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Harmony Celebrates America’s 250th Birthday: July 3–5, 2026

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This year’s Fourth of July celebration is extra special as our nation marks America’s 250th Birthday, and Harmony is pulling out all the stops for three days of community fun, food, music, family activities, and hometown traditions.

Whether you’re a lifelong resident, returning home for the holiday weekend, or visiting Harmony for the first time, there will be something happening all weekend long.

Below is a blog article listing some of the highlights, and here is a link to the entire 4th of July weekend schedule of events!

Friday, July 3: The Celebration Begins

The festivities kick off on Friday with a full day of activities around town.

Visitors can enjoy Niagara Cave tours, explore the Root River Trail System, take an Amish tour, and stop by the Visitor Center to view a special display honoring Harmony-area veterans.

Friday evening brings several great entertainment options:

🎶 Estelle’s Eatery & Bar Anniversary Celebration with live music from 5–8 p.m.

🎶 Live music by The Gopher Tones at the Harmony Conservation Club Beer Tent from 8 p.m. until midnight.

🎬 A free outdoor movie at dusk presented by the JEM Theatre at BReaKeRs, featuring the original Jumanji.

The Harmony Conservation Club Beer Tent opens at 4:30 p.m. and runs through midnight, making it a great place to gather with friends and kick off the holiday weekend.

Saturday, July 4: America’s 250th Birthday Celebration

Saturday is packed with activities from sunrise to fireworks.

FREE Kids Activities this year in Celebration of America’s 250th Birthday

In honor of America’s 250th Birthday, all youth activities on July 4th will be completely FREE this year.

That’s right—no wristband required and no button purchase required for children to participate.

Families can enjoy:

  • Bounce houses in Selvig Park
  • Foam Party in Selvig Park
  • Balloon creations by Kevin
  • FFA Petting Zoo
  • Kids’ Pedal Pull
  • Big Time Pony Rides
  • Caricatures by Jim
  • Games and activities throughout the day

And don’t forget the giant inflatable water slide located at the Splash Pad Park near the trailhead, giving kids another fun way to cool off during the holiday festivities.

It’s a special free-this-year-only celebration designed to make America’s 250th Birthday accessible and memorable for every family.

Start Your Day with the Harmony Hustlers 5K

Runners participating in the 2025 Harmony Hustle!

Early risers can kick off Independence Day with the annual Harmony Hustlers 5K Run and 1-Mile Walk.

The race is a longtime Fourth of July tradition and a great way to begin a day full of celebration. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or simply enjoying a walk with friends and family, it’s a fun way to be part of the festivities.

Food, Food, and More Food

No Fourth of July celebration is complete without great food, and Harmony delivers.

🥞 Harmony Conservation Club Pancake Breakfast at the Fire Hall
A longtime Fourth of July favorite, the pancake breakfast at the Fire Hall runs from 7:00–9:30 a.m. and is the perfect way to start your holiday.

Locals enjoy a pancake breakfast in the Harmony Fire Hall on July 4th

🍖 Harmony United Methodist Church Pork Chop Dinner in Selvig Park
Served from 11 a.m. until sold out (and it often does sell out!), this annual meal has become a Fourth of July tradition for many visitors.

🌭 Harmony Lions Club Brat Stand in Selvig Park
Grab a classic bratwurst and support one of Harmony’s most active community organizations.

You’ll also find plenty of additional options throughout the park and downtown including:

  • Jubilee
  • Sip’s N’ Sugar Coffee Truck
  • Espadin
  • El Samurai
  • Sweet Treats on the Go
  • JEM Theatre Snack Trailer

Whether you’re craving pancakes, pork chops, brats, tacos, coffee, or sweet treats, you won’t leave Harmony hungry.

The Grand Parade Returns at 3:00 p.m.

One of Harmony’s most beloved traditions returns at 3:00 p.m. on July 4th.

This year’s Grand Parade will honor local veterans as Parade Grand Marshals and promises plenty of floats, music, candy, community spirit, and patriotic pride. Please note that all of the activities in Selvig Park will pause for the parade between the hours of 3pm-4pm.

Parade enthusiasts line the streets awaiting Harmony’s 4th of July Parade

Want to Be in the Parade?

There’s still time to register your business, organization, club, church, sports team, family, or group.

👉 Parade Registration Link: PARADE ENTRY

Everyone is welcome to participate.

Music in the Park & Fireworks

After the parade, keep the celebration going with live music by The Lonely Knees from 3:45–5:45 p.m. in Selvig Park.

As evening arrives, families can enjoy the Foam Party before gathering for one of the weekend’s biggest highlights:

🎆 Fireworks at Dusk

The annual fireworks display at North Park lights up the sky and provides the perfect ending to Independence Day in Harmony.

Hunt for the Medallion & Win $250

One of Harmony’s favorite Fourth of July traditions returns this year—and the prize is bigger than ever in honor of America’s 250th Birthday!

Beginning June 30, a new clue will be released each morning at 8:00 a.m. to help hunters track down the hidden Fourth of July Medallion. One clue will be released daily for up to five days, or until the medallion is found.

The lucky finder should bring the medallion to First Southeast Bank in Harmony to claim their prize:

💵 $250 in Harmony Dollars — because what better way to celebrate America’s 250th than with a $250 prize?

Whether you’re a seasoned medallion hunter or trying it for the first time, it’s a fun way to explore the community, test your clue-solving skills, and add a little extra excitement to the holiday week.

Be sure to follow the Harmony Area Chamber of Commerce of Facebook for daily clues beginning June 30. Good luck, hunters! 🏆

Buy a Button and Support Community Events

This year’s commemorative button is more exciting than ever.

For just $5, you’ll be entered into the annual button raffle, with winners drawn at 5:30 p.m. on July 4th at the Harmony Conservation Club Beer Tent.

This Year’s Prizes

💵 Five winners will each receive $250 in Harmony Dollars

That’s $1,250 in total prizes!

With odds like that, this may be the perfect year to grab a few buttons while supporting the community events that make Harmony’s Fourth of July celebration possible.

And don’t forget to check out this year’s winning button design, created by local student Kylie Melver, whose artwork was selected to commemorate America’s 250th Birthday celebration in Harmony.

More to Explore on July 4

Beyond the main festivities, visitors can enjoy:

  • Niagara Cave tours and special black-light cave tours
  • Amish tours departing from Harmony
  • A Civil War display honoring Harmony-area veterans at the Visitor Center
  • A military display recognizing local service members
  • The Harmony Conservation Club Beer Tent
  • Golf tournament, Ladd K9 agility course demonstrations, and more throughout the day

No matter your age or interests, you’ll find plenty to see and do throughout town.

Sunday, July 5: Harmony Goes Vintage

The celebration continues on Sunday with a day that combines classic cars, vintage treasures, and community traditions.

Community Worship Service

The weekend begins with an Ecumenical Church Service at 10:00 a.m. in the Selvig Park Gazebo, offering a meaningful opportunity for the community to gather together before the day’s activities begin.

Harmony Spirits Car Show

Car enthusiasts won’t want to miss the annual Harmony Spirits Car Show, featuring classic vehicles, great food, and a relaxed summer atmosphere.

Vintage Market at New Generations of Harmony Antique Mall

Browse a special outdoor vintage market on the lawn at New Generations of Harmony Antique Mall, where vendors will offer antiques, collectibles, vintage décor, and unique finds.

Sidewalk Vintage Sale at Bee Balm Boutique

Downtown Harmony joins the fun with a special vintage sidewalk sale at Bee Balm Boutique, featuring guest vendor Vintage Lane and plenty of vintage treasures to browse.

It’s the perfect opportunity to hunt for one-of-a-kind finds, explore downtown shops, and wrap up the holiday weekend.

A Weekend Worth Celebrating

From live music and fireworks to free family activities, community traditions, local food, classic cars, vintage shopping, and the Grand Parade, Harmony’s Fourth of July celebration offers something for everyone.

Most importantly, this year’s celebration marks a once-in-a-generation milestone: America’s 250th Birthday.

We invite you to spend the weekend in Harmony and help us celebrate our nation’s history, our community, and the traditions that bring us together year after year.

Happy Birthday, America—and Happy Fourth of July from Harmony! 🇺🇸🎆

View the full schedule of events: SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 

Register for the Grand Parade: PARADE ENTRY 

Learn more about Harmony at www.exploreharmony.com

Best Things to Do in Harmony, Minnesota This Summer

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Best Things to Do in Harmony, Minnesota This Summer

Summer in Harmony feels a little different.

Maybe it’s the scenic bluffs, winding trails, and quiet countryside of the Driftless Region. Maybe it’s the friendly small-town atmosphere, locally owned shops, or the chance to slow down and actually enjoy where you are. Whatever it is, Harmony makes for the perfect summer day trip—or an even better weekend getaway.

Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, family fun, shopping, great food, or simply a relaxing escape, here are some of the best things to do in Harmony this summer.

Before making a special trip, it’s always a good idea to check attraction websites or social media pages for current hours, special events, and seasonal updates.

Go Underground at Niagara Cave

Person standing on a viewing platform inside Niagara Cave with dramatic stalactite formations hanging from the ceiling in the background.
A visitor to Niagara Cave poses for a photo on a platform, with stalactites in the background.

One of southeastern Minnesota’s most unique attractions is right here in Harmony—and yes, it’s worth the trip.

Open daily during the summer season, Niagara Cave takes visitors deep underground into a fascinating world shaped over millions of years by the Driftless Region’s unique karst landscape.

A guided tour includes:

A breathtaking 60-foot underground waterfall
Ancient fossils embedded in cave walls
Massive limestone formations
A historic underground wedding chapel

After your tour, stick around to enjoy mini golf, gemstone sluicing, and the park-like grounds above.

Whether you’re traveling with kids, entertaining visitors, or simply looking for something unforgettable, Niagara Cave is a must-see summer stop.

Bike, Hike & Explore the Driftless Region

Bicycle resting beside a paved bike trail through rural southeastern Minnesota farmland on a sunny summer day.
Bicycle resting beside a paved bike trail through rural southeastern Minnesota farmland on a sunny summer day.

Summer is trail season in Harmony.

Harmony sits along one of southeastern Minnesota’s most scenic biking networks, with access to 65+ miles of paved trails through bluff country, rolling farmland, and charming small towns.

Hop on the Harmony-Preston Valley Trail or connect to the Root River State Trail to explore nearby communities like Preston, Lanesboro, and beyond. Looking for a bigger ride? A newly completed trail spur now heads south toward Niagara Cave and the Iowa border, giving cyclists even more ways to turn a quick ride into a full-day adventure.

Not a cyclist? These trails are beautiful for walking and enjoying the scenery, too.

Family Fun for Summer Days

Children playing in a splash pad, laughing and running through water sprays around a turtle-shaped feature in a park.
Children playing in a splash pad, laughing and running through water sprays around a turtle-shaped feature in Harmony’s Splash Pad.

Looking for ways to keep the kids entertained?

The Harmony Splash Pad is open daily during the summer season and makes a perfect stop for families. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the nearby Bruce Bigalk Memorial Pavilion, playground equipment, and the fun Harmony Freenotes musical instruments, where kids can create music outdoors.

Need a break from the heat? Catch a movie at the historic JEM Movie Theatre, a beloved small-town theater complete with that essential movie experience: real butter popcorn.

Explore Amish Country

An Amish man drives a wagon down HWY 52 with a blue sky and green fields in background.

Just outside of Harmony, visitors can experience one of the largest Old Order Amish communities in the region, with roughly 1,000 Amish residents living and working throughout the countryside.

The easiest way to explore? Book a guided outing with Amish Tours of Harmony, where knowledgeable local guides share insights into Amish culture and rural life.

Prefer to venture out on your own? Scenic drives through the countryside reveal furniture makers, bakeries, handmade goods, quilts, produce stands, bulk foods, and small family-run shops tucked into the hills and valleys surrounding Harmony.

It’s a peaceful and uniquely Driftless experience you won’t find just anywhere.

Eat, Sip & Treat Yourself

Dining in Harmony

Harmony may be a small town, but when it comes to good food and drink, it punches well above its weight.

Craving fresh, locally inspired fare? Estelle’s Eatery & Bar serves up farm-to-table favorites, rice bowls, and craft cocktails in a beautifully restored downtown space.

Looking for casual comfort food? On The Crunchy Side American Bar & Eatery delivers pub-style favorites and a welcoming atmosphere.

Need coffee and breakfast? Gabby Lou’s Kitchen is a local favorite for pastries, coffee drinks, breakfast, lunch—and yes, even a charming little retail section worth browsing.

Pizza and beer night more your style? Head to The Bite.

Just a short drive away, you can enjoy award winning fruit wines on the patio at Winneshiek Wildberry Winery.

Want to cap off the evening? Stop by Harmony Spirits Distillery for handcrafted cocktails made with grain-to-glass spirits produced right in Harmony.

Even the locals know that Harmony Foods is a handy stop for picnic supplies, quick lunches, and road-trip snacks.

You can learn more about our member businesses in the food and drink category here! 

Shop Small (and Find Something Unexpected)

Broad photo of downtown businesses lining either side of the street
The shops of downtown Harmony await you!

If shopping is part of your vacation strategy, Harmony delivers.

Downtown Harmony is filled with independently owned businesses, each with its own personality and plenty of treasures to discover.

Looking for boutique clothing, vintage treasures, gifts, home décor, or consignment finds? Bee Balm Boutique offers a little bit of everything.

Harmony Mercantile combines hometown hardware with an impressive selection of gifts, cards, and essentials.

At Tinker & Makes, you’ll find thoughtfully curated regional gifts, craft kits, kids’ activities, artwork, and locally made goods.

The Village Schoolhouse and Village Depot Gift Shops are longtime visitor favorites for Amish goods, quilts, gifts, clothing, and unique finds.

Seed & Stone at Thirty9Main offers Driftless-inspired gifts, gemstones, birdseed, and more.

Just a short drive away in Canton, Lumberyard Marketplace is worth the detour for vintage finds, gifts, fair-trade items, consignment clothing, and antiques.

Antique Your Way Through Town

Harmony is home to not one, but TWO antique malls!

Treasure hunters, this one’s for you.

Harmony is home to two large multi-vendor antique malls with more than 21,000 square feet of antiques and vintage treasures to browse.

Spend an afternoon wandering through Stardust Retro Revival and New Generations of Harmony Antique Mall, where every booth holds something unexpected—from furniture and collectibles to vintage glassware, retro décor, and one-of-a-kind finds.

Come looking for one thing… leave with something completely different.

Learn more about our member businesses in the retail category here! 

Hit the Links

 

If your ideal summer day includes a little time on the golf course, Harmony Golf Club offers a welcoming 9-hole public course perfect for players of all skill levels.

After your round, grab a drink at the full-service bar, relax on the patio, or enjoy a frozen Heggies pizza while soaking in the summer weather.

Step Into Little House History

A covered wagon sits at the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum & Mark in Burr Oak

Just 12 miles south of Harmony in Burr Oak, Iowa, history lovers can visit the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum & Park.

This lesser-known stop offers a fascinating glimpse into the Ingalls family’s life—including the birthplace of Laura’s younger sister, Grace. Tour the historic hotel where the family once lived and learn about this unique chapter of the Little House story.

It’s an easy and worthwhile addition to your Harmony itinerary.

Stay Awhile

Thinking one day might not be enough? You’re probably right.

Harmony offers convenient lodging options, cozy Airbnbs, and seasonal campgrounds for those wanting to stay longer and explore more of the Driftless Region. Whether you prefer a hotel stay, cabin retreat, or camping under the stars, Harmony makes a great home base for summer adventure. Read more about Harmony lodging options here. 

Your Summer Escape Starts Here

From underground wonders and scenic bike rides to local shopping, handcrafted cocktails, family fun, and unforgettable small-town charm, Harmony is the kind of place that makes summer feel just a little slower—in the best possible way.

Come for the day. Stay for the weekend. And see what’s waiting for you in this special corner of the Driftless Region. 🌞

Harmony to Celebrate Trail Expansion and National Caves & Karst Day at Niagara Cave on June 6

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Harmony to Celebrate Trail Expansion and National Caves & Karst Day at Niagara Cave on June 6

HARMONY, MINN. — A new trail connection, a regional tourism milestone, and a national celebration of caves and karst landscapes will come together at Niagara Cave on Saturday, June 6, as the City of Harmony celebrates the completion of the Harmony Stateline Trail extension to Niagara Cave and the Iowa border.

Held in conjunction with National Caves & Karst Day, the event highlights Harmony’s unique place in the Driftless Region — where outdoor recreation, underground natural wonders, and scenic beauty converge.

The celebration will feature the Harmony Stateline Non-Biker Trail Ride, giving residents and visitors alike the opportunity to experience the newly completed approximately six-mile trail corridor connecting Harmony to Niagara Cave and the Iowa state line.

To ensure the celebration is accessible to everyone — not just cyclists — participants may choose to enjoy the route aboard wagons traveling from Harmony’s trailhead to Niagara Cave, or bike the route at their own pace.

Upon arrival at Niagara Cave, trail riders will enjoy live music by Tim Little, complimentary mini golf, and the opportunity to celebrate both the completion of the trail expansion and the geological significance of the region on National Caves & Karst Day.

A formal ribbon-cutting ceremony recognizing the completion of the trail extension will take place at Niagara Cave at 12:00 p.m. The ceremony will honor the many individuals and organizations who helped bring the project to life, including local landowners, funding partners, state legislators, and community supporters who transformed a long-envisioned project into reality.

The Harmony Stateline Trail expansion marks the first step toward a future interstate trail connection between Minnesota and Iowa, creating new opportunities for recreation, tourism, and regional connectivity in the Driftless Region.

Niagara Cave, one of the Midwest’s premier underground attractions, sits within the Driftless Area — a landscape known for its caves, springs, bluffs, and karst geology formed over millions of years.

“We are excited that everyone can share in the celebration of National Caves and Karst Day and the expansion of the bike trail from Harmony to the Iowa state-line and Niagara Cave,” said Aaron Bishop, Co-Manager of Niagara Cave. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to foster outdoor recreation and a deeper appreciation for the delicate ecosystems beneath our feet.”

The public is invited to attend, though advance registration is required for the Non-Biker Trail Ride to assist organizers with transportation logistics. Participants wishing to take part in the wagon ride must reserve their spot by May 28 by contacting Harmony City Hall.

Wagons will depart from Harmony’s Trailhead Parking Lot and travel the trail corridor to Niagara Cave. Following the event, buses — including handicap-accessible transportation — will return participants to the trailhead.

Community leaders hope the event serves not only as a celebration of an important recreational milestone, but also as an opportunity to showcase the natural features, outdoor experiences, and unique attractions that continue to make Harmony and the surrounding Driftless Region a destination for visitors from across the Midwest.

Media inquiries: Niagara Cave, 507-886-6606
Niagara Cave website

Spring in Harmony, Minnesota: Things to Do in the Driftless Region

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Spring in Harmony, Minnesota: Things to Do in the Driftless Region

Spring has officially arrived in Harmony, and you can feel it in every corner of town. Fields are greening up, trees are budding, and warmer days mean more ways to get out and explore the Driftless Region.

Whether you’re planning a quick day trip or a full weekend getaway, Harmony is the kind of place where you can slow down, look around, and actually enjoy the season.

Explore Amish Country

Just beyond town, you’ll find one of the largest Old Order Amish communities in the region—around 1,000 residents living and working throughout the countryside.

The best way to experience it? A guided visit with Amish Tours of Harmony. Van tours typically run at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. daily (no Sunday tours), or you can arrange for a guide to join you in your own vehicle.

Spring is also greenhouse season, and it’s worth the drive. Amish greenhouses are filled with vibrant flowers and a wide selection of vegetable starts—perfect if you’re ready to dig into your own garden. Along the way, you’ll also find farm shops offering handmade furniture, quilts, canned goods, local honey, maple syrup, and more.

Go Underground at Niagara Cave

Looking for something truly unique? Niagara Cave is now open daily for the season—and it’s unlike anything else in Minnesota.

Formed by the region’s distinctive karst topography, this cave system takes you deep below the surface on a guided tour featuring:

  • A breathtaking 60-foot underground waterfall
  • Ancient fossils set into the cave walls
  • Dramatic limestone formations
  • A historic underground wedding chapel

Tours run seven days a week, and reservations are recommended—especially as spring travel picks up.

Impressive limestone formations can be seen in Niagara Cave

Hit the Links

If you’re looking to slow things down a bit, Harmony Golf Club is now open for the season.

This 9-hole course is open to the public and offers a relaxed, scenic place to spend an afternoon. After your round, stick around to enjoy the clubhouse bar and patios—perfect for a drink and a few snacks in the spring sunshine.

👉 Be sure to check their website for current hours and details before you go.

Locals enjoying Harmony Golf Course

Eat, Sip & Stay Local

Harmony may be small, but it delivers when it comes to food and drink. The town is home to five locally owned restaurants and even a distillery, making it easy to grab a great meal or enjoy something crafted right here.

It’s the kind of place where “local” actually means local—and you can taste the difference. Read about our member restaurants & distillery here.

Harmony Spirits is serving up cocktails made with their craft spirits

Shop Small (and Find Something Great)

Downtown Harmony is full of independently owned shops and boutiques, each with its own personality. Whether you’re browsing for something specific or just seeing what catches your eye, you’ll find:

  • Clothing and accessories
  • Vintage and antique treasures
  • Home décor and kitchen goods
  • Locally and regionally made items
  • Books, toys, and unique gifts

👉 Be sure to explore the full lineup of local businesses on the SHOP page before your visit.

A downtown storefront (Tinker & Makes) with amazing merch inside!

Antique Your Way Through Town

Treasure hunters, take note—Harmony is home to two large multi-vendor antique malls with a combined 21,000+ square feet to explore.

From glassware and furniture to collectibles and the wonderfully unexpected, this is the kind of place where you might come in looking for one thing… and leave with something completely different.

Scene from a booth in Stardust Retro Revival

Hit the Trail

Spring is prime time for biking, and Harmony is right in the middle of it all. The Root River State Trail and Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail offer more than 60 miles of paved trails through some of southeastern Minnesota’s most scenic landscapes.

A newly completed spur now connects Harmony directly to Niagara Cave and extends to the Iowa border—making it easy to turn your ride into a full-day adventure.

Cyclists enjoy the Root River Trail System

Step Into Little House History

Just 12 miles south of Harmony, the small town of Burr Oak offers a surprisingly big piece of American history at the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum & Park.

This is one of the few places you can walk in the actual footsteps of the Ingalls family. Laura lived here from 1876 to 1877 while her family helped manage the historic Masters Hotel—which still stands today and is part of the museum experience. Burr Oak is also the birthplace of her younger sister, Grace.

Visitors can tour the preserved hotel, explore the museum grounds, and learn more about this lesser-known chapter of the Little House story. It’s an easy and worthwhile addition to your Harmony itinerary.

A covered wagon sits at the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum & Mark in Burr Oak

Stay a Little Longer

If you decide to make a weekend of it, you’ve got options.

Country Lodge Inn offers convenient lodging just off Highway 52 and within easy reach of downtown. Prefer something more tucked away? There are plenty of local Airbnbs, along with seasonal campgrounds opening for the year—including Harvest Farm Campground just south of town. Read more about local lodging. 

Your Spring Escape Starts Here

From underground wonders and scenic bike rides to small-town shopping, Amish countryside exploring, a round of golf, and nearby historic sites, Harmony is the kind of place that makes spring feel like a fresh start.

Come for the day… stay for the weekend… and see what’s waiting for you in this corner of the Driftless. 🌿

Step Into Little House History Just 12 Miles from Harmony

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Step Into Little House History Just 12 Miles from Harmony

Just a short drive from Harmony, Minnesota, the tiny town of Burr Oak, Iowa offers visitors a surprisingly big piece of American history. Located only 12 miles from Harmony, Burr Oak is home to the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum & Park—a must-visit destination for fans of pioneer history, classic literature, and the beloved Little House stories.

Many people are surprised to learn that the Ingalls family—yes, that Ingalls family—lived in Burr Oak from 1876 to 1877. During their time there, the family helped manage the historic Masters Hotel, which still stands today. Burr Oak is also the birthplace of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s younger sister, Grace, making this small Iowa community an especially meaningful stop for anyone interested in the real-life story behind the books.

Today, visitors can explore the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum & Park and experience this fascinating chapter of Midwestern history firsthand. Tour the beautifully preserved Masters Hotel, visit the Burr Oak History Center, browse the Visitor Center and gift shop, and enjoy the peaceful museum grounds. It’s a charming and educational outing for families, history buffs, and road-trippers alike.

The museum opens for the season on May 1. Be sure to check current hours and visitor information here: Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum & Park website

A covered wagon sits at the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum & Mark in Burr Oak

Laura Days Returns June 26–28

Each June, Laura fans from near and far gather in Burr Oak for Laura Days, an annual celebration honoring Laura Ingalls Wilder and pioneer life. This beloved tradition features a parade, pioneer games, craft demonstrations, history tours, live music, bingo, and plenty of small-town fun.

This year’s celebration, taking place June 26–28, is especially exciting as it marks the 50th Annual Laura Days.

To celebrate the milestone, organizers have invited Alison Arngrim, who famously played Nellie Oleson in the popular Little House on the Prairie television series. She will appear in person on June 27, with opportunities for autographs and photos—sure to be a highlight for longtime fans of the show.

Add Burr Oak to Your Next Harmony Getaway

Whether you grew up reading the Little House books, watched the television series, or simply enjoy discovering hidden gems and local history, Burr Oak, Iowa is well worth the short trip from Harmony.

It’s one more reason a visit to our corner of the Driftless Region offers more than meets the eye—beautiful countryside, welcoming communities, and memorable attractions around every turn. The next time you’re in the area, make time for Burr Oak. You just might leave inspired.

Why February Is a Great Time to Shop Local in Harmony

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February in Harmony is quieter. The holiday rush has passed, the calendars are lighter, and the pace slows just enough to catch our breath. But while it may feel like the “off-season,” February is actually one of the most important times to support local businesses.

When you shop local in winter, your dollars go further than you might realize. These months help businesses cover everyday operating costs, plan for the year ahead, and continue offering the goods and services our community relies on year-round. A February purchase may not feel flashy, but it has real impact.

Shopping local this time of year also comes with some unexpected perks. Stores are often freshly restocked, owners and staff have more time to chat and help you find exactly what you’re looking for, and the experience feels more personal and relaxed. You might even score some great clearance deals, as shops make room for spring inventory—one more reason February can be a win for both shoppers and businesses.

February is also a time when many businesses are doing behind-the-scenes work: ordering spring inventory, planning events, refreshing displays, and making improvements that visitors and locals will enjoy later in the year. Supporting them now helps make all of that possible.

Most importantly, shopping local in February is a vote of confidence in our community. It’s a reminder that small towns don’t just thrive during peak seasons—they thrive because people choose to show up all year long.

So whether you’re grabbing a meal, browsing local shops, buying a gift, or treating yourself to something special, know that your support matters—especially in February.