Itineraries Minnesota - Summer 2008 - (Page 20)

Native Prairies southwestern minnesota sw mn cities albert lea, appleton, benson, breckenridge, canby, fairmont, glenwood, granite falls, hanley falls, hutchinson, lake benton, le sueur, litchfield, luverne, mankato, marshall, montevideo, morton, mountain lake, new ulm, ortonville, pipestone, redwood falls, saint peter, walnut grove, waseca, willmar, windom, worthington calendar of events (Contact area CVBs for complete calendars) 6-9 11-17 22-23 22-23 august Kandiyohi County Fair, Willmar 320-599-4318 Martin County Fair, Fairmont 507-235-9576 47th Annual Corn Days, Sleepy Eye 800-290-0588 Big Island Barbeque, Albert Lea 507-373-2316 september Re-enactment of the Capture of the Younger Brothers, Madelia 888-941-7283 Farming of Yesteryear, Albert Lea 800-345-8414 Rock Bend Folk Festival, St. Peter 800-473-3404 34th Annual Arts and Crafts Festival and Taste of Hutchinson, Hutchinson 800-572-6689 King of Trails Marketplace, Lake Benton 507-368-9577 King Turkey Day, Worthington 507-372-2919 The Odd Couple at The Barn Theatre, Willmar 320-235-9500 Hermann’s 2,000th Victory Celebration, New Ulm 888-463-9856 27th Annual Applefest, Appleton 320-289-1527 Christensen Rock Garden - Albert Lea Christensen Rock Garden – Albert Lea One of Minnesota’s most elaborate folk art environments, sometimes known as the Itasca Rock Garden after the township of Itasca where it is located. John Christensen started this elaborate rock garden in 1925. At the one end of the garden, the battlements of a castle like structure dated 1927 is built into an artificial hill and conceals a tool shed. Below this tower, to the north, he constructed several pools circled by paths and bridges. On the higher ground at the opposite end is a miniature hotel-like castle of rock and concrete. The last constructions in the garden were built in 1938, and Christensen passed away in 1939. Fortunately, the rock garden was maintained and kept open to the public by his widow and the following owners of the property. This privately owned garden is a must see! 5-6 6-7 6-7 12-13 other inspiring spires & grottos in southwest minnesota Cathedral of the Holy Trinity – New Ulm This Cathedral is truly a magnificent sight with a spire that soars to nearly 150 feet, heavy bells that toll the quarter-hour, stunning paintings, elaborately carved wooden altar with spires and Gothic finials, and arched ceilings contain numerous paintings. Your group will be in wonder and awe at the craftsmanship displayed here. Historic Ottawa Stone Church – Ottawa It was built about 1869 and is one of the oldest Methodist churches in the State. It is one of seven native limestone buildings remaining in the village dating back to the mid 1800’s. this church from 1890-1891. The Church Museum includes two floors of exhibits including a Wilder photo display, religious artifact collections, old-time country store, local pioneer business artifacts and displays, 1874 wooden fire wagon, and many other historic displays of Spring Valley area growth. 13 13 17-20 18-20 19-21 St. Paul’s Lutheran Church – New Ulm This church is also home to an inspiring spire, which is easily visible from the college hill. Inside see stained glass windows, soaring wooden trusses and delicate artwork to compliment their impressive clock spire outside. october 2-5 22nd Annual Big Island Rendezvous and Festival, Albert Lea 800-658-2526 3-4, 10-11 Oktoberfest, New Ulm 877-359-2941 november 6-8,13-15 Gilligan’s Island, Hutchinson 320-587-2599 14 Glows Parade, Fairmont 507-235-5547 21-23 Beneath the Village Wreath, Morton 507-697-6912 22 Holidaze Parade, Willmar 320-214-7646 27-30 Christmas Wonderland on the Town Kickoff, Blue Earth 507-526-2916 St. Mary’s Church – Sleepy Eye Built in 1902 with two lofty steeples, which are 170 feet high. The signs, symbols and Gothic-style architecture will truly inspire and uplift the hearts and minds of all who enter. Johnson’s Rock Garden – Hendricks A one-of-a-kind rock home that features rocks and stones from all over the US. It has many functional and ornamental rock creations. Such as benches, a fireplace, fishpond, sidewalks, fences, a gate and many others throughout the yard. Saint Casimir’s Church Stone Home – Wells The handmade fieldstone house is located on a 1 1/2 acre site surrounded by fieldstone gazebos, bell towers, a pergola, stone fences, gate and small grottos. Built over a period of 57 years, the grounds include a variety of gardens from the traditional, to woodland, to natural prairie. Martin Luther College – New Ulm There’s a spire of the “Old Main” building at the college dating from 1884. Come wander the campus and take in the other historic buildings, as well as the ten-foot tall, bronze statue of Martin Luther. Schoenstatt Shrine & Retreat Center – Sleepy Eye A charming little white chapel on the grounds of a convent. The nuns will greet your bus at the chapel and give you a tour of their site with its history and their role in modern religious life. Methodist Church Museum and Laura Ingalls Wilder – Spring Valley Visit the church built in 1876 when the James Wilder family were members. Almanzo and Laura (Ingalls) Wilder attended escortnotes.com http://escortnotes.com

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Intineraries Minnesota - Summer 2008 Contents Travel Tips Explore our Festivals & Events Now! Destination Highlight Profile In(spired) Feature Itinerary Southeast Minnesota Southwest Minnesota Northern Minnesota (nw/ne) Twin Cities Metro Upper Midwest

Itineraries Minnesota - Summer 2008

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