Blue Earth certainly was an appropriate destination for a group of Nebraskans to visit during their themed mystery tour ‘Earth, wind, water and the blues.’ They were also the first official tour group to visit the Green Giant Museum.

Sponsored by the Farmers and Merchants Bank of Kearney, Neb., the trip was part of the bank’s VIP Club Tours organized by Terree Warren, bank vice-president. Thirty-one travelers spent from June 16-19 viewing the windmills in Iowa as well as visiting Austin, Albert Lea and Blue Earth.

While in Austin, they stopped at a local favorite restaurant, ‘Piggy Blues,’ for food and memorabilia before visiting Albert Lea.

“What a fun place to bring a group,” says Warren of their stop at the Green Giant Museum and statue in Blue Earth.

The trip totaled 556 miles and also included a visit to the Little Red Barn managed by Bill Hanson.

“Since May 15th, representatives from 47 states and eight countries have already stopped to visit and see the Green Giant,” says Hanson.

He reports in 2008 all 50 states were represented and 32 different countries.

“It’s unbelievable the number of people driving through,” says Hanson as the mystery tour bus drives away and he readies for his next visitors.