Visit Joetown, Saint Joseph, MN (2026)

06/15/2026

If you’ve ever driven through downtown St. Joseph in the summer and smiled at the beautiful hanging flower baskets, you have Carol Theisen — and a whole lot of community love — to thank.

Carol’s inspiration started years ago on annual trips to Red Wing, where she admired the city’s incredible hanging baskets lining the streets. At the time, Red Wing had more than 300 baskets throughout town, and Carol began dreaming about what something like that could look like here in St. Joseph.

She shared that dream with Margy Retica Hughes, who immediately saw the vision and helped get the project off the ground. Carol connected with the nursery that put together the baskets for Red Wing and even brought Arno from Thomsens Garden Center along on a Red Wing field trip. They met with the nursery and the City of Red Wing to learn more about the planting, watering, and upkeep.

And in 2013, the St. Joseph hanging flower basket project officially began.

What started with around 30 baskets has grown into 114 baskets today, thanks to Carol, Margy, Joyce Faber — who joined the effort around 2015 — the City of St. Joseph, Thomsen’s Garden Center, local businesses, and many generous community members.

The baskets are supported through donations from businesses and individuals, including those who give in memory of loved ones. Each November, donors are recognized with a thank-you in the Newsleaders, celebrating the people who help keep St. Joseph blooming year after year.

Carol wasn’t alone in her vision; the nursery told her they talked to many cities whose own flower garden projects didn’t take off like Red Wing’s. But that’s not what happened in St. Joseph. Carol saw the opportunity, gathered the right people, and slowly grew an idea into something the whole community now gets to enjoy.

Thank you Carol, Margy, Joyce, Thomsens Garden Center, the City of St. Joseph, and everyone who has helped make downtown St. Joe bloom. 🌸

If you’d like to donate, you can Venmo -Theisen-1 and support the effort to keeping St. Joseph beautiful year after year.

06/11/2026

Growing up just a couple of hours from small town St. Joseph, Minne...

05/18/2026

Big news for Joetown: we officially have our FIRST VRBO rental space! 🎉🏡

Located below St. Joseph Health and Wellness heart of downtown, this beautifully renovated space was created by Julia Krengel with visitors in mind — and honestly, it’s the kind of place that makes you want to extend your stay.

The rental features two cozy bedrooms, an open kitchen + living space perfect for gathering, and a gorgeous outdoor patio that’s just begging for morning coffee, late-night wine chats, or a slow summer evening under the lights.

And the best part? You’re steps away from EVERYTHING.

Walk to Joetown’s incredible restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, bars, shopping, trails, and events. Whether you’re visiting your college kid, biking the Wobegon Trail, planning a girls’ weekend, grabbing dinner at one of our world-class restaurants, or just looking to experience small-town Minnesota at its absolute best — this is the spot.

This feels like such a huge step for St. Joseph. We’ve needed more places for visitors to stay, gather, and fully experience what makes this town special. And hopefully, this inspires even more beautiful short-term rentals in the future so more people can fall in love with Joetown the way we have. ❤️

Trust us… once you stay here, you’ll get it. Here is the link to the rental - share it with friends that plan to visit!
https://vrbo.onelink.me/ItNz/an9h9g3u

05/08/2026

Flight first, then settle in—Bad Habit Brewing brings the small-town taproom vibe with a patio made for lingering 🍻🔥 Which pour would you grab from the lineup?

Photos by , , Aubree Herrick

04/28/2026

He’s the kind of guy who’d rather tinker with a system than talk about it — which is exactly why his whiskey hits different. 🤓🥃

Owner Gregg Obbink leaned into his self-proclaimed “introverted nerd” energy to pioneer Obbink Distilling’s one-of-a-kind, fully automated, computer-controlled rapid aging process that’s unlike anything else around. Turns out, being a little obsessive about how things work is a pretty good way to make whiskey.

This wasn’t some lifelong dream to open a distillery (and certainly not one that had his name on it). Gregg grew up in small-town Kansas, spending his time outdoors along the Missouri River where he learned to love the outdoors, camping, hunting and exploring the bluffs on the banks of the Missouri river. Then moved to Minneapolis, MN. where he learned to severely dislike the city. He didn’t take a traditional education path — and he’s proud of what he’s accomplished without it.

Fast-forward to 15 years ago: Gregg was retired and minding his own business. Then his soon-to-be nephew-in-law, Luke, tried his whiskey… and everything shifted.

Needless to say, Gregg didn’t come up with the distillery idea, but he certainly showed up for it. And for someone who’ll tell you he’s an introvert, his people skills get quite a workout. He credits his early jobs bagging and carrying groceries and pumping gas for teaching him that he could step out of his shell and connect with others.

And what he didn’t expect? For one thing, realizing almost immediately that their building did not have enough space. But Gregg also didn’t expect the feeling of satisfaction brought by looking out into the distillery and seeing a tables full of people laughing, relaxing, and letting their guard down for a while, all enjoying something he’d created.

And now, there’s even more to explore.

They’ve recently added a speakeasy-style space — a tucked-away spot that brings a whole new vibe to the experience. Same thoughtful craft, just a little more atmosphere. Definitely worth checking out next time you’re in.

So when you walk in, know this: You’re welcome at Obbink. No pretense, no pressure — just good people, a little science, and a damn good pour.

Images | Rubinski Visual
Story | Mary C Bruno

04/27/2026

Did you know there’s a Boston Qualifying race right here in St. Joe? The Lake Wobegon Trail Marathon has been around since 2008 and was started by the St. Cloud River Runners. It’s even been recognized by Runner’s World as one of the best flat and fast marathons in the U.S.

The 26.2-mile course starts at Holdingford High School, follows the scenic Lake Wobegon Trail, and finishes right at the trailhead in St. Joe. It’s a point-to-point route and super flat, which makes it a great option for runners chasing a personal record or a Boston qualifying time.

It takes a ton of community support to pull it off—over 100 volunteers, plus local organizations and families helping with 13 water stops, safe crossings, bike support, and everything at the start and finish.

This year’s race is May 9th, so if you’re around, come down to the St. Joe trailhead and cheer on the runners as they bring it home! See you THERE!!!!

04/14/2026

For more than 85 years, Trobec's Bus Service, Inc. has been part of the rhythm of life in Central Minnesota. 🚌💛

Founded in 1938 and now led by Bethany Bertram and Becca Atkinson, Trobec’s calls St. Joseph home — centrally located within the communities they proudly serve and positioned in a growing, forward-moving region.

What stands out most isn’t just longevity — it’s the culture behind the operation. Their team has intentionally built a workplace where drivers, mechanics, dispatchers, and office staff feel respected, supported, and heard. In an industry that starts early and moves fast, that foundation matters. 🤝🛠️

While many of us are still on our first cup of coffee, their team is already coordinating routes, adjusting for weather, communicating with schools, preparing vehicles, and solving challenges in real time. It may look seamless from the outside, but it’s the result of a dedicated team working together behind the scenes.

Trobec’s is best known for safely transporting students each day, but their work extends far beyond the yellow bus. From motorcoach charters and group travel to special events, tours, and team transportation, their fleet helps move people throughout Minnesota and across the country and Canada.

And the relationships they build along the way matter. Drivers know students by name, charter clients trust them with important trips, and schools and organizations rely on their professionalism and reliability every day.

Clients can expect safety, responsiveness, and attention to detail — whether it’s a daily school route, a championship team heading to a game, or a group traveling across the state.

Rooted locally in St. Joseph, Trobec’s is focused on continuous improvement and growing with intention. They’re not just getting people from point A to point B — they’re helping move our community forward.

Images | Rubinski Visual
Story | Mary C Bruno

03/31/2026

Some businesses choose a town. Others grow with it. 🏡

Central MN Realty - St. Joe has called St. Joseph home since January 1, 2015 — drawn here by its central location and the culture that makes Joetown special.

What started with just 3 agents has grown to over 100 in 10 years. That kind of growth doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built on integrity, professionalism, resilient work ethic — and a whole lot of heart.

Owner Matt Imdieke says one of the greatest blessings of building this business has been doing it alongside his brother, Jacob Imdieke, and his sister, Aimee Hegg. Family, community, and relationships are at the core of what they do.

If you work with Central MN Realty, you’ll find a positive, energetic team that brings optimism and confidence to every step of the process. Their goal? To build lifelong relationships and help more people — plain and simple.

Joetown is stronger because of businesses that genuinely care about the people they serve. And we love seeing local companies grow while keeping their roots grounded right here. 💛

🏡 🤝 🔑 📍 ✨ 🌱 📈

Images | Rubinski Visual
Story | Mary C Bruno

03/16/2026

Alongside the incredible food, catered events at Saint Ben’s come with a quiet kind of meaning.

Any profit generated by College of St. Benedict Events & Catering supports the general scholarship fund for CSB students. So the impact of meetings, retreats, and celebrations hosted here ripple outward — helping students continue their education. 🎓✨

That sense of purpose runs deep. The Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict have been part of St. Joseph since 1863, shaping a culture of Benedictine hospitality that still guides the way guests are welcomed today.

The team works with groups of all sizes — sometimes it’s a small retreat, sometimes it’s a large summer conference. There are board rooms, larger gathering spaces, athletic facilities, and outdoor settings. The kitchen and catering crew are thoughtful and flexible, helping shape menus that make sense for the group and the moment. 🍽️

You don’t need to be a Bennie or Johnnie alum to host something here. From long-standing campus traditions to creative new gatherings, Saint Ben’s has been woven into the life of this town for generations.

Their dining room is open to the public (check the website for updated hours). And Sunday brunch? IYKYK. ALL folks are welcome to eat here, so if you have been curious- come check out the endless options! 🍳🥓🥞

Planning something meaningful? They’re ready to help you bring it to life — and give back while doing it. This is one of those Joetown places where community, care, and purpose meet.

Images | Rubinski Visual and College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University Marketing and Communications
Story | Mary C Bruno

03/03/2026

In the middle of a Stearns County field, rows of specialty blooms rise from sixth-generation family land — planted in the summer of 2020 during one of the hardest seasons of Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen’s life.

Sunny Mary Meadow grew from grief, grit, and the kind of community support you never forget. After losing her husband suddenly, Liz leaned into flowers — something she had loved since her FFA and 4H days competing in floriculture. What started as a small farm stand quickly expanded into a diversified flower farm, full-service wedding and event floral company, subscriptions, on-farm experiences, and a retail space.

Liz is also a doctorate-prepared nurse practitioner who still sees patients one day a week. Caring for people has always been part of her story — in the clinic and in the field. 🩺🌻

The blooms here are cut just hours before they’re designed. Many don’t ship well and can’t be mass-produced, which makes them uniquely suited to Central Minnesota. There’s something powerful about knowing your bouquet was grown just down the road.

Guests stepping into the Bloom Room or brides planning wedding florals can expect warmth, intention, and deep agricultural roots. The business has evolved each season — different varieties, expanded scale, new experiences — while staying grounded in quality and community. 🌱✨

In 2022, KARE11’s Land of 10,000 Stories earned a Regional Emmy for telling Liz’s journey. Her memoir, "Flowers Bloom Anyway," publishes March 3, 2026 — sharing the full origin story of the farm. Get more info about the book, events, and all things flowers on Liz's website here: https://sunnymarymeadow.com/

Sunny Mary Meadow is about legacy. Keeping farmland in agriculture. Creating full-circle celebrations that span generations. Growing something beautiful that lasts.
🧑‍🌾🌼🚜🌷

Images | Rubinski Visual
Story | Mary C Bruno

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