More than a pretty walk along the Minnesota River, The Landing has a human history dating back thousands of years. Join a historical interpreter for a leisurely walk to discover tangible evidence of the people who were here long before us. Reservations required. This program is in partnership with Scott County. $6/person.

Tíŋta Otuŋwe, Prairieville, Murphy’s Ferry, National Youth Camp and Historic Murphy’s Landing are all names that have described The Landing. Join Three Rivers Park District for a Big Year of Rivers event to celebrate the natural and human history of The Landing and the Minnesota River. Engage in free activities for all ages. Tour the historic village, try recreation activities like atlatls and geocaching, and bike the regional trail. Learn about the 10,000 years of human history and discover some of the animals that call the Minnesota River home, from small aquatics to birds of prey. Come join us for all this and more! Free.

Ride along the Crow River and explore the paths people have followed over time. Enjoy the scenic and historic river and the layers of stories while enjoying the ride. Discover how this little river has played some big roles in shaping our region. Stops include a brew pub to celebrate the Big Year of Rivers. (beer samples available for purchase). Participants must bring their own bike and helmet and be able to ride a 15-mile loop at a leisurely pace with stops. $15/person.

Ride along the Mississippi River and explore how the power of the river shaped the many cultures who called what is now Minnesota home. Enjoy the scenic and historic river and the layers of stories while enjoying the ride. Discover the vital role the Mississippi played in creating the "Mill City". Stops include a brew pub to celebrate the clean water and brewing traditions along the river. Beer samples available for purchase. Participants must bring their own bike and helmet and be able to ride a 15-mile loop at a leisurely pace with stops. $15/person.

Rooted in the history of the logging era in the Midwest, log rolling is both safe and fun. Join Outdoor Recreation School instructors to learn this exciting sport! Test your new skills while “competing” against other participants. No previous experience is needed. $6/person.

Rooted in the history of the logging era in the Midwest, our log rolling programs are both safe and fun! Join instructors from the Outdoor Recreation School to learn this exciting sport. Test your new skills while “competing” against other participants. No previous experience is needed. All participants must register and pay. This program is in partnership with Scott County. $6/person.

Join us for stories, games and all things apples! Visit the orchard as we explore the history of apple growing in Minnesota, and pick apples to press into fresh, delicious cider. Sample a variety of apple types, take a turn at the cider press and enjoy a glass of cider made right here at Gale Woods Farm. $9/student.

Bring a historic diary to life by following in the footsteps of young Ezra "Fitch" Pabody, a teenager who lived near what is now Lake Minnetonka Regional Park in the 1880s. Using his daily diary entries as inspiration, we'll explore the woods, cook maple syrup and visit the historic Schmid Farmhouse Ruins. Fish from the shores of Lake Minnetonka, net and observe insects, and more as we learn about nature and the history of the area. $24/student.

Discover the history of the Noerenberg family on a guided walk through the property. From their home "Wilkommen" to the eye-catching boat house to the historic barn, learn about the family connections to the lake and the land during the Gilded Age. $9/person.

This collaborative camp brings together naturalists from Richardson Nature Center and the University of Minnesota Raptor Center. Richardson Nature Center hosts the first day of camp. Activities include meeting resident raptor ambassadors, discovering their natural history and behaviors, learning the requirements to care for and train birds in captivity, and exploring habitats to search for wild birds. The second day includes a field trip to The Raptor Center. Campers will learn how the veterinary clinic rehabilitates and cares for injured birds and will get a behind the scenes tour of The Raptor Center’s education department to see many different species of raptors up close. Bus transportation to and from The Raptor Center will be provided.

Join us for a night of farm-to-table tastings and spirit sampling! Uncork the history of wine making while learning the steps to make your own using seasonal berries. Visit the gardens and watch a cooking demo for a simple dessert pairing that enhances the berry wine. Bring your own beer or wine to enjoy as you explore the farm. We'll share samples from our dessert pairing and tastings of wine. $15/person.

Discover the vital role the Métis people played in Minnesota history. This program explores Métis culture and the importance of the three rivers in the lives of Métis and Native peoples in Minnesota as part of the Big Year of Rivers. Program will be followed by a guided tour of the Pierre Bottineau home. $10/person.

Before Elm Creek was a park reserve, these 5,200 acres were home to many different groups of people. Learn about the Indigenous people who were the first caretakers of this land. Then learn what it was like to immigrate to Minnesota as Swiss farmers and make this land home. Practice playing historical games, cook a historical recipe and travel back in time to meet some of the early settlers in this area. The camp is designed for campers who love to learn about history and use their imaginations.