What To See
With the Soo Line Trail running by the café, bikers from far and wide have walked through the gardens, enjoyed food and fellowship, maybe on their way to Blanchard Dam to look for fairy cross rocks or head the other way to visit the longest covered bridge in Minnesota, located in Holdingford, Minnesota. Either way, a stop at Jordie’s is a must.
Bowlus Community Center
Located right across the street from Jordies! It is a beautiful park that is nestled right by the Soo Line Bike Trail for your rest stop and parking needs! It features a pavilion area which includes picnic tables, grills, electricity, indoor bathrooms, large parking area, large play area for children under beautiful share trees, overnight tenting. Head on over to Jordies and and have a piece of pie or dine in our garden and Sontie’s Pavilion or enjoy our air-conditioned restaurant. You can host your next event in a facility that features a large banquet room (seating capacity up to 250), portable bar, tables and chairs, full kitchen. If you are interested in renting out the facility, please see Jordie at our café or give her a call at (320) 584-8193.
Blanchard Dam
The Blanchard Dam is the tallest dam on the Mississippi River at 47 feet and is a hydroelectric station for Minnesota Power. It is one of the only places on earch where Cross Rocks are found. You can get a great view of the dam from the Soo Line Trail bridge. The water action looks impressive in spring high water levels. The Soo Line Trail bridge is located just below the Blanchard Dam.
Bowlus Park
Step right across the street from Jordies in the Bowlus Community Center Park, let your kids get their wiggles out and come back enjoy some ice cream and treats!
Soo Line Bike Trail
This scenic trail (10 miles) starts at the northern end of the Lake Wobegon Trail between Holdingford and Bowlus at the Stearns and Morrison County line and crosses a pastoral landscape with an occasional farm and wetland. https://mntrails.com/project/soo-line-trail/
Cross Rocks
The Staurolites, better known as "cross rocks" are referred to due to their shape. The mineral name is staurolite. These rock formations are extremely rare and are only found in a few areas of the world. No cross rocks found are ever alike. These cross rocks are twinned staurolite crystals stimulating the Maltese, St. Andrew's and Prismatic crosses. The Staurolites are much sought after as good luck pieces, charms and natural curiosities. These rare stones can be found at Blanchard Dam on the east side of the dam.
Lake Wobegon Bike Trail
The Lake Wobegon Trail is a 65-mile long, 10-foot wide, bituminous surfaced hike-and-bike pathway from Waite Park to Osakis with an extension heading northeast to Holdingford from Albany. https://mntrails.com/project/lake-wobegon-trail/
