2024 photo by Barb Jeffers,
Fillmore County Journal and Bluff Country Photography
Looking for a buffalo you can snap a selfie with? Look no further! Head to Lanesboro from August 1-3 for the town’s annual Buffalo Bill Days celebration. Be sure to meet Buff the Buffalo, the town’s beloved mascot and don’t forget to share your photos using #BufftheBuffalo.
This long-running celebration pays homage to the legendary Buffalo Bill Cody, who is believed to have developed the idea for his famous Wild West Show in Lanesboro and held the first-ever dress rehearsal in Lanesboro. For history buffs, the Buffalo Bill in Lanesboro porch talks at the local museum will offer fascinating insights into the town’s storied past.
Committee Chair Kristen Asleson extends an invitation to all Fillmore County Journal readers, “On behalf of our entire committee, I am so excited for our community and visitors alike to come out and celebrate Lanesboro. Buffalo Bill Days is a celebration of Lanesboro’s spirit, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone. Bring your family and friends to join us for a weekend filled with smiles, community, and summer tradition – we have something for everyone!”
Families will enjoy the ever-popular Movie in the Park on Thursday evening at 8:30 p.m. This year’s feature film is “The Wild Robot.” Thanks to generous sponsors, many events throughout the weekend are free and family friendly. Children and teens can take part in a city-wide scavenger hunt, with two themed adventures, “Buffalo Bill’s Lost Map” for older kids, and “Buff’s Big Adventure” for the younger ones. Those who complete the challenge will receive a prize.
The planning committee is introducing some exciting new events this year. Families will love the first annual Kids’ Fishing Tournament, where young anglers can test their skills. A Youth Volleyball Tournament will add a competitive edge to the weekend’s activities, and for those who enjoy music, a live DJ will keep the energy high in the beer tent on both days.
Many fan favorites will also return. The weekend includes a grand parade, live music, and sports tournaments. Families and individuals can take part in the Buffalo Roam Fun Run, enjoy a bite at the beer and brat tent, browse the local Farmers Market, watch the duck races, and cap off the weekend with a spectacular fireworks display. There will be bouncy houses, jumbo yard games, a water slide, and the ever-popular Pedal Pull for kids.
For information during the festival, stop by the information booth located next to the community center. There, visitors can purchase raffle tickets, purchase a rubber duck for the races, buy festival merchandise, and purchase Twins raffle tickets.
Photo submitted
Upcoming events in Bluff Country
•August 1-3, Buffalo Bill Days, Lanesboro, Minn.
•August 1, Car Show at Buffalo Bill Days, Lanesboro, Minn.
•August 7-10, Western Days, Chatfield, Minn.
•August 8-10, Sweet Corn Days, Lime Springs, Iowa
The Visit Bluff Country Magazine is delivered to more than 1,000 locations in 35 counties in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. This magazine has a mission of promoting tourism in the Historic Bluff Country (Driftless) region.
For information on upcoming town festivals and events in Historic Bluff Country, vacation ideas for lodging, recreation, dining, and shopping, check out the magazine in print or online at www.visitbluffcountry.com.
John Levell says
While William “Buffalo Bill” Cody did indeed travel to Lanesboro on more than one occasion, those trips had nothing whatsoever to do with his famous Wild West Show. Instead, it was to visit his long time friend (and future mayor of La Crosse, WI) Dr. Frank “White Beaver” Powell. Cody was specifically seeking Native Americans as actors for his upcoming run of theatrical stage performances and Doc Powell was the preferred physician of a band of Winnebagos (Ho-Chunk) then encamped near Lanesboro. More on this particular topic may readily be found in an article authored by me, along with a photo of Buffalo Bill, White Beaver and Powell’s two brothers taken in Lanesboro, that appeared as the front page lead story in a past edition of the Fillmore County Journal. Although the persistent “Wild West Show started in Lanesboro” myth does have a bit of entertainment value, the true story of why Cody was actually in Lanesboro may indeed be of far more interest given the theatrical leanings of present day Lanesboro, MN.