Summertime is the perfect time for a historic adventure. With 26 historic locations across Minnesota, MNHS has something for every explorer.
Step into thoughtfully curated museums filled with rich exhibits. Walk the grounds of historic forts and battlefields where pivotal moments unfolded. Breathe in the beauty of scenic sites shaped by centuries of history. Or tour historic homes and uncover the personal stories that helped define our state. Every site offers something unique—and each visit is an opportunity to connect with Minnesota’s past in unforgettable ways.
Craving sunshine and fresh air? No problem! MNHS has outdoor historic sites that combine history, nature, and wide-open adventure—some located just steps from a Minnesota state park.
Take a stroll through a recreated 1900s logging camp at the Forest History Center, located just down the road from Scenic State Park in Bigfork. Learn about 19th-century farming at Oliver Kelley Farm in Elk River. Travel back to the 1800s at Historic Forestville, right inside Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park. Witness ancient stories carved in stone at Jeffers Petroglyphs in Comfrey—home to 7,000-year-old rock carvings sacred to Indigenous communities.
Just minutes from Mille Lacs Kathio State Park, you’ll find the Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post, where you can explore Ojibwe art, culture, and resilience. Or visit Historic Fort Snelling, located within Fort Snelling State Park, to learn stories of the military fort and its surrounding area, and more. And no summer is complete without a visit to Split Rock Lighthouse on the North Shore, perched high above the waves inside a stunning Minnesota state park.
Prefer to explore by foot? Many MNHS sites offer walking tours that provide a dynamic way to experience history all around you. Led by knowledgeable guides, these tours take you through the neighborhoods and places where history happened, and where its echoes can still be felt today.
New for Summer 2025 is A Recipe for Adventure—a fun, food-themed quest through Minnesota’s past. This special summer cookbook highlights 13 MNHS sites, each paired with a unique recipe inspired by the stories of that place. But there’s a twist: The recipe cards are missing! To collect them, you’ll need to visit the sites in person. Gather at least eight and you’ll be eligible for great prizes. It’s a flavorful way to explore the state and the perfect lead-up to Julia Child: A Recipe for Life, a new exhibit opening at the Minnesota History Center on September 27.
Yes, summer is the perfect time for a historic adventure. From hands-on history and scenic tours to culinary quests and can’t-miss exhibits, MNHS offers something for everyone.
