One-of-a-kind art galleries can be found in all corners of bluff country. Visitors will experience not only first-class art galleries, but they will be able to meet bluff country artists and purchase their work. In addition, visitors will also enjoy the drive through the picturesque farmlands, bluffs, along streams, and quaint Midwestern towns that inspire Bluff County artists to create. The range of work visitors will find ranges from jewelry, clothing, oil and watercolor paintings, woodwork, fiber arts, sculptures, and glass to name a few.
For up-to-date hours, check the gallery website, Google listing, or Facebook page.
Enjoy your year-round Bluff Country art tour!
Art Bitz
Art Bitz, a gallery run by Chatfield’s two glitz gals, June and Alice. Visitors will find two former buildings filled with framed glass art, individualized gnomes, jewelry, glassware, colorful couch pillows, and bling cover flamingos. The gallery is located at 204 Main Street, Chatfield, MN 55923. June and Alice can be reached at (507)-254-8105. The gallery is open Thursday and Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and closed Sunday through Wednesday. Follow Art Bitz on Facebook.
Lanesboro Arts Galleries
Not one gallery but two galleries, Exhibition Gallery and the Juried Sales Gallery! The Exhibition Gallery features five exhibits annually and visitors will enjoy purchasing artwork from over 90 regional artists located in the Juried Sales Gallery. Every other year, Lanesboro Arts sponsor an emerging artist exhibition. Lanesboro Arts can be reached at (507) 467-2446. Hours: September through April Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday and Monday closed; May through August Tuesday-Saturday from 10:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. and Sunday 11:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m. and Monday closed. Visit lanesboroarts.org for current information.
The Bluff Country Artists Gallery
A 501(c)(3) collaborative, operated by volunteers, represents the talented creations of 70 artists from the bluff country region. The gallery is located at 111 W. Main St, Spring Grove, MN. The gallery can be reached at (507) 498-2787 and is open Thursday and Friday from noon to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Check out the gallery on Facebook.
The Caledonia Gallery
Bluff Country’s newest art gallery is in a recently renovated limestone building built after the Civil War ended in quaint downtown Caledonia. The gallery features the work of artists from La Crosse, WI to Caledonia. The gallery is located in historic Caledonia at 115 East Main Street. The five-star gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and is closed on Sunday and Monday. Visit www.caledoniagallery.com.
International Owl Center
Children from around the world have entered artwork featuring owls in the Center’s annual competition. Those pieces are exhibited throughout the year in the center’s gallery. 126 E. Cedar St., Houston, MN 55943 Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (507) 896-6957 www.internationalowlcenter.org
ArtHaus
ArtHaus is known for its workshop and classes, but it is also home to the Doyle G. Heyveld Gallery which features a new exhibit each month. 107 W. Broadway St, Decorah, IA 52101. (563) 382-5440. Open 1-7:00 p.m. weekdays and 10-5:00 p.m. on Saturday. Closed Sunday. www.Arthausdecorah.org
Agora Arts
A staple of downtown Decorah for 31 years, owner Gail Bolson-Magnuson hand selects each piece and carries the finest in handcrafted arts from over 250 artists. 102 West Water Street, Decorah, IA 52101. (563) 382-8786. Open Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. www.agoraarts.com
This month, Just Around the Bend Travel is featuring Little Miami, 5349 County 49, located in the village of Freeburg, MN. Another five-star small-town bar-restaurant combo. The first question that comes to mind of first-time visitors. A Cuban-style restaurant in Minnesota?
The upper Midwestern style menu is reason enough to visit, but there is so much more to experience.
Location, location, location
Your first visit to Freeburg might leave you with the impression that the town is in the middle of nowhere, but it really isn’t. Freeburg is located just 12 minutes southeast of Caledonia, Minnesota on Houston County Hwy. 249, anywhere from 30 to 41 minutes from La Crosse, Wisconsin depending on the route you take, and 12 minutes from Brownsville, Minnesota. Caution: When using Google Maps, you might be directed to take gravel roads through some very desolate areas, so make sure your gas tank is filled, and you have a paper map as you will probably lose cell service. If you do end up following Google Maps’ shortest route on gravel roads, you are guaranteed to love the scenery.
Caledonia is at 1,181’ above sea level and quickly drops to 686’ as you enter the community of Freeburg. Hwy. 249 not only has a hilly grade, but is also curvy. Some of the curves are tight, so make sure to watch your speed.
No matter which way you travel, the drive never gets old as the scenery is breathtaking.
Crooked Creek runs through the ancient river valley surrounded by steep wooded hills. If you want to make it a day trip, bring your fishing gear and poles to fish in the stream.
As you are driving, remember to watch for deer, rocks, and fallen trees.
Rich history
Freeburg has a rich history, and so does the restaurant. The name, chosen by proprietor C.C. Michelson, has nothing to do with food but everything to do with swimming. Michelson built a sand bottom pool and kids and families flocked to Freeburg to swim, many even took the train to Freeburg to swim. The menu provides a brief synopsis of the bar/restaurant’s interesting history.
To get an in-depth look at the havoc flooding caused in 1946 to the small vibrant community of Freeburg and Little Miami, read the following three articles written by historian Lee Epps, published in the Fillmore County Journal in 2023.
Now for a description of the tasty Midwestern food.
New Mexico grandkids, Damien and Christian, enjoying a non-alcoholic Pink Squirrel. Yummy!
Little Miami is known for its large adult ice cream drinks. One drink is more than enough for two adults, especially after eating dinner. Little Miami also offers non-alcoholic ice cream drinks for young diners. The drinks are not only huge but delicious. Signature drinks include Brandy Alexander (Brandy and Crème de Cacao), Grasshopper (Crème de Memthe), Caramel Apple (Apple Pucker Schnapps, Butterscotch Schnapps), Dreamsicle (Peach Schnapps, Orange Juice), Golden Cadillac (Galliano), Heath Bar (Kahlua, Butterscotch Schnapps), Pink Squirrel (Crème de Noya (Almond)), Polar Bear (Kahlua, Irish Cream), and Slippery Nipple (Irish Cream, Butterscotch Schnapps).
The Minnesota state fish is the walleye.
Broasted Chicken, a Wisconsin invention.
Fried cheese curds are a family favorite, especially with the New Mexico grandkids. Tony enjoys the hamburgers, which he rated as ‘damn good’. Another favorite of my NE Iowa boy is the Saturday night prime rib special. Broasted chicken, a Wisconsin invention and a healthier frying option than fried chicken, is a favorite among locals. You will find me enjoying the walleye with a side salad including red onions and tomatoes topped with either the champagne vinaigrette or the orange balsamic dressings, which are both homemade. Tony orders a side of coleslaw, which he describes as having a unique taste. Haven’t asked but wonder if it is a homemade dressing. For French Fry connoisseurs, you can order thin-cut fries, crinkle-cut fries, or sweet potato fries. If you are feeling like a cup of soup, try the beer cheese soup, which is not only tasty but hardy.
A hardy Midwestern soup.
Exceptional service
There is room in the two dining rooms for large groups. There is also a patio where you can enjoy Minnesota’s pleasant weather.
The service at Little Miami is exceptional, plus the customers are always very friendly. There are always lots of families and visitors from all three states enjoying a meal, plus a handful of locals sitting at the bar. On April 26, 2023, all the customers were wearing camouflage clothing, even the two little girls with permanent smiles on their faces were dressed in camouflage clothing. One of the little girls even held the door open for us, demonstrating that Minnesota Nice is alive and well in Freeburg.
Little Miami is open Wednesday and Thursday night from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., closed Monday and Tuesday.
The plan going forward is to feature at least one small Midwestern town bar every month, population less than 2,000. It is not unusual for a rural town located in the middle of farm county to have a bar that serves tasty traditional bar food, but some bars will surprise patrons with their expanded menu. Included on the menu is a selection of food and drinks that you would find in a five-star restaurant in a large town or city.
This month Just Around the Bend Travel is featuring Alpha Tap located in the NE Iowa town of Alpha. The unincorporated community of Alpha located in the Township of Eden, Fayette County is a typical small farming community. Visitors will find a church and cemetery, a grain silo or two, a bar, and Victorian-style homes. The population of Alpha in 1925 was 100 and almost one hundred years the estimated population has not changed much. Alpha, a one-road town, is located 38 minutes south of Decorah, IA, and 53 minutes north of Waterloo, IA. It is easy to miss the small directional signs pointing to Alpha, located one mile off County Rd. V68 3 miles south of Waucoma, IA, two-lane highway in Fayette County.
The sign on the front of the restaurant is a dead giveaway to what visitors will find on the menu. Alpha Tap serves seafood, including a perfectly cooked cold-water lobster tail from the seas of Australia and South Africa, mouth-watering sea scallops, and delicious jumbo shrimp. Finding seafood that is not fried in rural NE Iowa is ‘slim to none’. In addition, patrons can enjoy cod and Canadian walleye.
Doesn’t this look sumptuous? This French ‘fryaholic’ loves her french fries.
For those looking for a hamburger and fries or the usual bar food like tasty fried cheese curds, you will not be disappointed. Specials include wings on Tuesday night – 4 pounds and 1 pound of fries for $45+, enough to feed a family, rib-eye on Thursday night, all-you-can-eat cod on Friday night, and prime rib on Saturday night. Alpha Tap truly does offer something for everyone. The restaurant proudly proclaims that they serve a full menu all day, every day!
Chefs in fine restaurants are known to come out and converse with the customers to find out how the food is. When the owner comes outdoors to talk with you is rare and a special treat. What an example of first-class service?
What else makes Alpha Tap special? Besides the quality and variety of food and the exceptional customer service, Alpha Tap is open on Sundays as well as the other six days of the week. This makes Alpha Tap unique in this area, as most restaurants close on Sundays.
Hours of operations: Sunday from 12-10 p.m., Monday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Watch for more stories on small Midwestern town bars that offer a five-star menu on Just Around The Bend Travel. You are in for a tasty surprise!
Oneota Film Festival, locally known as OFF, is unofficially the first sign of spring in Decorah, Iowa.
It is never to early to start making plans to attend OFF. The dates for the 2024 festival are February 29 – March 3, 2024.
If you can’t wait for Spring to roll around, OFF offers events prior to the festival in surrounding towns. Check their website, www.oneotafilmfestival.org for dates, times, and locations. Pre-festival events are held in surrounding communities and unique venues, like the historic theater in Cresco and Waukon or the microbrewery in Calmar.
The 2024 festival introduces film enthusiasts to over 45 documentaries that will be shown in six of Decorah’s unique venues. All six venues are all located in the town’s rich historic downtown district, and each venue has a historic background.
What Is A Documentary?
Documentaries are thought-provoking films that force you to think outside the box about subject matters you may have never thought about before. Documentaries generate a range of emotions, sadness, laughter, surprise, excitement, relief, and panic among others. Documentaries force you to ask questions. Documentaries encourage you to learn more and want more.
Wikipedia defines a documentary film as “a non-fictional motion picture intended to “document reality, primarily for the purposes of instruction, education or maintaining a historical record”.
Free
Thanks to generous sponsors, OFF is a free event. As a free event, there is no excuse not to attend. Even though the festival is free, it costs to put four day event on. Please consider becoming a member to support the festival. A bonus of becoming a member is that you will be invited to VIP events throughout the year, and you get to vote for your favorite film in the People’s Choice category at the festival.
Leadership
The 2024 festival is the 14 year of the Oneota Film Festival. President Nancy Sojka leads a board of directors comprised of eleven amazing hard-working volunteers. The festival employs a part-time creative director, Elise Skelenger, the organization’s only paid employee.
Volunteers
OFF also recruit a number of volunteers to assist throughout the event, which is the another way to see the films. If you are interested in volunteering, go to https://www.oneotafilmfestival.org/volunteer. Volunteers position needed are, room managers, readers, room greeters, set-up and take-down, and greeters at the festival headquarters.
OFF volunteer introducing a film..
The Judges
The wide and in-depth section of films at OFF will not disappoint. There is something for everyone, which I have found to be true at the other festivals I have attended. The selection of films shown demonstrates that the judges knows their audience and they know what makes a good documentary. Imagine watching 100 or more films from September to December and having to select the films that will be shown. Judges are an important component of a successful film festival.
The descriptions of the films will help you decided which ones to see. The films are shown at least twice so attendees are able to watch all the films.
Venues
ArtHaus, one of six venues.
T-Bock’s, one of six venues showing films.
Convergence Cider Works, one of six venues.
Driftless Yoga Center, one of six venues.
All Vets Club, Post 1977, another OFF venue.
Hotel Winneshiek, film venue and headquarters..
In the past, the festival was held at Luther College, a beautiful venue with top IT technology and talented technicians, but due to scheduling conflicts, the OFF board moved the festival downtown in 2022. Now the dates of the festival are consistent, which helps visitors schedule their trip in advance. The festival is held the first full weekend in March. The films are shown at some of Decorah’s most popular historic venues that have all been given a new life.
The venues include Arthaus, Hotel Winneshiek, Convergence CiderWorks, T-Bock’s Bar and Grill, Driftless Yoga Center located on the third floor of Impact Coffee, and the VFW.
Every location is unique and offers a different flavor which adds to the enjoyment of the film festival. Attendees may have a favorite venue and only attend the films at that venue or they enjoy visiting each venue to watch their favorite documentaries. Take your pick!
It is recommended that you arrive early to get front-row seating, which may be in the back of the room, like churchgoers, or the front of the room, so you can see.
Headquarters
If you have any questions, make sure to stop at the festival’s headquarters, located in the lobby of Hotel Winneshiek, 104 E. Water Street. There will be volunteers eager and ready to answer your questions.
Friends and Family
New FriendsOld FriendsOld FriendsOld Friends
OFF is a time to hang out with old friends, meet new friends, and spend time with family; thus adding a special touch to the festival.
Snacks and Drinks
If popcorn is served at a film festival, that is a plus. Over the years, OFF has served flavored popcorn from Decorah’s own Pinter’s Gardens and Pumpkins. Some venues sell food and drinks for your enjoyment, thus, saving precious time while introducing you to delicious tasting food and drink. At Hotel Winneshiek, festival attendees are able to purchase adult beverages and take them upstairs to the Steyer Opera House. Tip: The margaritas are made just the way a margarita should be.
Orange juice is key to any good margarita.
Meet the Film Director(s)
Student film director, Noah Potvin. He was an 8th grade student in Decorah, Iowa when he created the short, Star Trek: Frontier in Diversity, that was shown at the 2024 festival.
Drake student and film director, Michael Veninga.
Directors at the 2024 OFF.
Make sure to hang around after the films to talk with the film director(s), whether they are onsite or attending the festival virtually. Many festivals also offer a reception where attendees can chat one-on-one with the directors, providing opportunities to ask questions, get the film’s backstory, and meet the film directors, producers, and sometimes even members of the cast.
Create Your Own Itinerary
It is important to plan your itinerary before the festival. In 2024 there are over 40 films being shown over four days at OFF. It is a sure bet that if you do not lay out a schedule you will be disappointed. Some of them are shown more than once and in different locations, so plan ahead and carry your itinerary with you.
Following is the list of films that will be shown this year.
Aris Demetrios: Sculpture from the Heart – Directed by Josh Aronson; Balika – Directed by Altor Sanchez Smith and Lander Ibarretxe; Between the Notes: The Helene Grimaud Documentary; Blue Sunshine – Directed by Samyuktha Vijayan; Burial – Directed by Jerzy Czachowski; Chasing Greatness: Wrestling Life – Directed by Danny Wilcox Frazier; Claire Facing North – Directed by Lynn Tjerrnan Lukkas; Culture Talk on the Radio – Directed by Errkaa; Dishonour – Directed by Terrence Turner; Down the Mekong: Voyage of Discovery – Directed by David Richard Ellingson; Dwight in Denmark – Directed by Beth Hoven and Jon Rotto; Essential Essence – Directed by Patrick Boberg; Everything Fun you Could Possibly Do in Aledo, Illinois – Directed by Bethany Berg; Friendly Faces – Directed by Keaton Fuller; Greener Pastures – Directed by Samuel-Ali Mirpoorian; Greybeard, The Man, The Myth, The Mississippi – Directed by Zak Rivers and Wilderness Mindset, Alex Maier and Amy Robin; Gun to the Head – Directed by Christian Michael Veninga and Mithi Sivaprakash; Hangman – Directed by Megan Brotherton; Happy Hour – Directed by Gene Halverson; Hello, Bookstore – Directed by A.B. Zax; Invisible Landscapes – Directed by Ivo Bystrican; Labor of Love – Directed by Sam Fathallah; Learning to Dance – Directed by Cat Ashworth; Once Love – Directed by Mike Stinnett; Panther Politician: Part 2 – Directed by S. Torriano Berry; Parsons – Directed by Dick DeAngelis; Places to be Wild – Directed by Kelly Rundle; Reagan/Quigley ’85 – Directed by Elijah Kimmel; Shift: The Ragbrai Documentary – Directed by Kelsey Kremer and Courtney Crowder; Standing Strong: Elizabeth Catlett – Directed by Kevin J. Kelley; Startime – Directed by Rich West; The Countryman – Directed by Andy Kastelic; The Dead Track – Directed by Antonio Maciocco; The Errand – Directed by Amanda Renee Knox: Tina – Directed by Laura Sweeney; To the Moon and Back – Directed by Charlie Posey; Wine, Women, and Dementia – Directed by Kitty Norton; You Are What You Act – Directed by Albert Nerenberg; Zakkiyyah Najeebah Duman O’Neal – A Glass Breakfast Interview – Directed by Ian Carstens.
A selection of NE Iowa Area High School speech student films will be shown. The films created by students in grades 6-8, addressed the National History Day contest theme for 2023. The following four were presented in the regional competition at the NE Iowa Community College last March: Star Trek: Frontier in Diversity directed by Noah Potvin, Julia Child: A Frontier in the Kitchen directed by Nina Sessions and Kaelyn Kuhn, Jackie Robinson: The Frontier of African-Americans in Professional Baseball directed by Bennett Coppola and Jalen Klees, and Pasteurization: Reshaping the Dairy Industry directed by Rex LaFrentz and Kalin Harman.
2024 Walter Ordway Best Of The Fest Award Winnerd
If you are still not sure which docs to watch, keep an eye out for the judges’ awards. Awards are generally announced a week or two before the festival.
The Walter Ordway Best of the Fest OFF award winners are: Documentary Feature Shift; Honorable Mention Documentary Feature – Greener Pastures; Narrative Feature – Blueshine; Honorable Mention Narrative Feature – Claire Facing North; Honorable Mention Narrative Feature Everything Fun You Could Possible Do in Aledo, Illinois; Student Narrative – To the Moon and Back; Experimental – Culture Talk on the Radio; Documentary Short – Dwight in Denmark; Honorable Mention Documentary Short – Aris Demetrios Sculpture from the Heart; Narrative Short – Dishonour; Narrative Short – Il Binario Morto; Honorable Mention Narrative Short – The Countryman; Honorable Mention Narrative Short – Hangman;
Up-To-Date Information
Facebook is the perfect resource for keeping up-to-date on all things related to the OFF film festival. Follow along on the OFF festival’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/oneotafilmfest.
There is also a lot of information on film festival websites that will assist you in planning your visit.
Future Dates of the Oneota Film Festival
I love it when events post the dates years in advance. Let’s make it easy for people to attend our events.
March 6-9, 2025
March 5-8, 2026
March 4-7, 2027
March 2-5, 2028
March 1-4, 2029
February 28 – March 3, 2023
Midwest Film Festivals
Now that you are hooked on film festivals, here are other film festivals that are recommended by my fellow travel bloggers and myself. Follow the suggestions listed above for any film festival you attend, and you are guaranteed to enjoy your experience.
Frozen River Film Festival, Winona, MN February 4-11, 2024 www.frff.org
True/False Film Fest, Columbia, MO February 29 – March 3, 2024 www.truefalse.org
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.
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.
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.
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.
