Fall is on at the Minnesota Historical Society

ST. PAUL, Minn. (September 8, 2026) – Fall brings vibrant backdrops, cooler temperatures, and plenty of events and experiences at Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) historic sites! Mark your calendar for our quarterly Free Admission Day on September 19th, and be sure to keep an eye on our calendar for new events.

Minnesota History Center, St. Paul

Free Thursday Nights at the History Center

Visit the Minnesota History Center on Thursday nights from 4 pm-8 pm for free admission and parking!

Minnesota’s Triumphant African American Community: Documentary Screening, September 19

Minnesota's Black Community Project (MBCP), a prominent African American-centered non-profit organization, will air a new documentary highlighting what African American success looks like in Minnesota in the 21st century.

The American Revolution: Film Screening, September 24

Join us for a thoughtful screening and conversation inspired by Ken Burns’s documentary, The American Revolution. The event is held in partnership with Minnesota PBS, Dakota County Historical Society, Ramsey County Historical Society, and Hennepin History.

Pounded Botanical Printing, September 24

Join the Textile Center for a free workshop on pounded botanical printing! Create vibrant, nature-inspired designs on mordanted cotton bandanas using flowers and botanicals.

Author Event: Perseverance by Mark Dayton, September 26

Join former Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton for a conversation with journalist Lori Sturdevant about his memoir, Perseverance. Through personal stories and thoughtful perspectives, Dayton provides a revealing look at leadership, public service, and current events.

3 Strings Music Workshop & Emergence Concert, October 1

Join 3 Strings' Emergence for a free, interactive, family-friendly evening of music and community. The event will begin with a hands-on workshop of adapted instruments and music using the 3 Strings methodology, followed by a lively performance by Emergence, a neuro-affirming cover band.

North to the Pole: 40 Years Later, October 8

Join members of the record-setting Steger International Polar Expedition—including Minnesotans Will Steger, Ann Bancroft, and Paul Schurke—for a look back at this remarkable accomplishment and what it means 40 years later.

Stages Theatre Company presents: Bowwow Powwow, October 10

Join us at the Minnesota History Center for a powwow "tail" for the ages. In collaboration with the Mni Giizhik Theatre Ensemble, Benay McNamara and Blossom Johnson bring childhood wonder inspired by powwows to life in this vibrant stage adaptation of the MNHS Press bestselling children’s picture book by Brenda J. Child (Bíne) and Jonathan Thunder.

"Sing Again! A Somali Lullaby Collection" Book Launch, October 16

Join us to celebrate the launch of Sing Again: A Somali Lullaby Collection, a pioneering bilingual work documenting lullabies carried through generations by Somali grandmothers.

The Great Minnesota Show & Tell, October 24

Commemorate our nation’s 250th anniversary with the Great Minnesota Show-and-Tell, where everyday Minnesotans showcase objects that connect us to the American story. This one-day “people’s exhibit” will tell the story of how our state is part of our nation’s history. Have an item to show off? Apply and view the rules here!

Douglas Ewart Day Celebration Concert, October 25

Join us for a concert celebration of Douglas R. Ewart Day led by Douglas R. Ewart in collaboration with Ananya Chatterjea (Dancer and Choreographer), Kealoha Ferreira (Dancer and Choreographer), Juliet “Sonny” Irving (Dancer and Choreographer), Mankwe Ndosi (Musician and Poet), and Laura Harada (Violinist).

Petite Suites: A Night with Jerome Hill, November 5

Join the Laurel School of Music for the Rothchild Family Concert Series at the Minnesota History Center. The 26-27 season begins with this special evening exploring a set of playful piano, vocal and chamber compositions by Academy Award-winning filmmaker, painter, photographer, composer and philanthropist Jerome Hill (1905-1972), featuring guest speakers Libby Larsen and Vickie Benson.

James J. Hill House, St. Paul

Summit Avenue Walking Tours, Through Fall

Join our knowledgeable guides for a tour of St. Paul's Summit Avenue, the longest stretch of Victorian mansions remaining in the country. Learn about the architecture, social history, and preservation issues of the historic neighborhood.

Nooks & Crannies Tour, Through Fall

Get a behind-the-scenes look at areas of the James J. Hill House that are not featured on the standard house tour including the attic theater space, gate house and storage areas generally off-limits to visitors.

Historic Fort Snelling, St. Paul

History on Two Wheels: Historic Fort Snelling and the Upper Post, September 17 and 26

Bring your bike to Historic Fort Snelling and embark on a captivating tour! Led by knowledgeable guides, you'll visit several stops in and around the historic fort and renovated Upper Post. This tour provides a unique overview of the fort's history as well as insights into Minnesota's role in world conflicts.

Golf Cart Tours, September 22, October 6, October 13
Hop aboard for a unique staff-guided tour through the many stories of Fort Snelling’s past! You will explore the restored 19th century stone fort and some of the surrounding area from the comfort of a golf cart. The tour is approximately one hour long.

Lanterns & Legends, October 17, October 24, October 30
Join us for an hour-long tour of the historic fort by lantern light. Knowledgeable guides will lead visitors through lesser known true stories of Fort Snelling’s history. Along the way, groups will step into these stories as costumed interpretive staff recount events in first-person, based on historic accounts.

Mill City Museum, Minneapolis

Millers’ Tour, Through Fall

During this 60-minute guided tour of nooks and crannies of Mill City Museum, guests will hear stories of the Minneapolis milling industry as they embark on an approximately ¾ mile walk through the National Historic Landmark Washburn A Mill Complex.

Black, Brown, and Red Power in Minneapolis: A Conversation with James Curry and Dr. Jimmy Patiño, September 27
Join artist James Curry and historian Dr. Jimmy Patiño for a conversation on the collaboration and connection between Black, Indigenous, and Chicano communities and their movements for autonomy, self-determination and liberation in both the civil and post-civil rights era in Minneapolis, the Twin Cities, and the Nation.

"From Rapids to Reservoirs & Back Again?" with Historian John Anfinson, October 1
A talk about the 21st century decision for the Mississippi River between St. Anthony Falls and the Minnesota River.

Season's Eatings: Fall, October 4
It’s time to get cozy and get inspired for fall baking! Mill City Museum invites you to the Baking Lab to discuss fall in Minnesota and explore a quick bread recipe that features honey, oats, flax, and sunflower seeds from the book Minnesota’s Bounty: The Farmers Market Cookbook by Beth Dooley.

Walking My Ancestors' Path Book Launch & Exhibit Opening, October 22

This event celebrates the launch of MNHS Press book and exhibit opening for Walking My Ancestors’ Path: A Collection of Paintings and Stories by Sam Zimmerman / Zhaawanoogiizhik, a compilation commemorating animal spirits ranging from bees to rainbow trout, from hummingbirds to wolves, and illuminated with the vibrant flora and vivid hues of Minnesota’s beloved northland.

The Last Entry: Film Screening, October 29

The 1932 crime thriller The Last Entry was filmed on location in Minnesota using local talent and directed by a local amateur filmmaker, who won an international award for an amateur film. Mill City Museum will host a screening of this local treasure with a live piano accompaniment.

Minnesota State Capitol, St. Paul

Quadriga Starlight Tours, September 18 and 19

Take a guided tour to visit legislative chambers and historic spaces and meet historical characters from the Capitol's history. Then, climb to the rooftop for a rare evening viewing of the gold-gilded Quadriga - the golden horses - against a backdrop of the city lights and skylines of the Twin Cities.

Shadows & Spirits of the State Capitol, October 15 - 17, October 22 - 24

Join a one-hour guided tour of the restored State Capitol through the shadowy rotunda, corridors, and chambers lit with the original early-1900s lighting as history lingers round every corner. Along the way, visitors will encounter historical "spirits" who tell stories of the Capitol's past.

Capitol Civil War Tour, November 20

Learn how Minnesotans played significant roles in the Civil War by looking at battle flags, art, and memorials commemorating their participation and how it is remembered in the State Capitol.

Sibley Historic Site, Mendota

The History of Beer in the German Upper Town at Sibley, September 18

Join us for a presentation about how Germany’s most pedestrian beverage became an economic and cultural force in the city of St. Paul nearly a decade before Minnesota reached statehood.

Romanian Dark Legends: Monsters, Vampires and the Undead, October 16

Step into the haunting world of Romanian folklore! This presentation uncovers spine-chilling stories rooted in centuries of myth and mystery—from bloodthirsty creatures of the Carpathians to ghostly spirits and restless souls.

In Disguise: Women in the Civil War, at Sibley, November 20

Join historian Pamela Toler as she discusses stories of women who disguised themselves as men to enlist in the American Civil War and how they fit into the long lineage of cross-dressing women soldiers.

Jeffers Petroglyphs, Comfrey

Archaeology Day at Jeffers Petroglyphs, September 12

Guests at Archaeology Day will learn about the archaeology of the Red Rock Ridge. We will celebrate all things discoverable through archeology and more. Participate in pottery making, atlatl throwing, and many other hands-on activities.

Statewide Star Party, September 19

Jeffers Petroglyphs is partnering with the Bell Museum for the 2026 Statewide Star Party. All across the state, folks will gather to stargaze! This year’s theme is: Ursa Minor: Celebrating Minnesota’s Official Constellation. Join us as we use our Unistellar telescopes to view our beautiful dark skies.

Author Event: Audrey M. Thayer and Colette A. Hyman, Weaving Community: Indigenous Women and Leadership in the Twin Cities, September 26

Authors Audrey M. Thayer and Colette A. Hyman will discuss their book, Weaving Community: Indigenous Women and Leadership in the Twin Cities, a compelling history of the often overlooked work of contemporary Native American women who took action to strengthen the bonds within and among urban communities.

Author Talk: Learn about Lichen with the Bell Museum, October 17

Like lichen? Learn to love them! Tag along with lichen expert Tanner Barnharst, author of Minnesota Lichen Guide, and identify the unique lichen species covering the exposed rock at the petroglyphs site.

Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post, Onamia

Wild Rice Processing Demonstration, September 26

Head to the lakeshore to watch museum staff process wild rice using traditional methods, including parching, threshing, and winnowing the rice. See the entire process from raw to finished product during 20-minute demonstrations offered on the hour.

Family Fun Day - Oct 16th

Bring the whole family out to the Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post to enjoy family friendly activities all day! With paid museum admission, everyone can design their own shoulder bag to bring home. You can also try your hand at lacrosse, or try hitting a target with an atlatl, which is an ancient type of hunting tool. There will be snacks and of course tours of the Four Seasons Room!

Oliver Kelley Farm, Elk River

Step Back in Time: An Afternoon of Food, History, and Nostalgia with Sarah Peterson, September 12

Meet Minnesota cookbook author Sarah Peterson as she discusses how family recipes connect generations through storytelling, vintage design, and shared history. Hear the tales behind the recipes from Sarah's new book, Dish and Tell: Recipes from the Heart. Guests are encouraged to bring nostalgic items to display, such as family recipe cards, vintage recipe boxes, old family snapshots, or written stories.

Prairie Sugar Day, September 26

Help strip the leaves off the sorghum canes, press the canes through a horse-powered press to extract the juice, and stir the juice as it boils down to make a sweet, syrupy molasses. Then, enjoy a sweet treat of molasses confections such as gingerbread and molasses candy.

Fall Foraging for Wild Edibles, October 3

In this introductory class about common wild edibles, we will explore the fall landscape in search of late-season fruits, nuts, and seeds. Then we’ll head to the kitchen where we will learn to process our harvested finds.

Junior Chef Breakfast Club: Muffins and Crepes, October 15, 16 and 17

This hands-on class introduces young chefs to essential pastry and baking techniques. Students will learn the science of custards while baking sweet bread pudding muffins, master the delicate pan control required for French crepes, and explore aeration by whipping homemade cream from scratch.

Harvest Days, October 16 and 17

Help finish up the field work, put produce in the root cellar, and make your very own corn husk doll. After all of that hard work, grab a warm beverage and take in the farm's lovely fall colors on a tractor ride through the woods.

Halloween on the Farm, October 31

This family-friendly Halloween celebration will feature trick-or-treating, chicken jack o’ lantern carving, seasonal treats, and more. Stop at our crafting station in the visitor center to make your own custom trick or treat bag!

Split Rock Lighthouse, Two Harbors

Keepers Tour, Through Fall

Experience the site like the keepers and their families did and immerse yourself in their stories. This private 60-minute guided tour of the historic site includes the lighthouse and keeper’s house, plus general admission access.

Statewide Star Party, September 18

Split Rock Lighthouse is partnering with the Bell Museum for the 2026 Statewide Star Party. All across the state, folks will gather to stargaze! This year’s theme is: Ursa Minor: Celebrating Minnesota’s Official Constellation. Join us as we use our Unistellar telescopes to view our beautiful dark skies.

Photography & Art at the Rock: Featuring Shawn Malone, September 29

Meet artist Shawn Malone, a landscape photographer and visual artist whose work has been inspired by the Lake Superior region for more than 25 years. Best known for her immersive aurora and night sky photography, Shawn creates images and time-lapse films that reveal the beauty of the natural world in ways often hidden from the naked eye.

Book Signing: "Perseverance: A Memoir" by Mark Dayton, October 6

Join former Minnesota Governor and US Senator Mark Dayton for a presentation of his memoir, Perseverance. Books will be available for purchase and signing.

Photography & Art at the Rock: Featuring Molly Siebenaler, October 17 & November 10

Meet Minnesota landscape artist Molly Siebenaler, whose oil paintings are inspired by a lifelong love of travel and the beauty of the natural world. Molly creates vibrant landscapes that invite viewers to slow down and appreciate the beauty found in both grand vistas and quiet moments.

Edmund Fitzgerald: A Great Lakes Memorial, November 10

This annual event commemorates the sinking of the freighter SS Edmund Fitzgerald and the total loss of the 29 crew members aboard on November 10, 1975. It is also a time to reflect on the memory of all lives lost on the Great Lakes.

Forest History Center, Grand Rapids

Horse-Drawn History Tour, Through Fall

Join this scenic one-hour historic tour, where two strong and gentle draft horses pull a wheeled trolley through the Forest History Center. Learn about the geology, the natural history, and the human history that make up our 200-acre site.

Pontoon History Tour, Through Fall

During this scenic one-hour tour, guides share fascinating facts about the river’s ecology and history, and its significance today. Learn about the creation of the Mississippi River, the many animals who use the river to survive and thrive, the history of humans and the Mississippi, and how the river is used by people today.

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.