Caledonia

"Wild Turkey Capital of Minnesota"

The best of history, recreation, and nature abound year round in Caledonia, the county seat of Houston County. At the fairgrounds is a collection of historic buildings including a cabin, town hall, school, and church, all saved from destruction and moved to the site. Each December, Caledonia is host to the Bluff and Valley Balloon Rally, where balloonists brave the elements for a scenic and "uplifting" ride. Caledonia area barns are sporting 8X8 foot squares of plywood painted with lively colors in a variety of quilt patterns. We are welcoming tourists to our area by "Quilting the Countryside". Surrounding Caledonia are fine opportunities for wild turkey hunting, and in Beaver Creek State Park, hiking and camping. (back)

Canton

"What's in a Name?"

www.bluffcountry.com/canton.htm

First settled in 1851, the village of Canton is reported to have had a spirited contest over its naming, with many of the citizens preferring the name Elyria. the final vote went for canton, but many of the legal records up to 1860 retained the name Elyria. both are names of cities in Ohio, from where many of the area's settlers came. Ohio was also the home of the Amish people who settled here in the 1970's. (back)

Chatfield

"Bandtown USA"

www.bluffcountry.com/chatfield.htm

www.ci.chatfield.mn.us

This little tow formed its first brass band in 1882. The group was greeted with such approval that just three years later, the town instituted a tax levy to support the bad and their summer concerts. After dissolving for a time, the band was re-established in 1969. The Chatfield Music Lending Library, which lends sheet music to bands from all over the world, adds to the musical credentials of this town. (back)
 

Eitzen

Family Fun Fest

www.bluffcountry.com/eitzen.htm

www.eitzenmn.com

This little town, with a population just over 200, puts on a big show each Fourth of July during its Family fun Fest. Festivities include fireworks, a parade, tractor pull, softball and volleyball tournaments, kids games, petting zoo and more. So come on down and join the celebration as well as Eitzen's wonderful trout fishing opportunities. (back)

Fountain

Western Gateway to Root River State Trail

www.bluffcountry.com/fountain.htm

In the 1920's, from his garage in nearby Cherry Grove, Bernard Pietenpol designed and constructed a homemade airplane, using parts from the hardware store and a Model T Ford engine. By 1929, Pietnepol was able to make a flight from Cherry Grove to Minneapolis. The plans for his Pietenpol Air Camper and Sky Scout are still available to plan aficionados. Pietenpol's 1932 Sky Scout plane, as well as one of his original hangers, can be seen at the Fillmore County History Center and Genealogy Library in Fountain, along with other exhibits on the region's history and agricultural life. Fountain is also know for the many sinkholes found in the area. (back)

Mabel

Rural America's Steam  Engine Capital

www.bluffcountry.com/mabel.htm

www.mabelmn.com

If you really want to step back in time, Mabel is the place to do it. A selection of museums and activities celebrates the past in this small town near the Iowa border. Throughout the summer, visitors can see giant steam engines on display at the Steam Engine Museum. On Steam Engine Days, held on the weekend after Labor Day, the engines are put to work on their old jobs of threshing grain and sawing wood. The 1950's and 60's are resurrected on the second Saturday in August when Mabel's main Street is lined with classic cars. The event includes a hula hoop contest and sock hop. (back)

Harmony

The Community that Practices Its Name

www.bluffcountry.com/harmony.htm

www.harmony.mn.us

Harmony is appropriately named. Visitors to this city will find a special kind of "harmony" between the citizens of the town and the Old Order Amish population in the rural areas surrounding it. For religious reasons, the Amish choose to live without modern conveniences such as electricity and automobiles, and they support themselves through their crafts and farming. Often they will sell their wares in town, where local businesses promote them. (back)

Spring Grove

Minnesota's First Norwegian Settlement

www.bluffcountry.com/springgrove.htm

www.springgrovemn.com

When a group of immigrants from Hallingale, Norway, began putting down roots in Spring Grove Township in the 1850's, they established the first of many Norwegian settlements in Minnesota. The strong Nordic heritage of this community endures to this day. Sculptures of Norwegian heroes, the Christmas lighting of Viking Memorial Park, and the celebration of the Syttende Mai Festival in mid May all help to keep the town's Nordic heritage alive. Summer enjoyments include Ye Olde Opera House summer musical, a horseback riding trail, a walking trail, and shopping. (back)

Wykoff

A Town Born of the Rails

www.bluffcountry.com/wykoff.htm

www.wykoff.govoffice2.com

Wykoff is a town born of the rails. The South Minnesota Railroad platted the village in 1871 and named it after the company president, Cyrus Gates Wykoff. Clues to the town's origins can be found in its orientation to the rail line. The primary commercial street is perpendicular to the railroad. The old brick commercial district on Gold Street is now the core of a National Register of Historic Places district. (back)