Northfield, MN – 27 AUG 2012

I made a brief stop in Northfield to check out the town that was the down fall of the Younger-James Gang.

It still has several buildings from the 1800s.

 The Museum includes the original bank building...

 safe, teller counter and all.

They were in the process of preparing for their big annual event: "The Defeat of Jesse James Days."  

Voted "Best Re-Enactment of the West" by True West Magazine, this event pays tribute to the Northfield townspeople who defeated the infamous James-Younger Gang when it attempted to rob the town's First National Bank on September 7^th, 1876. 

Maybe this was the second First National Bank building. 

Around the corner I found this decorative fence.

And when I crossed the river, this Great Blue Heron.

Red Wing Shoe Museum, MN – 27 AUG 2012

I made a few side trips on my way back to Rock Island. First stop was at the city of Red Wing.

In Front of Drug Store

Home to the Red Wing Shoe Company was founded by Charles H. Beckman in 1905. 

Within 10 years they were producing more than 200,000 pairs of boots per year. They were the primary company manufacturing footwear for American soldiers during World War 1 and 2.

Although they make several styles of shoes, they are famous for their sturdy work boots, especially style 877.

World's Largest Boot

World’s Largest Boot (size 638 ½ D) is 7 feet wide, 104 foot lace. Each eyelet weights 4 pounds and it took 160 workers over 13 months to complete.

It was made in 2005 to celebrate the company’s centennial. Upstairs is a small museum of the company’s history and heritage.

They listed 32 films from 1978-2008.

They even had a small gift shop.

As I was leaving town, I saw this big guy...maybe his brothers supplied the leather for the boots.

Franconia Sculpture Park, MN – 26 AUG 2012

This 20-acre park provides residence and work space to emerging and established artists.

Located in Franconia, Minnesota (out in the boonies) it is not a place you would happen upon by accident.

They have many interesting programs and events including a 3D Concert Series.

With a rotating collection of over 95 contemporary sculptures, it is free and open to the public 365 days, from dawn to dusk.

It was hot and late in the day so I only saw the first few acres. 

I was not overly impressed with what I saw in the 2012 exhibition but the website has some wonderful items on the 'Meet the Artist' section. Link to Franconia Sculpture Park 

They even have two 4-seater golf carts (upon request) for those needing assistance in touring the exhibition.

If I lived in the area, it would be a place to visit over and over again.

The closest town, Lindstrom, is known as America's Little Sweden and had a water tower to prove it.