The Landing is a historic and unique, outdoor living history museum that preserves and interprets…read more19th century life in the Minnesota River Valley. Wooded trails stretch along nearly one and a half miles of scenic river valley, which really brings alive the charm and challenges of life in the 1800's. Walking through this village, a person will firsthand witness the early days of the fur trade era. Back in a time when people traveled by footpath and canoes to the bustling village with its shops, homes, church, town hall and railroad depot. Some days there are costumed interpreters who are prepared to spin a tale, demonstrate their craft and explain the daily life of men, women and children. Many days, however, the park is unstaffed so it is primarily a self-guided tour, with occasional informational signs that describe a building's or area's historical significance. No cost of entry or parking, which is great!

The dogs and I have visited the park a number of times and always enjoy our strolls through the…read moregrounds. Lots of parking, many flat trails for easy walking, beautiful spots for photo opportunities, interesting building and history, nice bathrooms hidden in a building that matches the barns. Definitely will be going back.

A must see if you are in the Twin Cities and the whole region. This cultural center serves as a…read moremuseum and a community center for the nation. The gift shop has art and other products all from small businesses. Once you arrive there is a small introduction from the staff and you are allow to learn at your leisure. There is a free parking lot but you can also take a ride share, just be mindful of surge pricing.

This cultural center is a sight to behold! I love the architecture- both the exterior and interior…read moreare modern and flowing, yet so thoughtful in how it connects with the greater meaning of the Dakota people (who find symbolism in circles and cycles). The sky-light in the ceiling mirrors the tribe's logo. The lower level is specifically members-only, so if you are visiting, you will not be able to view the lower level. We discovered that there was a fun masquerade happening after-hours the day we visited; it's nice to know there is involvement all the time from community members! The upper level is where visitors can come to explore the museum and learn about this region's specific segment of the Dakota tribe and the dialect they speak. You will get to see authentic and historic pieces that were unearthed in the burial mounds right here in the Shakopee area! Wow! Also many outfits worn by men and women. Two painted murals are very impressive as well. There are many exhibits to read from and interact with, many of which also include Dakota language read aloud so you can listen along. I especially liked learning that the tribe had specific words for older and younger brothers/sisters. My favorite exhibit was the teepee lined with real buffalo skins that you could sit inside and listen to recordings of oral history stories that might've been told back in the day while pretending to be next to a warm bonfire! Very immersive. I also really liked the origin story told at the beginning of the self-guided tour; the video played in 360 degrees as well as directly above you as if you were looking up at the sky/stars. It really made it special and memorable. Another fun experience for younger visitors is the bead stringing simulation with colored wooden blocks- choose a fun pattern and assemble like a puzzle! You will also be exposed to the tragedies that befell the tribe with the invasion of European settlers and learn the harsh struggles the community had in retaining its culture during that time. Further, there are exhibits of more contemporary times as the community has been able to secure more land, grow, and look toward providing for its future generations. Really remarkable the strength and hope showcased at the end of the tour and really wraps up the experience nicely. The rate for adults/general admission is $8. Seniors, educators, and students get a discount for $5. There is an occupancy limit of fifty individuals at a time. Be sure to stop at the giftshop to purchase unique gifts that benefit the community and the artists themselves that create the crafts. You'll find lotions, balms, incense, food items, maple syrup, incredible quilts, blankets, plushies, keychains, beanies, jewelry, pins, postcards, decorative pieces, books, and more. There is also a library full of great literature to learn even more if you choose, free of charge. Honestly, if you are in the area, this place is a must-go! Wonderful experience, and the employees are very friendly and knowledgeable too.

Winter Outdoor Event & Family Friendly, Private Parties for 6-8 people…read more *Weather Dependent* Open late February- Early March Food truck, fire pits, lights, slides, tubing, ice/snow sculptures, ice bar- alcohol and non alcoholic, music, fire show, cornhole, maze Live music on Thursdays Lots of seating around Hours: 5:30pm- 9 or 10pm depends on day Tickets: Bought our tickets online- cheaper online (There is peak and off peak pricing). Buy tix in advance- might sell out Ticket info: *0-3 years old: Free admission, ticket is not required *4-11 years old: Child Admission ticket required *12 years old or older: General Admission ticket required *Ages 55+ use code "senior26" to receive 15% discount on all tickets purchased **Military & First Responders Discounts** *25% off tickets purchased through VetTix *Code "Hero26" to receive a 15% discount *Need to show ID* Ticket time slot is for entry time- helps with traffic flow but can stay as long as you want (most people stay about an hour) We went around 7:30pm on a Thursday and it was perfect timing- not too busy. We stayed until 9pm. Parking: Free parking is available in the Robin Lot. Enter the Fairgrounds off Hoyt Avenue into Gate 3. Bathrooms: outhouses Tips: Bar does NOT take cash, *Wear boots*, bring hand warmers, no re-entry

Ice Ice Baby....We braved the Minnesota Ice Castles tonight at a casual -2° because apparently we…read morelove our child more than feeling our faces. Multiple layers were not optional; they were a survival strategy. That said, our kiddo had an absolute blast and honestly forgot it was freezing the moment she hit the slides and tubing hill. Nothing felt too wild or intimidating, which made it perfect for kids. The ice sculptures, caverns, and tunnels are genuinely beautiful, and wandering through them feels a bit like stepping into a sparkly frozen fairy tale, just one where your eyelashes might freeze together. There are fire pits to thaw your soul, a food truck and every staff member we met was friendly and cheerful, which is impressive given the temperature. My only hesitation is the price. While the experience is fun and well done, it feels a bit steep for the amount of time and content, and I truly think a lower price point would make it feel like a better value and bring in even more families. Now, if you tell me all proceeds are going toward getting the bad ICE out of Minnesota, I will happily keep donating without a single follow-up question. Cold toes aside, it was a fun, memorable winter outing, especially for kids. Going home now so we can be #fueledbyramen

This is a neighborhood gem! I took my two year old nephew there and we had the best time. Tons of…read morefire trucks, equipment used throughout the years and an awesome kids area with uniform items to try on and fire truck cabs turned into interactive spots for kids to drive while watching a video of a local truck driving out of the station on a call. As an adult, I'd go back on my own as well. It's an awesome local spot to check out with anyone into trucks or firefighting, young or old.

Perfect place for a child's birthday party and plenty of stuff for adults to see on the history of…read morethe Minneapolis fire department

I was recently in a wedding held here. I remember coming here as a child on field trips, but have…read morenot been here in years. The grounds are beautiful and the entire space was ours once they closed for the day. It had rained the night before and the day of was very hot. This made the paths muddy and bugs multiply. FYI-bring or rent some large fans to circulate the air since there is no air conditioning in the brides room or barn.

I grew up going to Gibb on field trips, and attended a wonderful wedding there a few years ago but…read moreabout a month ago we drove by and spotted their Country Festival and stopped in and had such a great time we bought a membership for the Ramsey County Historical Society (rchs.com) which allows us to attend many events at Gibb Farm which includes the Country Festival, a Woodcutting Weekend, Apple Festival, and Ice Cream Sundays. We are also planning on sending our son to one of the summer day camps next summer (Pioneer Pee-Wees will teach him about life on the prairie and Dakota traditions). Gibb's Farm Museum is a fantastic rural island in the city and is a definite must for families to check out. Update: good friends of ours got married here - it was a beautiful setting, and made for a memorable time.

Stopped by today on the 4th of July and the house and grounds tour was free, in addition to…read morecomplimentary celebration cake and crafts. Our guide Livie was delightful, presenting the history of the Sibley family both animatedly and diplomatically. The Sibley House is the oldest privately owned house in Minnesota, and Henry Hastings Sibley was Minnesota's first governor. The forest beyond his house did not exist back then and he had a clear view of Fort Snelling. Several paintings on the walls depicted the view of the fort he would have had. Thanks to the Daughters of the Revolution, the house has been preserved with some original carpet from the 1850's and a few pieces of original furniture such as the melodeon (a piano like foot pump instrument that sounds like an organ). A great place to visit to learn more about local history!

A hidden historic gem of Minnesota, the Sibley Historic Site houses some of the oldest permanrnt…read morehouses in Minnesota. Three homes show what it was like to live during the fur trading period of Minnesota history. The buildings are made with light-colored limestone and are very unique for the location that they are located in off of the banks of the Minnesota and Mississippi River. Interesting history - from fur offices, to homes, to onion storage, to museums. A neat little side excursion close to the airport, Fort Snelling, or MOA.

My all time favorite gallery!…read more Great artists, great people, amazing owner. The artist talks are my favorite events here. This place is a bit of dark Victorian vibe going for it.

Rogue Buddha presents challenging, interesting and original contemporary works from local artists…read more The current exhibit features some fantastical, supernatural "found materials" creations from Michael Thomsen (which I am lusting after), some rather disturbing but quite beautiful paintings by Caitlin Karolczak, and as always, original works from gallery owner Nicholas Harper. Well worth a visit.

Today the James J. Hill house was the starting point for the Summit Avenue Walking Tour by the…read moreMinnesota Historical Society. Thoroughly informative and enjoyable. Josef was knowledgeable and a charming storyteller. The tour lasts 90 minutes and covers 1.5 miles of walking. One of the highlights was seeing the park where F. Scott Fitzgerald grew up playing baseball and the Commodore Hotel behind it where he and Zelda were often socializing. We saw multiple Victorian era architectural styles including Queen Anne, Romanesque, and Tudor Revival. Lots of historical stories, an enjoyable walk, highly recommend!

Interesting! We went on the Nooks and Crannies tour. The docent was informative and funny. Would…read morerecommend