History Exploration

Step back in time to uncover the life of a legendary wilderness guide or follow a family of immigrants on their long journey to Minnesota.

After that, investigate the farmstead that transformed the Upper Midwest into America’s Dairy Belt or relax lakeside on a Gilded Age estate whose majestic gardens have been inspiring guests for over a century. 

By exploring history, you’ll unlock the stories of life on this land and see how it still influences us today.

Upcoming Events

Home on the Minnesota River

July 25, 10 AM–2 PM | The Landing

Celebrate the natural and human history of The Landing and the Minnesota River! Tour the historic village, bike the regional trail, discover some of the animals that call the river home and more. 

Our history exploration summer camps will bring your camper back in time to learn new skills from long ago.

Be sure to check back here for updates on when offerings will be available online so you can start adding history exploration camps to your wish list.

Ever wondered how a park got its name? What's the story behind that old building off the trail? Who lived here before it was a park? 

Submit your questions here and the Three Rivers history team will choose one question to answer in each History in the Parks e-newsletter issue. 

After that, subscribe to the e-newsletter to see if your question has been answered!

The Wandering Naturalist

Episodes 282–284: Rivers Inspiring Art

Throughout human history, rivers have been a source of connection and inspiration for art. Join Brandon and Ellen as they sit down with various artists this month. Discover how rivers have inspired the poetry behind Minneapolis’ first Poet Laureate, learn how ancestry and culture influence art, and hear about AWE, a group that connects artists, scientists and teachers with waterways through art. 

Other Things To Do

A woman aims a bow and arrow at a target.

Stationary ranges offer targets at a variety of distances, as well as a shooting tower. You can also test your marksmanship with a walk-through range featuring multiple shooting stations. 

Archery ranges are open year-round and require a daily or annual pass.

a woman making pottery on a wheel.

Silverwood Park and Gale Woods Farm offer nature-inspired art programs for children and adults.

A young girl waters plants in a greenhouse.

At Three Rivers, those who might not have an opportunity to see the ins and outs of a real working farm get a chance to learn where their food comes from, meet some animals and explore farm life at Gale Woods.

View of garden columns

Take in the beauty of the colorful blooms. Smell the sweet, fragrant flowers. Breathe in the fresh air. Relax to the sound of chirping birds and rustling leaves. Our formal gardens at Noerenberg are meticulously maintained to offer visitors a spot of breathtaking beauty and serenity.

A naturalist shows a jar of pond water to a young boy.

If you want to get up close and personal or learn a little more, visit Mississippi Gateway Regional Park and Eastman, Lowry or Richardson nature centers. You can hike the trails, interact with seasonal exhibits, observe the unique characteristics of different wildlife species up close, conduct your own science experiment and meet a live animal. 

Colorful play area with slides and climbing strutures

Create new memories at our play areas. Three Rivers has multiple areas designed for varying ages and abilities where toddlers to teens can let their imagination run wild. Monkey business never sounded so fun.