BRICK, A BENCH, A RIVER…
Each provides a canvas or backdrop for art in Wabasha, an historic Mississippi River town of 2,500 in southeastern Minnesota.
On a recent visit here to the National Eagle Center, where art abounds inside, I also noticed art integrated into the downtown.
A 10-foot tall bronze sculpture of Wapahasha II, a Native American after whom the city of Wabasha is named, stands atop a fountain next to the riverside eagle center.
If you shift your eyes a bit, you’ll notice a bridge in the distance. I view that 26-year-old link between Minnesota and Wisconsin as art given the overhead span of trusses.
Just up the street, set atop brick pavers, co-joined park benches have become artwork, too, with eagle paintings backing the benches. It’s a nice touch, emphasizing Wabasha’s eagles and the reason many visitors come here.
Around the corner, Riverside Dollar also incorporates eagles into its signage on a cozy building tucked between taller historic buildings. Fifty properties in Wabasha are on the National Register of Historic Places, another reason I appreciate this community. The buildings, in and of themselves, are works of art with ornate details that showcase the craftsmanship of another era.
A block away, a faded vintage Squirt sign painted onto the side of a brick building contrasts with a sleek and shiny Pepsi vending machine. That amuses me.
At the Rivertown Cafe, I appreciate the aging signage suspended from the second level. It adds a certain charm to the exterior and directs the eye toward the business.
A stone’s throw away, a modern sculpture graces a street corner.
Certainly, Wabasha features more art; I had time to photograph only this sampling this trip.
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CLICK HERE TO READ my previous post about art inside the National Eagle Center.
© Copyright 2014 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Fond memories of the historic Anderson House hotel. I took my children to Wabasha many years ago for a theatrical play. We had the best meals at the hotel, then stayed the night, accompanied by a feline pet.
We have not explored the Anderson House building yet. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
Love the vintage Squirt sign on the brick wall.
I’m not surprised you appreciate this signage.
Love the benches! What a great way to capitalize on the eagle theme. Once again you have captured some lovely pictures that show the charm of this small town. Thanks for the tour.
You’re welcome. I can picture you and Mr. Diamond relaxing on that bench after a stroll through downtown Wabasha.
Yep. With a cup of coffee in hand. Hey–guess what—it is snowing….sigh.
Now I would have thought you would have a cup of tea in your hand.
What? Snow, again. Go east, young woman. Wisconsin has a lot less snow. As soon as we crossed the border yesterday from Wisconsin into Minnesota, everything changed. Sun to clouds, no snow to snowy landscape. Sigh. Hang in there, my friend.
I will. I plan to just ignore it. For as long as I can. 🙂
LOVE looking for the unexpected too – art, signage, etc. – thanks so much for sharing:) Happy Week!
You are welcome. Photography has really grown my ability to notice the unexpected.
You have that photographic eye like I do. Mr. Craves is stunned at times as to what I can see and then capture it.
Yup. It’s fun, isn’t it, to possess a photographic eye.
Yes it is!!!
Wabasha, and its neighbor across the river (Nelson,WI) offer so much for the visitor who cares to take a few moments and saunter. The Anderson House was a fave of many for both meals and lodging. Today, I believe, it’s lodging only sans kitties. Lovely post!!!!!
We’ve been to Nelson, but didn’t have time this trip. Next time. Glad you enjoy this photo journey to Wabasha.
🙂
I miss the old spiral bridge, which would be ridiculous today.
My husband was telling me about that bridge. Would have loved to have seen it.
Some images here:https://www.google.com/search?q=wabasha+spiral+bridge&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=LG0wU6_qKIPyyAHiv4CYCg&ved=0CC8QsAQ&biw=1366&bih=653
Thank you, Clyde.
Wabasha certainly is a beautiful little river town, rich in history and art! I also noticed that some of the sidewalks were paved with brick…I like that!
Good catch on the brick. I noticed that, too, and liked it.
Looks as though Wabasha has all the warmth and charm of a small town. I can just imagine sitting there along the river, basking in the sun, of course on a much warmer day!
Charming is the perfect adjective to describe the character of Wabasha. On the day we were there, a cold, brisk wind was whipping through town.
It seems Wabasha is a very quaint old town with a lot of charm. I do love the bronze sculpture xx
Wabasha is exactly as you describe it. Such a calm exists here, that slow down and meander type of atmosphere.
Please add a photo of the new mural on our shop and possibly one of the mural next door which is currently a work in progress. Thank you.
I wrote this post more than two years ago. Next time I’m in Wabasha, and I have no idea when that will be, I’ll be looking for new photo ops. Thanks for the tip, although I would need to know the name and location of your shop.