Singer-songwriter Paul Lawrence brings his signature blend of folk, country, and blues to the Chatfield Center for an evening of original music and storytelling. Tickets and details at chatfieldarts.org.

Break out the flip-flops. Parrothead Paradise delivers a full-on Jimmy Buffett tribute — sun-soaked island sounds, crowd favorites, and an early taste of summer even if the bluffs are still muddy. A great night for fans of Margaritaville and the whole Coral Reefer catalog. Tickets at chatfieldarts.org.

The Janzen Boys are a folk-roots trio known for tight harmonies and acoustic-driven songwriting. An intimate evening with genuine Americana sound. Tickets at chatfieldarts.org.

Backstage Nashville brings the energy and storytelling of Music City to Southeast Minnesota — classic country hits and behind-the-scenes Nashville flavor in a live show format. Tickets at chatfieldarts.org.

The Tennessee Stiffs close out April at the Chatfield Center. Tickets and details at chatfieldarts.org.

Twin Cities-based soul and R&B artist Annie Mack brings her acclaimed “Wolves of Impermanence” project to the historic St. Mane Theatre. Mack is known for her powerful, emotionally direct performances and genre-spanning approach. A must-see for fans of original music. Details and tickets at lanesboroarts.org.

Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center hosts another edition of its popular Dinner on the Bluff series. April’s program explores the fascinating science of Earth’s shifting magnetic poles — a big-picture look at a phenomenon that affects everything from animal migration to modern navigation systems. Dinner is included. Check with Eagle Bluff for tickets and reservation details at eagle-bluff.net.

Southeast Minnesota’s professional live theatre company is in full swing for its 2026 season. No Wake, the first production of the season, is running in spring 2026. The Commonweal’s rotating repertory model lets weekend visitors see two different shows back to back. Call 800-657-7025 or visit commonwealtheatre.org for the April schedule and tickets.

An early-season farmers market and community pop-up at the Preston United Methodist Church. A good chance to pick up local goods and connect with neighbors after the long winter. Check local listings for vendors and hours.

The Minnesota stream trout harvest season opens April 11 statewide — and nowhere in Minnesota celebrates this more than Preston and the surrounding Root River valley. The Root River and its tributaries run cold and clear through Fillmore County limestone country, supporting some of the best wild trout fishing in the Upper Midwest. A Minnesota fishing license with trout stamp is required. Details at dnr.state.mn.us.

The Preston fairgrounds campground opens at the start of April, making it a practical base for trail cyclists, trout anglers, and anyone using Preston as a hub to explore Bluff Country. Sites fill up on busy spring weekends — book ahead.

Minnesota’s longest cave — over 13 miles of passages — opens for spring weekend tours in April. The cave holds a constant 48°F temperature, making it a cool-weather option regardless of what April throws at Bluff Country. The Scenic Tour is accessible; the Geology Tour goes deeper. Minnesota State Parks vehicle permit required; tour reservations recommended at dnr.state.mn.us.

Niagara Cave opens its doors for the 2026 season in April. The cave features stalactites, stalagmites, a 60-foot underground waterfall, and a natural underground chapel. Guided tours run regularly throughout the day. A perennial Bluff Country highlight for families and geology fans alike. Details and tickets at niagaracave.com.

The Harmony area is home to one of Minnesota’s largest Amish settlements. Spring is a beautiful time to explore the back roads — you’ll find Amish-made furniture, quilts, baked goods, and crafts at farms and small shops throughout the township. Harmony Visitor Center has maps and guided tour options. Visit exploreharmony.com for touring information.

Harmony’s beloved small-town movie house, the Jem Theater, screens films on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings. Check local listings for current showings. An affordable, classic small-town movie night experience.

One of the most popular spring traditions in the Rushford Peterson Valley, the annual Lipmasters Fishing Tournament brings up to 300 participants of all ages to the banks of the Root River for a day of rough fish competition — redhorse, white sucker, carp, bullheads, and dogfish. Registration runs from 11 a.m. to noon at Nordic Lanes, with a shotgun start at noon and weigh-in at 5 p.m. Prizes are awarded in adult and kids’ divisions. A fun, low-key event with deep local roots. Check with the Rushford Peterson Valley Chamber for the 2026 date confirmation.

The 25th annual Bluff Country Studio Art Tour sweeps through Fillmore, Houston, and Winona counties the last full weekend of April — and Rushford area artists are among the participants. This free, self-guided tour lets visitors drop in on working studios, watch live demonstrations, and shop directly from artists working in ceramics, turned wood, fiber, sculpture, photography, jewelry, and more. A complete studio map and mobile app are available at bluffcountrystudioarttour.org.

The Rushford Visitor Center and Historic Depot reopens for the season in April, operating daily through October. The 1867 Southern Minnesota Railway Depot — now a museum and seat of the Rushford Area Historical Society — is a great first stop to pick up trail maps, get fishing information, and learn about the valley’s railroading and agricultural history. Adjacent landmark buildings include a jailhouse, one-room schoolhouse, and a log home under restoration. Contact the Rushford Peterson Valley Chamber at 507-864-7560 for hours.

The 25th annual Bluff Country Studio Art Tour includes studios and galleries in and around the Peterson area as part of its broader sweep through Fillmore County. This free, self-guided weekend event is the region’s biggest celebration of working artists — ceramics, fiber, photography, woodturning, sculpture, and more. Peterson makes an excellent hub for the tour given its trail access and central location between Lanesboro and Rushford. The full studio map and mobile app are available at bluffcountrystudioarttour.org.

The 1877 Peterson Station Museum reopens for the season in April, welcoming trail visitors, history buffs, and anyone looking for a quiet, genuine small-town experience. The original train depot retains much of its historic furnishings and interprets the Norwegian settlement and railroad heritage of the Root River Valley. The museum doubles as a visitor center and is also a stop on the Root River BikeShare program — free adult bicycle loans available for trail use. Check petersonmn.com for hours.

Peterson sits at one of the most scenic points on the 42-mile Root River State Trail, where the paved path runs directly alongside the river through the center of town. April is an excellent time to hike the Peterson Overlook Trail — a bluff climb beginning off Winona Street with views across the Root River Valley. The Barefoot Trail, a short barefoot-friendly loop around the ball field just off the bike trail, is also a peaceful spring option. Wild trout can often be spotted from the riverbank, and eagle sightings are common in the valley. Trailhead parking is available in downtown Peterson.