Luverne, MN Area Guide
Luverne is a quaint, closely knit community located along the Rock River in Rock County Minnesota, of which it is the county seat. Presently, the county consists of nine towns situated along Interstate 90 and U.S. Route 75. Luverne consists of just under four square miles of elevated prairie land known for bountiful agricultural yields and wondrous naturalistic beauty. Luverne offers the chance to reconnect with the spirit of prairie life via roaming bison, dancing grass, and sprawling open areas.
History
The sprawling grassland of southwestern Minnesota was first settled by French explorer Joseph Nicollet, who charted the area between the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers in the early 19th century.
Nicollet originally called this region “Sisseton County” in honor of Sisseton Indians residing in the area. This rolling sea of open prairies seemed limitless and featured one prominent lake given the name “Lake Okabena,” a Dakota Indian word meaning “nesting place of herons.”
In 1871, the St. Paul and Sioux City Railway Company connected two area cities, which made it necessary to fortify and develop the township of Luverne.
Luverne itself was first mapped by Philo Hawes in 1867, who stopped at his favorite camp grounds near Blue Mounds before concluding more fertile farmland my lie directly south. At this point, his family travelled to the modern site Luverne’s City Hall and established a stable and plantation. This was the beginning of settlement in Luverne, which the Hawes named for their daughter.
The proud educational tradition in Luverne began in 1871, when the first school was founded, followed closely by the establishment of the first high school in 1883.
Fueled by the Homestead Act, which provided one-hundred and sixty acres of government land for free to new settlers, people began to pour into the area. As a requirement of this ingenious governmental provision, citizens began to take up ownership in their communities and improve the land in cooperative, optimistic fashion.
Many of the original settlers to the area were children of immigrants from the countries of Germany, Ireland, and Scandinavia. Others were war veterans or familial homesteaders seeking to create a better life for their families.
 Parks and Recreation
Luverne’s committed parks and recreation department maintains eleven separate recreational sites complete with campsites, shaded walkways, canoeing spots, park benches, playgrounds, fishing piers, and much more! Many of these parks include fantastic landscaping, ample amenities, and immense recreational opportunities. For a complete listing of parks please visit:
http://www.cityofluverne.org/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC=%7B6EB9D877-427A-4180-8F8C-B76E2FC269B7%7D
Tonto Park
This five acre park includes amenities for the entire family to enjoy including playgrounds and picnic benches!
Evergreen Park
The immaculately maintained public park of Evergreen affords opportunities to enjoy a relaxing stroll around beautifully tended gardens or embark on an adrenaline surging bike ride into Blue Mound State Park.
 Attractions and Activities
Blue Mounds State Park
This fifteen-hundred acre state park is located approximately four miles north of Luverne and holds the distinguished title as the largest prairie in the state! Peppered by rare species of grassland and plant life, this wildlife haven supports everything from roaming herds of bison to rare geological formations. Enjoy scenic walks through towering ninety-foot cliffs, or soak in the Minnesota countryside by visiting the miles of winding hiking trails. Blue Mounds State Parks is situated atop a massive quartz rock and offers breath-taking panoramic views, fantastic rock-climbing, skiing, campsites, beaches, lakes, guided tours, fishing, canoeing, and much more!
4350 Mounds Park Rd, Blue Mounds
Phone: (608) 437-5711
Bradenburg Gallery
This sprawling gallery showcases the work of Luverne’s favorite sons, acclaimed wildlife photographer Jim Brandenburg. This exhibit has been organized with cooperation from the Luverne Area Chamber of Commerce and includes over one hundred gorgeous pieces conveniently situated in downtown Luverne. The gallery features photographic masterpieces capturing the naturalistic splendor of both Minnesota and the Dakotas including works from Brandenburg’s famous “Chased by the Light” and “Looking for the Summer” compilations. Profits from the gallery are used to enhance native prairie land such as Blue Mounds State Park thanks to the work of the Brandenburg Prairie Foundation, which partners with the US Fish and Wildlife Service to oversee restoration and preservation of wild lands across the entire region.
11 East Sheridan Street
Ely, MN 55731-1213
Phone: (218) 365-6563
www.jimbrandenburg.com
 Palace Theater
The famous Palace Theater was built by Herman Jochims in 1915 and focused primarily on the presentation of stage plays performed by travelling troupes of actors and moving pictures. Today, the restored building still showcases original construction and architectural elements including painted wall panels, stage curtains, and a pipe organ. Presently, the Palace features film screenings and live entertainment, continuing the proud tradition of live and motion picture entertainment it has offered for nearly a century.
104 East Main Street
Luverne, MN 56156
(507) 283-4339
www.palacetheatre.us/
Carnegie Cultural Center
Art work adorns the walls of this esteemed community cultural center, which was originally constructed in 1903 following a gift from famous philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. Originally, the structure served as a city library for nearly a century before being converted into a center for the public to view art and showcases by local craftsmen, entertainers, storytellers, and visiting performers. The notable entrance features Ionic columns, beset by arched quartzite fireplaces and intricate woodwork throughout the building. Events and agendas are overseen and maintained by the Council for the Arts and Humanities in Rock County in conjunction with the Rock County Fine Arts Association and the Rock County Historical society, which each provide displays and shows at the center for the benefit of the public.
205 North Freeman Avenue
Luverne, MN 56156-1629
Phone: (507) 283-8294
 Events
http://www.luvernechamber.com/index.php?page=2011-community-calendar-may-and-june
http://www.luvernechamber.com/index.php?page=upcoming-events
|
