Events
Friday, June 16
Mississippi River Paddling Adventures
Join Forest History Center staff on a kayak adventure exploring the natural history of the Mississippi River. We'll be on the lookout for beaver, birds, bugs, bulrushes and so much more.
Learn how the river has impacted our landscape and our history. Come get your feet wet and have some fun on a guided tour of our little stretch of the mighty Mississippi.
Must be 10 years of age or older to participate. Those 17 years old and under must be accompanied by an adult. Admission to Forest History Center not included.
There are two tandem kayaks available and six single kayaks available for each tour.
- Tours
Saturday, June 17
Bike Tour
Bring your bike to Historic Fort Snelling and join our staff as we take a bike tour inside the walls of the historic fort and will then explore the nearby Upper Post where soldiers were stationed during the 20th century and is now part of the new Upper Post Flats community.
This tour will make numerous stops along the way as we share stories from Fort Snelling’s past.
Recommended for ages 12 and up if riding a bike. Ages 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult
Participants must be able to get on/off a bicycle independently, follow instructions, and stay with the group tour. Helmets are mandatory.
If we need to cancel due to weather conditions, there will be a full refund or the opportunity to reschedule.
Please make sure to wear appropriate clothing and footwear for biking, and bring sun protection.
E-bikes permitted but no other motorized vehicles allowed.
Tour starts beside the Plank Museum and Visitor Center.
Duration of tour: 1 1/2 hours; 3 miles.
- Tours
Sunrise Tour
Take an expert-lead guided tour of the petroglyphs/rock carvings that are thought to be some of the oldest in the Midwest.
You will get the rare chance to go beyond the ropes and view carvings under their most favorable viewing conditions–up close and in the morning sun.
The tour will be accompanied by a discussion of the archaeology of the earliest people of the Midwest and the climatic and environmental conditions they would have faced. Plan to arrive at least 10 minutes earlier than the event start time. The tour will start promptly at 9:15 am.
- Native American
- Tours
Courtyard Family Day: Stone Arch Bridge Festival
Mill City Museum, the Stone Arch Bridge Festival, and UCare invite you to join us in the Ruin Courtyard for family activities during festival hours!
Try out historic flour milling, make Father's Day cards, catch a photo op with the UCare bicycle, add to the Stone Arch Bridge weave art, and come enjoy a puppet show from Open Eye Theater at 11 am on Sunday.
- Family
Historic Lowertown Walking Tour
Uncover the stories of the neighborhood that powered St. Paul’s rise from humble outpost to thriving metropolis.
Learn about the many ups and downs of this historic neighborhood, from its early days as a transportation hub to its current life as a thriving urban village.
See the best of old and new and hear about the diverse people who have built and revitalized the capital city over generations.
This tour, departing from Culture Park, is approximately 2 hours long and includes moderate-paced walking over 1.5 miles of city streets.
- Tours
Mississippi River Paddling Adventures
Join Forest History Center staff on a kayak adventure exploring the natural history of the Mississippi River. We'll be on the lookout for beaver, birds, bugs, bulrushes and so much more.
Learn how the river has impacted our landscape and our history. Come get your feet wet and have some fun on a guided tour of our little stretch of the mighty Mississippi.
Must be 10 years of age or older to participate. Those 17 years old and under must be accompanied by an adult. Admission to Forest History Center not included.
There are two tandem kayaks available and six single kayaks available for each tour.
- Tours
Traditional Ojibwe-Style Leather Pouch Workshop
Learn to make a traditional Ojibwe-style leather pouch in this one-day workshop led by traditional crafting expert Carol Hernandez!
Registration is required three days prior to workshop. A minimum of five participants is required to host the workshop.
Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Classes & Workshops
- Native American
Summit Avenue Walking Tour
Take a 90-minute walking tour of the Summit Avenue neighborhood, highlighting the Gilded Age mansions lining the elite avenue and the people who owned and built them. Guides will talk about the architecture, social history, and current preservation issues of this historic neighborhood.
The tour starts at the James J. Hill House and covers 1.5 miles. All areas are accessible for those with mobility concerns, but some side streets are cobblestone and have historic stone curbs. Tours do not include home interiors.
- Tours
Flintknapping Demo
Learn how early hunters created arrowheads for their spears or arrows by observing a flintknapper demonstrate the process of creating stone projectile points.
After the demonstration, try your own hand at knapping.
- Native American
Mississippi River Paddling Adventures
Join Forest History Center staff on a kayak adventure exploring the natural history of the Mississippi River. We'll be on the lookout for beaver, birds, bugs, bulrushes and so much more.
Learn how the river has impacted our landscape and our history. Come get your feet wet and have some fun on a guided tour of our little stretch of the mighty Mississippi.
Must be 10 years of age or older to participate. Those 17 years old and under must be accompanied by an adult. Admission to Forest History Center not included.
There are two tandem kayaks available and six single kayaks available for each tour.
- Tours
Summit Avenue Walking Tour
Take a 90-minute walking tour of the Summit Avenue neighborhood, highlighting the Gilded Age mansions lining the elite avenue and the people who owned and built them. Guides will talk about the architecture, social history, and current preservation issues of this historic neighborhood.
The tour starts at the James J. Hill House and covers 1.5 miles. All areas are accessible for those with mobility concerns, but some side streets are cobblestone and have historic stone curbs. Tours do not include home interiors.
- Tours
Sunday, June 18
Courtyard Family Day: Stone Arch Bridge Festival
Mill City Museum, the Stone Arch Bridge Festival, and UCare invite you to join us in the Ruin Courtyard for family activities during festival hours!
Try out historic flour milling, make Father's Day cards, catch a photo op with the UCare bicycle, add to the Stone Arch Bridge weave art, and come enjoy a puppet show from Open Eye Theater at 11 am on Sunday.
- Family
Summit Avenue Walking Tour
Take a 90-minute walking tour of the Summit Avenue neighborhood, highlighting the Gilded Age mansions lining the elite avenue and the people who owned and built them. Guides will talk about the architecture, social history, and current preservation issues of this historic neighborhood.
The tour starts at the James J. Hill House and covers 1.5 miles. All areas are accessible for those with mobility concerns, but some side streets are cobblestone and have historic stone curbs. Tours do not include home interiors.
- Tours
Summit Avenue Walking Tour
Take a 90-minute walking tour of the Summit Avenue neighborhood, highlighting the Gilded Age mansions lining the elite avenue and the people who owned and built them. Guides will talk about the architecture, social history, and current preservation issues of this historic neighborhood.
The tour starts at the James J. Hill House and covers 1.5 miles. All areas are accessible for those with mobility concerns, but some side streets are cobblestone and have historic stone curbs. Tours do not include home interiors.
- Tours
Wednesday, June 21
Mississippi River Paddling Adventures
Join Forest History Center staff on a kayak adventure exploring the natural history of the Mississippi River. We'll be on the lookout for beaver, birds, bugs, bulrushes and so much more.
Learn how the river has impacted our landscape and our history. Come get your feet wet and have some fun on a guided tour of our little stretch of the mighty Mississippi.
Must be 10 years of age or older to participate. Those 17 years old and under must be accompanied by an adult. Admission to Forest History Center not included.
There are two tandem kayaks available and six single kayaks available for each tour.
- Tours
Mississippi River Paddling Adventures
Join Forest History Center staff on a kayak adventure exploring the natural history of the Mississippi River. We'll be on the lookout for beaver, birds, bugs, bulrushes and so much more.
Learn how the river has impacted our landscape and our history. Come get your feet wet and have some fun on a guided tour of our little stretch of the mighty Mississippi.
Must be 10 years of age or older to participate. Those 17 years old and under must be accompanied by an adult. Admission to Forest History Center not included.
There are two tandem kayaks available and six single kayaks available for each tour.
- Tours
Thursday, June 22
Mississippi River Paddling Adventures
Join Forest History Center staff on a kayak adventure exploring the natural history of the Mississippi River. We'll be on the lookout for beaver, birds, bugs, bulrushes and so much more.
Learn how the river has impacted our landscape and our history. Come get your feet wet and have some fun on a guided tour of our little stretch of the mighty Mississippi.
Must be 10 years of age or older to participate. Those 17 years old and under must be accompanied by an adult. Admission to Forest History Center not included.
There are two tandem kayaks available and six single kayaks available for each tour.
- Tours
Mississippi River Paddling Adventures
Join Forest History Center staff on a kayak adventure exploring the natural history of the Mississippi River. We'll be on the lookout for beaver, birds, bugs, bulrushes and so much more.
Learn how the river has impacted our landscape and our history. Come get your feet wet and have some fun on a guided tour of our little stretch of the mighty Mississippi.
Must be 10 years of age or older to participate. Those 17 years old and under must be accompanied by an adult. Admission to Forest History Center not included.
There are two tandem kayaks available and six single kayaks available for each tour.
- Tours
Bike Tour
Bring your bike to Historic Fort Snelling and join our staff as we take a bike tour inside the walls of the historic fort and will then explore the nearby Upper Post where soldiers were stationed during the 20th century and is now part of the new Upper Post Flats community.
This tour will make numerous stops along the way as we share stories from Fort Snelling’s past.
Recommended for ages 12 and up if riding a bike. Ages 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult
Participants must be able to get on/off a bicycle independently, follow instructions, and stay with the group tour. Helmets are mandatory.
If we need to cancel due to weather conditions, there will be a full refund or the opportunity to reschedule.
Please make sure to wear appropriate clothing and footwear for biking, and bring sun protection.
E-bikes permitted but no other motorized vehicles allowed.
Tour starts beside the Plank Museum and Visitor Center.
Duration of tour: 1 1/2 hours; 3 miles.
- Tours
Friday, June 23
Mississippi River Paddling Adventures
Join Forest History Center staff on a kayak adventure exploring the natural history of the Mississippi River. We'll be on the lookout for beaver, birds, bugs, bulrushes and so much more.
Learn how the river has impacted our landscape and our history. Come get your feet wet and have some fun on a guided tour of our little stretch of the mighty Mississippi.
Must be 10 years of age or older to participate. Those 17 years old and under must be accompanied by an adult. Admission to Forest History Center not included.
There are two tandem kayaks available and six single kayaks available for each tour.
- Tours
Mississippi River Paddling Adventures
Join Forest History Center staff on a kayak adventure exploring the natural history of the Mississippi River. We'll be on the lookout for beaver, birds, bugs, bulrushes and so much more.
Learn how the river has impacted our landscape and our history. Come get your feet wet and have some fun on a guided tour of our little stretch of the mighty Mississippi.
Must be 10 years of age or older to participate. Those 17 years old and under must be accompanied by an adult. Admission to Forest History Center not included.
There are two tandem kayaks available and six single kayaks available for each tour.
- Tours
Saturday, June 24
Historic Lowertown Walking Tour
Uncover the stories of the neighborhood that powered St. Paul’s rise from humble outpost to thriving metropolis.
Learn about the many ups and downs of this historic neighborhood, from its early days as a transportation hub to its current life as a thriving urban village.
See the best of old and new and hear about the diverse people who have built and revitalized the capital city over generations.
This tour, departing from Culture Park, is approximately 2 hours long and includes moderate-paced walking over 1.5 miles of city streets.
- Tours
Historic Main Street Walking Tour
Discover the stories of Minneapolis’s oldest neighborhood with a Mill City Museum guide, who will highlight the rich diversity of the 1850s town of St. Anthony, which was a crossroads for many peoples including Dakota, Ojibwe, white Yankees, Métis, African Americans, southern tourists, and immigrants.
Learn about the social history of the community, the industries that grew along the river, and the immense changes along Main Street throughout the years.
This tour will begin and end at the A-Mill Artist Lofts on 3rd Ave. SE at Main Street. The tour includes about one mile of moderately-paced walking on uneven surfaces.
- Tours
Mississippi River Paddling Adventures
Join Forest History Center staff on a kayak adventure exploring the natural history of the Mississippi River. We'll be on the lookout for beaver, birds, bugs, bulrushes and so much more.
Learn how the river has impacted our landscape and our history. Come get your feet wet and have some fun on a guided tour of our little stretch of the mighty Mississippi.
Must be 10 years of age or older to participate. Those 17 years old and under must be accompanied by an adult. Admission to Forest History Center not included.
There are two tandem kayaks available and six single kayaks available for each tour.
- Tours
Kid Crafts: Shoulder Bag
Learn how to decorate an Ojibwe-style shoulder bag to take home. Allow an hour to make the craft. Recommended for ages 6 and up.
- Classes & Workshops
- Family
- Native American