Category: The Driftless Region

The driftless region of NE Iowa, SE Minnesota, SW Wisconsin, and NW Illinois

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Oneota Film Festival: The First Sign of Spring

Introduction

Oneota Film Festival, locally known as OFF, is unofficially recognized by the residents of Decorah, Iowa, as the first sign of spring.

Make plans, now, to attend the 2026 film festival. OFF is held the first full weekend in March. In 2026 it will held March 5 through March 8 in picturesque downtown Decorah.

The 2026 festival will introduce film enthusiasts to 60 plus documentaries that will be shown in seven unique venues throughout De!corah.

OFF’s mailing address is PO Box 15, Decorah, IA 52101, and their telephone number is 563-265-1646. For up-to-date information, please visit their website or Facebook page.

2026 OFF Traveling Film Festival Series

If you are anxiously waiting for spring, plan to attend the documentaries offered by OFF throughout the winter months in the surrounding communities of Spring Grove, Lansing, Cresco, Waukon, and Calmar. Visit oneotafilmfestival.org for up-to-date information on where, when, and what visit Oneota Film Festival or check back here. Pre-festival screenings are open to the public and free to attend, so there is no excuse not to attend. Following are the dates, times, and locations for this years traveling film festival series.

  1. “Mississippi Speed Record: An Epic Adventure on Sunday, January 11 at 2 p.m. in Lansing, Iowa at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church.
  2. On Sunday, January 18, at 2 p.m., head to Spring Grove, Minn., to see Without a Pedal: A Bicycle Film About Snowboarding at the Spring Grove Cinema.
  3. On Sunday, January 25 at 2 p.m. head to Pivo Brewery, Calmar, Iowa for a set of short films: Shoot, Shovel and Shut Up, Of Two Worlds, Castle Crisis, Nesting, and Dodgeball.
  4. The next showing is on Sunday, February 1 at 2 p.m. in Cresco, Iowa at the Cresco Theatre and Opera House, enjoy Track Guy Movie.
  5. The date for the last one has not been finalized yet but When Maharishi Came to Town will be shown in February at the Town Theatre in Waukon, Iowa. As soon as I know the date, I will update the article.

What Is A Documentary?

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”.

Documentaries are thought-provoking long and short films that force viewers to think outside the box. Documentaries may be about subject matters that you are familiar with or new topics you have never thought about.

They generate a range of emotions – sadness, laughter, surprise, excitement, relief, panic, anger, grief, shock, and others that leave viewers in a world of awe.

Documentaries force you to ask questions and encourage you to learn more.

Free Admission

Thanks to generous sponsors and donors, OFF has been a free event since its inception 16 years ago and continues to be a free event, making the event available to everyone.

There are costs to putting on a four-day event, so please consider becoming a member to support the festival. A bonus of becoming a member is that members are invited to VIP events throughout the year, plus members get to vote on their favorite film in the People’s Choice category.

Leadership

The year 2026 is the sixteenth year of the Oneota Film Festival. President Nancy Sojka leads a board of directors comprised of nine hard-working volunteers. The directors work year-round planning the next year’s festival. The board members are: Brenda Ramlo, Vice President and Volunteer Coordinator; Dennis Pottratz, Treasurer; Mo Valko, Secretary; Nick Zelenski; Nathan Dietzenbac; Alan Lerstrom; Laura Gentry; David Anderson; and Shannon Dallenbach-Durbin.

The festival employs a part-time creative director, Elise Skelenger, the organization’s only paid employee.

You will see the directors and Elise throughout the film festival. Stop and thank them for all their hard work.

Volunteers

OFF also recruits an army of volunteers who help throughout the event. One of the many benefits of volunteering is you get to see the films in addition to helping the film festival and the community. If you are interested in volunteering, visit oneotafilmfestival.org/volunteer to sign up. Volunteer positions needed are room managers, room hosts, doorkeepers, people movers for set-up and take-down, and greeters at the festival headquarters.

OFF volunteer, Deborah Bishop, introduces a film..

The Judges

The wide section of films will not disappoint as there is something for everyone, thanks to knowledgeable judges. The judges know their audience, and they understand 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.

With so many films to choose from, I recommend reading the descriptions of the films at least two times and maybe even more. The films are normally shown more than once, so attendees have a chance to watch all the films. If you want to make sure that you get to watch all the films you want it is important to have a schedule.

Venues

The films are shown at seven of Decorah’s popular historic venues that have all been given a new lease on life. Every location is unique and offers a different flavor, which adds to the enjoyment of the film festival.

This year’s venues include: Impact Coffee, Drift: Strength and Yoga Center, Hotel Winneshiek, T-Bocks Upstairs, Pulpit Rock Brewery, Vesterheim The Norwegian-American Museum, and ArtHaus.

Attendees may have a favorite venue and only attend the films at that venue, or they might want to watch a film at each venue to watch their favorite documentaries. What a great opportunity to get to experience Decorah, NE Iowa’s gem.

Make sure to arrive early if you want to get a front-row seat. A film festival is not like attending church where everyone sits in the back.

ArtHaus
T-Bock’s Upstairs
Drift: Strength and Yoga Center
All Vet’s Club, Post 1977
Hotel Winneshiek

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 eager volunteers ready to answer your questions arnd direct you to your favorite film.

Hotel Winneshiek

Friends and Family

OFF is the perfect time to hang out with old friends, meet new friends, and spend time with family.

New Friends
Old Friends
Old Friends
Old Friends

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, introducing you to the variety of tastes that are found in Winneshiek County. At Hotel Winneshiek, festival attendees can purchase adult beverages and take them upstairs to the Steyer Opera House. Tip: The margaritas are made just the way a margarita should be with orange juice and a salted rim. Don’t forget to generously tip the bartender as she does an excellent job and is an elementary school teacher during the day.

Orange juice is key to any good margarita.

Meet the Film Director(s)

Make sure to hang around after the films to talk with the film director(s), whether they are onsite or attending the festival virtually. OFF offers time where attendees can chat one-on-one with the directors, providing opportunities to ask questions, get the film’s backstory, and sometimes there will even be members of the cast available to talk to.

2024 Director
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, 2024 OFF.
Directors at the 2024 OFF.

Create Your Own Itinerary

It is recommended that you plan your itinerary before the start of the festival. In 2025, there are over 60 films being shown over four days. It is a sure bet that if you do not lay out your schedule you will be disappointed. Some of them are shown more than once and in different locations, so plan out your schedule and carry your itinerary with you.

The 2026 filme schedule will be made available online at oneotafilmfestival.org or pick up a schedule at the festival’s headquarters, Hotel Winneshiek.

OFF History

OFF History on Exhibit

2025 Walter Ordway Best Of The Fest Award Winners (The list of winners ill be updated closer to the film festival.)

Not sure which documentaries to watch? Keep an eye out for the judges’ awards. Awards are generally announced a week or two before the festival.

Presenting this year’s 2025 Walter Ordway Best of the Fest OFF award winners are:

  • Best of the Fest – Animation: Brambletown, directed by Eric Power.
  • Best of the Fest – Honorable Mention – Animation: Swimming with Wings, directed by Daphna Awadish Golan.
  • Best of the Fest – Narrative Short: Statistical Probabilities, directed by Ryan O’Leary.
  • Best of the Fest – Narrative Feature: Loren and Rose, directed by Russell Brown.
  • Best of the Fest – Narrative Feature: No Way Home, directed by Yousaf Ali Khan.
  • Best of the Fest – Honorable Mention – Narrative Feature: Home Free, directed by Avi Ronn Federgreen.
  • Best of the Fest – Honorable Mention – Narrative Short: Dignity directed by Pat Battistini
  • Best of the Fest – Honorable Mention – Narrative Short: What We Don’t Say (Lo Que No Nos Decimos, directed by Josep M. Perez Ballano.
  • Best of the Fest – Documentary Feature: Climbing Into Life: The Dierdre Wolownick Story, directed by Melissa J. Davey.
  • Best of the Fest – Honorable Mention – Documentary Feature: Pink Belt, directed by John McCrite.
  • Best of the Fest – Documentary Short: Moved by Waters, directed by Kelly Rundle.
  • Best of the Fest – Documentary Short: Light Painter, directed by Eric Schmidt.
  • Best of the Fest – Honorable Mention – Documentary Short: The Dolphin Dilemma, directed by Olivia Andrus-Drennan.
  • Best of the Fest – Experimental: Odyssea, directed by Mariah Steele.
  • Best of the Fest – Honorable Mention – Student Film: Spectrum of Consumption: A Conservation Story, directed by Colleen Kelley.
  • Best of the Fest Student Film: Black Balloons, directed Gal Attia.
  • Best of the Fest – Honorable Mention Student Film: Where the Heart Lies, directed by Brianna Chapman.

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.

Future Dates of the Oneota Film Festival

OFF makes it easy to plan for future festivals by posting the dates in advance.

  • March 4-7, 2027
  • March 2-5, 2028
  • March 1-4, 2029

Midwest Film Festivals

Now that you are hooked on film festivals, below is a list of film festivals that are recommended by myself and fellow travel bloggers. Follow the suggestions described in this article for any festival you attend, and you are guaranteed to enjoy your experience.

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Holiday Lights Make for a Magical Night

The Christmas season comes alive at the 22nd annual Holiday Lights display in scenic Decorah, Iowa.

Drive through the lighted display at Pulpit Rock Campground, 505 Pulpit Rock, Decorah, Iowa, throughout the holiday season from Thanksgiving to Christmas, and create new memories while enjoying over 70 light displays sponsored by area businesses and nonprofit organizations.

Visit nightly from November 26 through December 25 from 5-9:00 p.m.

Enjoy a visit with Santa Claus and have your picture taken with Santa during the Walk Through Night on November 25. He will also be visiting Holiday Lights on weekends through December 20. Bring your letters to mail to him. Santa promises to promptly reply to all letters.

Helping Services for Youth & Families

Holidays Lights, is Helping Services for Youth & Families major fundraiser of the year. The non-profit organization “has been providing children, teens, and adults with the skills and knowledge to bring about positive change in their own lives and in their communities” in Northeast Iowa.

Freewill donations benefit Helping Services for Youth & Families.

Gingerbread House
Ice Skating
Frosty the Snowman
Red and White Candy Cane
Thank You for Your Service

Holiday Lights Walk Through Night-November 25, 2026

Save the date, as you don’t want to miss the Holiday Lights Walk Through Night. The popular walk-through event is scheduled for Thanksgiving Eve, Wednesday, November 25, from 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. It is the only day that visitors can enjoy the light display on foot. An estimated 3,000 visitors enjoy the walk-through every year. Traditionally, the sky is clear, and the weather is pleasant, with some years even seeing snow on the ground, making it the perfect event to kick off the Christmas season with family and friends of all ages.

Stay warm with a bowl of soup. Visitors will enjoy a variety of soups prepared and donated by local restaurants. The yummy soups served in 2025 include: chicken noodle, chicken and rice, tomato basil, French onion, pumpkin and roasted sweet corn bisque, homemade chili, steak soup, and broccoli cheese.

There is even ice cream from the local ice cream shoppe, Sugar Bowl, to enjoy with cookies donated by area businesses and served by Girl Scouts.

Enjoy a cup of steaming hot chocolate or apple cider!

Other highlights include the live nativity scene, Christmas carolers, and a photo with Santa.

New this year! Pulpit Rock Road will be closed to all traffic starting at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 25, in Decorah, Iowa, for the Holiday Lights Walk Through Night.

For a list of tips to make your evening memorable, visit FAQ

Check out the parking map below to make your visit safe and enjoyable. Note: the map is from 2025.

Extend your visit with dinner at Twin Springs Supper Club and stay the night at Hotel Winneshiek when visiting Decorah.

Dinner at Twin Springs Supper Club

Made sure to make reservations! Your next stop is Twin Springs Supper Club. It is a light display all of its own. The supper club is located just minutes from the light display in the serene woods along the Twin Springs Trout Stream.

The food is as delicious as it looks, and a selection will satisfy any palate. The location and service will exceed your expectations. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.

Oh, so good! 8 oz. cedar roasted salmon covered with BBQ sauce and garlic aioli.
BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp made with four Tiger Prawns, Polashek’s bacon and sweet BBQ Sauce

The selection of wine at Twin Springs Supper Club is exceptional. Thanks to the owner, Roumel Reynon, who is an accomplished Sommelier. You can’t go wrong with a bottle of Gruet sparkling wine from New Mexico, the oldest wine producing region in the U.S.

They also offer a wide selection of specialty drinks, such as a Aloha-tini, Very Berry Martini, Chocoholic Martini, Peachy Keen, Burnt Orange Manhattan, Lemon Drop, Cosmo, Berry Mule, Prairie Mule, or Brandy Old Fashioned Sweet. Take your pick!

For up-to-date information and to review the menu, visit Twin Springs Supper Club. .

A Night at Hotel Winneshiek

End the evening at the Hotel Winn Bar, located in historic Hotel Winneshiek in downtown Decorah. Hotel Winn Bar features Iowa craft beers, including Decorah’s Toppling Goliath and Pulpit Rock. Make sure to try the appetizers as they are mouth-watering delicious.

Hotel Winneshiek feels like you have walked into a Hallmark Christmas story. The hospitality is five-star, and you will not be disappointed in the historic sleeping rooms. The hotel is decked out in its finest Christmas attire during the holiday season. A brightly lit Christmas tree takes center stage in the lobby, with garland and poinsettias adding to the festive atmosphere.

The holidays have always been special in Decorah.

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Where to Watch Firework Displays in the Driftless Region

Fourth of July fireworks displays are a big deal in the United States! According to Wallet Hub over 44% of Americans will attend a July 4th fireworks display in 2024. There are over 14,000 fireworks 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:

Brownsville, MN

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.

Hesper Nite Lite Fireworks

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.

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 on July 4. The parade starts promptly at 10:30 a.m. followed by a drive-thru chicken dinner at the town’s community center. The town’s fireworks show starts 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 rounding chorus of oohs, ahhs, and wows.

Harmony, MN

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 “rip roaring’ good time. Fireworks will go off at dusk (9:26 p.m.)

Ooh!
Wow!
Ahh!
Beautiful!

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.

Cresco, IA

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.

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!

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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?

Could this be Laura?

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

Millions of Fish Eggs

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

President Theodore Roosevelt

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

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.

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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.

Precious!

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.

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