Town
Wanamingo is just off of highway 52 between Rochester and the Twin Cities. The town sits on the intersection of Highway 60 and 57. In 1903 the town came to this position once the railroad was built. The town was first settled 1 mile to the West in 1854 and became official in 1858. The town’s population is just over 1,000 people. When it was first settled it was “wholly occupied by Norwegian Farmers.” There is no record of the town’s name meaning. However, it is rumored to be an Indian name of a heroine of a popular novel.
Senior Photos
As we drove through town, I saw The Larson Log house. When I saw that little railroad car, I automatically remembered my senior photos! I had my husband help “recreate” the photo. Do not mind the socks and sandles in my senior photo. This was the one I used for the yearbook. I also took photos down at the park and in the river. It is so funny how one little scene floods back memories. It was a pleasant surprise.
If you’d like to learn more about the Larson house from the 1850’s past the signage read Part III from Wanamingo: The connection to a beloved hymn | Minnesota Prairie Roots (mnprairieroots.com)
4th of July
Wanamingo is the place to be for 4th of July fun in Goodhue County. They have a loads going on throughout the long weekend. The activities include a volleyball tournament, tractor pull, fireman’s picnic and dance, food trucks and more. Our family went to the parade at 2:30pm. It was a little warm, but we enjoyed the less crowded location. We had been fighting influenza, pneumonia, and ear infections. We were able to social distance and still have a great time! This was the first time I’ve seen the highway patrol on horses and a person driving a lazy boy. Our kids got plenty of candy and my son especially loved the tractors!
Later that night we parked on Highway 60 and saw a beautiful fireworks display! I was a little nervous sitting next to the busy road, but I only brought my 10- and 7-year-old. Overall, we had a great 4th of July in Wanamingo!
Sources
Wanamingo (cityofwanamingo.com)
About SSB Wanamingo | SSB Wanamingo
Area residents to celebrate Fourth of July in Wanamingo | News | southernminn.com