach, boat access, hiking trails and horse trails and several beautiful pieces of native prairie.

Activity kits for children, as well as fishing poles and binoculars, are available for use for free and programs, including archery and a monarch butterfly program in August and September, will be offered.

There are several significant historic sites attached to the park, and the park itself is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.

The park is located at: 14047 20th Street Northwest, Watson, MN 56295 For more information call the park at 320-734-4450 or email: lacquiparle. statepark@state.mn.us Monson Lake State Park Located in the northeast edge of Swift County south of the small town of Sunburg, Monson Lake State Park offers a quiet getaway and a popular fishing spot.

Anglers look for walleye, northern pike, bass, sunfish and crappies in the water of Monson Lake. Bird lovers are drawn to the same, quiet lake to observe pelicans, herons and western grebes. The small park offers a gentle reprieve amidst towering hardwood trees.

This is a historic site of the Dakota Conflict of 1862 and was created as a memorial park. The interpretive signs offer visitors an opportunity to discover the stories that took place on site from early settlers to Veterans of WWI who built the park.

Camping: There are 20 drive-in sites, including six electrical sites. A modern shower building with toilets is available.

The park is located at: 1690 15th Street Northeast, Sunburg, MN 56289 For information about Monson Lake State Park call 320-354-2055 or email: monsonlake.statepark@state.mn.us Sibley State Park Sibley State Park, located off U.S. Highway 71 west of New London, is one of Minnesota’s most popular state parks.

Situated on nearly 2,500 acres of rolling hills and lakes, the park encompasses some of the region’s finest glacial topography.

Mount Tom – one of the highest points in 50 miles – provides a breathtaking vista of the park and neighboring lakes and farms. Naturalist programs, recreational facilities, biking, horseback riding and hiking trails let visitors explore the park’s beauty.

The Interpretive Center offers three exhibit rooms, a wildlife observation deck, a big screen auditorium, and a trail center. Visit the DNR web page to see what naturalists programs are being offered. They are free to the public.

During the summer months, naturalist programs are offered throughout the week with highlighted hikes, Junior Park Naturalist and evening programs on most Friday and Saturday nights.

Camping: There are a total of 132 drive-in sites at the park. The Lakeview campground, which is close to the shores of Lake Andrew, has 74 sites with 53 having electric hook-ups.

There are 34 electric and 24 non-electric sites at the Oak Ridge campground, located in a combination of wooded hills and grass prairie settings.

Both campgrounds have modern bathrooms.

Continued on page 68 SUMMER FUN 2021 | 65

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Continued from page 65 There are four camper cabins in the park. Three cabins sleep six and the fourth, handicapped-accessible cabin, sleeps five. The year-round cabins feature built-in tables with benches, electrical heat and lights, screen porches, outdoor picnic table and fire ring. Remember to bring your own bedding; cooking via coffee pots and crock pots are allowed inside the cabin.

A separate horse camp offers nine sites.

The park is located at: 800 Sibley Park Road Northeast, New London, Minnesota 56273.

For information about Sibley State Park call 320-354-2055 or email: sibley.statepark@state.mn.us Upper Sioux Agency State Park A popular destination for those who appreciate the beauty of the Minnesota River Valley, the 1,280-acre park south of Granite Falls offers 18 miles of hiking trails and 16 miles of horseback trails over open prairie knolls, bluffs and cool, wooded slopes.

Canoeing, fishing and wildlife observation are other popular summer activities. A shelter in the main picnic area has electricity, tables and grill.

Another picnic area is located at the confluence of the Minnesota River and the Yellow Medicine River.

The Upper Sioux Agency State Park, which contains the site of the Upper Sioux or Yellow Medicine Agency, was established in

MEL’S

1963 to preserve and interpret the remains of the old Agency site.

Camping: The Yellow Medicine Campground has 34 sites, including 14 with electricity.

There are three walk-in sites along the Yellow Medicine River and three teepees, including one that’s fully painted.

A modern shower building is available at this main campground.

Rustic camping is available in the Riverside Campground.

There is a separate horse campground with 45 sites.

The park is located at: 5908 Highway 67, Granite Falls, MN 56241.

For more information call 320-564-4777 or email: uppersiouxagency.statepark@state.mn.us

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n o i g e r e h t n i s l l i k s ss e n t i Test your f Run, walk, bike and/or swim

MAY 29 WILLMAR – Memorial Day/Law Day 5K Run/ Walk hosted by Kandiyohi County Area Family YMCA. Cancelled for the 2021 season. Website: www.kandiymca.org/healthy-living.. Part of the Glacial Lakes Championship Running Series.

JUNE 12 RENVILLE – Running to a Sweet Beet 5K sponsored by Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative. Canceled for the 2021 season.

Contact Liza at 320-329-4143 or email: liza.fagen@smbsc.com for more information.

Part of the Glacial Lakes Championship Running Series.

JUNE 12 PAYNESVILLE – The Paynesville 400. Cancelled for the 2021 season.

JUNE 19 GLENWOOD – GRHS 5K Scrub Run/Walk. 5K Run and Walk along Lake Minnewaska. Website: www.runningintheusa.com/details/102342.

JUNE 24 GRANITE FALLS – Rodeo Run and Western Fest Walk. For more information, see: www.raceentry.com/rodeo-run-granite-falls/ race-information Or call Jim Ford at 320-564-3461 or email jimford123@mchsi.com.

JUNE 20-27 WILLMAR – Virtual Foot Lake 4. Entry: $0.

Cancelled for the 2021 season. Website: www. footlake4.com. Contact: 320-231-8943.

JUNE 27 ST. CLOUD – Granite City 5K.. 5K Trail Run. Start 7 a.m. Sunday on 12th Ave. South near Lake George, St. CLoud. Website: www. stcloudgranitecitydays.com/gcd-5k-run.html.

Park of WJON Run Series.

JULY 1 STARBUCK – Starbuck Heritage Days 10K/5K Run. Contact the Starbuck Chamber of Commerce at 320-239-4220 or visit www. raceentry.com/starbuck-heritage-days-5kand-10k/race-information.

JULY 5 SPICER – Green Lake Road Race around Green Lake: Race is 12 miles; Online registration ends 11:59 p.m. on July 2 for Green Lake Road Race. . Due to d race starts, start times will rang from 5:30-7 a.m. Events include individual, 2-person relay, 4-person relay and virtual runner. Contact Dan at 320-894-5882 or go online to www. pickleevents.com/glaciallakes/ or runsignup.com/ greenlakeroadrace for more information.

Part of the Glacial Lakes Championship Running Series.

JULY 10 LITCHFIELD – Watercade Lake Ripley 4-Mile Run at 7:30 a.m. Lake Ripley Memorial Park state Highway 22 South. 4K Run. A one mile kids fun run is also available for kids 12 years old and younger. The fun run is $5 through July 6 and $10 after that. Online registrations when open at: www.signmeup.com/site/online-eventregistration/130996.

Contact Julie Dengerud or please email watercadewebsite@hotmail.com for more information.

JULY 17 NEW LONDON – Mill Pond Mile, Around the Mill Pond in New London. Website: www.runsignup. com/Race/MN/NewLondon/MillPondMile.

JULY 17 RICHMOND – River Lake Days Run, River Lakes Civic Center, 310 Central Ave. S. !0K Run, $30; 5K Run, $25; and Kids Fun Run, $10.

Website: runsignup.com/Race/MN/Richmond/ RiverLakeDaysRun. JULY 18 ANNADALE — Heart of the Lakes Triathlon, Sun, 6 a.m. – 11 p.m., Pleasant Lake City Park, Annadale. Olympic and sprint. For more information, www.racethread.com/race/ triathlon-minnesota-annandale-heart-of-thelakes-triathlon-reviews JULY 24 KERKHOVEN – The Pillsbury Push 5k Run/ Walk and 10k Run, 301 6th St, Pillsbury Park, Kerkhoven. 5K, $25; and 10K, $25. Website: runsignup.com/Race/MN/Kerkhoven/ PillsburyPush. Contract 320-424-1827. Part of the Glacial Lakes Championship Running Series.

JULY 31 ALEXANDRIA — Alexandria Triathlon, 8 a.m.Noon, Lake Brophy County Park, 1900 Brophy Park Road NW. $55 entry. More information: alexmncalendar.com/event/alexandriatriathlon-2/ AUG. 5 GLENWOOD – Lake Minnewaska Triathlon at Glenwood City Beach. Race consists of a 400yard swim, 11.1-mile bike race and 2.5-mile run and is open to individuals and teams. See www. raceentry.com/minnewaska-triathlon/raceinformation for more information.

AUG. 7 WILLMAR — Jared Anez Eagle Lake Race Series, Willmar. Races include 5k Adult $25, 5k Student $15, Half Marathon Adult $60, Half Marathon Student $50, Virtual 5K $20 and Virtual Half Marathon $40. For more information: www.granfondoguide.

com/Events/Index/9460/the-day-acrossminnesota AUG. 7 WILLMAR – Jared Anez Eagle Lake Race Series, 2701 30th St. NE, Willmar. 5K Adult, $25, and Student, $15; Half Marathon Adult, $60, and Student, $50; and Virtual 5K, $20, and Virtual Half Marathon, $40. Website: www.runsignup. com/Race/MN/Willmar/JaredAnezMemorial5K. Contract 320-894-5998. Part of the Glacial Lakes Championship Running Series.

AUG. 15 SPICER — 2021 Green Lake Triathlon, Sunday, August 15th, Zorbaz, 59 Lake Ave. S., Spicer.

Green Lake Triathlon for ages 13 and up Events: Individual Sprint or Olympic course and Sprint or Olympic Relays. Relay teams may be made up. For more information, www.willmarlakesarea. com/event/17th-annual-green-lake-triathlon/.

AUG.14-15 SPICER – Green Lake Triathlon, Youth Triathlon, Aug. 14; and Olympic and Spring Triathlon.

Website: www.runsignup.com/Race/MN/Spicer/ GreenLakeTriathlon.

AUG. 28 RAYMOND – Hawk Creek Run Around Raymond, Hawk Creek Country Club, Raymond.

5K Run. Website: www.runsignup.com/Race/MN/ Raymond/HawkCreekRun. Contract 320-2202347. Part of the Glacial Lakes Championship Running Series.

SEPT. 11 WILLMAR – CCS 5K - Full Sports Fundraiser, 1300 19th Ave. SW, Willmar. 5K Run. Website: www.runsignup.com/Race/MN/Willmar/5KCCS. Contract 320-894-5882. Part of the Glacial Lakes Championship Running Series.

NOV. 25 WILLMAR – Turkey Leg 5K. 5K Run. Website: runsignup.com/turkeyleg5k. Contract 320-8945882. Part of the Glacial Lakes Championship Running Series.

DEC. 12 SPICER – GLCRS Awards Banquet. Website: www.glcrsrun.com Twitter: @glacial.lakes. running.series. Part of the Glacial Lakes Championship Running Series.

SUMMER FUN 2021 | 69

e u q i t n A Car Run T

35th annual event goes from New London to New Brighton

he 35th anniversary New London to New Brighton Antique Car Run will be held Saturday, Aug. 14, with pre-tours in the New London area on Aug. 11, 12 and 13.

Spectators will see cars from 1908 and earlier, and one- and two-cylinder cars through 1915.

Eligible vehicles include bikes, motorcycles, steam and electric cars as well.

On Saturday they will be touring more than 120 miles, commemorating the prestigious London to Brighton Commemorative Run held annually in England.

Completing the run is quite an accomplishment in these early cars, some of them require oiling and maintenance every 25 miles! Some of the early cars have an average speed of 15 miles per hour, less on the hills. But the drivers have prepped their automobiles as best

70 | SUMMER FUN 2021

as they can for the challenge, with most, but not all, completing the run successfully.

Once again, this year’s run promises some special vehicles sure to pique the interest of early, Brass Era, car enthusiasts.

Ford “letter cars,” A through S, from 1903 - 08, as well as Buick, Franklin, Maxwell and REO will likely be represented. Rarer makes that may participate include Stevens-Duryea, Columbia, Rambler, De Dion Bouton, Sears, Moon, Autocar and Le Zebre.

This year’s tour will include drivers from across the country.

The NLNB is considered one of the

premiere brass-era car tours in the United States. It is often on an early car enthusiasts’ “bucket list.” Drivers bring rare antique cars from all over the country to experience “Minnesota Nice” touring on scenic roads.

There are two drivers from Minnesota and North Dakota who have started and finished each of the previous 32 runs. Both drive Maxwells.

The Minnesota run is patterned after the prestigious London to Brighton Veteran Car Run held annually in England.

This granddaddy of runs began in 1896 to celebrate the repeal of the “red flag” law.

Continued on page 71

Continued from page 70 At the start of the motorized vehicle era in the late 1800s, automobiles, or horseless carriages, created havoc on city streets trying to mix with horse drawn carriages.

The red flag law banned the first motorized vehicles from using the road unless a man carrying a red flag walked in front of the car warning carriage drivers to hold the reins of their animals. Drivers celebrated the freedom provided by the red flag law repeal by jumping into their automobiles and driving “flagless” to Brighton.

The New London to New Brighton Antique Car Run began in 1987 during New Brighton’s Centennial Celebration. The city added the run to its calendar of events that year as a way of strengthening its namesake ties to Brighton, England. Complete with a visit by the mayor of Brighton and other English guests, the first annual Antique Car Run was held with 17 participants.

The Antique Car Run will begin at 7 a.m. Aug. 14 in New London and proceed through six rest stops before ending in New Brighton at Long Lake Regional Park, 1500 Old Hwy 8 N.W. The finish line is open 3 to 6:30 p.m.

The Antique Car Run is one of the key attractions of New Brighton’s Stockyard Days festival.

Approximate times for arrival at rest stops: Trinity Lutheran Church in Grove City - 8:15 a.m., Central Park in Litchfield - 9:15 a.m., Main Street in Kingston - 10 a.m., Buffalo High School in Buffalo - stay until 1 p.m., Crystal Community Center, Crystal - 2:00 p.m, ending at Long Lake Regional Park.

There is plenty to see in the days preceding the big run as well.

Plans include: Wednesday, August 11, ride to Willmar Municipal Airport from Peace Church in New London. This airport opened in 2006 and serves the West Central Minnesota area. Participants will tour the terminal building and see the maintenance and operations

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building (FBO). This facility is an authorized Mooney service center and provides flight instruction. Lunch to follow. The evening get-together will be at Neer Park in New London. Our renowned shore lunch with walleye and all the fixings will be served.

Thursday, August 12, tour of the New London and Spicer countryside and visit to Rambow Sportswear’s manufacturing/sales 44,000 sq. ft facility. followed by tour of the New London and Spicer countryside. We will be touring the New London/Spicer countryside.

Friday, August 13, features a 36-mile warm up tour before the big day. The route includes a scenic tour around Nest and Green Lakes in the New London/Spicer area, with the customary root beer float social at Saulsbury Park on Green Lake.

For more information, contact Eric Hylen, (320) 260-7663, modeltmedic@gmail.com. For further tour information check the website at antiquecarrun.org

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320-235-1672 • 401 Benson Ave SE, Willmar SUMMER FUN 2021 | 71

I’m not just a real estate agent...

t a e r g n i n r Lea m o o r ss a l c r o o outd A

t the Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center, visitors can learn and have fun, all while spending time in the beautiful nature of west central Minnesota.

Prairie Woods is a nonprofit environmental learning center, committed to providing outstanding environmental education and outdoor experiences to people of all ages. Deeply rooted in the Kandiyohi County community, PWELC reaches out to provide services for communities across Minnesota and the upper Midwest.

Prairie Woods’ site encompasses 500 acres on the south side of Lake Florida, and includes an education building with five classrooms, a trailhead and a 30-foot indoor climbing wall. The Gary Westby Observatory Continued on page 73

I’m also your neighbor!

Contact us: kandiyohi.com toll-free 866.665.4556

Advocacy Customized assistance for entrepreneurs

Retention Retention, expansion and relocation support for area businesses

72 | SUMMER FUN 2021

Recruitment Active recruitment of businesses to our area

Marketing Promotion of the community to attract businesses and talent

Amber Barber 320-212-8646

amber@lakesarearealty.com 42 South Main Street - New London, MN www.lakesarearealty.com

Continued from page 72 building sits atop Prairie Woods’ highest hill. Several beautiful spaces are available for meetings, family reunions, holiday gatherings and weddings. Also onsite is the Gary Westby Educational Shooting Sports Range.

PWELC mission: We will promote an individual and shared commitment to the responsible use, management, and preservation of our natural resources.

In short: Learning to Live Well with Self, Others and the Environment.

Memberships are available.

For additional information visit the PWELC website at www.prairiewoodselc.org or call the office, 320-354-5894.

Equipment rentals: Fat-tire bikes, kayaks and canoes will be handled on a reservation basis, made at least 24 hours in advance. If you would like to reserve equipment for the weekend, please call by noon on Friday. We will not have regular trailhead hours.

Special events: For participation in activities, people are encouraged to call ahead to sign up. Some of the events set at press time are: • June 26, 10 a.m. to noon, Kayaks at Foot Lake, Willmar Parks & Rec Program, pre-register at willmarmn. gov/parks_and_recreation_land/ • July 18, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., NorthStar Trail Travelers Walking Event, more information at nstt.org/index.html • Aug. 7, Sound Scape Art Installation by James Everest, more information at jgeverest.com • Sept. 10, Music Under the Prairie Stars, the annual fundraiser

HISTORY OF PRAIRIE WOODS

More than 12,000 years ago, the most recent glacier receded to reveal dramatic ridges and wetlandrich lowlands on this land. For thousands of years, Native American people found their livelihood among the shifting forests, prairies and wetlands here.

Anders Danielson and his family settled this land when they arrived from Sweden in 1871. Until the late 1980s, most of the land belonging to Prairie Woods was farmed by the Danielson family.

The land was sold to Kandiyohi County by the Danielson family. Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center was founded in 1992.

The farm site is still present, with a barn, granary and farm house.

Many bur oak trees on the property are more than 100 years old. A renovated log cabin also sits near the farm site in the exact location where the Danielson family built their first log home, prior to building the frame house.

local camps, YMCAs, alternative schools, student senates and leadership organizations, 4H, FFA, scouts, families and corporate retreat groups. PWELC welcome groups from across Minnesota and beyond.

Prairie Woods’ high quality, multifaceted facility includes: an indoor climbing wall, 40-foot three-sided outdoor climbing tower, two giant ladders and a Flying Squirrel for group teambuilding activities on the ground.

The Challenge Course at Prairie Woods will accommodate group sizes of up to 200 participants.

SHOOTING RANGE

The Gary Westby Educational Shooting Sports Range, located on a remote site at Prairie Woods, offers sporting clays and a smallbore rifle range. Shooting leagues: contact Prairie Woods to schedule a time.

DIRECTIONS, INFORMATION

Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center is located at 12718 10th Street N.E. near Spicer; 1-320-354-5894; www.prairiewoodselc.org.

From Willmar and the south CHALLENGE COURSE and west on U.S. Highway 71 and Experience PWELC’s high Minnesota Highway 23: Travel adventure learning laboratory! north of Willmar on U.S. Highway 71/ On Prairie Woods’ challenge course, Minnesota Highway 23. Follow U.S. high ropes and climbing walls, groups 71 to the north (toward Sauk Centre) learn — and teach each other — about when state 23 splits off. Follow U.S. 71 communication, cooperation, creative three more miles to Kandiyohi County problem solving and courage.

Road 29. The intersection is past More than 25,000 people, ages 4 Thein Well at the north side of Ringo to 84, have participated in Challenge Lake. Turn left (west) on County Road Course programs at Prairie Woods.

29. Go 1.5 miles. The Prairie Woods Challenge course users include school driveway will be on your left. You will groups, high school and college see a large brown and yellow PWELC sign and a green gate. athletic teams, church youth groups,

SUMMER FUN 2021 | 73

’ n i n n u r s r o t o m r u o Get y It’s racing season for stock cars, drag and karts

S

ummers are often full of lazy, sunny days out by the lake, at the ballpark or at the grill. If you’re in the mood to amp things up a bit, though, there are a handful of race tracks around West Central Minnesota willing to get your heart rate going.

KRA Speedway in Willmar is home to a dirt track that features a varied lineup of Modified Cars, Super Stocks,

Street Stocks, Midwest Modifieds, Mod-4 and Hornets every Thursday night at the Kandiyohi County Fairgrounds. Montevideo’s Fiesta City is the spot to be Friday nights, hosting WISSOTA-sanctioned races for a range of vehicles at the Chippewa County Fairgrounds.

Madison Speedway hosts their own WISSOTA-sanctioned races Saturday

nights at the Lac qui Parle Valley fairgrounds while the Atwater Karting Speedway features the racers of the future. Atwater’s speedway is free for spectators. Just down the road at the Grove Creek Raceway, NHRA racers compete in a number of classes, including Sportsmen, Super Pro, Pro Street, Street Eliminator, Junior Dragsters, Superbikes and Sleds.

ATWATER KARTING SPEEDWAY One mile east, half-mile southeast of Atwater Season: May 15 to Sept. 18 (championship) Racing: Saturdays 5:30 p.m., pits open at 2 p.m. Free admission for spectators.

Concessions on grounds Lineup: Caged and non-caged divisions, rookies, juniors, adult for more information contact president Angela Hansen, 320-368-2522. About 75 percent of racers are boys and girls between ages 6-15 Motto: “Where kids get hooked on dirt” Website: atwaterkartingspeedway.com.

Racing: Gates open at 8 a.m. for Day Drag Races, time trials start at 9:30 a.m.; trials start at 4 p.m. for Night Drag Races Grandstand/pit admission: adults $15, students (ages 7 to 12) $6, 6-and-under free; camping $10/night, cash or check only Promoter: Rick Austin at 612-280-7301 Track phone 320-857-2152 Website: grovecreek.com

Race nights: Thursdays 7 p.m.

Sanctioning: WISSOTA Track: 3/8-mile semi-bank dirt track Lineup: Modifieds, Super Stock, Street Stocks, Midwest Modifieds, Mod-4, Hornets Admission: Adults (18-and-over) $11 (specials extra); ages 12-and-under are free with paid adult; season pass is $125 Promoter: Kandi Racing Association (KRA) Phone: 320-905-9280 Website: kraspeedway.com

GROVE CREEK RACEWAY Drag racing, 2 miles east of Grove City Season: May 8 to Oct. 3 The Scoop: NHRA, Division 5 member Money & Trophy Eliminator, Jr. Dragster Series plus All-Street Nite (NHRA Street Legal Drags) Classes: Money Eliminator, Trophy Eliminator, Junior Street, Junior Dragster, Street Drags 74 | SUMMER FUN 2021

FIESTA CITY Montevideo at Chippewa County Fairgrounds Season: May 7 to August 27 (championship) Race nights: Fridays 7 p.m.

Sanctioning: WISSOTA Lineup: Late Models, Street Stocks, Modifieds, Midwest Modifieds, Super Stock, Hornets Spectator Admission: adults are $12, $1 for seniors and ages 12 and under are free Website: fiestacityspeedway.com KRA SPEEDWAY Willmar at Kandiyohi County Fairgrounds Season: May 20 to Sept. 2

MADISON SPEEDWAY Madison at Lac qui Parle Valley Fairgrounds Season: May 31 to Oct. 2 Race nights: Saturdays 7 p.m.

Sanctioning: WISSOTA Track: 3/8-mile high-bank oval Lineup: WISSOTA Modified, Super Stock, Midwest Modified, Street Stocks and Hornets Admission: Adult tickets are $15; kids 12-and-under are free. For more information contact Troy at 320-226-5365 or Jackie at 320-295-1976 Website: madisonspeedwaymn.com

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