Forest History Center.

What to See and Do

Come hear the stories of forestry and lumbering in the north woods!

Visitor center at the Forest History Center

Visitor center

Discover the history and ecology of the north woods and shop for unique gifts and souvenirs to take home.
Learn about the logging camp tours

Logging camp

See for yourself how the lumberjacks lived and worked.
Learn about paddling adventures at the Forest History Center

Paddling Adventures

Join Forest History Center staff on a kayak adventure exploring the natural history of the Mississippi River.

Two horses pulling a sleigh in the wintertime.

Winter horse-drawn rides

Experience the magic of winter in Minnesota’s north woods with a cozy horse-drawn sleigh Ride around the Forest History Center
Explore the River wanigan on a kayak adventure with Forest History Center staff

River wanigan

Discover the moored river "wanigan," a floating cook shack and bunkhouse used by river drivers when moving logs down river to the mills. Access weather permitting.
Learn about the fire tower at the Forest History Center.

Fire tower

Keep watch over the forest by climbing the state's only 100-foot fire tower. Learn how rangers spotted fires and communicated where they were burning. Tower open June–October. Tower closed November–May for safety reasons.
Explore trails for nature programs at the Forest History Center.

Trails

Explore 5 miles of trails plus events and learning programs. See forest management techniques put into practice with learning stations along a half-mile of renovated trails.
Events Calendar.

Field trips

Students can discover the past, present, and future of Minnesota’s forests at a 1900 logging camp and through action-packed environmental learning programs.