Pre- and Post-Conference Trips

Updated 6/2/10

Hooked! Historic Fishing Lures
May 18-Sept. 5, 2010.

On display are historic fishing lures from 8,000 B.C. to the modern day, including pre-historic lures, the first European lures brought to America, the first American lures, early and rare factory made lures, classic favorites and more. More than 800 unique, rare and historic lures and fishing memorabilia are on display. On loan from Dan Basore's massive fishing lure collection. For more information, visit the Marine Art Museum's website: http://www.minnesotamarineart.org/ExhibitionsCollections/CurrentExhibiti...

Smallmouth Bass Fishing on the Zumbro River

Take a picture perfect ride down the Zumbro River where catching 30 to 40 smallmouth bass is a typical day of fishing. Bill Plantan of River Ridge Custom Canoes has been guiding on the Zumbro River for years and with the help of others from his guide pool will be offering guided fishing trips down the Zumbro. There will be a fee charged for this experience.  Contact Bill Plantan for more infomation. His number is (507) 288-2750. The Web site for River Ridge Custom Canoes is www.riverridgecustomcanoes.com.

Trout Fishing in the Driftless Area

On June 9, Trout Unlimited staff and volunteers will take you on an insider's fishing tour of the unique spring creeks in the Driftless Area. Home to some of the biggest wild trout in the Midwest, the Driftless Area is a shining example of how how river restoration is beneficial to landowners, communities and anglers alike. The Driftless Area covers over 24,000 square miles in 57 counties in southeast Minnesota, southwest Wisconsin, northeast Iowa and a small portion of northwest Illinois. TU's Driftless Area Restoration Effort is one of TU’s largest and most ambitious restoration projects in the nation. From 2007-2009 TU has helped secure or leverage over $3 million for stream restoration here and has helped improve over 30 miles on about as many streams. We'll fish several of the area's most prolific trout streams, learn about the area's fascinating geography and will tour several of TU's successful restoration projects. For more information, contact Erin Mooney, EMooney@tu.org or (703) 284-9408.

Trout Fishing - Stream Walking or Drift Boat

There are miles of phenomenal trout fishing surrounding the conference location. Dan Michener guides for either those that prefer to walk the streams or those that prefer a drift boat option. Michener is strictly fly fishing and catch and release. There will be a fee charged for this experience. Contact Michener at (507) 268-4266.

Stream Trout Fishing - Lewiston Area Trout Guides

With nearly 700 miles of trout streams surrounding Lewiston places to fish won’t be hard to find, but it does help to take along someone that knows the region and can get you onto one of the stable, limestone spring creeks that harbor trout. The Lewiston Trout Guides offers fly fishing expertise as well as experience in the region. They support catch and release on the 50 trout streams that flow within 20 miles of Lewiston which is just west of Rochester. There will be a fee charged for this experience.  Contact Mark Reisetter at (507) 523-2557. The Web site is www.minnesotatrout.com.

Lake Minnetonka Fishing - Up North Outdoors

Lake Minnetonka has been touted as one of the best bass lakes in the country. It is also a popular metro-area lake for muskelunge, northern pike, walleye and panfish. Fish this lake with Doug Warren or one of his guide crew from Up North Outdoors. There will be a fee charged for this experience. Contact Warren at (763) 390-7828. His Web site is www.upnorthoutdoors.com.

Come fish with Hobie

Tim Lesmeister is planning on taking the Hobie kayaks out on some Twin Cities metro lakes for bass, pike and walleyes, both pre- and post-conference. We'll have some Pro-Anglers and Outbacks there. There will be some great photo ops and story potential. The dates are Tuesday, June 8 and Monday, June 14. Kayaks will be supplied along with baits and tackle, rods and reels and lunch and refreshments will be on the water and dinner will be provided afterward. On June 8, participants will meet at the Lake Harriet (overlooking the Minneapolis skyline) boat landing at 8:30 a.m. and fish until they are tired. On June 14, the fishing will begin at the White Bear Lake boat landing at 8:30 and go until everyone is off the water. There is a limited amount of kayaks available so contact Lesmeister by May 15 at tim@lesmonster.com or 612-201-2648.

Pre- and Post-Conference Activities in Lanesboro (June 6-9 and June 14-18)

Lanesboro offers OWAA Conference Attendees the opportunity to relax in a quiet place with no stoplights or franchises!

Lanesboro is a historic village nestled in the Bluffs of the Root River Valley. You can experience the spectacular paved Root River State Bike Trail, winding 60 miles through Bluff Country. Excellent for biking, and hiking; it runs along towering limestone bluffs, dense hardwood forests and peaceful small towns. Lanesboro offers invigorating outdoor activities, rich artistic experiences, unique shopping, a local winery, fine dining and unique lodging.

Outside Magazine featured Lanesboro as one of the "20 Best Dream Towns in America to Live and Play." Lanesboro was also recognized as the Bed & Breakfast Capital of Minnesota in 2009.

We hope that you are able to come to Lanesboro before or after your Conference activities.  You will see for yourself why people return time and time again to renew themselves in Lanesboro's riches!

Lanesboro business owners are expressing their hospitality by offering these specials, just for you, as an attendee of the OWAA Annual Conference.  Simply present your conference name card to redeem these specials:

Old Barn Resort & River's Bend Golf
Good for June 7-9 and June 14-17. 
2 people 18 holes for $50 including cart.
24461 Heron Rd
Preston, MN 55965
Contact: Shirley Endres at 800-552-2512

• 18 Gorgeous Holes, Par 70! The course plays along river, woods and bluffs for challenging scenery. Practice range, carts, clubs. Full restaurant & bar, camping, hostel & more.

Bluffscape Amish Tours
$3 off an Amish Tour
102 E Beacon St
Lanesboro, MN 55949
507-467-3070

• Amish Tours 10 am & 1:30 pm.  Step back in time and tour Old Order Amish at their farms. Three hour tours. Our tours are authentic, private, and respectful to our Amish friends.

Root River Outfitters
Rent one bike, get the 2nd bike half price.
15% off Canoe Rental.
109 Parkway Ave S
Lanesboro, MN 55949
507-467-3400

Potiche Pottery and Gifts
10% off
113 Parkway Ave N
PO Box 129
Lanesboro, MN 55949
507-467-2929

• We are a Specialty gift store with a Paint Your Own Pottery Studio. Stop into our unique store, and enjoy some creative fun for everyone.

Eagle Bluff Treetops High Ropes Courses
Half-price Ropes Course $12 per person.
Mon, June 7 High Ropes for 9 am – noon
Reservations required, contact Cheryl Krage 507-467-2437 ext. 102.
Credit Card required at reservation.

• Our Treetops High Ropes Courses provide a confidence building experience that promotes personal growth and strengthens group bonds. All of our courses are certified and feature a series of 30 foot high towers connected by cables. Using industry-approved equipment, each participant maneuvers through the course securely attached to overhead safety cables.

Eagle Cliff Outfitters
35455 St Hwy 16
Hwy 16 E of Lanesboro
Lanesboro, MN 55949
Contact: Emily Spende 507-467-2598
Sun – Thurs: 15-passenger vans available for transportation from Rochester to Lanesboro round trip.

• Canoe trip, kayaking, or tube rental. Bean bag toss tournament & BBQ.

Commonweal Theatre Company
FREE Tickets!
208 Parkway Ave N
Lanesboro, MN
Call for reservations 800-657-7025

• Drama unfolds where the Root River bends. Since 1989, the region’s only professional producing theatre company has enriched the common good through actor-based storytelling which is both transcendent and relevant.

Commonweal Productions:

Scenic Valley Winery
FREE Wine taste testing!
101 Coffee St
PO Box 395
Lanesboro, MN 55949
Phone: 507-467-2958
Toll Free: 888-965-0250

• We invite you to sample our country fresh fruit wines when you visit us in historic downtown Lanesboro. Call for ordering.

Das Wurst Haus
Lunch Special: Free homemade Root Beer or other drink with the purchase of a sandwich.
117 Parkway Ave N
Lanesboro, MN 55949
507-467-2902

• Homemade sausages, meats, breads, soups, sauerkraut, mustards, root beer, and more! Great ice cream treats. Live Polka music!

Riverside on the Root Restaurant
10% off Meals & Drinks (not valid with any other discounts)
109 Parkway Ave S
Lanesboro, MN 55949
507-467-3663

• Enjoy great food - from sandwiches at lunchtime to evening dining with full menu and liquor on our decks and patio overlooking the Root River. Now open Dirty Martini Lounge.

Pedal Pusher's Cafe and Pedaler's Roast Coffee Bar
10% off
121 Parkway Ave N
Lanesboro, MN 55949
507-467-1050

• Located in downtown Lanesboro, our restaurant offers classic 1950's American cuisine focusing on made-from-scratch cooking featuring locally grown meats, dairy, and produce.

Kari’s Restaurant
10% off
201 Parkway Ave N
PO Box 306
Lanesboro, MN 55949
507-467-3381

• Kari's features authentic Scandinavian cuisine using locally grown meats, dairy and in-season produce.