Forest History Center.
Forest History Center

Adventure in the north woods

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Experience the stories of the north woods and learn about the lumberjacks who called these forests home.

Explore Minnesota’s forests of yesterday and today through exhibits and nature trails.

Hours

Day Hours
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Accessibility

All hours

Admission

Adults: $12 
Seniors (65+), veterans, active military, college students: $10 
Children ages 5-17: $8
Children age 4 and under: Free 
MNHS members: Free 
Blue Star Families (Armed Forces Day–Labor Day): Free (On-site only)

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Museums for All (Free Admission)

Click "Get tickets" to purchase tickets for site admission, kayak tours, or horse-drawn trolley tours.

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Getting here

2609 County Road 76
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
foresthistory@mnhs.org
218-327-4482

Free public parking is available on site.

Map and directions

What to see and do

  • Forest History Center.
    Explore the history and ecology of the north woods and shop for unique gifts and souvenirs to take home.
    Visitor center
  • Forest History Center.
    See how the lumberjacks lived and worked at a recreated 1900-era logging camp.
    Logging camp
  • Forest History Center.
    Join Forest History Center staff on a kayak adventure exploring the natural history of the Mississippi River.
    Paddling Adventures
  • Horses pulling a winter sleigh.
    Experience the magic of winter in Minnesota’s north woods with a cozy horse-drawn sleigh Ride around the Forest History Center.
    Winter horse-drawn rides
  • Forest History Center.
    Discover the moored river wanigan, a floating cook shack and bunkhouse used by river drivers when moving logs.
    River wanigan
  • Forest History Center.
    Climb a 100-foot fire tower for a spectacular view of the Mississippi River and the forest canopy. You may even experience a bald eagle soaring by!
    Fire tower
  • Forest History Center.
    Enjoy hiking, biking, skiing, and snowshoeing on 5 miles of maintained trails through forests, wetlands, and grasslands that abound with wildlife.
    Trails
  • Forest History Center.
    Discover the past, present, and future of Minnesota’s forests through action-packed environmental learning programs.
    Field trips
Holiday Sleigh Rides Forest History Center

Holiday Sleigh Rides

November 30th through December 30th

Come and enjoy the season with a horse-drawn ride around the Forest History Center. Spend an hour riding through the woods with friends and family enjoying all that winter has to offer! After the ride enjoy a fire and some cocoa.

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Winter Sleigh Rides Forest History Center

Winter Sleigh Rides

January 3rd through March 28th

Come out to experience winter with a horse-drawn ride around the Forest History Center. Spend an hour with friends and family taking in all that winter has to offer! After the ride, warm up with a fire and some cocoa.

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Upcoming events

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