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
Organizer Marian Gavin
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
The Red, White, and Blue
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!
Photo Op!
Two balloons inflating
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!
Riders waving goodbye!
If you are asked to chase or go for a ride, don’t hesitate, say yes!
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.
They have everything you could want.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?
Large Outdoor Patio
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?
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.
Laura Ingalls Wilder Musuem Visitor Center and Gift Shop
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”.
Master’s Hotel
Take a guided tour of the Master’s Hotel.
A real country schoolhouse.
New to the park is a country schoolhouse moved from its former location in Burr Oak. School tours include a class in the schoolhouse.
Future project – Burr Oak Mercantile
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.
What is the Iowa state tree?
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.
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
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.
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.
