The Driftless Region - Just Around The Bend Travel

June 29, 2024July 5, 2024

Where To See Firework Displays in the Driftless Area

Community firework displays are a big deal! According to Wallet Hub over 44% of Americans will attend a July 4th fireworks display. There are over 14,000 firework displays held each Fourth of July and the cost of hosting a municipal fireworks display ranges from $10,000 to $50,000.

Hailed as the best firework displays in the driftless region of northeast Iowa, southeast Minnesota, southwest Wisconsin, and northwest Illinois include:

June 29, 2024

Brownsville Days: Brownsville, MN, will celebrate the 4th of July with fireworks during the town’s annual Brownsville Days on Saturday, June 29. The fireworks are set to begin at dusk, at approximately 9:28 p.m. The fireworks are set to go off in the hi field behind the ballpark.

Onalaska, WI: Head to Onalaska on Saturday, June 29 to enjoy a full day of live music, the popular family fun zone for kids, a cornhole tournament, and the fireworks show at dusk.

July 3, 2024

Hesper, IA: This year’s event, Hesper Nite Lite Fireworks, is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, July 3, in the quaint village of Hesper, IA. The town folk welcome visitors to enjoy the spectacular display of bright lights with them starting at dusk, at 9:27 p.m.

July 4, 2024

Eitzen, MN: The town’s popular Fourth of July celebration, July 2-4, culminates on Thursday evening with fireworks at dusk, scheduled for 9:26 p.m. The display, valued at over $10,000 will illuminate the sky from 307 Iowa Ave. The three-day celebration is hosted by the Eitzen Lion’s Club.

Festina, IA: Start your day off at Festina’s 4th of July parade at 10:30 a.m. followed by a drive-thru chicken dinner at the town’s community center, and enjoy the town’s firework at show at dusk/dark.

Galena, IL: The red, white, and blue comes alive on July 4 on the plaza and in the town’s park with food, live entertainment, and games. The annual Fourth of July parade steps off at 5:30 p.m. The fireworks show will light up the sky at dusk creating a chorus of ooh, ahh, and wow.

Harmony, MN: On Thursday, July 4, Harmony hosts its annual fireworks display at North Park, starting at dusk (9:26 p.m.) Presented by the Harmony Volunteer Fire Department and sponsored by The City of Harmony, First Southeast Bank of Harmony and Canton, Harmony Fireman’s Relief Association, and Harmony Conservation Club. Check out the town’s chamber of commerce Facebook page for a complete list of activities during the city’s four-day event.

Harper’s Ferry, IA: Join the residents of Harper’s Ferry on the fourth for a roaring good time. Fireworks will go off at dusk (9:26 p.m.)

La Crosse, WI: On Thursday, July 4, La Crosse will shoot off fireworks during the town’s annual Riverfest celebration, 100 State Street, in downtown La Crosse. The fireworks will simultaneously light up the sky and the Mighty Mississippi River at dusk (9:26 p.m.).

Lansing, IA: The sky over Lansing lights up on July 4th at dusk (9:26 p.m.)

Monona, IA: Head to Monona on the 4th of July for their annual Family Fun Fest. Fireworks take place at dusk.

July 5, 2024

Cresco, IA: Don’t miss out on the fireworks display in Cresco on Friday, July 5 at the Prairie’s Edge Nature Center from 4:00–8:00 p.m. Plan on attending the Family Fun Night from 4:00–8:00 p.m.

July 6, 2024

Spillville, IA: On Saturday, July 6, the small Czech town of Spillville in northeast Iowa will hold its annual Fourth of July celebration at Riverside Park, 116 Bridge St. The festivities feature traditional 4th of July activities including a barbecue dinner, Little League tournament, 5K, bingo, kids’ games, and live entertainment. The day ends with the fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.

Be safe out there!

March 1, 2024March 30, 2024

Discover the Secrets of Wisconsin with Tom and Kristi Flick Manus

Join travel writers Tom and Kristi Flick Manus as they lead you on a journey through their home state of Wisconsin in a quest to find the “weird, wonderful, and obscure.”

Tom and Kristi share their excitement and love of travel with fellow adventure travelers in in Secret Wisconsin, A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure.

The couple share 168 stories of some not-so-common attractions and some popular attractions that will drive road warriors to get out and explore the two-lane roads of Wisconsin.

You will have to read Secret Wisconsin, A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure more than once because it contains hundreds of tidbits about Wisconsin. Trivia players will not be disappointed with all the information in this book. There is plenty to add to their repository of knowledge.

Following are some questions, that the book answers.

What is the name of the school Laura Ingalls Wilder and her sisters attended when they returned to Pepin, WI in 1871?

Where is the world’s largest musky fish hatchery located?

In what year did John Schrank shoot President Theodore Roosevelt in Milwaukee?

What Wisconsin city is home to the Riverside International Friendship Gardens?

Tidbits

The writers also included an additional tidbit of information for each of the 168 stories in the book which in itself is very interesting. For example, on page 110, readers will learn that the map used by Charles Lindbergh to plan his route for the 1927 flight from New York to Paris is located in the rare room at The American Geographic Society Library.

Pro Tips

Each story also includes a helpful summary of information to make visit’s convenience – what, where, and cost – for visitors. Tom and Kristi even share a pro tip with every story. For example, story number 158, A Lake Superior Treasure, the pro tip is Don’t worry about looking like a tourist. Bayfield’s motto is, “Real Tourists Eat Whitefish Livers.”

In addition to all the information, the book is filled with many pictures. Plan your trip on the back roads of Wisconsin now. Maybe you will cross paths with Tom and Kristi.

Where Can I Buy Secret Wisconsin A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure

Secret Wisconsin A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure is one book in the Secret series, written by travel experts and published by Reedy Press. The softcover is 6” x 9” is 192 pages, and costs $19.95. The book can be purchased through Reedy Press, Amazon, Barnes & Nobel, and independent book stores. ISBN 9781681064949

Small Town Plus Size

Whether you are a seasoned traveler or just starting out on your journey, there is something for everyone in Secret Wisconsin A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure. For more travel adventures by Tom and Kristi, visit their website, www.smalltownplussize.com. Also follow Tom and Krisiti on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/smalltownplussize.

February 25, 2024April 1, 2024

31st Annual Grumpy Old Men Festival

It is never too late to see the movie, Grumpy Old Men. I am sure it is as funny today as if I had seen it in 1993. I had no idea what to expect as I do not follow celebrities and never thought about seeing until an impromptu visit to Wabasha to visit the National Eagle Center last year for a travel book project I am working on where I heard about the Grumpy Old Men. At that time I had no idea what they were talking about.

A year later and I had the opportunity to attend the 31st Grumpy Old Men festival in Wabasha, Minn.

If you don’t want to experience every a day trip works but I recommend arriving the day before to truly experience the festivities. I feel like we did not which means I will be going again next year.

I must admit it made for the perfect day tour. Tony and I had a great outing plus the weather was perfect for a day trip in the midst of a Midwestern winter. The community made the most out of a lack of snow and ice. It was a great day!

What first stuck out at me which I am glad it was was the red buffalo plaid attire including doggie sweaters.

Second, the churches hot dish lunch rated at the top of the list. I live church meals because they are raising fun’s for the community and church. Second, the food is like what my mom made. The cost was $15 a plate and include a selection of 15 hot dishes, roll, drink and dessert plus pickles. So Midwestern.

Since we had never seen the movie we went to watch a free showing of the movie. We laugh and enjoyed popcorn a drink and Tony had a hotdog.

We enjoyed the fires in the barrels. Boy were they hot and made for the perfect source of heat for roasting marshmallows for s’mores. A few seconds the marshmallows was born all around. Yummy!

Then it was time for a horse drawn buggy ride.

November 12, 2023December 30, 2023

It’s a Hot-Air Balloon! No, It’s Nine Hot-Air Balloons!

Another Caledonia Hot-Air Balloon Rally is in the bag! The 2023 rally took place the third weekend in October. Ten balloons from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and South Dakota were scheduled to fly over the weekend. Nine balloons flew from the field behind Caledonia High School on Friday afternoon and again on Sunday morning. The fights on Saturday were canceled due to high winds. This is the most balloons, I have seen fly in Caledonia over the past 10 years.

Safety First

Each year, the town hosts a hot-air balloon rally in October, the only balloon rally south of Rochester, Minn. There are years when the weather does not cooperate and the balloons do not get to fly or even stand-up. Organizers stress that balloon flights are weather-dependent, and that safety always comes first. Whether balloons fly or not is at the pilot’s discretion.

Keep a watchful eye on the Caledonia Balloon Rally Facebook page for up-to-date information prior to the event and during the rally. The organizers do an outstanding job posting notifications.

2023 Pilots

2023 participating pilots include Russ Lucas, Dodge Center, Minn.; Lynn Huppert, Ellsworth, Wisc.; Chris Keefe, Cross Plains, Wisc.; Rodney Newkirk, Rochester, Minn.; Tim Cloyd, Runnells, Iowa; John Parezo, Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Jeff Trzebiatowski, Appleton, Wisc.; Terry Dorshorst, West Salem, Wisc.; Sean Eakin, Tomah, Wisc.; and Kevin Kamp, Marion, Iowa.

Balloonmeister

Tom Cloyd from Runnells, Iowa, was the 2023 balloonmeister. The balloonmeister is in charge of and coordinates all the balloon activities at a balloon event. He/she ensures the pilots meet all the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements.

Smile!

Balloon rallies are the perfect opportunity to take photos. Bring your camera to capture the balloons as they inflate, lift off, and fill the blue sky with a rainbow of colors. It is also fun to take pictures of the kids jumping up and down and yelling, “There’s a balloon. There’s a balloon. This is also the perfect time to record short videos of all the oohs and aahs and beaming smiles as attendees watch the balloons inflate and take-off. Don’t forget to wave. #caledoniamnballoonrally

Say Yes!

If you are asked to chase or go for a ride, don’t hesitate, say yes!

August 25, 2023October 13, 2023

It’s All Good at Barney’s Bar & Grill

Barney’s Bar & Grill in Burr Oak, Iowa, made Just Around the Bend Travel‘s list of must-visit small-town bar/restaurant in the Driftless region. To find out why continue reading.

Barney’s Bar & Grill is owned and operated by North Winneshiek graduate, Trisha Ryan.

A rainy day is the perfect day for a visit to Barney’s Bar & Grill.

Barney’s Bar & Grill is located in the farming community of Burr Oak, Iowa.

Location Location Location

Tourism marketing professionals often refer to the importance of location, location, location when discussing a destination. Barney’s Bar & Grill is blessed with its location.

For this Winneshiek County resident, Burr Oak is located barely 10 minutes from the family home in Hesper, Iowa, making Barney’s Bar & Grill convenient, especially for that evening when one doesn’t want to cook. They are open six days a week, closed on Sunday.

Second, Burr Oak is one of the communities North Winneshiek students called home, plus it was the closest town to the rural school, so both Burr Oak and Barney’s Bar & Grill hold a special place in the heart of North Winneshiek graduates. What memories!

The unincorporated village of around 200 is centrally located in the northern sector of Winneshiek County in NE Iowa. Burr Oak is adjacent to Highway 52 north of Decorah, Iowa, just minutes south of the Iowa/Minnesota state line. The town’s location makes it easy for visitors to find the restaurant and is convenient for residents. Tip. In the winter, Highway 52 is one of the first roads cleared after a snowstorm.

A favorite of North Winn alumni, pizza burger and fries!

Tasty Pizza Burgers

Visitors will find traditional fried bar/pub food at Barney’s Bar & Grill. Pizza burgers were a hit with North Winneshiek students when attending school. The ones served at Barney’s Bar & Grill are not the same as the ones served at school, but they are as delicious and even more delicious when dipped in the yummy pizza sauce. The bun is toasted, creating an ever better sandwich.

A favorite meal of farmers, a burger and onion rings.

Other fried foods include a wide selection of sandwiches including hamburgers and cheeseburgers, crispy or grilled chicken sandwiches, and Iowa’s specialty, breaded tenderloin sandwiches plus fish sandwiches, grilled cheese sandwiches, and Philly steak sandwiches.

Barney’s Bar & Grill has the largest selection of sides that I have ever seen in one restaurant. There are regular fries, seasoned fries, onion rings, sweet potato fries plus yellow and white cheese curds, chicken fries and strips, wing dings, mini tacos, cheese potatoes, pickle fries, mushrooms, breaded cauliflower, corn nuggets, fried green beans, mozzarella sticks, and jalapeño poppers bites.

Which sides are your favorites?

Living It Up Outdoors

The spacious outdoor patio offers visitors an opportunity to enjoy Iowa’s pleasant weather. What can be more enjoyable than sitting outside listening to live entertainment?

The atmosphere at Barney’s Bar and Grill is as comfortable, as well-worn clothes.

Since it is a small town bar, the chances of running into someone you know is a high probability. If it is your first visit, you will definitely find a local that will strike up a conversation with you.

Barney’s Bar and Grill is a safe place for their customers to hang out at.

Laura Ingalls Wilder

Another reason why Barney’s Bar & Grill is a must-visit establishment. Burr Oak has an important former resident, Laura Ingalls Wilder, and her family called Burr Oak home. The Ingalls family lived in Burr Oak from 1876-1877 and operated the Masters Hotel for one year before moving on. The Masters Hotel is the only childhood home of Laura Ingalls Wilder that remains on its original site. The hotel is listed on the National Register of Historical Places. Their stay was not included in the Little House series written by Laura and is referred to as “The Missing Link”.

Take a guided tour of the Master’s Hotel.

New to the park is a country schoolhouse moved from its former location in Burr Oak. School tours include a class in the schoolhouse.

A local family donated The Burr Oak Mercantile to the Laura Ingall’s Wilder Museum non-profit organization. The two-story building is scheduled to become the museum’s future office and visitor center.

Go Where the Locals Go!

Barney’s Bar & Grill is located at 3607 236th Ave, Burr Oak, IA. The establishment is open Monday through Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. They are closed on Sunday.

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