Each September the nine towns on the Root River Trail system host “Taste of the Trail” over three Saturdays and the area becomes a fall festival of local foods, artisan crafts, entertainment and fun. This annual experience is similar to many “Taste of …“events in many towns all over the Midwest. However, the communities along the Root River Trail, in Southeast Minnesota, focus their attention on all the delicious foods you will find while visiting the area throughout the year.
A stop in Lanesboro could prove to be tasty.
Choose a weekend or come back for all three, this multi-Saturday event along the trail is designed to show off the abundance of food and activities along the three sections of the trail system. This year, event kicks off in the towns of Lanesboro, Peterson and Whalen, on Saturday, September 12th. Working together to showcase the many food, beverages and entertainment options at the center of the trail, each town will include its own growers, producers and restaurateurs, offering complimentary samples of their products. Plus, live entertainment will be offered in all three towns as follows: (click the following links for the latest information)
Lanesboro presents “Voices of Lanesboro,” a celebration of local music and rich history, theater and more.
Old time Norwegian cooking demonstrations in Whalan, MN.
The village of Whalan invites visitors to taste test many ethnic foods. With a strong Norwegian influence, it’s only natural to feature such foods as Lefse, Rommergrot, and Blood Klub. And don’t forget to visit Ernie’s Restored 1917 Gas Station and the Whalan Museum.
Some smokin’ good food offered in Peterson, MN
The town of Peterson presents “A Celebration of Farm Life, while the Riff Rangers will be playing oldies at the restored Peterson Bandstand and local businesses and service organizations will have plenty of tasty food and goodies available..
Then, the following Saturday!
September 19th, the towns of Fountain, Harmony and Preston are working together to show you what the West end of the Trail system offers.
In Fountain, enjoy Tom Schramm’s Music in the Park, sampling foods and beverages from the local businesses and visiting the Fillmore County History Center & Museum.
At the far of the “Trail” in Harmony, enjoy the music of Dubious Cowgirls and display by Harmony Community Garden while savoring some of the food and beverage samples provided by the local businesses there.
“Hooked on Preston” enjoy the area’s Rutabaga Brothers, while enjoying some of the tasy sample offered by the local merchants here. And don’t forget to visit the National Trout Center with a fly fishing course.
A family of cyclists taking a break in Harmony enjoying the tasty samples.
And there is still more!
Houston, Rushford and Rushford Village cap off this year’s “Taste of the Trail” on Saturday, September 26th. Working together these three communities will show you what the East end of the “Trail” system has to offer.
In Houston, fun continues at the Trailhead Park where you’ll find samples of local food, arts, and activities that you can enjoy and take home. Learn to make your own balloon animals and see the Parade of Owls. Don’t forget to pick up your “passport” with a list of participating businesses offering more samples and a chance to win a major prize!
Arriving in Rushford, make your first stop at the Historic Depot–the community’s trailhead on the Root River State Bike Trail. After sampling some of the garden treats of Rushford Village, pick up a map of the local businesses here offering samples, like lefse and local cheeses.
A fun photo opp. along the Root River Trail.
All Taste of the Trail activities are sponsored by Root River Trail Towns, founded in 1988, and now a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to the continued betterment and well-being of the Root River State Trail System.
See the HaveFunBiking At-A- Glance info for an area map and lodging information when planning a visit to the Root RiverTrail Towns.
