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JOURNAL
www.driftlessjournal.com | news@driftlessjournal.com | 563-382-4221 | Tuesday, March 28, 2023 | Vol. 5 Issue 13
Renovated Volga City Opera House
Northeast Iowa’s newest hidden gem By Brian Gibbs Making the journey to Volga City feels like stepping inside of a Grant Wood painting. The landscape is decorated with rolling hills of oak, dotted with small farms and old red barns. The Volga River meanders through the heart of this quiet valley, curving its way through limestone bluffs and under white pine forests, with waters home to bald eagles, river otters, smallmouth bass, even the occasional trout. Like many rural communities in the Driftless region, Volga relies on its scenic backdrop to help draw in seasonal pulses of tourism. The community has faced its fair share of hard times, including the decimating 1999 flood. These days, however, the biggest rush of excitement coming out of town originates from inside the walls of the historic Volga City Opera House.
Opera house attendees were treated to a sit-down Irish dinner with music by “The Lilies of the Midwest.” (submitted photo)
History Completed in 1914, the opera house was designed as a luxurious event center to meet the needs of a bustling rural community of nearly 500 people. Over the course of its 109-year history, the space has been home to many events: a traveling theatre, dances, weddings, graduations and live music. In the past several years, the venue has gone through a complete rehabilitation under
Volga City Opera House continued on page 13 Tom and Bethany Klingman
Kayakers enjoy the tranquil water and scenic views at Lake Meyer Park during a public kayaking program with Winneshiek County Conservation staff. (submitted photo)
Celebrating generations of quality conservation in Winneshiek County This year the Winneshiek County Conservation Board will celebrate its 65th anniversary. The mission of the Winneshiek County Conservation Board (WCCB) is to provide the public with wide-ranging opportunities for quality outdoor recreation while wisely managing natural resources and encouraging land stewardship through natural history and environmental education programming. WCCB has met Winneshiek County residents’ significant desire and support for access to greenspace and outdoor recreation by connecting people
to the outdoors and keeping the outdoors worth connecting to over the past 65 years. WCCB is an effective organization that will continue its legacy of support for natural resources, recreation, tourism and education in the county for future generations.
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Legacy of conservation achievement The projects and community partnerships fostered by Winneshiek County Conservation during the past 65 years had a clear, positive impact on the economy, quality of natural resource management, outdoor recreation and environmental education in Winneshiek County. The Winneshiek County park system started in 1958 with plans for two undeveloped areas that
WCCB anniversary continued on page 3
St. Patrick’s Day Parade The annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade was a big hit Sunday, March 19, in Waukon. While the temperature dipped low, spirits were high and attendees celebrated their proud Irish heritage. There were dignitaries, businesses and a bit o’ the blarney in the parade that kicked off an afternoon and evening of celebration throughout the town. There were beads and candy to vie for, as well as sights to see, including raucous shenanigans of free-wheeling avian tricksters and a heartfelt “wish you were here” tribute to one near and dear to the parade for years, Matt Sweeney. ‘Twas a blessing for those who attended, and a sorrow for those who missed, but every grand St. Patrick’s Day is a great time to get… to Waukon!
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