It’s Official: The Lost 40 Art, Music, and Flow Festival Returns August 1st-3rd to Jack McGowan Farm in Mankato, Minnesota
The highly anticipated Lost 40 Art, Music, and Flow Festival is set to take place from August 1st to 3rd at the historic Jack McGowan Farm in Mankato, Minnesota. For those who may not know, Jack McGowan Farm is a playground nestled on a wooded peninsula, surrounded by sandbars where the Blue Earth and LeSueur Rivers meet.
This unique venue features an Old Downtown Main Street, complete with a blacksmith, a bakery, a saloon, a town hall, and even a jail. Beyond its charming historical setting, the farm offers zip lines, a musical playground, and a landscape filled with hidden gems. Attendees can discover Easter eggs and embark on treasure hunts scattered throughout the grounds.
What began as a simple playground that Jack McGowan built for his children quickly grew into something much larger. As neighborhood kids started playing there, the space became a well-known gathering place for the community. Seeing its potential, a nearby quarry donated additional land, allowing Jack to expand the project into an even more immersive environment.
Over time, this expansion evolved into History Fest, a festival Jack founded over 30 years ago to provide children with an interactive, hands-on learning experience about history. Each year, school buses filled with children arrive at the farm to take part in historical reenactments, educational activities, and interactive demonstrations, continuing the legacy of fun and learning.
Everything on the property was built and designed by Jack McGowan himself. His craftsmanship and creativity can be seen in every structure, from the old-time Main Street to the hidden nooks and playful elements scattered across the land. Jack’s vision and dedication transformed this space into a one-of-a-kind destination that blends history, adventure, and imagination.
Now, as Jack McGowan enters his 85th year, the future of this beloved venue remains uncertain. The property relies on the success of events to sustain its operations and continue welcoming visitors. In response, the Lost 40 Festival and the greater Minnesota music scene have rallied behind the cause. By hosting successful events and fostering appreciation for this unique space, the festival aims to ensure that Jack McGowan Farm remains a gathering place for artists, musicians, and free spirits for years to come.
Some of the biggest names in the greater Minnesota music scene have rallied behind the effort to preserve Jack McGowan Farm, coming together to support this historic and beloved venue. This year’s lineup already features an exciting mix of talent, including F4MIL7, Jon Wayne, Smokin’ Joe, Lucas Volz & Pat Forsyth of Useful Jenkins, Vally Creatures, Cory Simmons, Freeturnals, and MoonShie Sax.
Beyond the music, festivalgoers can immerse themselves in fire performances, aerial acts, poetry slams, open mic sessions, and interactive teach-ins, all contributing to a vibrant and engaging festival atmosphere. With so much to experience, the full lineup will be unveiled on May 1st.