This Minnesota Town Exists For One Weekend Only

Have you ever heard of Rollag, Minnesota? Me neither!  I just discovered that it IS a real place, although it's not officially a town. Once a year, this small town of approximately 5,000 people in Clay County swells to a population of around 80,000. What's happening in Rollag that is so interesting?

LABOR DAY WEEKEND FUN

Once a year, over the Labor Day weekend, this little town grows exponentially for a really unique reason. If you love old machinery and history, this might be a great event to bring your family to.

GO BACK IN TIME

The Western Minnesota Steam Thresher's Reunion has humble beginnings. It all got started from some local Threshers firing up their old-time Steam engine-operated machinery just for the fun of it, and inviting family and friends over each year to celebrate the old machinery.  Since 1954, it has grown from a family and friends event to one that invites the public, and boy, do people enjoy attending this event.

People who own some of this old machinery are invited to participate, but they aren't looking for historic equipment that doesn't run.

LIFETIME MEMBERSHIPS

For those who want to be a part of this event as an exhibitor every year, there is a lifetime membership available for $50.

EVENTS FOR 2025

What do you do at an event like this? Lots of things! Take a ride on 'The Train To Nowhere,'  enjoy horsepower demonstrations, see logs being cut in the sawmill, watch people making soap, and of course, listen to some great live music throughout the event.

CAMPING

You can camp for the entire time you are at the festival, and they do have places for a fire. Just so you know, this is going to be 'primitive camping.' Just toilets and showers, but there are no hook-ups for electricity or water. Want to bring your dog? You can, but only at the campgrounds. You cannot bring your pets to the showgrounds.

Mike's Mischief/YouTube

Get our free mobile app

IS THERE FOOD AVAILABLE?

The answer is YES. All of the food that is provided at this event is provided by local churches and community groups, so you won't see any food trucks at this event. The food includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals, as well as all the fun stuff you would expect at a big outdoor event, including ice cream, hot dogs, taco-in-a-bag, popcorn, pop and candy, and more. They have some excellent home-cooked meals that people enjoy every year, and it's really affordable as well, with prices ranging from $1 to $10 for meals.

GET YOUR PASSES NOW

If you'd like to attend this year's event for something incredibly unique, click HERE to get your tickets and make camping reservations.