Exploring Little Falls, Minnesota Like a Local

1. The Charles Lindbergh House and Museum

The Charles Lindbergh House and Museum preserves the childhood home of famed aviation pioneer and environmental activist Charles Lindbergh, best known for completing the world's first solo nonstop flight across the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can view model planes on display throughout the museum's exhibits and watch original documentary footage of Lindbergh's seminal flight at the museum's retro-styled 50-seat movie theater. A full-scale flight simulator replicates the cockpit of the Spirit of St. Louis, letting visitors recreate their own New York to Paris journeys. Guided tours of Lindbergh's childhood home are also offered throughout the week, elaborating on how the aviator's upbringing shaped his career and legacy.

1620 Lindbergh Dr S, Little Falls, MN 56345, Phone: 320-616-5421

2. Pine Grove Zoo

Pine Grove Zoo is a beautiful public zoological facility in Little Falls, originally dedicated as a public park in 1907 for enjoyment and recreation for area citizens. The park's zoological collections began in 1913, when two great-horned owls were purchased by the city's Park Committee as public attractions. Today, the park showcases a wide variety of native and exotic wildlife, including zebras, red kangaroos, bobcats, Siberian tigers, and Arctic and gray wolves. Visitors can explore the zoo's Australian Exhibit, which showcases wild emus in natural surroundings, or peruse populations of prairie dogs, elk, and pronghorn at its North American Exhibit. A children's playground area and walking trails are also offered for public use, along with a cafe open for lunch each day throughout the summer.

1200 Broadway W, Little Falls, MN 56345, Phone: 320-616-5595

3. The Minnesota Military Museum

The Minnesota Military Museum is the premiere facility of the Military Historical Society of Minnesota, which operates as a public-private partnership with the Minnesota National Guard. The museum is located within Little Falls' Camp Ripley facility, which spans 53,000 acres and is used as a military training facility. Visitors can explore the museum year-round and see its extensive military-related collections, which comprise the largest and most comprehensive military-related collection in the state. More than 35,000 artifacts are showcased within the collection, ranging from military uniforms and weapons to tanks, aircraft, and military vehicles. Special exhibitions discuss military history topics ranging from events such as Pearl Harbor to the role of women in the military.

Camp Ripley, 15000 Highway 115, Little Falls, MN 56345, Phone: 320-616-6050

4. Charles A. Lindbergh State Park

Charles A. Lindbergh State Park is a lovely 569-acre Minnesota state park located near Little Falls, located on the former farmstead of Minnesota Congressman Charles August Lindbergh and his son, Charles Jr., the famed international aviator. The park protects three farm properties once belonging to the Lindberghs, including the family's National Historic Landmark home, which is operated as part of the Charles Lindbergh House and Museum. The properties are protected on the National Register of Historic Places along with several Works Progress Administration structures that were constructed as part of the New Deal in the 1930s. Visitors can use day-use picnic sites and overnight campground hookups at the park, along with a canoe-in site on the Mississippi River and a network of adjacent state forest trails.

1615 Lindbergh Dr S, Little Falls, MN 56345, Phone: 320-616-2525

5. The Minnesota Fishing Museum

The Minnesota Fishing Museum is Minnesota's premiere museum dedicated to the maritime and fishing industry, located within Little Falls' downtown district. The museum showcases more than 10,000 artifacts related to the state's fishing industry, paying tribute to the legacy and operations of the state's 18,000 miles of waterways and rivers. Visitors can explore the museum's exhibits, which include a preserved log cabin that recreates the historic atmosphere of the state's fish camp conditions. Dioramas depict spearing dark houses, while artifact displays showcase the goods of anglers' tackle boxes throughout the state's fishing history. A large aquarium is also showcased, featuring live native fish from the state's waters.

304 W Broadway, Little Falls, MN 56345, Phone: 320-616-2011

6. Linden Hill

Linden Hill is a beautiful nine-acre estate that was originally constructed in 1898 as a private residence for the Musser family. The gorgeous mansion has been operated as a special event center and living history museum since 2007, overseen by the nonprofit Friends of Linden Hill organization. Visitors can take guided tours of the mansion throughout the year and learn about life in Minnesota at the turn of the 20th century, including combination tours also showcasing the nearby Weyerhaeuser Home. Special events are hosted at the home throughout the year, ranging from cooking classes and wine tastings to live musical performances. The home's biggest annual special event is its Christmas at the Mansions event, which decorates both it and the Weyerhaeuser Home in gorgeous Christmas lights and decorations. Overnight lodging is available in the venue's antique-filled rooms, including lodging for weddings and other private special events.

608 Highland Ave, Little Falls, MN 56345, Phone: 320-616-5580

7. The Charles A. Weyerhaeuser Memorial Museum

The Charles A. Weyerhaeuser Memorial Museum is a living history home museum preserving the estate of lumberman Charles Weyerhaeuser, who operated the Pine Tree Lumber Company with business partner Richard Musser. The pair's homes are now preserved side by side by the City of Little Falls and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Linden Hill estate. Since 1975, visitors have been able to explore the Weyerhaeuser Home as part of guided tours, including tours of its beautiful natural prairie gardens and Victorian-style courtyard. Two main exhibit rooms within the facility showcase a collection of historical artifacts from the Morrison County Historical Society, on display during regular museum hours.

2151 Lindbergh Dr S, Little Falls, MN 56345, Phone: 320-632-4007

8. The Little Falls Convention and Visitors Bureau

The Little Falls Convention and Visitors Bureau provides tourist and travel information for the Little Falls region, located within the historic Burton-Rosenmeier Home overlooking the banks of the scenic Mississippi River.

The lovely visitor center is open to the public throughout the week, offering brochures and general information regarding the area's biggest attractions. Visitors can talk with staff about itineraries for group visits and receive assistance with securing tickets and accommodations throughout the city. Maps of the region's natural areas are also provided for those looking to take advantage of the area's extensive outdoor recreational opportunities. Event planning services are offered for conventions, group tours, and other special event groups visiting the area.

606 1st St SE, Little Falls, MN 56345, Phone: 320-616-4959

9. Main Gate Bar and Grill

Main Gate Bar and Grill is a delicious bar and grill in Little Falls that was opened to the public in 2010 as one of Central Minnesota's largest bar facilities.

The delightful restaurant and venue offers a plethora of nightlife activities, including foosball and shuffleboard areas and a selection of arcade games. Excellent American-style bar fare is served up throughout the week, including creative burgers and sandwiches, ribeye steaks, and build-your-own pizza options. Diners can also share fun appetizers such as fried cheese curds, waffle fries, and boneless or barbecue wings with the table. Ice-cold beers and cocktails are served from the restaurant's full-service bar. Poker games are hosted throughout the week, along with dance nights and other special events.

15041 MN-115, Little Falls, MN 56345, Phone: 320-639-4020

10. Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge

A unique wetland system can be found within the Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge together with a rich ecosystem of vegetation and animals. Established in 1992, the refuge has been carefully preserving the important wetland ecosystem for decades. As visitors hike through the different trails within the refuge, they’ll see various habitats like oak savannas, tallgrass prairies, and several others. Since the refuge also acts as a sanctuary for a large population of breeding sandhill cranes, park-goers will find multiple bird species alongside other wildlife such as gray foxes, wild turkeys, and white-tailed deer. Weather permitting, visitors are welcome to hike the trails year-round from sunrise to sunset.

19502 Iris Road, Little Falls, Minnesota 56345, Phone: 320-632-1575