This environmental learning center is located in the city limits of Grand Rapids.  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.

Use your power of imagination to experience life as it was in 1900 at the Forest History Center.  Walk 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.  .  Expert interpreters are onsite to share camp highlights and stories with you during your self-guided tour and regularly conduct demonstrations of the ways in which draft horses were integral to early 20^th Century logging .

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.  Explore the visitor center’s interactive exhibits and browse the gift shop featuring items unique to northern Minnesota.  Stroll the nearly 5 miles of accessible trails that wind throughout the beautiful forests and along the river’s edge.  Call ahead for the special nature programs.

Visitor Center and self-guided tours :

 June 2 – Sept 6, 2021

Open Wednesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

 Sept 7 – Oct 23, 2021

Open Saturdays

10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Outdoor and environmental education programs will be offered starting midsummer 2021.  Please visit website for more details.