Minnesota Sesquicentennial

Our 150th Anniversary of Statehood

May 11, 2008, is Minnesota's Sesquicentennial----the 150th anniversary of our becoming the 32nd state. If you love celebrations, what better time to visit Minnesota?

All year there will be special events in many parts of the state. We will explore Minnesota's history as we look to the future.

Stay updated with the Minnesota Sesquicentennial Events Calendar.

Some of My Favorite Sesquicentennial Events

You can attend Minnesota Sesquicentennial events almost non-stop for the next few months. Each person or family will find those events that have particular appeal. Please refer to the events link above for a comprehensive listing.

On this site I will post, and update frequently, the events that are "must be there" for our family. In some cases this is because they are being held in a part of the state we have lived in and that holds special memories. In other cases, we will attend because of the historical significance.

Here is my list for now:

• 150 Migrations! Minnesota Birds Since Statehood: Saturday, May 31, 2008. Meet at Mystery Cave State Park amphitheater in Forestville to find out about Minnesota's birds, past and present. Show starts at 9 p.m. Free. Call (507) 352-5111.
• Open House Day at Fort Snelling State Park Sunday, June 1, 2008. Commemorate Minnesota’s 150th Anniversary with a picnic in Fort Snelling State Park. Enjoy the sounds of the Zumbrota Community Band and visit with Seth Eastman as he talks about the landscape of Minnesota 150 years ago. Between February 1st and April 30th enter your favorite photos taken at the park. Winners will be announced June 1st. Call (612) 725-2724 or visit Fort Snelling State Park
• Open House Day at Split Rock Lighthouse Sunday, June 1, 2008, 10:00am - 6:00pm. Enjoy the beauty and history of Minnesota’s North Shore during an open house at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park and the historic site from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tours of the light station will be offered and exhibits and a film about the early shipping industry on Lake Superior will be shown in the Visitor Center. Free admission throughout the day at both venues. Call (218) 226-6372 or visit Split Rock State Park
• Songs and Stories with Charlie Maquire Saturday, June 7, 2008,2:00pm. Enjoy an afternoon in Whitewater State Park with state Park Centennial Troubadour Charlie Maguire as he sings the history of Minnesota through original songs and stories. Meet at the Visitor Center. Call (507) 932-3007, Ext. 0 or visit Whitewater State Park
• Windsurfing Regatta and Unvarnished Music Festival, Saturday, June 14, 2008. The 8th Annual Windsurfing Regatta and Unvarnished Music Festival will be the site of the 2008 U.S. Windsurfing Nationals. On Sailboard Beach, Lake Okabena, Worthington, Minnesota in the afternoons. Visit Worthington Chamber of Commerce or call (507)372-2919 for more information.
• Cambridge Swedish Festival, Saturday, June 14, 2008. This week-long festival will celebrate the Swedish heritage of Isanti County through workshops, seminars, concerts, a variety show, smorgasbord, Swedish school for children, and more. They not only celebrate the heritage of the past (Isanti County pioneers were predominantly Swedish) but also the modern day connection between people from Sweden and citizens of this area. Call (763) 689-1023 or visit Swedish Festival
• World War II Weekend, Saturday, June 14, 2008, 10:00am - 5:00pm. Travel back in time to Fort Snelling during World War II to learn about Minnesota’s role on the battlefields and at home. Costumed staff, period displays, weapon firing, demonstrations and an encampment of Allied re-enactors occupy the historic fort during this special weekend. Partiicpate in many hands-on World War II activities for families, including crafts, games and an obstacle course. Winners of the Minnesota’s Greatest Generation 2007 Moving Pictures Film project will be show in the Visitor Center. Event is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Cost is $4.00 - $8.00. Call (612) 726-1171 or visit Fort Snelling State Park
• Pine River Summerfest, Saturday, June 28, 2008, This Pine River Summerfest annual event includes a parade, a lumberjack show, a 5K/2K fun rin/walk, an antique tractor show, arts and craft displays, a Pine River Art Club show, a food fest, bluegrass music, and lots of kids’ activities. Call 1-800-728-6926 or visit Pine River Summerfest
• Before There was a Minnesota, Saturday, June 28, 2008, 10:ooam - 5:oopm, Explore the natural and cultural world of Minnesota’s first people through prairie walks, demonstrations and hands-on activities in Jeffers Petroglyphs Historic Site from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Learn how to make a stone tool, use native plants to make cordage, and throw a spear using an atlatl, then make an atlatl to take home. Make your own model of a prairie plant, go on a scavenger hunt and taste edible plants. Cost is $3.00 - $5.00. Call (507) 628-5591 or visit Jeffers Petroglyphs
• Gilbert Centennial, Saturday, July 5, 2008. 2008 marks not only the 150th anniversary of Minnesota but also the 100th year of the vibrant small town of Gilbert. Events will range from historical exhibits to a visiting circus to evening concerts. So much is happening you will have a hard time deciding what to do! Call 218-748-2232 or visit Gilbert Centennial

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