The small rural community of Caledonia located on Highway 44 in SE Minnesota is rich in murals and is a town designed for walking. This article does not include all murals, as they are located inside local businesses. The others will be added over time.
The paved walking trails wander around the edges of the town, overlooking the vast fields that surround the town. The trail meanders out to the country club.
There are sidewalks in downtown, making it easy and safe to stroll through the historic downtown district. There are a variety of shops and eating establishments to sample. The historic architecture is sure to catch your eye.
Even though the “Barbershop” mural below has been removed from the outside wall of the former Café, one block south of the four-way stop on Kingston Street, the weather has been hard on it. Due to its history in Caledonia, the mural deserves to be shared in this article. The mural depicts a typical day in Caledonia. The men sitting on the stoop are residents of Caledonia BS-ing. The building is long gone, and the mural is in storage. The men have passed on, but the memories remain.
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Caledonia Pocket Park, 119 S. Kingston Street
The mural located at Caledonia’s first pocket park was designed and painted by artist Sarah Pederson of Lucid Painting. The realistic painting represents the Caledonia of today and the birds, wildlife, and plants that call Caledonia home. How many birds, creatures, and flowers can you find and identify? The city and community organizations came together to create a pocket park in the midst of downtown Caledonia. The park is an attractive place to unwind. There is a picnic table, so plan on having lunch or a snack from one of the local restaurants.
A City for all Seasons, 102 S. Kingston Street
On the east side of the Country Charms Crafts building, at the intersection with the four-way stop lights, you will find the “City for All Seasons” mural. The mural depicts the activities available in the area throughout the year. The mural was painted by Paul Nadon.
Caledonia Welcomes You, 123 E. Main Street
The realistic “Caledonia Welcomes You” mural on the side of Klug Insurance Agency was painted by Caledonia resident Rocky Danielson. This colorful mural of Caledonia and the agricultural landscape is the perfect background for a selfie. Don’t forget to use #visitcaledoniamn when posting pictures on your Social Media sites.
Next door to the Klug Insurance Agency is the Wired Rooster coffee shop. Stop in for a bite to eat and a palate pleasing drink guaranteed to challenge your taste buds.
Mainspring, 404 E. Main Street
The newest mural is Caledonia is located on a former church now home to Houston County’s non-profit arts organization, Mainspring. The fall color geometric shapes represent all that makes Caledonia great and attractive to residents and visitors.
Caledonia artist Jacquelline Olson designed and painted the mural.
Photo from Mainspring.
Hog Raising, 125 E. Grove Street
The mural inside the Caledonia Post Office was painted by Edmund D. Lewandowski between 1939 and 1940. This project was part of the Federal Art Project commissioned by the Treasury Section of the Fine Arts. An additional treat to see is the historical architectural features of the post office.
KinderGarden, 511 W. Main Street
On the southeast side of the Caledonia Elementary School is a fun mural, KinderGarden. The mural was Duane Miller Eagle Scout project. The image was drawn by Michelle Werner and painted by Duane Miller. There is a small garden in front of the mural. The school is located approximately three blocks north of downtown Caledonia on West Main Street.
Wild Turkey Capital of Minnesota, MN-44 & MN-76
The residents of Caledonia hope you enjoy the Wild Turkey Capital of Minnesota. The mural/sign was painted by Rocky Danielson. Sprague Park is located at the intersection of Minnesota State Highways 44 and 76. You can either drive or walk to the 8-acre park from downtown. The land was donated to the city in 2006 as a passive park.
The City of Caledonia will be celebrating 50 years as the Wild Turkey Capital of Minnesota in 2023.
