Forest History Center

05/26/2026

You should volunteer to drive our golf cart! This is a 4-ish hour shift, once (or twice) per week, ideally Friday and/or Saturday, from about 10am to about 2pm. Our golf cart volunteers bring visitors from the Visitor's Center to the Logging Camp, to the Boat Launch area, or other locations around the Forest History Center.

What else are we looking for?
- Must know how to drive
- Must like chatting with people
- Must not take 'Dead Man's Curve' too quickly
- Must finish with approximately the same number of visitors that you start with

Does this sound like you? Drop us a line at [email protected], and we'll get in touch!

05/14/2026

We had a great Warbler Walk on Wednesday, and we'd like to extend a big thanks to John Latimer for joining us! Some of our highlights included wonderful views of Eastern Bluebirds, and both the Swainson's Thrush and the Chestnut-sided Warbler who both posed so nicely for us. We also saw a snowshoe hare, a butternut tree, and the wood anemone (with its lovely little white flower) has started to bloom.

Special Announcement - In addition to our regular Saturday Warbler Walk at 7am, we are hosting another Warbler Walk on Saturday, May 16, from 10am to Noon! If your alarm clock doesn't work, we've got you covered! Meet in the parking lot of the Forest History Center, and either bring your own binoculars, or borrow a pair from us. Everyone welcome!

05/08/2026

We're excited to announce that John Latimer will be leading this Wednesday's (May 13) Warbler Walk at the Forest History Center!

Every Wednesday and Saturday in May from 7am to 9am, join a group of folks to take a stroll through the Forest History Center as we look for birds who are returning to our area on their spring migration. Bring your binoculars and field guides (we have binoculars you can borrow). Warbler Walks are for birders of any skill level. Dress for the weather - walks will happen rain or shine (unless there is lightning). Meet at the Forest History Center parking lot. Warblers Walks will be one to two miles of occasionally uneven terrain.

Warbler Walks are free, but membership to the Minnesota Historical Society is encouraged.

05/08/2026

Our Warbler Walks series are underway, and YOU are invited!

So far this year, we've been seeing about 35 species of birds in our short walk. Some highlights so far have included seeing a hawk carrying prey from a successful hunt, Belted Kingfishers 'dancing' above us, waves of warblers making their way along the Mississippi River, and close views of Ruby Crowned Kinglets, Harris's Sparrows, and Eastern Phoebes. It's also a pleasure to walk together and help each other see/hear/identify the birds around us.

Every Saturday and Wednesday in May, from 7am to 9am, join a group of folks to take a slow stroll through the Forest History Center as we look for birds who are returning to our area on their spring migration. Bring your binoculars and field guides (or borrow binoculars from us). Warbler Walks are for birders of any skill level. Dress for the weather - walks will happen rain or shine (unless there is lightning). Meet at the Forest History Center parking lot. Warblers Walks will be one to two miles of occasionally uneven terrain.

Warbler Walks are free, but membership to the Minnesota Historical Society is encouraged.

04/29/2026

Join us starting this Saturday morning for Warbler Walks!

Meet at the Forest History Center in Grand Rapids, MN for Warbler Walks during spring migration, every Wednesday and Saturday in May, from 7am to 9am.

Bring your binoculars and field guides (or borrow binoculars from us), and join like-minded birdwatchers for informal walks along Forest History Center trails to discover and enjoy warblers and the many other birds returning from their southern wintering grounds. Warbler Walks are for birders of any skill level.

This year, we will have special guest leaders for some of our walks:
Sat, May 2: John Schroeder
Wed, May 6: Courtney Kerns
Sat, May 9: Bryan French (FHC Staff)
Wed, May 13: John Latimer
Sat, May 16: Ben Stubbs
Wed, May 20: Bryan French (FHC Staff)
Sat, May 23: Bryan French (FHC Staff)
Wed, May 27: Kyle Maust
Sat, May 30: Bryan French (FHC Staff)

Dress for the weather - walks will happen rain or shine (unless there is lightning). Meet at the Forest History Center parking lot. Warblers Walks will be one to two miles of occasionally uneven terrain.

Warbler Walks are free, but membership to the Minnesota Historical Society is encouraged.

04/24/2026

This Saturday is Free Admission Day at the Forest History Center.

You and your family are welcome to visit the Forest History Center for free! Explore our museum, stop by the logging camp, say hello to our horses, climb the fire tower, or explore our trails!

We'll be open on Saturday, April 25, from 10am to 4pm. We hope to see you!

04/03/2026

Due to weather conditions, the Forest History Center will be closed Saturday, April 4.

03/28/2026

03/26/2026

Join us this Saturday for our annual Maple, Music, & Phenology Day!

Celebrate the ritual of collecting maple sap and making syrup! We'll have demonstrations, you can join in a nature hikes, or play music around the fire (bring your own instruments and join in!). The Bell Museum will be on hand with Ojibwe storytelling and musical explorations, the North Country Trail Association will give you ideas for your next hike, you can say hello to our large draft horses, and much more!

All of this is included with regular site admission, or admission is free for MNHS members.

03/20/2026

The Forest History Center will be closed Saturday, March 21.