Art in the Garden

Hunt for handcrafted art pieces against the backdrop of the Arboretum’s gardens at this unique showcase of art and nature, featuring more than 70 local vendors offering culinary treats, crafts, fine arts and more. Arboretum guests of all ages can meet the artists, listen to live music, mingle, stroll, eat and shop. Learn more on our website. 

Art Fest

Beginning in 1977, the Art Fest was first organized by the Pine City Arts Council, a non-profit volunteer group serving the community. The event was created as an opportunity for local artists to sell their work. 45 years later the event continues to be one of Pine City's most popular visitor attractions. Over 40 vendor booths are set up in the outdoor venue in Downtown Pine City. The Robinson Park location provides shaded space for the artists and shoppers and is surrounded by a variety of local retail shops, restaurants, and even the local brewery.

Arrowhead Ultra 135 Race

Train Hard – registration for Arrowhead 2025 (Jan 27th to Jan 29th) will open 9-1-24 8 am central time..
The Arrowhead 135 is recognized in the book “The World’s Toughest Endurance Challenges” by Richard Hoad and Paul Moore as one of the 50 toughest races in the world. It is a human powered Ultra Marathon taking place in the coldest part of winter in the coldest city in the lower 48 states. Our average finish rate is close to 50%, the finish rate for new racers is much lower. 2019 finish rate was 35%.

Arboretum Auxiliary Holiday Sale

This is a one-of-a-kind annual Auxiliary Holiday Sale! There will be exquisite seasonal gift items that are handmade with winter or holiday themes including knit scarves, shawls and hats for the entire family, felted items, quilted household items, jewelry, home decor, soaps and scented items, ornaments, toys and stuffed animals, charcuterie and cutting boards, cards and gift tags, seasonal wreaths and floral arrangements, plus unique, beautiful wood crafted items for the home. You'll find gifts for everyone on your list!

Arboretum Auxiliary Harvest Sale

The Auxiliary Harvest Sale will offer thousands of exquisite items for sale. There will be knitwear for adults and children, nature-inspired items including home décor, soaps, candles, fire starters, Arboretum wood creations, beautiful autumnal wreaths and arrangements, quilted items, handmade cards, children’s toys, and many other creative arts. All items are handcrafted by Auxiliary members, and all proceeds benefit the Arboretum.

The Auxiliary will also have beautiful tulip and daffodil bulbs for sale. These are high-quality fresh bulbs shipped in from the Netherlands.

Apple Fest

Celebrate everything apple at the “Home of the Honeycrisp,” the Arboretum and Horticultural Research Center! Learn all about apple breeding, research, cider making and more from Arboretum experts and try your hand at an apple-peeling contest! Then enjoy fresh local food offerings, including apple-themed fare. Learn more about Apple Fest. 

Anthony Ford Pond Hockey

In the State of Hockey, there is no better experience than outdoor hockey on a frozen lake in Minnesota. The Anthony Ford Pond Hockey Classic is a tradition that will create memories of a lifetime, so make it a great addition to your hockey schedule this season. This event was started with rinks made of snow borders and now has 12 rinks with professional boards to make your experience even better.

The annual pond hockey classic takes place at Spring Lake Park in North Mankato, Minn January 31-February 1, 2026.

Annual St Cloud Car Show & Swap Meet

The Pantowners Annual Car Show & Swap Meet is the largest one-day car show and swap meet in Minnesota. Join us at the Benton County Fairgrounds in St. Cloud. The indoor arena showcases great American classic cars from the 1920's, 30's & 40's; Indoor displays, Indoor arts & crafts, used car corral, and swap vendors. Free Shuttle bus service available; for more information check out the website: https://pantowners.org/2024-car-show

Annual Orphanage Museum Fall Celebration

Join us for a step back in time and learn about the Minnesota State Public School for Dependent Children, through State School reenactors .

We are offering horse drawn guided wagon rides around the grounds, a narrated film from 1930, a scavenger hunt competition, games the State School children played, and refreshments and fellowship.