2018 Discover Guide - Gatehouse Media

E R O L P X E

Tatanka Bluffs 2018 Discover Guide

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What is the Best of the Best Tatanka Bluffs?

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M M U NIT Y’S Thousands of votes were cast in 2018 by readers to determine the excellence our area has to offer. The Best of Tatanka Bluffs lets you know how to make the very best of your time in our area. How were the winners decided? In the first round of voting readers could go online and nominate any business in the two county area they thought was outstanding in their category. In the second round, the top three businesses with the most nominations were sent back to our readers so they could decide who was THE BEST.

For more information on Best Of businesses, go to tatankabluffsdiscoverguide.com

Daily Specials Happy Hour Specials

Made from Scratch

We are a small chain of Rustic-American themed restaurants and sports bars with the goal of providing the highest quality homemade food to people in Minnesota. 110 Front St. • Redwood Falls • 507-616-1002 5014 Hwy. 212 SW • Montevideo • 320-269-9055 320 Cty. Rd 21 S • Glenwood • 320-334-3142 745 2nd Ave. N • Windom • 507-832-8070

duffysmn.com BOOK YOUR PARTIES and MEETINGS WITH US! tatankabluffsdiscoverguide.com

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Reader’s Award Winner for 2018 Find the BEST we have to offer!

BEST HEALTH AND BEAUTY BEST HAIR SALON • Hair Company Salon & Spa - Redwood Falls • Envyus - Wabasso • Creative Concepts - Redwood Falls

BEST HOSPITAL OR CLINIC • Redwood Area Hospital - Redwood Falls • ACMC - Redwood Falls • Renville County Hospital - Olivia

BEST FOOD AND DRINK BEST BURGER • Roadhouse Bar & Grill - Wabasso • Chumly’s Burger & Brew - Redwood Falls • Freedom Bar - Redwood Falls

BEST COCKTAILS • Plaza Garibaldi - Redwood Falls • Duffy’s Riverside Saloon - Redwood Falls • VFW - Redwood Falls

BEST LOCAL GYM • Redwood Area Community Center Redwood Falls • Fitness Center @ Wabasso School - Wabasso • Functional Fitness - Redwood Falls

BEST LOCAL MASSAGE

Parkview Senior Living Campus ADULT DAY SERVICES • PARKVIEW HOME PARKWOOD APARTMENTS

• Special Touch Massage & Spa - Redwood Falls • Mind, Body & Spirit Wellness Center - Redwood Falls • Mama's Massage - Morton

BEST PHARMACY • Sward Kemp Drug - Redwood Falls • Guidepoint Pharmacy - Redwood Falls • Walmart Pharmacy - Redwood Falls

BEST SENIOR LIVING • Garnette Gardens - Redwood Falls • Parkview Home - Belview • Sunwood Good Samaritan - Redwood Falls

BEST FOOD AND DRINK BEST APPETIZERS • Roadhouse Bar & Grill - Wabasso • Duffy’s Riverside Saloon - Redwood Falls • Grandview Valley Winery - Belview

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BEST FOOD AND DRINK

BEST LOCAL SHOPPING

BEST FOOD

BEST LOCAL PRODUCE

• Baune’s Catering - Wabasso

• Tersteeg’s - Redwood Falls

• Roadhouse Bar & Grill - Wabasso • Grandview Valley Winery - Belview

• Redwood Falls Farmers Market - Redwood Falls • Salfer’s Market - Wabasso

BEST LOCAL BAR

BEST PLACE for LOCAL DECOR

• Duffy’s Riverside Saloon - Redwood Falls • American Legion - Redwood Falls • VFW - Redwood Falls

• A&W Furniture - Redwood Falls

BEST LOCAL COFFEE

BEST LOCAL FASHION

• Caribou Coffee @ Jackpot Junction Hotel - Morton

• Laney Lu’s Boutique - Redwood Falls

• Tersteeg’s - Redwood Falls • Country Kitchen - Redwood Falls

BEST LOCAL WINERY • Grandview Valley Winery - Belview • Heaven’s Gate Winery - Belview

BEST PIZZA • Grandview Valley Winery - Belview • Pizza Ranch - Redwood Falls • Casey’s - Redwood Falls (2 locations)

BEST LOCAL SHOPPING

• Lights of Home - Redwood Falls • Connie’s Hallmark - Redwood Falls

• Shining Sisters Boutique - Redwood Falls • Walmart - Redwood Falls

BEST PLACE TO BUY A GIFT • Blossom Town - Redwood Falls • Connie’s Hallmark - Redwood Falls • Sward Kemp Drug - Redwood Falls

BEST PERSONAL SERVICES BEST AUTO REPAIR • Scott-Preusse - Redwood Falls • Larry’s Auto Repair - Redwood Falls • Southwest Sales & Service - Redwood Falls

BEST ANTIQUE SHOP • Junk With Purpose - Walnut Grove • Main Street Peddler - Lamberton • A&W Furniture - Redwood Falls

BEST LOCAL FURNITURE STORE • A&W Furniture - Redwood Falls • Larson’s Home Furnishings - Redwood Falls


Lower Sioux Health Care Center 39648 Reservation Highway 3 Morton MN 56270 507-697-8901

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BEST PERSONAL SERVICES BEST LOCAL BANK • Minnwest Bank - Redwood Falls • Wanda Bank - Wanda • Hometown Bank - Redwood Falls

BEST LOCAL FINANCIAL ADVISOR

BEST PERSONAL SERVICES BEST LOCAL PRIVATE OR RELIGIOUS SCHOOL • St. Anne’s - Wabasso • St. John’s Lutheran School - Redwood Falls • St. Michael’s - Morgan

• Ameriprise - Redwood Falls • Kerkhoff - Redwood Falls • Focus Financial - Redwood Falls

BEST LOCAL GAS STATION • Meadowland Farmers Coop - Wabasso • Casey’s - Redwood Falls • Tersteeg’s - Redwood Falls

BEST LOCAL INDUSTRY • Daktronics - Redwood Falls

CEDAR MOUNTAIN SCHOOLS District 2754

• Jonti-Craft - Wabasso • Schult Homes - Redwood Falls

BEST LOCAL INSURANCE COMPANY • Redwood County Farmer’s Mutual Insurance Company - Lamberton • Kaardal Insurance Agency - Redwood Falls • American Family Insurance, Tamara Brown Agency - Redwood Falls

BEST LOCAL PLACE OF WORSHIP • Gloria Dei Lutheran Church - Redwood Falls • St. Annes Church - Wabasso • St. John’s Lutheran Church - Redwood Falls

BEST LOCAL REALTOR • Valerie Stephens, Kerkhoff Real Estate Redwood Falls • Scenic City Realty - Redwood Falls • Danielle Haas, MN Lands & Homes Real Estate - Redwood Falls

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Cedar Mountain High School Morgan, MN • 507-249-5990 Grades Preschool, 6-12

Cedar Mountain Elementary School Franklin, MN • 507-557-2251 Grades Preschool-5

Cedar Mountain Cougar Cub Child Care Franklin, MN • 507-557-2254 Caring for children ages 6 weeks to Pre-K

• • MISSION • •

• • VISION • •

Visit us on Facebook or at www.cms.mntm.org tatankabluffsdiscoverguide.com

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BEST PERSONAL SERVICES BEST LOCAL PUBLIC OR CHARTER SCHOOL • Wabasso Public School - Wabasso • Redwood Area Schools - Redwood Falls • Cedar Mountain - Morgan & Franklin

BEST THINGS TO DO BEST CAMPING • Ramsey Park - Redwood Falls • Beaver Falls County Park - Morton • Birch Cooley County Park - Morton

BEST COMMUNITY CELEBRATION • Night Falls - Redwood Falls • Catfish Derby Days - Franklin • 4th of July Celebration - Morton

BEST CULTURAL EVENT

BEST THINGS TO DO BEST LOCAL MUSEUM • Gilfillan - Morgan • Redwood County Museum - Redwood Falls • Renville County Museum - Morton

BEST OUTDOOR ACTIVITY • Ramsey Park - Redwood Falls • Redwood Aquatic Center - Redwood Falls • Redwood Falls Sportsmen’s Club - Redwood Falls

BEST OUTDOOR PLAYGROUND • Ramsey Lower Shelter - Redwood Falls • Reede Gray Elementary School - Redwood Falls • Plum Creek County Park - Walnut Grove

BEST PLACE TO STAY • Jackpot Junction Casino & Hotel - Morton • Redwood Valley Lodge - Redwood Falls • The Vintage Inn Bed & Breakfast Redwood Falls

• Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant - Walnut Grove • Summer Splash - Redwood Falls • Lower Sioux Wacipi - Morton

BEST PLACE TO TAKE A DATE

BEST GOLF COURSE

• Duffy’s Riverside Saloon - Redwood Falls • American Legion - Redwood Falls

• Grandview Valley Winery - Belview

• Redwood Falls Golf Course - Redwood Falls • Farmers Golf & Health Club - Sanborn • Dacotah Ridge Golf Course - Morton

BEST SUMMER ACTIVITY • Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant - Walnut Grove

BEST HISTORIC SITE • Gilfillan - Morgan • Fort Ridgely State Park - Fairfax • Lower Sioux Historical Center - Morton

BEST LOCAL FARM TO TOUR • Gilfillan - Morgan

• Redwood Speedway - Redwood Falls • Strawberry Picking @ Hilltop Harvest Redwood Falls

BEST WINTER ACTIVITY • Fire & Ice - Redwood Falls • MN Valley Snowriders - Redwood Falls • Pheasants Forever Coyote Hunt - Redwood Falls

• Christensen Family Farm - Sleepy Eye • Northern Lights Lambs - Redwood Falls


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hot iron days in lamberton

sunrise on the redwood falls golf course

discover the lower sioux wacipi enjoy the culture of walnut grove

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relax with a picnic in a county park

take an adventure on hwy 14

morgan’s city and country days parade celebrate redwood falls parade


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Hist His istory tory ry of of our our area area 1805

The first land cession, known know as the Zebulon Pike treaty was signed between the U.S. Government and the Dakota. Zebulon persuaded persuade the Dakota to give up 100,000 acres at the mouth of the St. Croix and Minnesota river in exchange exchang for $200 worth of presents, some liquor, and $2,000 from the U.S. Senate. Dakota leaders were brought to Washington, D.C. D .C. to negotiate a settlement of their southern boundary boundary.. They hey were pressured into Mississippi ceding all of their landd east of the Mississippi. ss than the value for the They were given far less land in the form of a 20-year annuity and other incentives.

1849

Minnesota became a territory territo and Alexander Ramsey becomes the first territorial governor overnor of Minnesota. Ra Ramsey worked to persuade the Dakota to give up the rich prairie land of Southern Minnesota. Mi

Negotiations led by Ramsey and Henry Hastings-Sibley are signed between the U.S. government and the Dakota, ceding approximately 24-million acres. The treaties also called for setting up reservations on both the north and south sides of the Minnesota River, however, the Senate changed the treaties by eliminating the reservations, leaving the Dakota with no place to live. President Millard Fillmore agreed the Dakota could live on their reservation land until it was needed for a white settlement.

1853

1855

Redwood County Cou was established.

TTreaty reaty violations throughout the late 1850’ 1850’s made by the United States, including late and unfair annuity payments for the land they purchased from the Dakota lead to increasing hardship and hunger. TTraders raders refused to provide any more supplies on credit and demanded the government give ive the money directly to them. When the negotiations reached an impasse the Dakota attacked some traders’ stores and an agency building. This was the beginning of the U.S. Dakota War of 1862.

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1851

The lower Sioux Agency was established Renville County was as established. established

1862

1837

1862


1862 For orr several months battles continued between the and settlers, and later between the U.S. Dakota a rm . By December 1862, thousands of Dakota Army. Army e women, and children had been taken captive men, byy the army army.. After a trial, the greatest mass hanging a in America’ America’ss history saw the death of 38 Dakota a men in Mankato. The he rest of the Dakota were expelled from i Minnesota and the U.S. Congress abolished their s reservations.

1878

The first railroad connection in the Minnesota River Valley was completed, xtending to Redwood extending alls. Similar railways Falls. crossed the northern part of Renville County and the southern part of Redwood County County..

The current Lower Sioux (in Redwood County) was established and the Dakota people began returning to their traditional homelands.

1995

1890

The TTatanka atanka Bluffs Corridor vision for a “shared recreational landscape” has roots back to the mid 1990’s 990’s and the formation of the Waukon RIM organization in 1995. A coalition coa of outdoor recreation groups sponsored the organization of Waukon RIM to acquire and manage conservation properties for multiple outdoor recreational activities for the joint memberships of their organizations, the public at large and the generations that would follow in Redwood and Renville Counties.


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Tatanka Bluffs Communities By Joshua Dixon Redwood Gazette

Belview The town, first settled in 1877 got its name of Belview from the French for “pretty sight”. It celebrates Old SOD Days on the weekend of Sept. 15, 2018, named for the three oldest buildings in town: School, Odeon theater, and railway Depot. Call: 507-983-4335

Bird Island Named after a nearby wildlife sanctuary in 1878, Bird Island is still known for its natural attractions, including a community garden. It celebrates three citywide events: Island Days on June 13-17, 2018, Polka Fest Days at the Island Ballroom on the last weekend in June, and the Renville County Fair on August 8-10. Call: 320-365-3371

Buffalo Lake A favorite stopping place for horse-drawn wagons on their way west, Buffalo Lake today hosts the annual Buffalo Lake Days, set for July 16-21, 2018 with softball, volleyball, horseshoe

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tournaments, parades, dance, classic cars, a fireman’s breakfast, kiddy tractor pull, and lots of food and fun. Call: 320-833-2272

Clements Originally founded about a mile north of its current location, the budding town was moved to its present location in 1900 when founder Peter Clements found some nearby land available at a better deal. Clements is home to Joe Plotz Memorial Field, a popular site for just hanging out on a summer day. Call: 507-692-2264

Community Celebrations Part of what makes rural Minnesota one-of-a-kind are the myriad of community celebrations that happen each weekend in the summer, fall, and winter. Celebrating harvest, celebrating summer, celebrating our natural resources. For an online calendar of events, visit tatankabluffsdiscoverguide.com for more information. Our companion website also contains interactive maps, list of things to do, and everything you need to plan your trip to the Tatanka Bluffs area.

Danube This quiet, friendly community, named after the river in Europe, was the hometown of former NFL linebacker and pro wrestler Bob Bruggers. Danube Fun Days is an extended weekend with lots of traditional events taking

old sod days in belview


wacipi - lower sioux community - morton

place this year on July 11-15. Call: 320-826-2563

on July 27-29, 2018 for a weekend of festivities, tournaments of all kinds, and fishing contests. Call: 507-557-2259

Delhi Founded in 1884, and named after the city in India, residents of Delhi literally struck gold when flakes of it were discovered in a nearby lake – although not enough to make mining profitable. Today Delhi is a bedroom community to Redwood Falls, where most of its citizens are employed. Call: 507-641-2087

Fairfax Fairfax features a beautiful new library and a park system with a baseball field and grandstand complex, and a recreational trail that connects with Fort Ridgely State Park. The Days of Thunder celebration is set this year for June 21-24, 2018. Call: 507-426-7255

Franklin Franklin in the summertime is the place to see – and maybe catch – the most humongous catfish in the upper midwest. The town, named after Benjamin Franklin, celebrates Catfish Derby Days tatankabluffsdiscoverguide.com

Hector Hector, named after the warrior in Homer’s The Illiad, is home to the Trojans, who will be part of BLHSD all-school reunion on July 14, 2018. To celebrate the town’s anniversary, Hector’s annual Corn Chaff Days will be July 8-15, 2018. Call: 320-848-2122

Lamberton Lamberton, site of a University of Minnesota ag studies station, hosts Hot Iron Days on Sept. 8, 2018. It’s a unique opportunity to see and experiment with iron casting, blacksmithing, and various other events throughout the weekend. According to legend, the width of Lamberton’s streets was determined by how much room was needed for a covered wagon to turn around. Call: 507-752-7601

Lower Sioux Community Jackpot Junction Casino Hotel, the

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Lower Sioux Agency Historical Site, and annual Lower Sioux Community Wacipi – set for June 810, 2018 – bring hundreds of thousands of visitors to southwestern Minnesota ever year. Visit the historic site from Memorial Day through the first weekend in October. Call: 507-697-6321

Lucan Although most of the population is of German descent, Lucan was named after a town in Ireland. In fact, Lucan celebrates the southwestern Minnesota’s only annual St. Patrick’s Day parade. In recent years, Lucan has become a popular spot for visitors wanting fine dining and homegrown wines. Pretzel Days is set for June 8-9, 2018. Call: 507-747-2202

Morgan One of the agricultural hubs of the area, Morgan was named after noted anthropologist – and beaver expert – Lewis Henry Morgan. The town got its start in 1878 in a boxcar that served double duty as a post office and general store. Morgan hosts City and Country Days on June 16-17, 2018. Call: 507-249-3455

Morton Morton is famous for its quarry that produces a unique rainbow granite in demand by architects and landscapers all over the world. Today Morton hosts a variety of events throughout the year, such as the Spring Garden Party, Fourth of July / Firecracker Run, Scarecrow Festival, and Beneath the Village Wreath. Call: 507-752-7601

Milroy Milroy, named after Civil War Major General Robert H. Milroy, was founded in 1902 when the railroad needed a stop west of Wabasso. Today it is home to one of the most successful amateur baseball teams in Minnesota’s history, with 27 appearances in the state tournament since 1947. Milroy’s Fun Fest is set for August. Call: 507-336-2495

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Olivia Home to nine seed research facilities, Olivia has called itself “The Corn Capital of the World” since 1973, when it set up its 50-foot tall earof-corn monu-

Hiking, Paddling or Canoeing No need to travel up north to enjoy a day of canoeing, paddling, or hiking. When local rivers, such as the Minnesota, Cottonwood, and Redwood rivers, are at a safe level, they can be a fun place to get out and explore the water. Start off in Granite Falls and wind your way into Renville. This segment of the river is gentle, seldom interrupted by rapids. The area is also rich in Minnesota history, and offers some of the most impressive landscapes in southwestern Minnesota. There is a class 1 rapids at Patterson's Rapids near Renville County Park.


swayback bridge - alexander ramsey park - redwood falls

ment. Olivia celebrates Corn Capital Days July 28-29 with a free sweet corn dinner, and activities for the whole family. Call: 320-523-2361

Redwood Falls Redwood Falls, founded as a 100’ x 200’ frontier stockade in 1863, hosts the largest municipal park in Minnesota. Annual events include Nightfalls, Summer Splash, the Francois Haunted Hotel at Halloween, and bonfires on the lake during the Fire and Ice Festival. Call: 507-637-5755

about the British, Revere is a bedroom community to Redwood Falls, and is known for its ag-related businesses. Call: 507-752-7018

Sacred Heart Sacred Heart is one of the area’s oldest towns, settled by Norwegian immigrants in the 1860s. The town’s Summerfest runs July 20-22, with a street dance set for July 21. Visit Hawk Creek for canoeing, fishing, and kayaking. Call: 320-765-2559

Sanborn Renville Named after a French/Dakota explorer who served in the War of 1812, Renville is home to the world’s largest sugar beet processing plant. The community will celebrate Sugar Beet Days on June 6-10, 2018, along with the SMBSC – Sugar Beet annual 5-k run. Call: 320-329-8366

Sanborn, incorporated as a village in 1891, still has an actual sod house available as a bed-and-breakfast if you’re interested in the true pioneer spirit. If you’re looking for all the free watermelon you can eat, visit Watermelon Days on July 30 – Aug. 1, 2018, and stay for the parade and Watermelon Days Queen pageant. Memories of a Hometown Christmas will be held Dec. 8, 2018. Call: 507-648-3510

Revere Named after the famous midnight rider who warned American colonists tatankabluffsdiscoverguide.com

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Seaforth Originally called “Okawa” from the Ojibwe word for pike, Seaforth is known for being the home of an annual festival celebrating polka music and dance. Seaforth Hometown Days will be July 14-15, 2018, with co-ed softball, a fireman’s supper, street dances with polka bands, pedal tractor pulls, and a bean bag tournament. Call: 507-984-5678

Walnut Grove Walnut Grove, the most famous town in southwest Minnesota, is known worldwide as a childhood home of Laura Ingalls Wilder, and as the real life setting of the TV series Little House on the Prairie. In addition to the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum and Information Center, Walnut Grove hosts an annual pageant based on her years in Walnut Grove, set for July 6-7, 13-14, 20-21. Call: 507-859-2358

Vesta Vesta – named for the wife of the Redwood County blacksmith who sat on the board of commissioners – is home to the first electric co-op in the United States. Vesta hosts Vesta River Days on June 1-3, 2018. Join the Vesta Lions for their BBQ Chicken Dinner on July 18, 2018. Call: 507-762-3140

Wabasso Founded in 1889 and named for the Ojibwe word for rabbit, Wabasso is home to the Wabasso Summer Fest, which takes place in mid-June, includes live music, dancing, softball and baseball tournaments, threshing bees, carnival rides, and more. The Winterfest kicks off over the holidays on December 7, 2018. Call: 507-342-5519

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Wanda Wanda’s name is derived from the Ojibwe language for “forgetfulness”. The community has several parks, a community center, and the Willow Lake State Wildlife Management Area – a great site for the railroads to get water for their engines in the late 1800s. The Wanda Cracker Days Celebration will be held in August. Call: 507-29-8919

Hunting, Fishing & Wildlife Minnesota offers over 1,400 Wildlife Management areas, and there are scores of hunting areas located in our backyard. Cedar Mountain Coal Mine Creek Daub’s Lake Delhi WMA Dutch Charley Creek Beaver Falls Sacred Heart Tiger Lake Winfield Go to dnr.state.mn.us/wmas for more Wildlife Management Areas. For more hunting, fishing, and wildlife opportunities, contact the Redwood Falls Sportsmen's Club 507-430-7761


Camping in the Tatanka Bluffs Communities Alexander Ramsey Park 99 E Oak St, Redwood Falls, MN 56283 31 sites, open May-Oct 50 amp sites, water, toilets, showers, dump, firewood 507-644-2333

Beaver Falls County Park 31521 County Road 2, Morton, MN 56270 Fees charged for camping and shelter reservations. 320-523-3768

Birch Coulee Morton, MN 56270 Tent only, free campsites. No showers, no toilets. 320-523-3768

Fort Ridgely State Park 72158 Co Rd 30, Fairfax, MN 55332 25 sites, open Apr 1-Oct 20, Tents,15 electric only sites, tables, grill, water, toilets, showers, dump, firewood, trail, hike, horses. 507-426-7840

Gilfillan Estates 28269 MN-67, Morgan, MN 56266 30 sites, open May-Sep, All Ages, Tents, electric, 25 elec-water hookups, water, toilets, showers 507-249-2210


Jackpot Junction Casino Campground 39375 County Hwy 24, Morton, MN 56270 70 sites, open Apr 15 - Oct 15, RVs only. Full hookups, electric, internet, and more. 800-946-2274

Lake Allie Park 55314 Co Rd 24, Buffalo Lake, MN 55314 Shelter, restroom facilities, playground equipment, dock and fishing pier making it a popular destination for camping, fishing, water recreation, boat landings. 320-523-3768

Memorial Park Olivia, MN 56277 Open May-Sep. Memorial Park offers six primitive camping spots (no hookups), restrooms, and a dump station. First come, first serve, no reservations.

Skalbekken County Park 79257 Co Rd 10, Sacred Heart, MN 56285 Horse riding, camping, fishing, shelters, toilets, water. 320-523-3768

Vicksburg Park Co Park No 2, Renville, MN 56284 Camping, fishing, shelters, toilets, water. 320-523-3768

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things to do 1. Lower Sioux Wacipi First full weekend in June

2. Wilder Pageant Weekends July and August

park. Slides, diving pool, children’s pool area, and more. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day redwoodareacommunitycenter.com

fishderbydays

9. City and Country Days 3. Corn Capital Days Last week of July

4. Redwood County Fair July 11-18

5. Renville County Fair August 8-10

7. Sugar Beet Days June 6-10 Home of the largest Beet Cooperative in Minnesota, join Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative and Renville County in celebrating Sugar Beet Days. tatankabluffsdiscover guide.com

8. Catfish Derby Days

6. Redwood Aquatic Center Enjoy the area’s largest water

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July 27-29 Take part in one of southern Minnesota’s largest fishing tournaments held in Franklin, MN. Win prizes and see giant catfish like you’ve never seen before! Find them on Facebook @cat-

June 16-17 Ever been to a town when everyone celebrates all at once? City and Country Days in Morgan is a party unlike you’ve ever seen before! Find them on Facebook @citycountrydays

10. Alexander Ramsey Park Open year round Don’t miss the zoo, the hiking trails, playgrounds, and the beautiful waterfall that made the park famous. The largest municipal park in Minnesota! redwoodareacommunitycenter.com


Museums Belview Depot Museum 201 County Road 7 Belview, MN 56214 507-938-4335

In 1887 the Belview Depot became a regular station with a post office and a variety of other businesses, becoming a local commercial hub.

The history of Minnesota was enjoyed by millions in the TV Show Little House On The Prairie. Learn about the Ingalls family and enjoy the annual Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant. See the little red schoolhouse, an onion domed house and more.

10 2nd Ave SE, Fairfax, MN 55332 507-426-7919

Fort Ridgely Museum 72158 Co Rd 30, Fairfax, MN 55332 507-508-2848

Built in 1853 as a police station to keep peace as settlers poured into the former Dakota lands, it withstood several attacks in the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862 and became a training ground for Civil War recruits.

Gilfillan Museum 28269 MN-67, Morgan, MN 56266 507-249-2210

Historic home, museum, and site of the largest Farm Expo in the state. To schedule a tour, please call 507-249-2210 and leave a message.

Lucan Historical Depot Museum 406 1st St, Lucan, MN 56255 507-747-2535

Believed to be the last Railroad Depot of its kind it was moved to its current location to be used as a museum. Full of local memorabilia and included on the National Register of Historical Places.

Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum 330 8th St, Walnut Grove, MN 56180 507-859-2358


Renville County Museum 4441 N Park Dr, Morton, MN 56270 507-697-6147

Fairfax Depot Museum Serving as the local museum, it houses articles and relics from homes and businesses from around the area. It was built in 1833 and is now on the National Record of Historic Places.

scenes, general store, military room, doctor’s office, pioneer tools, wildlife rooms, Native American artifacts, music room, toy room, early period clothing, and much much more.

Lower Sioux Historic Site 32469 County Rd 2, Morton, MN 56270 507-697-8673

Established in 1853 by the U.S. government as the administrative center of the newly created Dakota reservation and the site of the first organized attack in the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862. A history center exhibit explores the Dakota story before, during and after the War. Self-guided trails take visitors to the restored 1861 stone warehouse and the Redwood Ferry crossing.

The Renville County Historical Society was organized in 1940 to collect, preserve, and share the history of Renville County and its people. In addition to running the museum, the Historical Society has multiple projects running, such as protecting a local log cabin, rebuilding a blacksmith shop, digitizing newspapers, local records, and photographs, remembering and marking grave sites, and recording cemeteries.

Redwood County Museum 913 W Bridge St, Redwood Falls, MN 56283 507-641-3329

Charles Duncan Gilfillan purchased 13,000 acres of land. The Museum features many exhibits in this 2-story building, including early 1900’s kitchen, parlor and bedroom

• Complimentary breakfast • Free parking • Fitness center, sauna and spa tub • Meeting rooms • Computer area

• In-room coffee/ tea makers • Premium cable channels • Hair dryers and complimentary toiletries • Cozy lobby with fireplace

1382 E. Bridge St. • Redwood Falls, MN

507-644-5700 www.redwoodlodge.com

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Historical Landmarks Renville County Courthouse 500 E Depue Ave Olivia, MN 56277

J.A. Anderson House

serves as our local museum. The Depot is open on Sundays, 24pm from June through August, or by appointment.

Ornate 1902 courthouse designed by Fremont D. Orff, noted for its architectural significance, adjacent 1904 jail.

402 4th Ave W Lamberton, MN 56152

Designated in 1980 this Redwood County's most prominent example of a Queen Anne house, built c. 1900.

Gilfillan Estate 28269 MN-67 Morgan, MN 56266

Bank of Redwood Falls 105 E 2nd St Redwood Falls, MN 56283

Now the Minnesota Land and Homes building, this small bank building constructed c. 1885, significant for the integrity of its outsized Richardsonian Romanesque features on the Redwood Falls streetscape.

Clements State Bank 1st and Pine St. Clements, MN 56224

1902 bank building, founded by businessmen from Springfield, MN, representing the commercial investment of outsiders in a string of towns platted on a new railroad line.

Heins Block 102 N 9th St. Olivia, MN 56277

Prominent 1896 mixed-use building that provided key commercial, office, residential, and meeting space throughout Olivia's development.

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Birch Coulee Battlefield Jct of Renville County Hwy. 2 and Hwy. 18 Morton, MN 56270

Site of the thirty-hour Battle of Birch Coulee on September 2–3, 1862; the deadliest defeat of U.S. military forces during the Dakota War of 1862. Now a Renville County park with interpretive markers.

Fairfax Depot Museum 10 2nd Ave SE Fairfax, MN 55332

Built in 1883, the Fairfax Depot originally served the Minneapolis and St. Louis Railroad. It now houses relics and articles of homes and businesses in the Fairfax area and

1882 farm of Charles Duncan Gilfillan. The large farmstead is also associated with the alienation of seized Dakota reservation land. Now managed by the Redwood County Historical Society.

Renville County West District #2890 Box 338 Renville, MN 56284

PHONE (320) 329-8362 FAX (320) 329-3271 http://rcw.k12.mn.us/ tatankabluffsdiscoverguide.com

Other Points of Interest Bird Island Cultural Center

and more. www.redwoodfallslibrary.org

Sod House on The Prairie

640 Dogwood Ave, Bird Island, MN 55310 320-365-1011

Redwood Speedway

Explore historic sod houses which have all but disappeared in modern life. Tatankabluffsdiscoverguide.com

Cultural events and classes, they are a nonprofit organization seeking to enrich the lives of the area through shared experiences and the arts. Contact on Facebook, @birdislandculture

Jeffers Petroglyphs 27160 County Road 2, Comfrey, MN 56019 507-628-5591

American Indian ancestral carvings. A story that spans 7,000 years. Group tours available. tatankabluffsdiscoverguide.com

Redwood Area Theater 530-917-6434

Don’t miss the RAT summer play, known throughout the region for their high quality productions and amazing local talent. www.redwoodareatheatre.org

Redwood Falls Library 509 S Lincoln St Redwood Falls, MN 56283 507-627-8650

201 North Dekalb St. Redwood Falls, MN 56283

This half mile dirt track at the Redwood County Fairgrounds in Redwood Falls, MN offers racing action every Sunday night in the season at 5:30 pm. Redwoodspeedway.net

Renville Public Library 221 N Main Street, Renville, MN 56284 320-329-8193

Free wifi and exhibits and readings by local authors. www.renville.lib.mn.us

12598 Magnolia Ave., Sanborn, MN (507) 723-5138

Wildlife Center at Cedar Mountain 507-637-4076

Rock outcrops border a small pond on the north end of this 317-acre unit, offering tremendous wildlife viewing opportunities. Sightings have included 117 bird species, including shorebirds, waterfowl, and others.

River Valley Arts Center 200 Main St, Morton, MN 56270 507-697-1033

Join the RVAC the third Saturday of every month for local art exhibits. www.rivervalleyart.space

722 E Bridge St Redwood Falls, MN 56283 507-637-8366 • 800-657-3292

Local art exhibits, local writers tatankabluffsdiscoverguide.com

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Deep roots in agriculture The Tatanka Bluffs area has a rich history in agriculture with deep roots going back more than 150 years. One of its great stories is that of Charles Duncan Gilfillan an entrepreneur who arrived in the region in the 1880s who helped to innovate the industry – once owning 13,000 acres of land. A site located on Minnesota Highway 67 between Redwood Falls and Morgan known as the Gilfillan Estate celebrates that history. Learn more about visiting Gilfillan at redwoodcountyhistoricalsociety.com.

A state leader The Redwood and Renville counties region is considered the breadbasket of agriculture, as the two counties are statistically some of the most prolific producers in the state. The two counties are consistently in the top 10 among the state’s counties in a number of crops, including corn, soybeans and sugar beets, as well as in livestock production in turkey and pork production.

Celebrating the industry The region holds one of the largest ag-related events in the nation. The Farmfest farm show is held on the site of the Gilfillan Estate each summer. This year Farmfest is being held Aug. 7-9. Learn more at www.ideaggroup.com/farmfest.

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" "!!# ! ! • Alignments • Batteries • Brakes • Custom Exhaust • Oil Changes

• Shocks/Struts • Spin Balancing • Tune-ups • Farm Service Truck • Mechanical Work

1630 East Bridge Street • Redwood Falls, MN


Redwood County POPULATION Belview: pop. 358 Clements: pop. 147 Delhi: pop. 66 Lamberton: pop. 813 Lucan: pop. 181 Milroy: pop. 243 Morgan: pop. 854 Redwood Falls: pop. 5,015 Revere: pop. 91 Sanborn: pop. 312 Seaforth: pop. 82 Vesta: pop. 307 Wabasso: pop. 661 Walnut Grove: pop. 813 Wanda: pop. 80

What is Tatanka Bluffs? Tatanka Bluffs is a spacial community made up of Redwood County and Renville County. What is a spacial community? We don’t share the same county, there are often miles between us (about half a day’s horse ride) but we share the values of small town lives, family first, and an admiration of the land on which we live. (continued on page 26) )&', & , ()&, )#,

. #!, &( $)'" + # . &' $# &( . % * !! $& *#(' #(&( #"#( . !! % -- ' " &$" '&( + ( ( /#'( &''( #& #('

Benefits of Living at Garnette Gardens Activities , #) '% , ( " # #$ , "# %& % Food , %&' ""% ($$% , %) &'(%"' '+ , '%"') $'#"& Peace of Mind , #(% '" , #! % %)& , + #(&$" ("%+

Call 507-200-0165 *## &

http://gvwinery.com/ -OR- facebook.com/grandviewvalleywinery

42703 Grandview Ave • Belview, MN • 507-938-WINE tatankabluffsdiscoverguide.com

www.vistaprairie.org/garnettegardens

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Renville County POPULATION Bird Island: pop. 978 Buffalo Lake: pop. 695 Danube: pop. 461 Fairfax: pop. 1,154 Franklin: pop. 469

Hector: pop. 1,061 Morton: pop. 374 Olivia: pop. 2,353 Renville: pop. 1,202 Sacred Heart: pop. 510

(continued from page 25)

Combined, the population of these two communities is 29,923. Outside of the main towns listed in this guide are scores of “townships” with population of a few hundred.

VFW Post #2553 825 East Bridge St. Redwood Falls, MN

507-627-5845

Open: Monday - Saturday @ 3pm We enjoy low unemployment and cost of living in our areas. As of November 2017, our average unemployment for both counties was 2.5%! Most residents earn between $20,000 and $50,000 per year. Our overall cost-index (how expensive it is to live here) is about 85% of the national average, with housing costs less than 60% of the national cost average! For more information on relocation to the area, visit tatankablufssdiscoverguide.com/relocation

• Pool • Darts • Pulltabs • Electronic Pulltabs & Bingo • Appetizers • Pizzas • Tap Beer • Screened-In Outdoor Patio Party/meeting room, perfect for all occasions!

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discovertatankabluffs.com

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