Bill Chizek
Over the years, Memorial Day Weekend has become synonymous with grill outs, games for the kiddos, parties, patios, and sales. It is also considered the “unofficial start of the summer vacation season” and was once used to mark the timing for fashion related decisions, like white shoes, which were NOT allowed after Labor Day and before Memorial Day. (This rule is no longer in effect, by the way—wear whatever color you want, whenever you want!)
It can be easy to forget the true meaning behind this federal holiday between all your fun plans and your excitement for the three-day weekend. If you can, carve some time out of your weekend to honor those who have given their life for our country with one of these events in Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden
If you’re looking for even more ways to spend your weekend outside, the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden will be hosting a Memorial Day Family Garden Hike at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 27, followed by a Memorial Day Wildflower Walk at 1 p.m. Parents and kids can search for plants and animals in the spring woods on the scavenger hunt-type hike, and look for bluebells, trilliums, and trout lilies on the walk. May 27 from 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. @ 1 Theodore Wirth Pkwy, Minneapolis
Historic Fort Snelling
And if that’s not enough, you can always head over to Historic Fort Snelling for its annual Memorial Day Weekend event, where guests can learn about the fort’s role in U.S. expansion, Native American history, and watch demonstrations like blacksmithing, cannon firings, and hearth cooking while interacting with costumed re-enactors and interpretive staff. May 26 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. @ Historic Fort Snelling, 200 Tower Ave., St. Paul
Mall of America
In addition to partnering with Flags for Snelling to honor the soldiers who fought for our country, Mall of America is hosting several other events and displays during Memorial Day weekend, including a fallen solider table to recognize fallen service members and the Remember the Minnesota Fallen Wall as a way to help survivors cope with their loss, provided by Minnesota Survivor Outreach Services. (Both on display in the Rotunda). May 24-27 during Mall hours @ Mall of America
Lakewood Cemetery
Join Lakewood Cemetery in their annual Memorial Day Celebration with a keynote address by author Jacquelyn Fletcher and a story of heroism to honor the 75th anniversary of D-Day from local author and historian Douglas Bekke. The event will also include music from Robert Robinson and your own chance to create a “Dear You” letter for a deceased family member or friend or even another stranger at the event. As an attendee, you can also take a “Dear You” letter previously written by kids, teens, and adults if you’re in need of some encouragement yourself. Check the lineup for other tours and activities that will be going on throughout the day. May 27 from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. @ Lakewood Cemetery, 3600 Hennepin Ave. S, Minneapolis
Music at Lake Harriet Bandshell
End Memorial Day weekend with some music at the Lake Harriet Bandshell. Enjoy performances by Sawyer’s Dream with its seventies vibe and harmony rock and Rubber Soul, a tribute to the Beatles. View full schedule and details here. For a cherry on top to a busy, successful weekend, stop by Sebastian Joe’s Ice Cream Shop for a scoop or two of ice cream. May 27 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. @ Lake Harriet Bandshell, 4135 W Harriet Pkwy
