All About History in Central and Northern Minnesota this Summer

ST. PAUL, Minn (June 26, 2025) – Summer vacation just got more historic with new experiences from the Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS)! Visitors can explore fresh events, exciting tours, and hidden gems across Minnesota. New events are being added all the time, so please check the MNHS events calendar throughout the summer.

MNHS Summer Free Admission Day, June 28, All Across Minnesota
The opportunity of the summer! MNHS is providing free admission to select sites and museums that normally require paid entry. Free admission days occur four times per year to provide greater access to history.

Keeper’s Tour, Throughout Summer, Split Rock Lighthouse
Step into the life of a lighthouse keeper with a private 60-minute guided tour of the historic lighthouse, keeper’s house, and grounds. Hear the real stories of the keepers and their families as you explore the site just as they did.

Mississippi River Single Kayak Adventure &Tandem Kayak Adventure, Throughout Summer, Forest History Center
Join us for a fun, guided kayak tour exploring the natural and cultural history of the Mississippi River. Spot wildlife like beavers, birds, and bugs, and learn how this iconic river has shaped the landscape and lives. Dip a paddle and enjoy a fresh perspective on our little stretch of the Mighty Mississippi!

The Great Northern Forest History Tour, Throughout Summer, Forest History Center
Climb aboard our horse-drawn trolley for a 60-minute guided tour exploring the rich history of the Mississippi River region of Grand Rapids. From Native communities and early settlers to lumberjacks, homesteaders, and today’s forest stewards, you’ll discover how people have shaped, and been shaped by, this remarkable landscape.

Book Signing: "Fishing by Torchlight" by Delores "Kiki" Garcia, July 5, Split Rock Lighthouse
Join 9-year-old author Delores "Kiki" Garcia, a member of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe, in celebrating her book, Fishing by Torchlight at Split Rock Lighthouse.

Photography & Art at the Rock: Ryan Tischer, July 5 & 19, Split Rock Lighthouse
Join our featured photographer, Ryan Tischer, in Q&A’s about his photography at Split Rock Lighthouse. Tischer’s work will be on display in the visitor center lobby throughout the month of July.

Author Event: The War at Home with Greg Gaut, July 12, Charles Lindberg House and Museum
Join Greg Gaunt, author of The War at Home, in his book talk at Charles Lindberg House and Museum. He will discuss Minnesota’s history from the beginning of the First World War in Europe in 1914 through the 1920 US election.

Book Signing for Rocky's Lighthouse Adventure, July 12, Split Rock Lighthouse
Join Deborah Winchell and Renee Andriani, author and illustrator of Rocky’s Lighthouse Adventure in a book signing at Split Rock Lighthouse.

Birch Bark Basket Workshop, July 19, Mille Lacs Indian Museum & Trading Post
Join Ojibwe artist Pat Kruse for a hands-on workshop on harvesting and crafting with birch bark. Create your own simple birch bark basket in this one-day event.

Be a Naturalist Day, July 26, Forest History Center
Join us for a day of nature-filled fun with activities for the whole family! Watch a live raptor presentation, explore macroinvertebrates, and create nature crafts.

Split Rock Lighthouse Sunrise Photography Workshop, August 8 & 9, Split Rock Lighthouse
This two-day photography workshop gives you access to stunning views of the lighthouse from the ledge rock and pebble beach guided by John Gregor and Hayes Scriven.

Dark Sky Night at Split Rock Lighthouse, August 12, Split Rock Lighthouse
Celebrate ‘Dark Sky Night’ at Split Rock Lighthouse with a photography talk by John Gregor. Learn techniques for capturing the Milky Way and Aurora, plus post-processing tips. After the presentation, enjoy telescope views and live sky tours with Planetarium staff.

Mille Lacs Indian Museum Open House, August 17, Mille Lacs Indian Museum & Trading Post
Explore the Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post during our annual open house offering free admission and access to exhibits like the Four Seasons Room and life-size dioramas. 

Real Horsepower Day, August 22 & 23, Forest History Center
Watch powerful draft horses showcase historic logging tasks like cross-hauling logs, skidding, and loading with the A-frame jammer. Meet the horses and their teamsters, enjoy trolley rides, and participate in fun logging camp activities throughout the day.

Funding for free admission is provided by the State of Minnesota's Legacy Amendment, through the vote of Minnesotans on Nov. 4, 2008, and our generous donors and members.

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.

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