Meet Draft Horse Teams at the Forest History Center

Meet draft horse handlers and see the animals in action at the annual “Real Horsepower!” event

For immediate release

Dated: August 10, 2026

Contacts:

Location: Forest History Center

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. (August 10, 2026) – Northern Minnesota’s early logging camps relied on the hard work of draft horses. On August 28 and 29, visitors to the Forest History Center can see these impressive animals in action during Real Horsepower!

In the year 1900, Draft horses transported lumber through the woods and to river banks, which opened up the region to global commerce. During our Real Horsepower event, Teamsters will hold demonstrations throughout the two-day event, including cross-hauling logs onto a sleigh, skidding, and loading logs with an A-frame log jammer.

Visitors can meet the horses and chat with teamsters about the variety of work these animals continue to do in Minnesota. Additionally, logging demonstrations, trolley rides, and other activities will take place throughout the event.

What: Real Horsepower!
When: Friday, August 28 and Saturday, August 29, 2026, 10 am–4 pm
Where: Forest History Center, 2609 County Road 76, Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Cost: Free for MNHS members, or included with regular site admission.

More information is available at mnhs.org/foresthistory.

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.