Nothing says "small town" like a hardware store, including Hill's Hardware Hank in downtown Wabasha.
WHAT IS IT ABOUT Wabasha that keeps drawing me back to this 1830 Mississippi River town?
Small town charm? Yes.
Historic buildings? Yes.
The river and the eagles? Yes.
Now add to that the yummy, chewy, chocolate-covered caramel turtles from The Chocolate Escape, the homemade tomato basil soup at The Olde Triangle (Irish) Pub, the street side festive corn shocks/fall decorations, and the gigantic pumpkins at the Pumpkin Patch under the Minnesota Highway 60 Mississippi River bridge.
Wabasha knows how to woo visitors with its irresistibly charming personality. While I delight in that put-on-its-best-face appearance, I search for the nuances that define this town’s character.
Dogs plopped on the sidewalk. A cat tucked under a stairway. Handwritten signs. Bricks, bikes and books. Tile floors. Friendly barbers. An old clock. Unattended stores. Polite motorists who stop for pedestrians. Benches that invite sitting a spell.
It’s there, all there, in Wabasha. Join me for a photographic stroll through this river town on an October afternoon.
Then, the next time you’re in Wabasha, or any town, take note of the store windows and walkways, the rooflines and the signage, the vibe of the place you are visiting. Seek out the details and enjoy.
Corn shocks, scarecrows and pumpkins add a festive flair to the downtown.
I saw two dogs and a cat hanging out, this one near Heritage Park by the bridge.
The historic skyline of Wabasha.
A storefront display of vintage fans in the window of Passe Electric.
A snapshot aimed toward the upper wall and ceiling of The Bookcliffs at Pembroke Avenue, just off the main drag.
The death of a businessman, announced in the window of his business, Gambles Hardware.
A nutcracker collection displayed in The Chocolate Escape.
More of those lovely old buildings.
An inspiring message posted inside The Bookcliffs.
A bench featuring Walter Mathau and Jack Lemmon from the movie "Grumpy Old Men," which was based on the setting of Wabasha, rests under the bridge.
The Pumpkin Patch, an autumn attraction under the bridge in Heritage Park.
My favorite pumpkin carving in the Pumpkin Patch.
Jewels on the River, a jewelry shop in the old city hall next to the bridge.
A scene under the Mississippi River bridge.
Crossing the Mississippi River bridge eastbound from Wabasha into Wisconsin.
IF YOU’RE LOOKING for something to do this weekend, consider coming to Faribault for the Fall Festival & Chili Cook-Off on Saturday, October 15, in our historic downtown. Sample and vote for chilis, served street side at businesses from11 a.m. – 1 p.m. A Kids’ Costume Parade along Central Avenue kicks off the event at 10:30 a.m. followed by pumpkin painting and treasures in the haystack for the kids. Adults will find plenty of shopping options in the downtown. Click here for more information.
You’ll also want to check out the South Central Minnesota Studio ArTour which begins Friday with previews in several studios from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. The tour of 23 art studios in the Faribault, Northfield and Cannon Falls area, featuring 46 artists, officially begins Saturday and continues on Sunday. Hours are 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Click here for more information.
© Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
I love Wabasha. It is so much the quintessential small river town, and so walkable.
Agreed. I feel like I still have so much more to discover there. We didn’t have time for the new Eagle Center, which I’ve heard is fabulous. We visited the old one many years ago. And we didn’t just drive through the neighborhoods, something I also like to do for the treasures that await discovery there.
In hindsight, we planned too much for one day. After Wabasha, we aimed north along the Wisconsin side, crossing back into Minnesota at Red Wing. Along the way we discovered Stockholm, which offered me mega photo ops and blogging material. So stay tuned.
I love when you go for a walk with your camera! We get to see the real America! c
Thank you, C. That’s what I try to showcase, the real side of people and places and things, not necessarily what you might see in a tourism promo. Wait until you see the rest of my discoveries. I found some absolute treasures on that day trip along the Mississippi River. More to come…, much more…
Charming indeed! And “retired to Heaven”… beautiful. Also loved the Grumpy Old Men bench.
These were just the greatest finds, especially that signage in the Gambles store window. I love, love, love, discovering these sorts of details.
Thanks for stopping by from neighboring South Dakota. And check back. You would not believe the… (not going to tell you yet) I found in a nearby unincorporated village and across the river in Wisconsin.
ohhhhh, you terrible Minnesotan!!! Will be checkin’ back 🙂
Now, now, I grew up pretty close to S.D., so I can’t be too terrible!
Wabasha’s historic downtown is a pleasure to visit. I can spend hours looking at the architecture and window shopping. People are so nice and welcoming. True small town America. If you are ever in Wabasha again, try to stop by the County Courthouse on Jefferson Avenue. It is a beautifully constructed building and should be on the Historic Register if it isn’t already. I can’t wait to see the treasures you discovered on the Wisconsin side of the Mississippi River.
Thanks for the courthouse tip, Katie.
You’ll love my Wisconsin discoveries and a discovery very close to your home in Hammond.
Audrey,
I can’t wait to see what you have discovered now!
I promise. Some good stuff from Wisconsin starting next week.