Sometimes it’s nice to take in some local history during the evening hours.  The Adults only Gibbs Farm, Evening Tour takes place this coming Thursday, July 19th.  The event is for the 21 and up crowd, so not only is it in the evening, it’s a time without the kids.  There’s a small admission fee of $10-$15 ( depending on if you have a membership to the RCHS) Advance registration is requested either by phone (651-646-8629.) or by clicking here.

21+ Event

Thursday, July 19th
6pm-8pm

History loving adults are invited to our very first evening tour. Visitors can enjoy a complimentary beverage and light refreshments on the porch before going on a tour of the Gibbs Farmhouse lead by Site Manager Sammy Nelson. This tour will go in-depth on Jane and Heman Gibbs and their life in early Minnesota. Sammy will draw from stories told by Jane and Heman’s children and grandchildren to bring this chapter of Minnesota history to life.

We were excited to learn that the Bell Museum was going to relocate and build new.  Not that it wasn’t a great place to visit before, it just needed to spread it’s wings a bit and get more space.  Finally, the dates for the Bell Museum Grand Opening are here, July 13th-15th.  You can purchase tickets in advance here on their website.  The new location is close to the U of M St. Paul campus and the MN State Fairgrounds.  The building itself is beautiful, we are so excited to see all the new changes and additions that are waiting inside those walls.

Even if you can’t make it to the opening weekend, put this on your summer or fall bucket list.  This museum is sure to be something for all ages to enjoy.

The Bell springs back to life with an epic weekend celebrating our grand reopening and new building. Join us to celebrate, explore, and marvel, from microorganisms to the woolly mammoth to the outer realms of the universe.

The entire weekend will feature hands-on science, exciting experiences in the state of the art Whitney and Elizabeth MacMillan Planetarium, and artistic projects from nature sketching to make-your-own dioramas.

Coon Rapids is the place to be July 2-4th.  It’s their annual Fourth of July Community Celebration, with tons of fun for the whole family.  You can find the full schedule of events here on the event website.

• Parade Monday July 2nd at 6pm
• Fireworks July 4th
• Live Music
• Food Vendors
• Bingo
• Carnival Midway

Not everyone can get to Washington DC to see the Vietnam Memorial, even if you have the “Moving Wall” is still something special to see.  This July 4th-6th it comes to Princeton, Mille Lacs County Fairgrounds  The public is welcome to view it, gates open noon on July 4th and close 6pm on July 6th.

Check out the full schedule of events here on their website.  Most of the events are free to attend, however there is a bus tour to Camp Ripley and advance tickets are needed.

“The Moving Wall” is the half-size replica of the Washington, DC Vietnam Veterans Memorial and has been touring the country for thirty plus years. When John Devitt attended the 1982 dedication in Washington, he felt the positive power of “The Wall.” He vowed to share that experience with those who did not have the opportunity to go to Washington.

John, Norris Shears, Gerry Haver, and other Vietnam veteran volunteers built The Moving Wall. It went on display for the first time in Tyler, Texas in October of 1984. Two structures of The Moving Wall now travel the USA from April through November, spending about a week at each site.

Would love to hear where you go to see fireworks for the 4th of July?  Is there somewhere in MN that does an awesome display and you have a tradition to go there each year?  There are several shows in the twin cities but there’s also many places in smaller towns.  Please share and we will add them so others are aware.  Perhaps start a new tradition and check out a different spot.  Here are a few around the state, perhaps one of these is close to you?

Albert Lea:  July 4th near Fountain Lake

Alexandria:  July 4th over Lake Darling at sunset

Duluth:  July 4th Near Bayfront

Moorhead:  July 4th Sheels Field at MSUM

Stillwater:  July 4th over the St. Croix River at dusk

One of our favorite things about summer, so many festivals and parades to attend.  Not to mention all of the county fairs around the state.  Not enough hours in the day to make it to everything!  The Blaine Festival takes place this weekend, June 22-24.  three days packed full for fun for all ages.

Check out the full schedule of events here on the event page.