Forest History Center.
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.

Minnesota’s historical sites like Forest History Center thrive thanks to your support.

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Hours

Day Hours
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Accessibility

All hours

Admission

 Cost
Adult$15
Seniors ages 65+,
Veterans,
Active military,
College students		$12
Children ages 5-17$8
Children age 4 and under, MNHS membersFree
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
  • Horse-drawn rides.
    Climb aboard a horse-drawn trolley for a guided tour of the Forest History Center.
    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
Great Northern Forest History Tour Forest History Center

Horse-drawn Trolley Rides

June 4th through August 30th

Join us for a 60-minute horse-drawn trolley tour, presenting a robust history of our site. Topics will include the Mississippi River and the early people of the region, including Native groups and European settlers.

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