DAILY, THOUSANDS OF TRAVELERS zip by Rothsay on Interstate 94, mostly oblivious to this rural Wilkin County community which claims notoriety as the “Prairie Chicken Capital of Minnesota.”
If not for the 18-foot high prairie chicken statue perched atop a hill overlooking the interstate, few would notice Rothsay. (Click here to view my previous prairie chicken post.)
The local combination lumberyard and hardware store, a mainstay of small towns.
But this community of nearly 500 is worth a stop for anyone who appreciates small towns as I do. I delight in the businesses which define communities like this—the local co-op, hardware store and lumberyard. The bank. The home-grown eateries and one-of-a-kind shops. The efforts to preserve history.
Vehicles parked behind the automotive body and repair shop.
Even the vehicles parked along the quiet streets, the unlocked bikes beside the school, tell a story.
On this stop in Rothsay, I had only time for a quick photographic perusal. That was enough to satisfy my desire to view this community, to feel its heartbeat.
Most rural communities are home to a famer’s cooperative.
I just had to appreciate the name of this ice cream shop in Rothsay, with a mosquito atop the roof.
A church turned thrift store.
Ole and Lena’s Pizzeria serves pizza, pasta and sandwiches. No lutefisk or lefse listed on the outdoor sign.
Typically the nicest building in town, the bank.
From what I observed, this is an historic blacksmith shop, not a working one. Note the unlocked bikes in the background parked outside the public school.
FYI: Click here to read my previous post about the Wilkin County Sheriff’s Department office in Rothsay.
© Copyright 2013 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
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