Blog - Just Around The Bend Travel

July 22, 2023October 13, 2023

Wyoming, a gold mine of history!

Rural Midwestern towns are rich in history, and the town’s residents love to share stories with visitors and residents. Wyoming’s historic walking tours provide an opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of the town’s beginning and its evolution.

The town’s active historical society created four historical walking tours that make it easy for visitors to learn about the communities’ rich history while enjoying the town’s natural and architectural beauty. A brochure with all four tours is available at the city library.

Wyoming Area Library

A library visitor taking advantage of the computers and internet.

Libraries might not be on top of your to-do list when visiting a new town, but they should be your first stop. The Wyoming Area Library has a wealth of information and activities for all ages. There are also a number of comfortable sitting areas where visitors can relax in an easy chair while reading the local newspaper or one of the many magazines.

Visitors can use the copier or get on a computer to check their email or surf the internet.

It is also the perfect location if you need to get out of the rain and are looking for something to do. The Wyoming Area Library has two tables where visitors can put puzzles together, plus an area to build Legos. There are also kits for children. The disc golf kit is a favorite for all ages.

When at the Wyoming Area Library, ask for a copy of the Historic Walking Tour of Wyoming published by the Wyoming Historical Society.

The brochure is a gold mine of historical information and pictures, including four historic walking tours that meander through town. There is a 1-mile trail, a 2.3-mile trail, a 3.5-mile, and 4.5-mile trail. Walkers can choose to do one or all four trails in one day, depending on your skill level and how much time you have.

Hallberg Center for the Arts

Why is the community art center located on a historic walking tour? The center is located in a historic church.

The Hallberg Center for the Arts has two art galleries. One is on the first floor, and the Underground Gallery (love the name) is located in the basement.

The sanctuary is a space for musical performances, and the altar works as a stage.

In addition to offering new exhibits and concerts every month, classes are also offered at the center. There was no cost to enjoy the exhibits.

The Gallery is closed on Sunday and Monday, and open Tuesday through Friday from 2-8:00 p.m. and Saturday from 12-6:00 p.m.

Don’t let the road construction on E. Viking Blvd. during the summer of 2023 stop you from visiting the art center. The center is open during regular hours.

Cornerstone Pub and Prime

Cornerstone Pub and Prime not only serves up plates of delicious food, like prime rib and fish & chips, it is also located in a historic building on the town’s historic walking tour.

The two-story building is the former Wyoming Hotel, built in 1914, located on the northeast corner of Forest Blvd. and E. Viking Blvd.

The restaurant is open Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.

A one-story addition to house a massive wooden bar was added to the two-story building. A spacious patio was added for outside dining.

Try your hand at a game of bean bag toss.

Thanks to Old Highway 61 for hosting Just Around the Bend Travel. We will be back.

July 15, 2023July 5, 2024

Do You Like A Tall Tale?

Do you know what the Minnesota state fish is?

If you do not know the answer, you will after this Minnesota adventure in Chisago County on Old Highway 61. Plan on spending the entire day outdoors enjoying the warm summer weather in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

The highlight of the day is Fish Lake Park and Beach, the most popular lake in Chisago County, which provides activities for all ages and interests. Visitors enjoy hiking, boating, fishing, swimming, volleyball, picnicking, and building sand castles to name a few common activities.

Make sure to bring bug spray, sunscreen, snacks or a picnic lunch, water, fishing gear, swimsuits and towels, and water toys.

At the end of the day, you will have one heck of a fish tale to share.

World’s Largest Walleye

The first stop is at the World’s Largest Walleye in Rush City. Rush City is located approximately 2 hours north of the Twin Cities on Old Highway 61. The 2,000-pound walleye was hooked by Minnesota’s most well-known resident, Paul Bunyan.

Check out the stats on the sign next to the gigantic walleye. In addition to being interesting, the information might just come in handy when playing a game of trivia pursuit.

Don’t forget to take a selfie with the World’s Largest Walleye. To ensure good pictures, try to snap photos during the golden hours; the hour after sunrise, and the hour before sunset. Don’t forget to smile!

Fish Lake Premium

Before heading out to Fish Lake Park & Beach for a day of family fun, stop at Fish Lake Premium, a bait and tackle shop. Guaranteed to be a memorable and fun experience.

Kids will enjoy seeing and touching the live bait (silvery minnows and black slimy leeches), and looking at the mounted fish and stuffed animals (not stuffed toys). Ask the clerk to hold the slimy black leeches.

Parents can purchase any forgotten fishing gear, including live bait, life jackets, snacks, and bottled water. Purchase a Harris Minnesota souvenir t-shirt as a memento of your trip on Old Highway 61.

Before you enter the store, you will notice the big handwritten Self-Serve sign and the white commercial sinks with running water by the entrance. As you get closer, you will hear running water and want to stop and peek in the sinks. If the store is closed, live bait is available in the sinks for purchase on the honor system. There is a lockbox next to the sinks for your money.

Fish Lake Park & Beach

The kids will be anxious to get out of the car as soon as you arrive at Fish Lake Park and Beach, located just minutes outside of Harris.

Visitors can choose to fish, boat, swim, play volleyball (nets provided), horseshoes (horseshoes not provided), softball, hike, play in the sand, sit in a lawn chair and read, enjoy a picnic lunch, or do all of the above.

It is easy to lose track of time at Fish Lake Park and Beach, so make sure to lather yourself and the kids in sunscreen as soon as you arrive.

Cornerstone Pub and Prime

After spending a full day outside in the sun, everyone is bound to be hungry, so head over to Wyoming for dinner at the Cornerstone Pub and Prime, located in one of the town’s historic buildings listed on one of the community’s historic walking tours.

Order their delicious fried walleye dinner with a fresh garden salad and crispy golden brown french fries. The fries are served in the cutest little black wire basket, and the walleye is so big that it hangs over the side of the plate. The white meat is flaky and firm, and it will melt in your mouth.

If you prefer red meat, try the Angus prime rib. The serving is extra thick and cooked to perfection.

P.S. The cheese curds are delicious.

Thank you to Old Highway 61 for hosting our visit. It was everything you said and more.

July 9, 2023July 9, 2023

The Art of Exploring Bluff Country

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!

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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

July 4, 2023July 9, 2023

Salud! Little Miami in Minnesota

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.

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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.

Part 1 – http://fillmorecountyjournal.com/peering-at-the-past-most-of-the-sows-and-their-babies-came-back-home/

Part 2 – http://fillmorecountyjournal.com/peering-at-the-past-it-was-all-downhill-into-crooked-creek-valley/

Part 3 – http://fillmorecountyjournal.com/peering-at-the-past-unless-something-was-done-things-were-getting-worse/

Upper Midwestern food

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.

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.

Follow Little Miami on Facebook.

April 8, 2023July 9, 2023

Small Midwestern Town Bars have the Best Food

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!