with a recommended age of 8 years or older. Group size is 6–8. Book in advance, as trips fill by November.
Schoolhouse on Gibbs Farm, St. Paul
This chapter has the whole family in mind with attractions geared to entertain and educate. You’ll find some outings are seasonal, while others may be a bit more tailored to certain ages. Pick the ones that are right for your gang and have fun!
FAMILY DAY
Jeffers Petroglyphs, Comfrey
Option: Blue Mounds State Park
Welch Mill Canoeing and Tubing, Welch
Option: Cannon Valley Trail
Farmamerica, Waseca
Options: Cabela’s, Village of Yesteryear
JUST LIKE LAURA INGALLS WILDER
Sod House on the Prairie, Sanborn
Walnut Grove—Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum
Minnesota Children’s Museum, St. Paul
Science Museum of Minnesota, St. Paul
Como Park Zoo, St. Paul
Mall of America, Bloomington
Charles A. Lindbergh House, Little Falls
Minnesota Fishing Museum and Hall of Fame, Little Falls
Option: Pine Grove Zoo
Paul Bunyan Trail, Brainerd to Bemidji
Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, Lanesboro
Options: Avian Acres Wild Bird Supply, State DNR Fish Hatchery, Van Gundy’s Elk Farm
Cascade Bay Water Park, Eagan
Alexander Ramsey Park, Redwood Falls
Birch Coulee Battlefield, Morton
Lower Sioux Agency, Redwood Falls
Option: Morton Gneiss rocks
Upper Sioux Agency State Park, Granite Falls
Option: Minnesota’s largest cottonwood
Big Lake Wilderness Lodge, Ely
International Wolf Center, Ely
Option: Dorothy Molter Cabin Museum
National Eagle Center, Wabasha
Valleyfair Amusement Park, Shakopee
Blue Mounds State Park
ANCIENT CARVINGS
1 Jeffers Petroglyphs
27160 County Road 2, Comfrey. Located 3 miles east of Highway 71 on County 10; then 1 mile south on County 2; 507-628-5591; sites/mnhs.org/historic-sites/jeffers-petroglyphs
The glacier-scarred bedrock contains thousands of ancient rock carvings known as petroglyphs. This is a sacred place, one that has been used by American Indian tribes for more than 7,000 years. Search the rock outcrops for carvings of bison, turtles, thunderbirds and human figures. The surrounding native prairie boasts cacti and other rare plants.
Visitor center with interactive activities, exhibits and video. Open Memorial Day–Labor Day, Su–M and W–Sa. Closed Saturdays in September. Wheelchair
