History in a Pint - The War at Home: Minnesota in World War I

Mark your calendars for an insightful journey into a pivotal, yet often overlooked, period of our state’s past. Join us on Friday, August 8, 2025, for a special event with acclaimed historian Greg Gaut as he discusses his compelling book, The War at Home.

Did you know that when Americans went to war in 1917, the conflict wasn’t just fought overseas? Here in Minnesota, it was a time of intense internal struggle. Imagine a Minnesota gripped by:

• Bitter polarization as farmers and workers challenged the wealthy.

Halloween on the Farm

Dress your little ghouls in their Halloween best, and visit the farm for a one-of-a-kind trick-or-treating experience. This family-friendly Halloween celebration will feature trolley rides, trick or treating on a historic 19th-century farm, chicken jack o’ lantern carving, seasonal treats, and more.

Great Gray Peatland Dragonfly & Damselfly Survey #2

Due to the recent work to build, maintain, and reestablish wetland function in the Great Gray Peatland, it is worth investigating the communities of dragonflies and damselflies in the area to see how they may change over time. The wetland restoration east of Sax Road is an easily accessible location that will offer an opportunity to survey for years to come to help give us an idea of how that habitat will change over time.

Giants Ridge Enduro Series

The Giants Ridge Enduro Series will give you two opportunities to challenge yourself—August 7th & September 12th. Registration open Friday, July 18th.

4:00-5:00pm | Register in Mountain Sports Shop

5:00-5:10PM | Racer Meeting Chalet Patio

5:10PM | Load Lift for first stage (Tadpole)

5:30PM | Start of 1st stage (Tadpole) – 45 second intervals

Kitty Cat closes to downhill traffic

6:00-6:30PM | Transfer to second stage via Kitty Cat (riders can start their uphill anytime after the finish of their first stage)

Divas & Drag 2025

DIVAS & DRAG (D&D) showcases the art of Drag and the spectacle of Opera as local Drag and Opera artists forge their brilliance for unforgettable mashups celebrating self-expression through the most spectacular art forms ever to grace the stage. This year, DIVAS & DRAG IV: off Off OFF Broadway spotlights some beloved operas and Broadway musicals that have a lot in common - scenes from RENT, La Boheme, West Side Story, and Romeo and Juliet (yes, both Gounod’s and Bellini’s ya opera nerds!)

Cemetery Tour

Join Historic Forestville for a lantern-lit hike of Forestville's pioneer cemetery. As you make your way to Zumbro Hill Cemetery, you will learn about some of the oldest residents of the town and the stories behind those that founded it. Forestville one of the prominent towns in southeastern Minnesota during the 1850s and 1860s

Capitol Civil War Tour

On a 90-minute guided tour, learn how Minnesotans played significant roles in the Civil War by looking at the battle flags, art and memorials commemorating their participation and how it is remembered in the State Capitol. Visit the Governor's Reception Room where six renowned paintings depict Minnesota regiments in pivotal battles.

All Hallows Eve Event

Apparently, not all of the jarred spirits are in the Hotel Bar!

Autumn brings the observation of the Eve of All Hallows (otherwise known as Halloween) and a heightened curiosity about the spirit realm.

Join Sister Celeste as she shares a "slide show" and brilliantly told stories and lore about the history of Hallows Tide and otherworldly behavior surrounding the dearly (and not so nearly) departed on-site, in the neighborhood, and beyond!

LEDGEtober Flannel Fest

Join them for the 4th Annual LEDGEtober Flannel Fest on Saturday, October 4th, 2025 from 2pm to 7pm! Ticket includes beer sampling from local craft breweries from 2:30pm to 4:30pm, games, contests, vendors, food trucks, and live music performed by Mason Dixon Line and Michael Shynes & The Long Way Home. Prizes will be given away, and the Grand Prize will be given away at the end of the event! The Grand Prize includes two ticket packs to two concerts during the 2026 season! This includes VIP upgrades, parking passes, and LEDGE merchandise. Must be present to win.