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A special section of the Olmsted/Fillmore County Journal's celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Root River Trail.
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By Jason SethrePublisher of the Fillmore County Journal andOlmsted County JournalCell phone: 507-251-5297 As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Root River Trail, I can’t help but to reflect on its significance. This is a bike trail unlike any others I have biked in states like W i s c on s i n , Illinois and even Colorado.
Life before the Trail My father, Terry Sethre, who grew up in Preston, one of the trail head towns, has shared many interesting stories about life in a small town with trains passing through on a regular basis. Back when he was a kid in the 1950s, there were so many trains coming through that most small towns had a depot. You can find these depots in some of the small towns, if you are paying attention during a drive or casual bike ride. Even the office of the Fill-more County Journal and Olmsted County Journal, locat-
ed in downtown Preston on the Courthouse Square, has a connection with the railroad. Our newspapers operate in a four story brick building that was built in 1896, originally named the Park Hotel. For 50 cents a night, with sixteen primitive rooms and a com-munal bathroom on each floor, this hotel was a packed house primarily serving people pass-ing through town on the train or working for the railroad sta-tion. Have you ever thought about what it would be like to ride in the box car of a train? Well, that’s what a lot of
the kids did back in the day. They’d hop on a train head-ing toward Harmony, hoping to catch a train heading back home to Preston. There was only one time when the boys weren’t paying attention and they ended up in Mabel. For-tunately, Mr. Dave Wilson gave them a car ride back to Preston. While my father will tell you he’d never try to catch a snake today, when he was a kid he and his buddies walked the railroad tracks with sticks in hand hoping to catch rattle
How the Root River Trail changed Southeast Minnesota
See TRAIL Page 5
Paralell Horse Trail
Horse trail being developed 2007
1/2007
Jason Sethre
Trail TownsFountain .............. Page 2
Preston ................. Page 3
Harmony........... Page 4-5
Lanesboro ........ Page 6-7
Whalan ................ Page 8
Peterson .............. Page 9
Rushford ............ Page 10
Houston ............. Page 11
Come Celebrate with us!
A Special Section of the Fillmore County Journal & Olmsted County Journal
Where you “meat” your friends!
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25th Anniversary Celebration Root River State Bike Trail
Free Coffee, Donuts, Trail Mix, and Museum Tours!
Sunday Morning Coffee Sept. 18th • 8am-Noon
Fillmore County History Center202 County 8 & Hwy 52
Fountain, MinnesotaJoin us in celebrating the bike trail !
The small town of Fountain, MN has a population of only 410 people, but it is known as the western gate-way to the Root River Trail, as well as the “Sink Hole Capital of the USA”. The trail was extended from Lanesboro to Fountain in 1993, and has since made a big difference in the town. A blacktop parking lot was built for people to park their vehicles while they ride or walk on the trail. The local businesses, especially restaurants like Los Gables, The Bent Wrench, and the Village Square, benefit from tourists passing through while they explore what the trail has to offer. A park area, which includes a playground and picnic tables, also gives families a chance to relax and enjoy the town. The second weekend in June every summer the town gathers together for a Trail Days celebration, complete with a parade and tractor pull. One of the biggest attractions to Fountain is the Fillmore County History Center. This museum not only has a collec-tion of items from the past, but a collection of old tractors as well. There is also a library of the genealogy of Fillmore County, which can be of great interest to people visiting, as well as the people who have lived in the county their entire lives. The weekend of September 17-18 is going to be a weekend of celebration, as towns along the trail com-memorate its 25th anniversary. In the city of Fountain, the Fillmore County History Center is celebrating by offering a Sunday morning coffee. On September 18 from 8am- 12 noon, there will be free coffee, donuts, Fountain’s very own Trail Mix, and museum tours, sponsored by the City of Fountain, Los Gables restau-rant, and the History Center. Be sure to stop in and help celebrate what the bike trail has done for the city.
Fountain - the Gateway to the Root River Trail
Intersection of Hwy 52 S & Hwy 80 • Fountain, MN
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Congratulations on the 25th Anniversary of the Root River Trail!
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Excitement is building as all 8 communities along the Root River State Trail system rev up to celebrate the trail’s 25th anniversary. Preston, and all of Fillmore County for that matter, has been positively impacted by the trail’s for-mation and existence. A Brief History Lesson: According to a May, 1993 front page news article in the “Republican-Leader”, a joint Harmony-Preston Valley Trail committee was formed in 1989. Key Preston individuals instrumental in trail devel-opment were Dick Nelson, David Joerg, Marc Sather, and Dale Wille. The Preston group started working on plans for three separate projects. The first was an inner-city trail running along the bank of the Root River in the city’s flood plain. The next phase would be connecting the trail from the Isinours Junction of the Root River Trail, which would then link to the Harmony-Preston Valley Trail. In the article, Preston trail representative, Dick Nelson, stated that eventually the group would like to see a trail leading out to Forestville State Park. Nelson spoke about this possibly being a trail with two separate lanes, one for horses and one for bikes, separated by a hedgerow. The Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail was completed in the fall of 1997 and is 18 miles long. Trail Benefits for Preston: Preston has experienced much growth in the leisure and hospitality industry as a result of the trail system. Prior to the trail, the Root River was greatly underutilized and one 12 room roadside hotel
Preston Pays Tribute to the Root River State Trail System
existed in the city limits. Once the trail was introduced, the JailHouse Inn B&B was established. The Country Trails Inn and Suites came next, followed by the Trail-head Inn and Suites. Last summer the Crestwood Coun-try Cabin was in business and in June of this year, two cabins were built on the Trailhead Inn and Suites prop-erty for Preston visitors. In a phone interview, JailHouse Innkeeper, Marc Sather stated that the trail system is the single element providing the economic engine to support these lodging businesses. Sather also made it clear that the JailHouse Inn would not be in business without the trail traffic coming into Preston. Bikers from as far away as Singapore, Copenhagen, Germany, and Norway have stayed at the JailHouse Inn specifically because of the exceptional trail system reputation in SE Minnesota. In 1985, approximately $45,000 in sales tax was col-lected in Fillmore County. Today, our county receives between $1.3 - $1.4 million in annual sales tax. Between 1989-1996 sales tax for lodging alone increased nine times over in Fillmore County. The leisure and hospital-ity industry, as a whole in Fillmore County, reported a 23% increase between 1998-2004. These numbers alone validate the trail system’s importance and definitely demonstrate that out of state tourists play a vital role in contributing to our area’s economic health and growth. As a result of the Root River State Trail system, Preston has further embraced visitors by developing the Trailhead
Park area and add-ing new playground equipment in that location. The Milwau-kee Elevator restora-tion project, under the direction of the Pres-ton Historical Society, has been a wonderful addition to the Pres-ton Trailhead complex area. With increased recreational traffic on the Root River, trout fishing activity is also on the rise. As a result, the National Trout Center has been established in Preston celebrating our fine cold water streams and exceptional trout fishing. Three fish shaped bike racks were placed in Preston in May which portray the importance of both bik-ing and fishing as major recreational resources for Preston. Many of us know at least one person who has moved to our area because of its beauty, charm, friendly people, and because of its many unique outdoor recreational opportuni-ties. Preston pays tribute to the Root River State Trail sys-tem for the improved quality of life it has helped to provide for the community.
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With the establishment of the Root River Trail in SE Minnesota, some wise people in Harmony rec-ognized the value in extending the trail system to Harmony, and established the Harmony Trail Com-mission in 1989. Working with Preston, the Harmony-Preston Valley Trail Commission was established. The Harmony - Preston Valley State Trail, part of the Root River Trail System, was completed in the fall of 1997, with the ribbon cutting in the spring of 1998. This new trail section is 18 miles in length from Harmony to Preston and connects to the Root River Trail at Isinours Junction between Fountain and Lanesboro. Over the years, Harmony has made several changes to accommodate visitors and enhance the trail user’s experience using guidance from the Governor’s Design Team. A major part of improving the trail experience was the development of wonderful Trailhead Park in Harmony. This new park includes a significant park-ing area as well as a large amount of green space with many trees planted to beautify the park. The Harmony Visitor Center was moved to the trailhead area, a new gazebo/shelter was built and improvements were made
to the restrooms to better accommodate visitors. The Harmony Lions Club built a great playground area at the site, and has just recently completed a 9-hole Disk Golf Course providing additional recreational opportunities at the trailhead. The Harmony Area Historical Society has created an Interpretive Room at the Visitor Center, created an Interpretive Karst Geology site on the Bike Trail and supported the cre-ation of a life sized Hobo Camp at the Trailhead Park by woodcarver Slim Maroushek. The Harmony Area Chamber of Commerce, The City of Harmony, and the Historical Society are now looking at improve-ments to the Visitor Center to better serve the public. The early promoters of the trail development fore-saw the economic and recreational opportunities the trail extension would provide. Harmony has long been a tourist destination with the development of Niagara Cave in the twenties, and tourism was expanded with the introduction of Amish Tours in the seventies. The extension of the trail system has further expanded tourism opportunities in Harmony. Growing tourism helps diversify Harmony’s
Harmony celebrates benefits of the Harmony-Preston Valley Trail
See HARMONY Page 5
September 2011 FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL/OLMSTED COUNTY JOURNAL Page 5
See TRAIL Page 7
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HARMONY Continued from Page 4economy and is an investment for the future. The impact of the trail is apparent by noting the amount of bikes in town on any given day; either parked at the trailhead, in front of businesses or racked on cars, even when it’s raining. Over the years we have seen the expansion of established businesses and new businesses that cater directly to visitors. The economic benefit is obvious for businesses that directly deal with visi-tors, but all of Harmony’s businesses benefit indirectly from local purchases as a result of these new business ventures and families that move here. There is renewed interest in extending the trail from Harmony to other trail segments in the area which could provide another economic boost to the town.
the communities at-large, there was quite a bit of resist-ence relating to the idea of the DNR spending the public’s money on a trail. People who voiced their con-cerns felt that no one would use the trail. Many farmers, landowners and most busins-ses were against the idea. Lanesboro was the only town in favor of the Root River Trail construction at that time. Eventually, the idea for the Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail became more concrete when the two towns formed a joint powers board that pur-chased the land in 1985 and sold it to the DNR that same year. As support grew for the Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail, the DNR held two pub-lic meetings in which there was little debate or concern. Essentially, most businesses were in favor of the trail along with the majority of the land-owners. Parking was the pri-mary concern, so parking lots were constructed in Harmony in 1990 and in Preston in 1995. In 1985, the Lanesboro to Isinours Foresty Unit was paved. Another mile east of Fountain was paved in 1987. Lanesboro to Rushford was paved in 1988. The trail was
TRAILContinued from Page 1
snakes. At that time, a man in Pres-ton paid good money for snake skin and the meat of a snake. Somehow my father lived to tell about it, so he must be a pretty good snake handler. Or, maybe that’s just a really good story.
The catalyst for change Eventually, railroad compa-nies began to decommission rails serving small towns like Preston with the last train run-ning in 1978. So, with miles and miles of railroads serving no purpose to each of the towns along the current Root River Trail, this area was ripe for an opportu-nity that would come with the passing of a Minnesota state mandate called the Outdoor Recreation Act of 1975. The mandate of the ORA was to make available to Min-nesotans the abundant oppor-tunities for outdoor recreation. The idea actually came from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in the mid-1970’s. With no more trains running on the rail by the end of 1978, the DNR acquitted the right of way in 1981. Throughout the entire plan-ning and meeting stages with
extended another mile to the city of Fountain in 1993, and another 5.8 miles was added between Rushford and Money Creek Woods in 1994. By the end of 1995, a mas-terpiece known as the Root River and Harmony-Preston Valley State Trails were ready for cyclists. This entire project wasn’t cheap by any means. With the trail blacktop spanning eight feet wide and ranging up to 2-1/2 inches thick, the cost to pave the Root River Trail amounted to roughly $40,000 to $50,000 per mile. By the time the Harmony-Preston Valley State Trails were paved, that cost shot up to $80,000 per mile sections built on old railroad grade, and $100,000 per mile for sections built on non-railroad grade. With a total of over 60 miles on both trails, the cost of having the best bike trails in Southeast Minnesota does come with a price tag.
By the numbers So, how do the two trail systems impact the economic landscape of the trail towns and Southeast Minnesota? Well, for starters, an esti-mated 200,000 visitors come to use the trails from outside of the area every year.
A life-size wood carved hobo camp is located at the Harmony-Preston Trail head in Harmony, not far from the old railroad depot. The camp was created by Stanley “Slim” Maroushek of Slim’s Woodshed in Harmo-ny to com-memora te the life of hobos who t r a v e l l e d the rails throughout A m e r i c a , often in pursuit of work and adventure. Fol lowing the open road, hobos would travel from town to town often stopping long enough to work for a meal. Consisting mainly of men, it wasn’t unusual to have women travelling the rails as well. Resourceful, self-reliant and independent, hobo culture included wood carving, story-telling, song-writing and hobo markings - simple pictographs
left on the side of buildings to communicate with like-minded travelers. The center of life was the hobo camp, which was located wherever it was most convenient, usual-ly close to the railroad track.
H o b o s were often known by their color-ful nick-n a m e s , such as the hobo’s depicted at the Harmo-ny camp: O k l a h o -ma Oscar, H a r m o n y H a n k , Sleepy Slim, H a n d b a g H a t t i e ,
Preacher, Steamtrain Satch and Dawg. The railroad came to Har-mony in 1879 and remained an integral part of the com-munity until 1977, when the rails and ties were removed. An interpretive sign detail-ing life at the hobo camp has been provided by the Harmo-ny Area Historical Society.
Hobo Camp depicts “Life Along the Rails”
708 Parkway Avenue South • Lanesboro, MN 559491-800-944-2158 or Local - 507-467-2158
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By Julie Kiehne, Lanesboro Chamber of Commerce Minnesota’s premier recreational trail, the Root River State Bike Trail System meanders through scenic Southeastern MN amid 300-foot limestone bluffs and along the peaceful Root River. The trail system boasts over 60 miles of paved surface and attracts thousands of outdoor enthusiasts each season.
Enjoy the Cadillac of Trails! Lanesboro, Minnesota is a thriving community of 750 that has become a destination for hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. First settled in 1856, the little town in the Root River Valley had grown into a busy mill town by the mid-1870’s, when most of the downtown commercial district seen today was built. Less than 100 years later, however, most historic build-ings were in disrepair, storefronts were boarded up and the theatre was dark. One could literally fire a cannon down the main street and not hit a soul. The last straw came when the Milwaukee Railroad, which had closed its route through Lanesboro, sold the old depot to a private individual who tore it down - seemingly while the townspeople slept.
The demolition of the depot was the unexpected catalyst for a group of citizens to form a volunteer task force for cultural and commercial revitalization. Gain-ing support by knocking on doors and holding town meetings, they began the revitalization process. City government, local nonprofit organizations, and private individuals created a collaborative plan focusing on natural resources, the arts, and historic preservation to bring back main street. In 1985, the entire downtown district joined the National Register of Historic Places. On the arts front, music, literary, film, comedy and theater events are held year-round in the Historic St. Mane Theater. Lanesboro is home to the nationally know Commonweal Theatre Company, a professional non-profit theater company hosting visitors 10 months of the year. The Lanesboro Arts Center features 80+ regional and nationally-acclaimed artists in the exhi-bition and juried sales galleries. The local history museum adds to Lanesboro’s cultural renaissance. In 1989, the asphalt bike trail was completed on the path of the vacated railroad bed. Tourism develop-ment followed, and
25 years of biking at its best!
See LANESBORO Page 7
September 2011 FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL/OLMSTED COUNTY JOURNAL Page 7
See TRAIL Page 8
507-467-2154 101 Parkway Ave. N., Lanesboro, MN 55949www.mrsbsinn.com • [email protected]
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LANESBORO Continued from Page 6
the pace of change ensued. Now, Lanesboro is recog-nized as the Bed & Breakfast Capital of Minnesota with 15 licensed B&Bs. Visitors love the slower pace of life without chain stores, fast food franchises, or stop lights. The quaint town site offers invigorating outdoor adventures, breathtaking views, rich artistic and cul-tural experience, unique shopping, locally grown foods, and fine dining. As the Rhubarb Capital of Minnesota,
Lanesboro holds an annual Rhubarb Festival and other celebrations like Art in the Park, Buffalo Bill Days, and a Holiday Inn Tour. In Lanesboro, the arts flourish, tourism thrives, agri-culture continues to be sustainable, and the local school is still independent. The “Great American Main Street Award” crowns the recognition Lanesboro continues to receive. Outside Magazine featured Lanesboro, Min-
nesota as one of the 20 Best Dream Towns in America to live and play! Lanesboro was named one of America’s Prettiest Towns by Yahoo! Travel / Forbes Traveler for scenic beauty and small town charm. In 2011, Minne-sota Monthly Magazine noted Lanesboro as one of 10 Small Town Weekend Trips in Hidden Minnesota! For more information contact the Lanesboro Visitor Center at 800-944-2670 www.lanesboro.com.
TRAILContinued from Page 5
At the opening of the Root River State Trail in 1986, the gross lodging sales tax was $176,054. In 2009, the most current statistics available, Fill-more County saw a gross lodg-ing sales tax of $4.9 million. In addition, amusement, rec-reation, accomodations and food services have seen expo-nential growth.
According to research con-ducted by the DNR, the total spending by trail users in 2009 amounted to $2,276,986 com-pared to $1,524,000 in 2000. Reports indicate that 59 per-cent of the trail users are adults age 41 to 65. Ninety-three percent of the visitors riding on the trails indi-cated that the thing they liked most about the trails related to scenery, wildlife, and the quiet and peaceful environment.
Beyond the numbers Without a doubt, the quality of life in Fillmore and Hous-ton counties, along with all surrounding counties has been positively impacted by the con-struction of the Root River and Harmony-Preston Valley Trails. Dating back to my earlier years attending Mayo Senior High School, my best friend and neighbor who lived two doors down from our house was an avid cyclist. As a mat-
ter of fact, his entire family frequented the Root River Trail nearly every weekend. One particular Saturday, his parents invited me along for the trek down to Lanesboro, and I had my first taste of biking the trail at the age of 15. Growing up in Roches-ter riding around town in the urban setting, this was quite an eye-opener. Along the way, I encountered something I had never seen during my outings
in Rochester. A cow had some-how escaped the barnyard of a nearby farm and made her way on to the trail. She didn’t move. She just stood there looking at us as we biked around her. I haven’t ever seen a cow on the trail again, but it was certainly memorable. It gave us some-thing to talk about during the car ride home. From that point forward, I really became hooked on
Page 8 FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL/OLMSTED COUNTY JOURNAL September 2011
TRAILContinued from Page 7
Ernie’s 1917 Station
RestoRed FILLING stAtIoN
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Located on the Root River Trail 4 1/2 minutes East of Lanesboro on Hwy 16
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You-Pick Strawberries in June
DOC’S AUTO BODY & REPAIRCelebrates the
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Whalan, a charming 19th Century village nestled in a valley surrounded by limestone bluffs. Here you will find the world famous pie shop, Ernie’s 1917 filling sta-tion (non-operational), family style cabin lodging, mini golf, tube and kayak rentals. With a population of 64, Whalan is the smallest town along the trail. The town provides excellent access to the Root River Trail and
Whalan offers small town hospitality at its best!nearby recreational activities. Situated at the mid-way point between Fountain and Rushford on the Root River Trail, Whalan affords the biker and hiker with green areas and shelters that are ideal for picnicking or as resting spots before continuing on one’s journey. Whalan is well known for its Stand Still Parade, fea-tured on CBS Television. Held on the third Saturday in May, the parade features a moving audience while floats and color guards stand still. This day-long celebration also includes live music, ethnic foods and many other activities. Large crowds are drawn to Whalan over the
July 4th weekend when they host their annual three day, three state Fast Pitch Softball Tournament. One of the more well known trout streams in South-east Minnesota runs a few miles out of Whalan along Gribben Valley. A beautiful drive along this valley takes one to the town of Highland. Once a major stage coach stop for travel among cities in the area, historic Highland serves as an agricultural gathering point for farmers in the area. The Highland Store, a 100 year old general store, carries everything from groceries to nuts and bolts.
cycling -- and specifically on the Root River Trail. My friend, Alex, and I would bike the Root River Trail nearly every Saturday morning, usu-ally striving to bike from one end to the other and back. Eventually, we trained hard enough to prepare ourselves for our very first centurion, which is a 100 mile bike race. We weren’t aiming to win the race. Our first year, we just wanted to see if we could finish it. Well, we did finish the race every year for seven consecu-tive years. While living in Rochester, I came to realize there was no better biking than on the Root River Trail. By the way, that buddy of mine who I trained with for centurions eventually became the best man in my wedding. Now that my wife and I are raising our two children
within walking distance of the Fountain trail head, our family uses the trail on a weekly basis. Whether going for bike rides or evening walks, the trail sys-tem provides so many opportu-nities to slow down and enjoy life. As an active runner, and a member of an un-official run-ning club in Fillmore County, I have also used the trail sys-tem to organize a 10.3 mile run for Thanksgiving morning called “The Turkey Day Run.” Our group will be approach-ing our third year this coming Thanksgiving. This is not a sanctioned race. It’s more of a fun and casual run. Preston even has a group of people coming up from Iowa to celebrate an event at the end of October they call “The Pump-kin Ride.” It’s not a sanctioned race either, but it sure attracts a crowd near and far. There are so many people coming up from Iowa to bike the trails that we sometimes
take for granted how good we have it. I was recently mak-ing small talk with a couple from Iowa who were enjoying a weekend stay in Lanesboro, and they said they were amazed that there was no cost to ride bikes on the Root River and Harmony-Preston Valley Trails. I didn’t realize that cyclists have to pay a fee in Iowa to use their bike trails. It seems to me that people in the region, a geography that continues to grow beyond the tri-state area, find ways to use the trail system to bring people together for fun and exercise, probably to the extent that the DNR and locals who pushed for making this trail a reality could have never imagined.
As I look around... As you travel through each of these trail town communities presented in this special com-memorative section celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Root River and Harmony-Pres-ton Valley Trails, you might
be surprised to see such active business communities. All of the businesses appear-ing on the pages of each trail town in this special section see the value and vitality of the trail system. That’s why they supported this section being printed and distributed in 74,000 copies of the Fillmore County Journal and Olmsted County Journal. They want to invite everyone in the region to come celebrate this event dur-ing the weekend of September 16, 17 and 18. Over the past 25 years, the trails have given new life to each of these communities, sparking opportunities to develop sus-tainable businesses revolving around tourism. As the charm and scenery of small town America continues to become a desired escape from the fast pace life of the big city, the trail towns of Fountain, Preston, Harmony, Lanesboro, Whalan, Peterson, Rushford, and Houston have
become nationally renowned tourism destinations. I often think to myself what would not exist in these com-munities if it were not for the appeal of the trails. Theatres, art centers, fine dining, historic B & B’s and upscale cabins, and Amish tours -- just to name a few. And, because of the attrac-tion to the trails, families have discovered the Root River. Whether canoeing, kayaking, tubing or fishing, the combina-tion of the river and the trail presents an opportunity for people to step away from their cell phones, laptops, and long days on the job, and simply relax with family and friends amongst the natural beauty of Historic Bluff Country. As we approach the 25th anniversary of the trail system, the residents and business own-ers of our trail towns invite everyone to celebrate this event together.
A HIDDEN TREASURE NESTLED IN THE BLUFFS OF SOUTHEAST MINNESOTA
PO Box is 94118 Fillmore StreetPeterson, MN 55962
(507) 875-2222 www.petersonmn.org
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507-875-2247427 Mill St. • PO Box 27Peterson, MN 55962
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507-875-2231 JIMCELL 507-458-2494CELL 507-450-4743 Peterson, MN
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Rushford, MN
Saturday, September 17 is going to be a day of cel-ebration for every town along the Root River Trail in Fillmore County. The small town of Peterson is no exception. Peterson will offer a fascinating view of the farm life and wildlife in our region with live Country Western Music by Highway 30 as your background. There will be farm animals and wildlife, and even a sheep shearing demonstration. Eagles from the Wabasha National Eagle Center will be there from 3-5 pm, as well as snakes from the region. You can tour a feed mill, visit a prairie, or ride to the museum in an authentic Amish double buggy. And if you are hungry, Peterson will have food, refreshments, and a farmer’s market. The bike trail started in Lanesboro about 25 years ago, but it did not arrive in Peterson until 1989. Since that time several businesses have been added.In 1988, Barry Erickson purchased the old hotel
building in Peterson with the intent of making apartments out of it, but when the bike trail came through town he decided to refurbish the building into a bed and breakfast, the “Wenneson Hotel.” In 1998 he developed an additional building; it was purchased by Jim and Chris Whitlock in 1999 and is now known as “The Crossing B&B”. In 1989 Dick Lee opened Dick’s Pop Shop near the bike trail selling pop, candy and t-shirts. He operated the business for several years before retir-ing. The City has developed a small campground near the school’s athletic field. There is also a playground and a pavilion at this location next to the trail. The Peterson Station Museum was moved to its location on main street in 1973. This glimpse into the past is largely due to the efforts of John Erick-son, a Peterson native. In addition to the old railroad depot, a new museum building was added in 2000 to
Peterson celebrates farm life and wildlife along the Root River Trail
house the large collection of Peterson area items and information. In 2000, Terry and Cindy Highum refurbished an apartment building in Peterson into a hotel, “Gene-va’s Hideaway”, with two-bedroom suites for rent. In 2001 they started Geneva’s Canoe/Tube/Kayak rental, as well as opening a small ice cream shop. Judy’s Country Cafe has been around for several years and they get a lot of traffic off the bike trail. The restaurant features good home-cooked food, including some very nice pies. Although many people were hesitant about letting the bike trail go through their towns, it turned out 25 years later to be a helpful addition to the com-munity.
Just Off the Trail on Bluffview Road, Rushford, MNNorth side of Bluffview Campground
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As the Trail Town Group prepared for the 25th Anni-versary of the Root River Bike Trail over the last several months, there was a consistent observation – gratitude and appreciation for those pioneers that found a way to re-purpose those railways to bike trails! The Root River Bike Trail provides an extension to the outdoors for the Rushford area residents and has become another connection to our sister trail towns. The Rushford CBD appreciates all of the travelers that come through our town; whether it is for a bite to eat or find a
place to rest their heads, Rushford is blessed with return-ing visitors. The specific economic impact is hard to measure but there is definitely a financial benefit to the Rushford area businesses. The other significant benefit is to the area residents who utilize the trail on a daily or weekly basis – all year round. The quality of life is enhanced with such a wonderful trail like the Root River Bike Trail. The Root River Bike Trail exposes the natural beauty of the tranquil Root River Valley – observing a group
Come for a stay in Rushfordof wild turkeys looking for their morning breakfast or listening to the soft rustling of the leaves in the breeze – this re-connects you back to what is important – simply put ~ NATURE! Our Historic Depot serves a double purpose – 1.) wel-coming our visitors and 2.) revealing the history and jour-ney of how Rushford came to be on that cold Christmas Eve in the mid 1800’s. The stories of why settlers chose to start a community here and how our ancestors rose to the challenges, are an inspiration to current and future generations. Everyone should see those stories unfold in the Rushford Historic Depot. One of the most extraordinary experiences is the breathtaking views from Magelssen Bluff City park; it is something that everyone should have on their “bucket list” of things to witness in person. The City of Rushford is working on a new City trail that will connect to the Root River Bike Trail on the east side of Rushford and wrap around and connect to the Magelssen Bluff walking trails – watch for details later this Fall (2011). Our communities (Rushford, Rushford Village and Peterson) are blessed to be nestled in an area that has become the showcase for so many wonderful travelers; these travelers just may become part of the landscape someday ~ by re-locating to the most beautiful area in the Midwest.
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115 East CedarP.O. Box 708, Houston, MN 55943
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Alpine NurseryJT’s Corner Bar & Grill
Phone: 507-896-3232E-mail:[email protected]
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Happy Hour Monday - Thursday
Steak & Shrimp Dinners Wednesdays ~ 10am-10pm
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101 E. Maple Street P.O. Box 547
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Phone: 507-896-3234Fax: 507-896-3643
[email protected] West Maple Street
PO Box 667Houston, MN 55943
At the very end of the Root River State Bike Trail, nestled into the Bluff Country of Southeast Min-nesota, is the town of Houston. It’s not a large town, with a population of just fewer than 1,000 people, but it has a lot to offer.
The bike trail did not extend to Houston until November of 1999. When it came, it brought a lot of changes, and a lot more visitors. Bicyclist and tourists utilizing the trail stop in Houston to eat at one of the four restaurants, camp, shop, and visit the Houston Nature Center. According to Director Karla Bloem, the vast majority of people who visit the Nature Center come from the trail. The Houston Nature Center is where Alice the Great Horned Owl lives, and the center offers children and adults many things to see, as well as many educational programs. The Nature Center is also visible off Highway 76. There is a band shell where performances are held Wednesday nights. Several weddings have even been held in the beautiful, scenic area. There are many plans for the future of the Nature Center, including a natural playground built right into the terrain, and a National Owl Center. The sign as you drive into Houston reads, “The Best of Bluff Country,” and it seems many visitors
Houston - The End of the Trailmight agree. The bluffs, hiking, camping, eating, Bed and Breakfasts, and the Nature Center all offer anyone visiting a good time. Another offering that is unique to Houston is the shuttle service. Bloem explained it is on a volunteer basis, and helps raise money for the Nature Center. The volunteer meets people at the Nature Center, who then gets in the car with the visitor and rides with them to the place they want to start out on the trail. The volunteer then drives the vehicle back to the Nature Center. When the people bike the trail or canoe in the water and return to Houston, their vehicle is there waiting for them. A fee is charged depending on how far away they go. For the 25th anniversary of the Root River State Bike Trail, Houston will be celebrating on Sunday, September 18. An outdoor church service will be followed by food, music, games, and entertainment for the whole family. Alice the Great Horned Owl will be there, and the Nature Center will be open to everyone.
The Root River State Bike Trail is marking its
25th Anniversary!Come celebrate a quarter-century of the
trail’s existence. Experience trail-wide events September 16 - 18.
food • music• art • wildlife • farm animals • fitness • family fun
Minnesota
Come & Celebrate 25 Years of Biking at its Best!
www.lanesboro.com
Trail Anniversary ReceptionFriday, September 16 • 4-6pmLanesboro Historical Museum Deck
Ice Cream Social FREE
The Irish Minstrels performing music that is most dear to our hearts... foot- stomping, hand-clapping sing-a-longs, sea shanties, rollicking fiddle tunes, and beautiful ballads of the Irish genre.
Bicycle Safety & Family FunSaturday, Sept. 17 • 1-3pm
Downtown Whalan• Spin the Wheel of Safety & win a prize• FC Dairy Princesses passing out cheese sticks• Antique bicycle display• Drawing for bike helmet• Live music- The Bandanas
• Food available - 10 - 3pm (free popcorn)• Apple Bobbing, Apple Tasting, & Apples with caramel• Free Helmet Check, Bicycle Safety info. booth• Nanny Giggles the Clown
Whalan American Legion
Houston’sFall Family Festival
Sunday, September 18 • 10:00am - 2:00pm
Trail Head Park10:00am Outdoor Church Service
Food Music & GamesSee Alice the Great Horned Owl
FountainSunday Morning CoFFee SoCialSunday, Sept. 18, 8am- noonFillmore County History CenterMuseum open for tours202 Cty rd 8, Fountain CoFFee • JuiCe • Water Donuts • Fountain trail mix
A fascinating exhibit at the Fillmore County History Center in Fountain features the story of
a boy, his bike and a hardware store.
Saturday, September 17th
8- 10:30am - Cub Scout sponsored Pancake Breakfast United Methodist Church10-4 - National Trout Center activity/demo10am - Chicken BBQ Dinner, Servicemen’s Club10:30am - 12:30pm Country Music Entertainer, Janine Sherry performs at the Servicemen’s Club11am- Farmers Market at the Trailhead5-7pm - Picnic at the Pines, Forestville State Trail8pm - Preston’s annual Firemen’s Dance, Servicemen’s Club
Peterson celebrates farm life and wildlife along the
Root River TrailSaturday, September 17th, 3-7pm
3-6pm Bluff Country Snakes3-5pm Sheep Shearing Demonstration3-7pm Trout Tank from Peterson State Fish Hatchery3-5pm Eagle from Wabasha National Eagle Center
Amish double buggy rides • 4H & FFA animals • Farmers Market Country Western Music- Highway 30 • Hamburgers by Cattlemen
Trout, Trails, Talent & Treats
