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
Oneota Film Festival, locally known as OFF, is unofficially recognized by the residents of Decorah, Iowa, as the first sign of spring.
It is time to make plans to attend the 2025 film festival. OFF will be held March 6 through March 9 in the picturesque town of Decorah.
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 the films that will be shown, when they will be shown, what time they will be shown, and where they will be shown. Pre-festival screenings are open to the public and are free to attend, so there is no excuse not to attend.
The 2025 festival will introduce film enthusiasts to 60 documentaries that will be shown in seven unique venues throughout Decorah.
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 15 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 2025 is the fifteenth 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 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 your 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 selection of films shown each year at film festivals demonstrates the quality of festival’s judges. They 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.
Reading the descriptions of the films will help attendees decide which films they want to watch. The films are normally shown more than once, so attendees have a chance to watch all the films. If you want to watch all the films you must 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.
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 wants to sit in the back.
ArtHaus
T-Bock’s Upstairs
Drift: Strength and Yoga CenterAll Vet’s Club, Post 1977Hotel 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, or spend time with family.
New FriendsOld FriendsOld FriendsOld 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, saving precious time while 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.
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.
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.
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 5-8, 2026
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.
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.
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.
The holiday season comes alive at the annual Holiday Lights display. Drive through the lighted display at Pulpit Rock Campground, 505 Pulpit Rock, Decorah, IA, and relive your childhood memories. Enjoy over 100 lighted displays sponsored by area businesses and nonprofit organizations.
Save the date! The popular walk-through is scheduled for Wednesday, November 22, 2023. It is the only day that visitors to the display can enjoy the display on foot. In 2022, over 3,000 visitors enjoyed the walk-through. The sky was clear, and the temperature was pleasant for being outside; Holiday Lights is the perfect event for enjoying with family and friends of any age.
Visitors will enjoy the different soups prepared and donated by area restaurants. There is even ice cream from the local ice cream shoppe, Sugar Bowl, to enjoy as well as steaming hot chocolate and apple cider to keep attendees warm.
The drive-through starts the day after Thanksgiving and continues until Christmas Eve. Santa is available during the walk-through and on weekends to share your wish list with us and for photographs.
Twin Springs Supper Club
Twin Springs Supper Club
Your next stop! Decorah’s Twin Springs Supper Club is a light display of its own, with a menu fit for royalty and a world-class wine list.
The food looks spectacular, and the food is so good that it melts in your mouth. The location, service, and food will exceed your expectations. Reservations are recommended.
The selection of wine at Twin Springs Supper Club is exceptional. There are wines on the list that are not found on other wine lists in Decorah. Why? The owner, Roumel Reynon, is an accomplished Sommelier.
This wine connoisseur recommends a bottle of Gruet sparkling wine.
For up-to-date information and to check out the menu, visit https://www.facebook.com/twinspringssupperclub
Hotel Winneshiek feels like you are walking into a Hallmark Christmas story. The hospitality is five-star, and you will not be disappointed. 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 Christmas decorations adding to the festive atmosphere.
Enjoy the scenery of NE Iowa while visiting the art studies of NE Iowa talented and recognizable artists.
The NE Iowa Artists’ Studio Tour is just around the bend, Friday, September 30, Saturday, October 1, and Sunday October 2 all within 40 miles of Decorah. The studios are open from 10 – 5:00 a.m. and are free. This is a self-guided tour and don’t worry about getting lost as the signage is the best you will find of any tour. Pick up a map or download it from the event’s website, www.IowaArtTour.com.
35 artists at 27 locations are participating in this year’s tour. Confession time I have not been to all of them and some I have visited are no long participating because they have more or there have been other changes in their life. The biggest reason I have not been to all of them is because I tend to visit the artists I know and have developed a relationship with. That is no excuse so this year I am going to visit those artists I have never met.
