Bus Tour #5

Tour #5 is a Naturalist Narrated Tour. follow the route Ozawindib & Schoolcraft did in 1832 when they recorded the Headwaters of the Mississippi River. Wildlife interpretation of Bald Eagles, Common Loons, Indian & Logging History. Two hour boat cruise on the Chester Charles II.

Bus Tour #4

Gibbs Museum of Pioneer and Dakotah Life. We are looking at two different special events they host. The first one is on October 31st and is called Old-Time Halloween. In the mid-1800's, especially Irish immigrants, brought their Halloween traditions to America. Carve a turnip to put in your window to ward off evil spirts; Trick-or-Treat at Jane Gibbs' house; make popcorn balls in the Red Barn and enjoy a cup of cider!
The other event is calle "A Gibbs' Pioneer Christmas" This is held on December 4 and 5th. A two-hour program. Join them in an old-fashioned mid-1800's Minnesota Christmas. Step back in time when you visit the summer kitchen and see how pioneer women prepared special foods for Christmas; tour the original Gibbs' home and the Victorian parlor where costumed interpreters reveal how Christmas practices changed over time. Enjoy Christmas carols and activities, hot chocolate and Christmas treasts. Visit our gift shop for old-time stocking stuffers.

Bus Tour #3

This tour is of the Oliver H. Kelley Farm near Elk River, MN. You will step onto a working 1860's farm. Pick heirloom vegtables from the garden, visit the farmhands and animals at the barn, or churn butter and see what's cooking in the farmhouse. Costumed guides work the fields with oxen and horses. At different times throughout the season, you'll see plowing with oxen, horse-powered threshing, haymaking and other harvest activites. The garden and fields are filled with many of the same plants the kelley farm grew over 130 years ago. IN the house, try your hand at domestic crafts like making straw hats and soap.

Bus Tour #1 Oktoberfest

We would go on a Saturday, either October 2 or 9th. The event starts at noon. 2 stages of continuous entertainment (variety of music), German food court (other food also available at the restaurant in the Holiday Inn); German vendors. Everything is held indoors.

Upcoming Bus Tour

We are looking at doing another bus tour for Big Stone County residents. Following the last tour, I was given a number of ideas of places to go. I narrowed it down to five locations, which you get to vote on. The one receiving the most votes will be followed up on as far as costs, transportation, meals, etc. See other posts for a description of the five: 1) Okotberfest in New Ulm; 2) Hjemkomst Center in Moorhead; 3) Olvier H. Kelley Farm in Elk River; 4) Gibbs Museum in St. Paul; 5) Itasca State Park. Votes need to be in no later than September 1st. For more information contact the Ortonville Library at 320-839-2494 and the Graceville Library at 320-748-7332.