Dodge County: History, Nature and Unique Experiences

Dodge County combines impressive traces of American history with theater, regional festivals and water-based nature experiences. When planning your trip, it is therefore worth considering whether historic sites, cultural events, or nature observation and water activities should be the main focus. A vacation rental or holiday home in Dodge County can serve as a base for many different kinds of vacation days.

Historical Insights in Wasioja and Mantorville

The Wasioja Historic District includes five buildings dating from the time of the American Civil War as part of its historic setting. Wasioja’s Civil War Recruiting Station also tells a specific story: The building was constructed in 1855 and used in 1861 to recruit volunteers for the American Civil War. Those interested in the region’s origins can find artifacts and documents on the settlement and development of Dodge County from 1854 to the present at the Dodge County Historical Society Museum. A research library is also available to visitors there.

Mantorville is located on the South Branch of the Middle Fork of the Zumbro River, surrounded by rolling hills and prairie farmland. The Mantorville Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. The Dodge County Courthouse is also part of the town’s history; it was completed in 1871. These various historical points of interest make Mantorville a suitable focus for travelers who want to spend their days exploring regional history and enjoying the town’s distinctive atmosphere.

Theater, Markets and Recurring Events

The Mantorville Opera House was built in 1918 and offers live performances and concerts year-round. Melodramas are also on the program there in summer. The Mantorville Theatre Company produces six performances each year and continues to present its traditional melodramas in summer. If you enjoy combining your trip with a cultural event, you can take these offerings into account when planning your schedule.

Recurring events also give Dodge County its own rhythm. Mantorville’s Marigold Days take place every year on the weekend after Labor Day. They include an antique and flea market, flower, quilt and car shows, live music, fireworks and a large parade. In Mantorville’s Riverside Park, a Farmers & Artisan's Market takes place on Tuesdays from May through October between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. The Dodge County Free Fair is held in Kasson, Minnesota, and includes exhibits on agriculture, creative arts and foods, FFA, horticulture, photography, commerce and 4-H. It is known as “Minnesota’s oldest county fair.”

Water, Trails and Nature Observation

For active days, Rice Lake State Park offers a public boat ramp that is frequently used by canoeists and kayakers in spring and summer. Nearly five miles of hiking trails, including the Lakeshore Trail, offer another way to spend time outdoors. In spring and fall, there are good opportunities to observe migrating waterfowl there. Mantorville Park also has a boat launch access for boats without trailers on the Zumbro River State Water Trail.

When looking for accommodations, you can use these differences as a guide: Mantorville is a thematic focus for culture, history, markets and theater, while Rice Lake State Park is especially interesting for days on the water, on the trails or observing birds. Anyone who wants to combine several interests should organize the events and nature experiences they want to attend before choosing a vacation rental or holiday home. Another point of reference for regional trip planning is Kasson.

More destinations for orientation: Waseca County, Douglas County, Cottonwood County, Marshall County, Murray, Mille Lacs, Scott.

For the overarching travel overview: Minnesota.