Dodge County: History, Theater, and Nature

Five buildings dating from the American Civil War are part of the Wasioja Historic District in Dodge County. Mantorville’s theater productions, seasonal nature experiences at Rice Lake State Park, and markets and festivals round out the offerings. If you’re looking for a hotel in Dodge County, your preferred travel focus can help you plan: cultural history, theater, an event, or time outdoors.

History and theater

The Wasioja Historic District in Dodge County includes five buildings dating from the American Civil War. Wasioja’s Civil War Recruiting Station was built in 1855 and used to recruit volunteers for the Civil War in 1861. The building’s construction and later use took place in different years, providing a specific timeline for its history.

Mantorville lies on the South Branch of the Middle Fork of the Zumbro River, amid the rolling hills and prairie farmland of Dodge County. The Mantorville Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. Built in 1918, the Mantorville Opera House offers live performances and concerts year-round; melodramas are on the program in summer. Mantorville thus combines a historic district with a venue whose program runs throughout the year and has a special focus in summer.

The Mantorville Theatre Company produces six performances each year. If you’d like to plan around a particular show, check the current dates before your trip.

The Dodge County Historical Society Museum displays artifacts and documents about the settlement and development of Dodge County from 1854 to the present. A research library is also available to visitors. The collection thus traces a path from early settlement to the present and complements the historic buildings and districts with topics related to the county’s development.

Nature and outdoor activities

Rice Lake State Park has nearly five miles of hiking trails, including the Lakeshore Trail. The park also has a public boat launch, which is often used by canoeists and kayakers in spring and summer. The park offers good opportunities to observe migrating waterfowl in spring and fall.

Each season offers a different focus: the boat launch is often used in spring and summer, while spring and fall are especially good times to observe migrating waterfowl. You can plan your activities around the time of year you travel. Mantorville Park also has a carry-in boat access point on the Zumbro River State Water Trail.

Festivals and market dates

Marigold Days in Mantorville 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 Dodge County Free Fair takes place in Kasson, Minnesota; its exhibits include agriculture, creative arts and foods, FFA, horticulture, photography, commercial exhibits, and 4-H.

In Mantorville, the Farmers & Artisan's Market is held at Riverside Park on Tuesdays from May through October, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dates and location may change; check the latest information before making firm plans to visit the market.

Whether you’re interested in historic places, a performance, nature, or a festival, these different themes offer concrete ideas for choosing the focus of your trip to Dodge County.

Discover more destinations: Kasson, Ramsey, Pine County, Brown County, Polk County, Waseca County, Wadena County and Washington.

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