Renowned Explorer Will Steger Brings Polar History to the Minnesota History Center
Minnesota Historical Society partners with Steger Center on a dynamic series of summer programs
For immediate release
Dated: June 15, 2026
Contacts:
Allison Ortiz, 651-259-3051, allison.ortiz@mnhs.org or Nick Jungheim 651-259-3060, nick.jungheim@mnhs.org
Location: Minnesota History Center
ST. PAUL, Minn (June 15, 2026) – Working in partnership, the Minnesota Historical Society and the Ely-based Steger Center are honored to host a series of collaborative public programs centered around discovering the past, present, and future of our planet's most extreme frontiers.
These events highlight the legacy of Minnesota’s own world-renowned leader, Arctic explorer, educator, author, entrepreneur, and environmental advocate Will Steger. Richfield-born Steger completed the first confirmed dogsled journey to the North Pole without re-supply in 1986; the 1,600-mile south-north traverse of Greenland (the longest unsupported dogsled expedition in history) in 1988; and led the first dogsled traverse of Antarctica (the historic seven-month, 3,741-mile International Trans-Antarctica Expedition) in 1989–90.
Will Steger Series programs at the Minnesota History Center include:
After Antarctica Film Screening
Thursday, June 25, 6-8 pm and Sunday, June 28, 1-3 pm
A journey across both poles, After Antarctica directed by Tasha Van Zandt follows Will Steger's life journey as an eyewitness to the greatest changes to the polar regions of our planet. After Antarctica is a film about a legendary expedition unlike any other–not only were Steger and his team of explorers the first to complete such a historic feat, but due to the melting of the ice on their original route, they were also the last.
Each film screening will be followed by a Q&A with Will Steger. The events are pay-what-you can. Free Minnesota History Center admission and parking is available every Thursday from 4-8 pm.
The Steger Homestead Kitchen Cookbook Brunch
Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 10-11:30 am
This brunch event, featuring Will Steger in conversation with Beth Dooley, will teach attendees about recipes that speak to the highlights of the season. The Steger Homestead Kitchen is an
inspiring and down-to-earth collection of meals and memories gathered at the Homestead, the
home of Steger, located in the north woods near Ely, Minnesota, and co-authored by Dooley.
The event will feature the stories and trademark wisdom of Steger as he discusses the cookbook, unique environmental perspectives, and his journey from pole to pole. Tickets are $50 and include access to the program, brunch buffet by Lunds Byerlys, Best Ever Banana Bread and Steger Wilderness Bars from The Steger Homestead Kitchen Cookbook, and book signing.
Will Steger: The Expedition Gear That Made the Impossible Possible
Saturday, June 27, 2-4 pm
Will Steger and expedition veteran Julie Hignell will host a gear-focused conversation on what it takes to cross the Arctic. Framed by the realities of a harsh, shifting environment—volatile weather and constantly moving sea ice—they’ll bring the expedition experience to life through the tools that make it possible. From sleds and sextant navigation to cold-weather clothing, tents, sleeping systems, and cooking setups, they’ll break down how each piece of gear functions in extreme conditions.
Steger and Hignell will share stories from his expeditions and showcase the actual gear used in the field—bringing audiences closer than ever to the realities of polar exploration. Gear from the expedition will be featured on stage, providing attendees an opportunity to get a closer look and ask questions following the talk.
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.
Support for these events is provided by the Legacy Amendment’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund through the vote of Minnesotans on Nov. 4, 2008.
About the Steger Center
The Steger Center for Innovation and Leadership, based in Ely, Minnesota, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by renowned polar explorer Will Steger, who donated his life’s work and legacy to create a place for leaders to think differently. Designed as a wilderness-based convening space, the Center offers immersive programs that bring together leaders from all sectors to tackle complex challenges through reflection, exploration, and shared insight. The Steger Center operates as a charitable organization, supported by tax-deductible contributions that help advance its mission to foster innovation, leadership, and meaningful change. For additional information, visit stegercenter.org.
