Dodge County brings together traces of the American Civil War, theatrical tradition, and river landscapes. The Wasioja Historic District includes five buildings dating from the Civil War era. In Mantorville, historic sites, stages, and a market offer glimpses into different chapters of local life; at Rice Lake State Park, the focus is on trails, paddling, and watching migratory birds. Culture and nature each make their own mark here.
History in Wasioja and Mantorville
Wasioja’s Civil War Recruiting Station brings a specific episode in American history to life. The building was constructed in 1855 and used to recruit volunteers for the American Civil War in 1861. Six years separate its construction from this use. This interval helps put the two dates in context: the building was already there before it was used for recruitment.
Another historic landmark is the Mantorville Historic District, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. History here is reflected in more than individual dates: the landscape is part of the picture, too. Mantorville is located along the South Branch of the Middle Fork of the Zumbro River, amid the rolling hills and prairie farmland of Dodge County.
Theater and Events in Mantorville
Built in 1918, the Mantorville Opera House hosts live performances and concerts year-round; melodramas are also on the summer program. The Mantorville Theatre Company produces six performances each year and continues to stage its traditional melodramas in summer. Theatergoers can enjoy both a year-round program of performances and concerts and a seasonally focused melodrama program.
Marigold Days takes place every year on the weekend after Labor Day. The program includes an antiques and flea market, flower, quilt, and car shows, live music, fireworks, and a large parade. The festival brings together a range of interests in one shared program, from collectibles and crafts to music and a parade. Its character can be discovered through a variety of events.
The Farmers & Artisan's Market is also part of Mantorville’s event calendar: it takes place on Tuesdays from May through October at Riverside Park, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dates and locations may change, so check the latest information before visiting.
Trails, Water, and Migratory Birds
Rice Lake State Park has nearly five miles of trails, including the Lakeshore Trail. The park offers good opportunities to watch migrating waterfowl in spring and fall. These seasons provide two different ways to experience nature: bird migration takes center stage in spring and fall, while the trails offer a destination for a hike at any time.
A public boat launch at Rice Lake State Park is frequently used by canoeists and kayakers in spring and summer. Paddlers and hikers alike have different ways to experience the area: from the water or along the Lakeshore Trail and other trails. The seasons mentioned distinguish opportunities to watch migrating birds from the boat launch’s frequent use.
A Look at the County’s History
The Dodge County Historical Society Museum displays artifacts and documents on the settlement and development of Dodge County from 1854 to the present. Visitors can also use a research library. The collection and library offer two different ways to explore history: the exhibits and documents provide an overview of the county’s development, while the library invites further research.
The Dodge County Free Fair takes place in Kasson, Minnesota. Its exhibits include agriculture, creative arts and food, as well as FFA, horticulture, photography, commerce, and 4-H. The topics range from agricultural fields to art and photography. If you’re interested in the variety of exhibits, the program offers several distinct areas of focus.
Discover more destinations: Kasson, Beltrami County, Redwood County, Houston County, Pennington County, Clay County, Chippewa County, Clearwater County
View the broader travel guide: Minnesota.
