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Lyon County Campsites Going Fully Online by 2026
Issue #236
In this Marshall Area Insider issue…
⛅ Marshall, MN Weather - Mostly cloudy with a high of 52
🗞️ Lyon County Campsites Going Fully Online by 2026
🗞️ New Restaurant in Marshall Dishes Up Fresh Honduran Flavors
📣 Want to get your business in the Marshall Area Insider? Let’s talk!
📌 Know of other local events not listed? Send us the details!
Lyon County Campsites Going Fully Online by 2026
Starting in 2026, campers at Lyon County’s Garvin Park and Twin Lakes Park will need to reserve and pay for campsites online.
The Lyon County Board of Commissioners approved the move this week, shifting all campsite bookings to the Firefly online payment system.
County staff say the change aims to improve customer service and address safety concerns. Currently, some campsites at both parks are already reservable through Firefly, but many still accept cash or checks on-site.
By transitioning fully to the digital system, campers will have the convenience of checking availability and booking in advance, rather than relying on in-person, cash-based transactions.
County officials explored several alternatives, including installing self-service kiosks at the parks. However, the cost of purchasing and maintaining kiosks—especially with the need for internet access and electricity—was significantly higher than expanding the current online system.
Prices for entrance kiosks ranged from $5,400 to over $6,300 each, with costs climbing to $23,000–$27,000 if more were installed throughout the campgrounds. Additionally, kiosk systems wouldn't integrate with the Firefly platform, creating a disjointed experience for users.
Moving to a single online system also allows park staff to communicate more efficiently with visitors. Reservation confirmations via email can include essential updates like park rules, upcoming hunting seasons, or construction notices.
Currently, staff rely on mailed postcards, which are limited to visitors whose contact information is already on file.
The transition gives park staff a full camping season to inform visitors of the upcoming change.
QR codes and website links are already posted at campsites, allowing walk-in guests to access the reservation system on the spot.
With the commissioners’ approval, Lyon County will fully transition its campsites to the Firefly system by the start of the 2026 camping season.
New Restaurant in Marshall Dishes Up Fresh Honduran Flavors
A fresh new flavor has arrived in Marshall with the opening of Sazón Catracho, a Honduran restaurant bringing vibrant, authentic cuisine to the local dining scene.
Taking over the building that once housed the Four Seas Buffet on East College Drive, the restaurant opened in mid-March after nearly a year of preparation by owners Swany Ramos Castillo and Yony Reyes.
The pair purchased the space in May 2023 and spent the following months giving it a full makeover. From painting and redecorating to refining the details, their vision was to create a warm, welcoming environment where guests could enjoy something completely new to Marshall.
What sets Sazón Catracho apart is its focus on traditional Honduran dishes—flavorful, fresh, and full of cultural richness.
The menu features crispy tacos with a Honduran twist, grilled carne asada, savory chicken with plantains, and baleadas, a popular street food made with soft flour tortillas stuffed with beans, cheese, avocado, and more.
Each dish is made from scratch using spices and ingredients native to Honduras, like plantains, giving the meals a unique, home-cooked feel.
Because everything is prepared fresh, meals may take a little longer, but the payoff is a rich, satisfying taste that’s hard to find elsewhere in town.
Since opening, Sazón Catracho has sparked curiosity and excitement among locals eager to experience new cuisine.
he owners hope to not only offer delicious food but also create a space where everyone feels at home and welcomed with warmth.
Sazón Catracho is open for lunch and dinner throughout the week:
Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 11 AM to 8 PM
Friday and Saturday until 10 PM
Sunday until 5 PM.
Upcoming Area Events
🗓️ Have an event to add? Send us the details!
Wednesday, April 9th
First Lutheran’s Lenten Worships: The People vs Judas Iscariot at First Lutheran (100 Church Street in Marshall) at 6:15 PM
Supper from 5:00 - 6:05 PM and stay for worship
Soup & sermon at Holy Redeemer Church in Marshall (each Wednesday during Lent)
Serving begins at 11:45 and sermon is at 12:05
Saturday, April 12th
Eggstravaganza at Lakeview Schools in Cottonwood from 9:00 - 10:30 AM
Granite Area Arts Council classes: Adult Carving from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM ($55)
For more information please go here: https://www.granitefallsarts.org/
Eggstravaganza at Boulder Estates in Marshall from 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Fun games, face painting, snacks, get your photo taken with the Eater Bunny
Recommended for kis 8 and under
Chick Days at Runnings in Marshall
pictures with the Easter Bunny from 11 AM - 1 PM
Ask questions with the Chicken Experts from 10 AM - 2 PM
Take pictures with bunnies & lambs from 11 AM - 1 PM
and more
Sunday, April 13th
Palm Sunday and Brunch at First Lutheran in Marshall
Brunch is from 8:45-9:30am and 10:30am-11:15am. Free will offering for brunch
Garvin Park Easter Drive-Thru Event
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Free Entry with Easter Bunny appearance
Wednesday, April 16th
Soup & sermon at Holy Redeemer Church in Marshall (each Wednesday during Lent)
Serving begins at 11:45 and sermon is at 12:05
Thursday, April 17th
Easter Egg & Bunny Scavenger Hunt at the Marshall Lyon County Museum from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Maundy Thursday Holy Communion Worship at First Lutheran in Marshall (livestream available) at 7:00 PM
Friday, April 18th
Glo-Wild Egg Hunt at location TBD from 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Easter Egg & Bunny Scavenger Hunt at the Marshall Lyon County Museum from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Good Friday Worship at First Lutheran in Marshall (livestream available) at 7:00 PM
Saturday, April 19th
Easter Egg Swim at the YMCA in Marshall at 9:30 AM
Sign up for just $5
Wood Lake Easter Egg Hunt at Freedom Park (weather permitting) starting at 10:00 AM for children 2-7
Bring your basket to collect eggs
Easter Egg & Bunny Scavenger Hunt at the Marshall Lyon County Museum from 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Sunday, April 20th
Easter Sunday Worship at First Lutheran in Marshall at 7:30 AM and 9:30 AM. Both services include Holy Communion (livestream available at 9:30 AM).
Friday, April 25th
Granite Area Arts Council classes: Pressed Flowers at - 6:00 PM ($25)
For more information please go here: https://www.granitefallsarts.org/
Tuesday, April 29th
Hope Harbor's Dessert Frenzy at 5:30 P.M. in the Upper Room in Marshall
Enjoy a night of fellowship, music, stories, appetizers and delicious gourmet desserts in support of Hope Harbor.
There is not cost to register for this fundraising event. During the program and entertainment, we'll ask that you consider a monetary donation to Hope Harbor.
Registration is required to ensure seating.
Adults only event.
Your support will make a difference in the lives of the families Hope Harbor serves.
Register here: https://www.cognitoforms.com/HopeHarbor1/DessertFrenzy
Monday, May 5th
Marshall Area Cancer Support Group Meetings at Living Word Lutheran Church in Marshall at 6:00 PM
For patients, survivors, and caregivers looking for support
Wednesday, May 7th (first Wednesday of every month)
Dementia Caregiver Support Group from 10:00 - 11:30 AM at Adult Community Center in Marshall
Open to everyone, come when you can, no cost or obligation to attend, refreshments available
For questions contact Jane Nelson Como (507) 829-1143
Special Community Events
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