Eyota Farmers Market at West Side Park

Running every Tuesday from late May through mid-October, the Eyota Farmers Market fills West Side Park with local vendors offering fresh produce, honey, eggs, meats, baked goods, canned goods, plants, and handmade items. The market is located along Highway 42 & 5th Street and is accessible via a paved, handicap-accessible pathway through the park.

SNAP/EBT is accepted — stop at the red welcome tent to exchange for market tokens. Blue Cross Blue Shield sponsors a Market Bucks program offering a $5 match on EBT purchases of $5 or more. A food demo using fresh market produce is featured at 5:00 PM each week. First Tuesday of June: June 2.

Berne Wood-Fired Pizza & Summer Concert Series

Located just northwest of Eyota on the grounds of Zwingli United Church of Christ in Berne, MN, this beloved SE Minnesota tradition returns every Wednesday night in June, July, and August. Wood-fired specialty pizzas ($25) are prepared fresh on-site while two live bands perform starting at 5:00 PM and 6:30 PM — all free admission.

All proceeds support area nonprofits and the church. Bring lawn chairs and a cooler. The June 3 kick-off is the first night of the 2026 season. Advance pizza orders available on Eventbrite by 3:00 PM each Wednesday.

Eyota Food Pantry & Thrift Store Board Meeting

The Eyota Food Pantry and Thrift Store holds its monthly board meeting on the 2nd Monday of each month at 6:00 PM. The meeting is open to the public and covers treasurer and committee reports, governance topics, and planning for upcoming events. The pantry serves community members in need with food distribution and an attached thrift store.

Emergency food boxes are available any time by calling (507) 405-5653. The pantry accepts food and household donations from the community year-round.

Eyota Rec: Rochester Rec Center Ice Skating Field Trip

Eyota’s community recreation program offers a Wednesday afternoon field trip to the Rochester Recreation Center ice rink, departing from West Side Park at 12:15 PM and returning by 3:30 PM. Skate time runs from 12:45 PM to 3:00 PM. Ice skating aids are available for beginners. Registration required through Active Kids.

Bring your own water bottle. Helmets are welcome if you have safety concerns. This trip repeats on multiple Wednesdays through the summer.

Berne Wood-Fired Pizza — Week 2

The second Wednesday night of the 2026 Berne Summer Concert Series at Zwingli UCC in Berne, MN. Two live acts, wood-fired pizzas, and a welcoming outdoor atmosphere under the oak trees. Gates open at 5:00 PM; bring your chairs and friends. Concerts are broadcast on 98.1 FM for those listening from home.

Chester Woods Park — Swimming, Fishing & Camping

Located 3 miles west of Eyota off Highway 14, Chester Woods is a 1,333-acre Olmsted County park on the headwaters of Bear Creek. June is prime time for swimming in Chester Lake, fishing from the pier or canoe, hiking 15+ miles of primitive trails, and camping at one of 42 electric sites or four cozy camper cabins.

A paved 3.9-mile Chester Woods State Trail connects the park to the Chester area near Rochester. No fee to enter; facility and camping fees apply. Reservations: email chesterwoods@olmstedcounty.gov or call (507) 328-7350. Disabled American Veterans are admitted free.

West Side Park — Ballfields, Frisbee Golf & More

Eyota’s largest park spans three blocks along Highway 42 and packs in two ball diamonds, sand volleyball courts, a disc golf course, a skate park, a children’s playground, a loop walking pathway, and a picnic shelter. Summer ball teams and tournaments are active all June — schedules available through Eyota City Hall.

Park shelters and ball fields can be reserved for events. Call City Hall at (507) 545-2135 or email eyota@cityofeyota.com. The Farmers Market runs here every Tuesday evening at 4:00 PM, making Tuesday evenings a perfect time to combine errands, fresh food, and outdoor time.

Eyota Rec: Stewartville Pool Field Trip

Kids ages 5–14 are invited to hop on the bus from West Side Park for an afternoon at the Stewartville Pool. Departure is at 12:15 PM; swim time runs 1:00–4:00 PM; return is by 4:30 PM. Concession stands are available — bring your own money for food, snacks, and ice cream. Prior swimming experience is recommended. No floatation devices are permitted.

This trip repeats on multiple Wednesdays. Registration required through Active Kids.

Berne Wood-Fired Pizza — Country Night

Country Night is one of the most popular themed evenings of the Berne summer season. Two country acts take the outdoor stage at Zwingli UCC in Berne, MN starting at 5:00 PM, with wood-fired pizzas available 5:30–7:30 PM. Pull on your boots and bring the whole crew — this one draws a big crowd from across SE Minnesota.

Advance tickets/pizza pre-orders on Eventbrite close at 3:00 PM the same day. Free admission; parking in the adjacent field.

Viola Gopher Count — Minnesota’s Longest-Running Community Festival

Just a few miles from Eyota in the tiny town of Viola, the annual Gopher Count has been held every third Thursday of June since 1874 — making 2026 the 152nd edition of one of America’s most enduring small-town celebrations. The festival fills Viola’s Main Street with live music, a Grand Parade, fireworks, a pie-eating contest, a women’s nail-driving contest, tractor shows, pony rides, inflatables, a Kiddie Parade, and dancing.

Wednesday night (June 18) typically features live music and Disco Party Bingo. Thursday (June 19) is the big day: the Grand Parade kicks off, featuring high school marching bands, royalty crowning, arts and crafts vendors, and afternoon festivities through the evening. Admission is free. Food and drinks are available on site. Contact: violagophercount@hotmail.com.

Berne Wood-Fired Pizza — Week 4

The final Berne Wednesday night for June, wrapping up the month with two more live acts and fresh wood-fired pizza on the church grounds in Berne, MN. This is one of the most relaxed evenings of the series as the summer hits its stride — long evenings, warm nights, and great community energy.

Pizza orders close at 3:00 PM. Walk-in ordering is also available on arrival. Bring lawn chairs; picnic tables are available under the oak trees on a first-come basis.

Great River Ridge State Trail — Bike & Hike North of Eyota

Built on a former railroad grade, the Great River Ridge State Trail is located just 2 miles north of Eyota off County Road 9. The trail is relatively flat and easy, making it a great choice for cyclists of all skill levels, families with kids, and casual walkers looking for a scenic ride through SE Minnesota’s rolling Driftless countryside.

The landscape transitions between farmland, woodlands, and bluff country as you travel the trail. Bring water and sunscreen — shade is limited in sections. Free to use; no vehicle permit required.

Whitewater State Park — Trout, Swimming & Bluff Trails

About 13 miles northeast of Eyota on Highway 74, Whitewater State Park is one of Southeast Minnesota’s most scenic parks. The 2,700-acre park features dramatic limestone bluffs, deep ravines, a sandy swimming beach on the Whitewater River, and excellent trout fishing for brown, brook, and rainbow trout in the cold, spring-fed Whitewater River and Trout Run Creek.

Hiking trails range from easy riverside walks to challenging bluff climbs. A year-round visitor center, group camp, and modern group center are also available. A Minnesota State Park vehicle permit is required. June is an especially beautiful time to visit with full foliage and wildflowers.

Dover-Eyota Eagles — Community Ed Summer Programs

The Dover-Eyota School District (ISD #533) offers Community Education summer programs for kids, teens, and adults throughout the summer. With 2025–2026 school year concluding in late May, June kicks off summer enrichment, camps, and recreational activities coordinated through the District’s Community Ed office at 615 South Ave SW, Eyota.

Contact Community Ed at (507) 585-8202 or visit the district website for the current summer program schedule. The district serves approximately 1,063 students across its K–12 campus in Eyota. Eagles colors are maroon and gold.

Faith United Methodist Church — Summer Worship

Located at 27 Fourth Street SW in Eyota, Faith United Methodist Church holds Sunday worship services and periodic fellowship events throughout the summer. The congregation holds periodic group outings and community gatherings — check their website or contact the church for the current June 2026 service schedule and events.

Faith UMC welcomes visitors and new members. Pastor Laurie Boche leads the congregation. The church offers both in-person and online worship options.

Grace Community Church Eyota

Grace Community Church at 311 Carolann Street NW in Eyota is led by Pastor David Larson and welcomes the community to Sunday services and seasonal events. Eyota is home to five churches total, reflecting the community’s strong faith traditions — a cornerstone of small-town SE Minnesota life.

Contact Grace Community Church directly for June 2026 service times and any summer programming or special events. New visitors are always welcome.

St. Paul’s United Church of Christ

St. Paul’s United Church of Christ is one of Eyota’s historic congregations and a recognized point of interest in the community. The UCC tradition emphasizes open and affirming worship and community service. June services and any summer community events are worth checking directly with the church.

Eyota’s faith community plays an active role in local events year-round — from the Viola-adjacent Zwingli UCC’s Berne Pizza fundraiser to the local food pantry and thrift store that serves neighbors in need.

Carley State Park — Wildflowers & River Trails

About 13 miles north of Eyota on County Road 4, Carley State Park is a quiet gem known for its spectacular spring wildflower blooms — Virginia bluebells, trillium, and other native wildflowers carpet the valley floor in early summer. A trail follows the Whitewater River beneath grand old white pine trees.

The park is small, peaceful, and less crowded than Whitewater, making it ideal for a quiet morning hike or picnic. A Minnesota State Park vehicle permit is required. June is excellent for late-blooming wildflowers and lush green canopy along the river.

Country Café — Eyota’s Downtown Diner

If you’re passing through Eyota on Highway 14 or Highway 42, the Country Café at 215 S. Front Street SW is the place to stop. Locals and travelers alike praise the generous portions, great breakfast, and the Friday night super supper buffet featuring fish, chicken, ribs, meatballs, a salad bar, and more. It’s a classic small-town café where the coffee is always fresh.

The Country Café is a genuine Eyota institution and one of the few full-service eateries in town. Cash and cards accepted. Call ahead for hours: (507) 545-2260.

Eyota American Legion Post

The Eyota American Legion is an active part of community life, organizing events including a fall craft fair and community gatherings throughout the year. The Legion supports local veterans, scholarships, and community service. In June, following Memorial Day observances in May, the Legion continues its mission of service and fellowship.

For June 2026 events and meeting schedules, contact the Eyota American Legion directly at (507) 545-2688. The Legion hall is available for community rentals and events.

Eyota Volunteer Fire Department — Always Recruiting

The Eyota Volunteer Fire Department (established 1907) serves the City and Township of Eyota out of its station at 14 South Front Street SE. Chief Justin Wendt leads the department, which maintains a mutual aid agreement with the Dover Volunteer Fire Department. The EVFD is always welcoming new volunteer members.

If you’re interested in serving your community as a volunteer firefighter or EMT, reach out to Fire Chief Justin Wendt at eyotafirechief@gmail.com. Summer is a great time to get involved before the fall season ramps up.