Day 40 – Red Wing, MN to Wabasha, MN

9/20/2026

Today was designed to be a short day to allow the group to see people and the National Eagle Center in Wabasha. Rolf worked as the executive director of the National Eagle Center in Wabasha for 7 years and still has connections to the area.

Red Wing Reform School / State Prison

Rolf drove the truck and John, Greg, & Mark biked the 32.7 miles from Red Wing to Wabasha. As we rode out of Red Wing we passed the former Boys Reform School, now a MN State Prison.

Rolf secured lodging in the basement of his friends’ home. He secured admission to the

National Eagle Center, including the live eagle demonstration in the Center’s educational space.

Finally, we went out to supper with 4 of Rolf’s Wabasha friends. It was very fun to learn about the area from these long-time residents of the town.

We were able to sleep indoors in our sleeping bags and on our pads and wake up dry and warm. A big Thank You goes out to the Lakens!

Clockwise from front left: Bill Dunn, Mike Smith, Rolf Thompson, Rollin Hall, Mark Bixby, Craig Falcum, John Dunn, & Greg Slipher