Forest History Center – Grand Rapids, Minnesota
Do you want first hand experience on what it was like to live in a logging camp in the 1900’s? At the Forest History Center you will have the opportunity to experience life by walking back in time to Northwoods #1, an authentically recreated white pine logging camp complete with cook shack, bunkhouse, blacksmith shop, office wanigan, filer’s shack and horse barn.
You will be able to stop and visit with the cook, clerk, bull cook, blacksmith and other lumberjacks who may be in camp. Would you like to try your hand at sawing or perhaps pet the Percheron draft horses?
You can take a hike on the self-guided forest trails and see what it is like to be among the trees on a path that could easily have been difficult to walk in the past. Imagine what it was like for those that were new to the area to find their way along the paths.
You can wander down to the 1901 Mississippi River Wanigan, drop in on the 1934 Forest Service patrolman and get a bird’s eye view of the forests from atop the 100 foot fire tower (be ready for the climb, it’s not for the weak of heart of those that don’t like heights.)
The forests of northern Minnesota were the life blood of the early settlers and have continued to be critical to the life that we lead today. The timber from these areas were used to provide housing and are now the recreational wonderland to be enjoyed by everyone.
Explore the visitor center’s interactive exhibits where you can see the state-of-the-art timber harvester simulator, a multimedia theater show about forest fires and many other activities for you to enjoy and learn about life in those times. Browse the gift shop featuring items unique to northern Minnesota. Stroll the nearly 5 miles of accessible trails and wind throughout the beautiful forests and along the river’s edge. If you want a special nature program you need to call ahead to find out when they are being held.
Logging camp tours are available June 8 – Labor Day Tuesday through Saturday 11 – 4. Closed on Sunday & Monday. Plan on 2.5 hours for the tour.
Interpretive Center winter hours are Tuesday – Friday 9 – 4. Closed Winter Holidays.
Summer admission: $8 Adults, $6 Seniors, students and military personnel, $5 for children
Winter admission: $4 Adults, $3 Seniors, students and military personnel, $2.50 for children.
Location: 2609 County Rd. 76, Grand Rapids, Minnesota 55744
Phone: 218-327-4482
Email: foresthistory@mnhs.org or terry.weber@mnhs.org
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Hey Skip
Congrats on your retirement. Believe it or not now and then I still think obout our center. and the lady in the cook shack. She sure did love to make a lot of noise when I was around. GREAT people that you had around . If you see Dorman and Mr Hickman give them my Aloha.
All is well on Kauai. Life is good.
Rember, now you should be able to smell the roses. I smell the Pua kini kini everyday!!
Sent with Aloha and many great memories
your friend John