Big Stone County, Minnesota - Living Rural and Loving it!
Vibrant and smart rural communities are connected communities. Abundant and robust access to the Internet, and the skills necessary to take full advantage of this access, are essential as Big Stone County seeks to compete and thrive in an ever more connected world. We have …
As more people are learning why we love Big Stone County and moving to our great County, the subject of housing comes up! Do we need more housing and what kind? Please take a couple of minutes to fill out this survey on housing needs …
Big Stone County Minnesota recommendations by the MNbump residents on favorite places to eat, things to do, and places to see!
We asked – What would you recommend for people to see, places to eat, and things to do if they had one day in Big Stone County – and our residents responded with this list. So, utilizing the map above, we will list their recommendations starting in the southern part of Big Stone County and ending at the northern end.
I think many of “us locals” enjoyed Chris Teske’s choice of words when he made his recommendation – “The Refuge Bar in Odessa is lovely year-round.” – With our fun aside, The Refuge Bar is really enjoyed by many here on the MNbump and is a favorite for returning hunters.
Walkthrough this little piece of Big Stone County history located in the center of town.
You’ll find Club 7/75 just outside of Odessa on Highway 7 (66844 State Highway 7, to be exact) Enjoy great food – especially known for their Prime Rib on Wednesday nights and their Steak Cubes!
Big Stone County Minnesota Recommendations includes this wonderful 11,586-acre Big Stone Wildlife Refuge with a 5.2-mile auto tour and also hiking trails throughout – a great place to go!
The Bike Trail enters the Refuge (noted above). The trail is paved as it leaves Lakeside Park in Ortonville and is a hard-packed natural surface for the last mile once you enter the Refuge property. At the above location, you will again have a great hard surface and 5 miles to ride in the refuge along the auto tour.
Swimming, tubing, kayaking… fishing (Sunfish Bluegills, Perch, Walleye, Northerns, Bass) Located at the head of the Minnesota River.
In-season, they have an amazing selection of locally grown produce plus more! They set up in Lakeside Park in Ortonville Saturday mornings. Check out their website for the latest information: Big Stone Lake Farmers Market
A must stop if you are in the area to do some fishing! Grab some bait & pick up a Big Stone Lake map. Artie’s has the latest fishing & hunting information and a great selection of supplies. Join the 14,996 people (at last check) who follow their Facebook Page and stay in “the know” of everything to do with the outdoors in the area! LINK to Facebook Page
And… as noted in the recommendation, Artie’s Bait and Tackle was voted the best Bait Shop in Minnesota by a WCCO survey!
This store is packed full of the latest in women’s & men’s clothing – with boots, shoes, jewelry, and more! They are located up along Highway 75 (700 US Hwy 75, Ortonville) Check out their Facebook Page for the latest peeks at their inventory – LINK Facebook Page You can also buy online on their website: LINK to Website (but I’d highly recommend a visit in person – so much fun!)
This shop is an experience! They are a woman’s shopping dream stop (and I’m speaking here as a woman… ha) – with a wide selection of unique finds… women’s clothing, jewelry, shoes, bags, wall art. Check out their Facebook page!
Mystery room options changing all the time. Check out their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/OrtonvilleMysteryGames
Yes, Ortonville is a great town to stop and enjoy the downtown shops, coffee shops & eateries. Check out the city’s RelaxURhere.com page on their website for more information about this community (and a short video).
The Red Barn and the Big Stone County Meander recommendation is a one-time per year event and part of the Upper Minnesota Valley Meander Art Crawl that features 40 local artists from Ortonville, Appleton, Madison, Milan, Dawson, Montevideo & Granite Falls. 2022 is already scheduled – check out The Art Craw website LINK
The video above was taken during this year’s Meander. And although The Red Barn is only open to the public during the Meander, you can find Becky’s Red Barn candles and greeting cards to purchase all year downtown Ortonville at Lingonberry’s!
Yes, a great place to go bowling – but thought I’d share a photo to remind everyone they also have great food! Check out their Facebook Page!
A great place for pizza, chicken & more! They have an excellent buffet (buffet not served on Mondays) Located in one of Ortonville’s historic buildings. Check out their latest specials on their Facebook Page!
While they have a great full menu (and drinks of course) – their Burger was the recommendation given — and they are very good!! On the lower level, is the Headwater’s Jailhouse Winery – with a local recommendation to make wine!
Definitely a fun stop in Ortonville… recommending top of their list is the Burger Baskets!
A great place to stop for that specialty coffee – with an amazing selection of treats and noon specials! They have both indoor seating and a nice cozy outdoor patio in the back. Make sure to check out their Facebook Page (hours are Wednesday through Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.)
Opens at 5:00 seven days a week – always! Great food in this log constructed supper club – and other than the winter/cold season, the most amazing outdoor seating for miles around! Just look at that evening view from their patio! You can check out their Facebook Page LINK or check out their website LINK LakewoodSupperClub.com and get info on the Supper club, their rental lodge, and Sioux Historic.
The perfect drive – pick up ice cream in Ortonville and head south on Highway 75 to the Refuge!
The Chamber/Museum building is located as you come into Ortonville at the intersection of Highways 12 & 75. Buildings to walk through – with one building hosting an amazing bird display! A great spot to visit while here, on the MNbump!
Big Stone County Minnesota Recommendations also includes the Ortonville 18-hole Municipal Golf Course with an amazing view of Big Stone Lake from the course and the clubhouse! Check out their website LINK GolfOrtonville.com
Located at the School’s athletic field (corner of Stephens Avenue & Minnesota Street) We have an amazing group of Pickleball players – who were also the volunteers and drivers that made these courts happen! If you are coming through town, stop for a game — and if there are players there, have a visit and play some doubles. They often times set a day/time and everyone that can make it comes and they draw numbers for partners. Fun group to check in with! They do have a private group on Facebook for connecting LINK Ortonville Pickleball
This is a beautiful park in Ortonville on the top of a hill overlooking Big Stone Lake. There are trails that go down along the hill which were created back in the WPA days. A beautiful walk down to Main Street Ortonville.
While the recommendation was the drive for the list of Big Stone County Minnesota Recommendations – I added a few photos from Beardsley (taken just a couple of days ago when I was in town click on them to scroll through larger/full photos). If you are traveling with kids – this is an awesome drive! Ortonville has great eateries & play parks and at the other end of this Lake Road drive, Beardsley has a wonderful park in the center of town along with three very good places to eat just down the road from the park.
Pictured here is in his studio is owner John G. White (photo taken during this year’s Meander). This studio is located just up from the Big Stone Lake State Park. You can find more information on his Facebook Page John G. White Photos
AMAZING pizza – this is the consensus for miles around! You cannot go to Graceville and not stop for pizza at Headquarters, can you!??
Photos were taken from the Graceville City Website. This is a wonderful park on Toqua Lake and next to their golf course. They have beautiful treed RV spots on the lake, ballparks, playground – a perfect stop! For more information on Graceville, check out their City’s website LINK.
Cornfest weekend (always the 3rd weekend in August) is a perfect weekend to plan a trip to the area. Three days of non-stop activities put on by the Big Stone Lake Area Chamber
Big Stone County has wonderful lodging options – so many along Big Stone Lake!
Check out the complete list here: MNbump Lodging Options!
Hope you enjoy your time in Big Stone County (MNBUMP!)
You’re looking to make a move? Well, we think Big Stone County would make a great choice! First, a few links to get you started – Looking for housing? Looking for Employment? Looking for a Business, Organization, or Church? All About Youth! (Schools, Childcare, and …
by Vicki Oakes Thank you to Governor Tim Walz and Representative Jeff Backer for coming to Clinton on Tuesday, August 3rd, to review the fire damage and talk with local businesses. Unfortunately, we were not aware of the visit until it was happening so we …
Written by Vicki Oakes
Note: You will find a Gallery Exhibition featuring Don Sherman in Glenwood on July 24th – for more information on this, you can check out the Big Stone Arts Council Facebook page at this link: Gallery Exhibition, Don Sherman
Today, though, I’m sharing a video of Don giving an overview of papermaking. Please excuse the video work – this was not a planned interview. I was downtown Ortonville with my video camera in hand capturing quick shots of some of the activities during the 3rd Annual Big Stone Arts – Regional Art Crawl; however, I happened to stop at a time that Don had a few minutes to really show me around his workspace and talk about the process and I certainly did not want to pass that by without capturing! So there I was with no tripod – and my focus shifted to listening more than videoing at times but I hope you take a few minutes to watch – it is really an interesting process! I’ve known Don for so many years – he took my graduation pictures back in 1980 (and family photos, wedding photos…) Don was a founder of the annual Meander Upper Minnesota River Art Crawl (which will be on October 1, 2, & 3, this year) – and amongst all the projects (art and non-art!) that he has been involved in through the years, his latest instigation – Pickleball courts in Ortonville – is fast becoming a favorite sport for all ages, here in Ortonville. But… back to papermaking! Don gives classes periodically so watch the Big Stone Arts Council Facebook page for upcoming opportunities.
You can also check out the short video of highlights from the Art Crawl below.
For more information on the community of Ortonville Minnesota – LINK RelaxurHere.com
For more information on the Big Stone Arts Council – LINK to Facebook Page
#LoveWhereYouLive – Living Rural and Loving it!
Great Healthcare – Schools dedicated to our youth – Lots of great open spaces: An ideal place to live during a pandemic (of course that is our opinion!) by Vicki Oakes (One of the MNbump Connectors) 2020 was a different year for everyone! Although I …
Great to connect with Jeremy Radtke to talk about his new venture, the GNAMP group in Ortonville – Communication/Marketing.
Last week, the Minnesota Department of Revenue sent out the initial round of COVID-19 Business Relief Payments to nearly 4,000 eligible businesses across the state. This program, part of a bi-partisan COVID-19 relief legislation signed into law by Gov. Tim Walz last month, offers direct relief payments to eligible restaurants, bars, gyms, and bowling centers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Businesses that did not receive a COVID-19 Business Relief Payment but think they meet the program criteria can contact the department using our online inquiry process that is now available through Friday, February 5, 2021. Businesses can use this to contact us if their business either:
Businesses can find this online inquiry process by visiting revenue.state.mn.us and clicking “COVID-19 Business Relief Payments” found on the homepage.
Eligible businesses must meet the program requirements outlined in the legislation. Direct payment requirements for businesses include:
Direct funding to all of Minnesota’s 87 counties was also provided to set up local COVID-19 grant relief programs. Businesses not eligible for a direct payment from Revenue are encouraged to contact their local county for additional COVID-19 relief.
Thank you to both of our Flower Shops in the County for participating in “Petal it Forward 2020” – a definite day brighter for many today! Ortonville Graceville