It might not be shorts and flip flop weather just yet but it will be SPRING this weekend.  I am sooo hopeful that we will see this snow melt before our eyes!  Either way, with 50’s in the forecast it’s time to enjoy the outdoors and celebrate the warmth.

To celebrate Spring and Earth Day head to Hastings and enjoy the Story Walk on the RiverWalk this Weekend!  You can enjoy this free event either Saturday or Sunday from 8am-7pm.

Plan a trip down to the Hastings RiverWalk with your kids or grandkids for a self-guided story. Start at Levee Park or Jaycee Park, and enjoy some fresh spring air while you read the book “Call Me Tree” in honor of Earth Day. Back and forth distance is just one mile.

Perhaps you may have heard of the Minneapolis Moline?  It’s been several years but the tractors and machinery were made locally here in the Twin Cities metro area of Minnesota.

This Saturday, (April 21) you have a chance to see seven recently restored tractors at special open house event.  No tickets or reservations are needed and this is a free event to attend, taking place from 1-4.  This would be a great event for the history buff or tractor fan.

About the Minneapolis Moline Event:

 
Join Hennepin History for this special off-site open house in collaboration with Doran Companies. See seven recently restored vintage tractors that fill an exhibition space off the Moline apartment building’s lobby. The building, which opened last fall, is located on the former site of Minneapolis Moline. Agricultural artifacts and modern murals fill the public spaces and document the company’s history. Meet Minneapolis Moline historians, learn about Hopkins history, tour the building’s creative shared spaces, and enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages. Free.

Meet Hennepin History representatives in the building’s lobby at 100 8th Avenue South, Hopkins. No reservations necessary.

The Morrison County Historical Society is hosting a new exhibit and it opens this coming Saturday, April 21st.  It was supposed to open this past weekend but the weather had other plans.  The Exhibit Opening: Central MN Remembers Vietnam will be from 2-4pm at the Weyerhaeuser Museum in Little Falls.  If you are unable to attend the opening event, the exhibit will run through the end of 2018 so plenty of opportunity to check it out.  Plus it’s a free exhibit, no admission to view it.

The Morrison County Historical Society (MCHS), is hosting an opening of the exhibit “Central Minnesota Remembers Vietnam” to showcase multiple perspectives on the Vietnam War. The exhibit was created using items loaned from members of the public and features artifacts, photos and stories from veterans, protesters, and refugees, along with glimpses of what was occurring here in Central Minnesota at the time.

The exhibit opens with a free public event on Saturday, April 21, 2018, from 2-4 pm at the Weyerhaeuser Museum in Little Falls, MN.

During the opening, there will be assistance available to help people learn how to share their Vietnam-related stories on the digital story wall on PBS’s “The Vietnam War” website. “The Vietnam War” is a 10-part documentary produced by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick.

One of our favorite events, The MN Zoo Farm Babies!  Although it doesn’t feel or look like spring, on the calendar it is.  You might have to bundle up a little more to see MN Zoo Farm Babies, all the cuteness will help us forget about the long winter.  *The Farm Babies event is included with the regular zoo admission, no additional fees.

March 23 – April 30, 2018

9:00 – 4:00 – Open Daily

Come out and enjoy the sights and sounds of spring at the Wells Fargo Family Farm.   Cuteness abounds with baby chicks, piglets, lambs, calves, goat kids, and bunnies. Check out the special “egg” treats for the animals. This fun form of enrichment will include colored Jell-O eggs, piñatas, and hard-boiled eggs.   

Weekend Activities:

• Tram rides 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
• Family activity 11:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m.
• March 31 – Peter Rabbit” costume character 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• March 31 and April 1 – Animal “Egg” Enrichment throughout the Zoo
• April 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 & 29 – Guild of Metalsmiths demonstrations
• April 21 & 22 – Square dance demonstrations
• April 21 & 22 – University of Minnesota Bee Squad