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Free Things To Do In Minnesota
Munsinger Clemens Gardens
This well-known beautiful garden park is located along the Mississippi River in St. Cloud. The Munsinger portion of the gardens began in the 1880's. The gardens have experienced different stages of development, with many of the improvements as a result of work during the Great Depression through the WPA. The Clemens portion is dedicated to different varieties of roses. During summer months, there are also free music concerts within the gardens.
Admission is free and the gardens are open sunrise until 10PM
Franklin Arts Center
Artspace has transformed the former Franklin Junior High School building into a multipurpose arts center with 25 affordable live/work studios for individuals and families, 37,775 square feet for artist studios, arts organizations, and arts-friendly businesses; and 36,247 square feet that will be operated by the Brainerd School District as community programs space. You can visit and learn from local and resident artist and craftsmen. The facility is open to the public daily and also hosts special events the second Saturday of the month.
Northland Arboretum
The Northland Arboretum encompasses over 500 acres in the heart of Brainerd/Baxter. The Arboretum is dedicated to getting people involved and aware of nature. Areas of interest include the Monet Bridge and Pond, the Landscaping for Wildlife project, the Girl Scout Secret Garden and the many flower beds maintained by volunteers. An orienteering course is available for amateurs and experts. 4 Seasons of fun are provided with 20 kilometers of hiking and cross-country ski trails. Admission is free, donations accepted.
Glacial Ridge Nature Conservancy
Reserve a blind at Glacial Ridge Nature Conservancy and watch the Greater Prairie Chickens boom on the lek.
Wm. S. Marvin Training and Visitor Center
Experience the history of Marvin Windows and Doors in the Wm. S. Marvin Training and Visitor Center. The 6,000 square foot museum and gift shop are open to the public from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 1-4 p.m. on weekends. Exhibits include a combination of artifacts and interactive presentations to create a memorable experience for visitors of all ages.
Disc Golfing
Southern Minnesota has over 50 Disc Golf courses, most are free to play. For a complete listing of all Disc Golf courses in Minnesota, go to http://tinyurl.com/2xmlq8
Keepers of the Sacred Tradition of Pipemakers
Pipestone, MN...located in the old Rock Island Depot it is on the Historic Register and is one of a very few buildings made of yellow brick. It houses the Pipemakers gift shop, Indian art gallery, and displays of Indian items. Open in the summer 10:00 - 6:00 Monday - Saturday and in the Winter 11:00 - 4:00.
Contact: Pipestone Chamber & CVB at pipecham@pipestoneminnesota.com
Zumbrota Covered Bridge
Walk through one of Minnesota’s last covered bridges. Measuring nearly 120 feet long and 15 feet wide it was built in 1869 and crosses the Zumbro River.
Grand Rounds Scenic Byway
As the only urban national scenic byway, Minneapolis Grand Rounds attests to the exceptional qualities of its host city. The byway is truly in the heart of the city, with many impressive views of the downtown skyline, yet is as green, lush and lined with waterways as most of our rural byways. Enjoy walking, running, biking or roller-blading along the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway.
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
One of the country's largest urban sculpture parks, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden features more than 40 works of art and the Cowles Conservatory. At the Center is a beloved Twin Cities landmark- the playful fountain "Spoonbridge and Cherry".
www.garden.walkerart.org/index.wac
Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Ranked among the top ten comprehensive U.S. art museums. Admission, as always, is free.
Como Zoo & Marjorie McNeely Conservatory
Como Zoo features indoor and outdoor exhibits, including large cats, primates, polar bears & aquatic animals. The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory has permanent tropical and changing seasonal plants and flowers.
Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center
Operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers, the most visited marine museum on the Great Lakes. 1,000-foot freighters pass within 200 feet of the building. Open daily throughout shipping season. Always FREE.
Superior Hiking Trail
The Superior Hiking Trail is a 275 mile long hiking trail that follows the rocky ridgeline above Lake Superior. Great for both day hikes and backpack camping.
Gitchi-Gami State Trail
The Gitchi-Gami State Trail connects Two Harbors to Grand Marais along the North Shore of Lake Superior. This 86-mile trail will eventually connect five state parks, several communities, four Scientific and Natural Areas, numerous historic sites, and provide vistas of Lake Superior.