Events and Things to Do in Rushford, Minnesota in April 2026
Spring awakens in Bluff Country this April. The Root River is running, trout season is opening, and the trails are calling. Rushford — gateway to the Root River Valley — invites you to explore the season with fishing, art, hiking, and small-town charm.
April 2026 Events
Minnesota Stream Trout Harvest Season Opens
The 2026 stream trout harvest season officially opens on the second Saturday in April. Rushford sits at the heart of southeast Minnesota’s premier Driftless Area trout streams, including the Root River and Rush Creek. Catch-and-release season has been open since January 1; harvest of up to 5 trout per day begins today. A valid Minnesota fishing license is required.
MN DNR Fishing Seasons →Annie Mack — “Wolves of Impermanence” Concert
Minneapolis-based artist Annie Mack brings her powerful Americana sound to the intimate St. Mane Theatre in nearby Lanesboro. A short drive or scenic bike ride down the Root River Trail from Rushford makes this an easy evening outing.
Lanesboro Arts →25th Annual Bluff Country Studio Art Tour
Celebrate 25 years of this beloved self-guided art tour through Bluff Country. Visit artist studios, galleries, and shared exhibition spaces tucked into the scenic hills and valleys surrounding Rushford. Pottery, paintings, furniture, jewelry, fiber arts, and more. Free to attend — grab a map and explore the back roads.
Tour Map & Info →Lipmasters Fishing Tournament
Rushford’s beloved annual rough fishing tournament on the Root River draws up to 300 participants of all ages. Fish for carp, white sucker, bullheads, redhorse, and dogfish. Registration at Nordic Lanes, weigh-in at 5 PM. Adult and kids divisions with prizes.
* The Lipmasters Tournament is held annually on a Saturday in April. The exact 2026 date has not yet been confirmed. Check the Lipmasters Fishing Tournament Facebook page or contact the Rushford Peterson Valley Chamber at (507) 864-7560 for the confirmed date.
Root River Trail Events →
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Root River Trout Fishing
April is prime time for trout fishing in the Driftless Area. Catch-and-release has been open since January 1, with harvest season opening April 11. The Root River and Rush Creek run right through Rushford.
Daily • Root River & Rush Creek, Rushford
MN DNR →Root River State Trail
Spring is the perfect time to ride or walk the 60-mile paved Root River State Trail. The Rushford trailhead is at the Historic Depot parking lot on Elm Street. Trail connects to Houston, Peterson, Whalan, Lanesboro, and Fountain.
Daily • Trailhead at Historic Depot, Elm Street
Root River Trail →Magelssen Bluff Park & Hiking
Explore 1.5 miles of looping trails with stunning panoramic views of the Root River Valley. Access from Winona Street in Rushford or drive via Hwy 30 West to Magelssen Drive. See the nearly 200-year-old Rushford Burr Oak tree.
Daily • Open dawn to dusk
Rushford Historic Depot Museum & Visitor Center
The 1867 Southern Minnesota Railway Depot — Minnesota’s oldest two-story railroad station remaining on its original site — reopens for daily visitor hours in April. Home of the Rushford Area Historical Society.
Open daily April – October • 401 S. Elm Street
Peterson Station Museum
Just up the road in Peterson, explore the genealogy library, rural life exhibits, a restored schoolhouse, Oliver tractor collection, and the Bernard Pietenpol aircraft exhibit.
Tue–Sat, 9 AM – 3:30 PM • Peterson, MN
Attractions →Norsland Lefse
Watch lefse being made and shipped across North America at this unique Rushford factory. Enjoy fresh-made lefse, Scandinavian goodies, gifts, and a full café menu. A Food Network-recognized destination.
Call ahead for tour and café hours
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Things to Do in Rushford
Ferndale Golf Course
A beautiful, mature 9-hole par-36 course nestled in the bluffs just east of town. Opened in 1931 with 6,648 yards from the longest tees. Clubhouse bar & grill open to the public. Course typically opens in spring.
Whitewater State Park
A short drive north of Rushford, this popular state park offers hiking trails, trout fishing in the Whitewater River, scenic bluff overlooks, and spring wildflower displays. One of SE Minnesota’s most beautiful parks.
Nordic Lanes Bowling
Family-friendly bowling right in Rushford with open bowl times available. A local gathering spot and the home base for the Lipmasters Fishing Tournament registration and weigh-in.
Vinegar Ridge Recreation Area
Located along the Root River State Trail between Rushford and Houston, Vinegar Ridge offers six miles of horseback riding trails and access to the Root River for canoeing and kayaking. Eight primitive campsites available.
Creekside Park & Veterans Memorial Park
Rushford’s community parks feature paved walking trails, pavilions, a gazebo, tennis and basketball courts, and the custom-built Leathers & Associates playground. Adjacent to the Ben Niggle Sports Complex.
Downtown Rushford Dining
Enjoy homemade pizza and burgers at local family restaurants, Scandinavian treats at Norsland Lefse’s café, and ice cream at The Creamery. Small-town hospitality at its finest.
April in Rushford marks the beginning of the outdoor season in Bluff Country. Cast a line in the Root River, pedal the trail to Lanesboro, explore artist studios tucked into the hills, or simply soak in the views from Magelssen Bluff. This valley is waiting for you.
Plan your visit and discover why Rushford is the gateway to the Root River Valley.
