Fall in Love with History in Northern Minnesota

ST. PAUL, Minn (September 26, 2024) – Fall is here, and there's no better way to get into the spirit of the season than by visiting the Minnesota Historical Society’s historic sites and museums across northern and central Minnesota. Many educational and entertaining activities and tours will be offered in the coming months. Events are being added all of the time, so stay up-to-date by keeping an eye on the events calendar.

Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post | Onamia

Kids Crafts, September 28, October 26, November 16

Bring the kids to the Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading post for a fun project. Activities include learning how to decorate an Ojibwe-style shoulder bag (9/28 and 11/16), or creating a cornhusk doll which, a toy popular with young Ojibwe children. There is a $5 craft fee along with site admission.

Archery Workshop, October 12

Learn how to shoot a bow and arrow with certified archery instructors on staff at the Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post. No prior experience is required. This event is included with site admission.

Family Fun Day, October 18

The whole family will enjoy a day full of activities, like designing your own shoulder bag, playing lacrosse, or hitting a target with an atlatl, which is an ancient type of hunting tool. There will also be readings from children’s books, snacks, and tours of the Four Seasons room. This event is included with regular site admission.

Snake River Fur Post, Pine City

Focused on Craft: Flax to Fiber, September 28th

Learn the process of growing and harvesting the flax plant for its many uses and the importance of flax in Minnesota history. This ongoing demonstration/discussion explores the various stages of flax preparation. This event is included with site admission.

The Creature of Snake Hollow - A Mystery at the Fur Post, October 17, 18, and 19

Explore the historic site by candle lantern as you take on the role of detective. Question the suspects, snoop for clues, and unravel the secrets of the night. Tickets are available in advance for $12.50 per person; MNHS members save 20%.

Split Rock Lighthouse, Two Harbors

Photography & Art at the Rock, October 5 and 19

Photography & Art at the Rock is a monthly exhibit in the lobby of the Split Rock Lighthouse Visitor Center that showcases local artists and photographers. The featured photographer in October is Kris Kieper, who will be on site October 5 and 19. Access to the exhibit and artist events is included with regular site admission.

Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial Beacon Lighting, November 10 

Split Rock Lighthouse will hold its annual commemoration of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald freighter ship in November of 1975, taking 29 lives with it. The beacon lighting will follow a ceremony where the names of the crew are read to the tolling of a ship’s bell. This event is included with regular site admission.

Don’t miss out on the fall tours at Split Rock Lighthouse! The Grand Views Tour takes a guided hike through Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, and you can experience the site like keepers and their families did through the Keepers Tour. 

Charles Lindbergh House and Museum, Little Falls

Lindbergh After Dark, October 19, 26

Come see the Lindbergh Home in a new light (or lack thereof)! For the first time we are excited to be offering flashlight tours of the historic home. This event is included with regular site admission.

Forest History Center | Grand Rapids

You can cover ground at Forest History this autumn with fall tours. The Great Northern Forest History Tour is a 90-minute horse-drawn carriage tour presenting a robust history of the site. 

You’ll get to know the big, gentle draft horses through The Draft Horse Experience. And you can paddle the Mississippi River on a Mississippi River Kayak Adventure.

About the Minnesota Historical Society

The Minnesota Historical Society is a non-profit educational and cultural institution established in 1849. MNHS collects, preserves and tells the story of Minnesota’s past through museum exhibits, libraries and collections, historic sites, educational programs, and book publishing. Using the power of history to transform lives, MNHS preserves our past, shares our state’s stories, and connects people with history.