Wednesday   

Join this one-mile historical walking tour of Minnehaha Park to discover the sites of long-lost dancehalls, boozy chaos, and criminal shenanigans. From the 1820s through to the early 20th century, Minnehaha invited a whole lot of bad behavior, and crowds from all over the world took advantage of the fun. After the tour, continue the conversation over a drink at the Sea Salt Eatery. Meet at the picnic table in front of the Longfellow House at: 4800 South Minnehaha Park Dr. Minneapolis, MN 55417. Tour begins promptly at 2:30.

Optional reading: When Minnehaha Flowed With Whiskey, A Spirited History Of The Falls by Karen E. Cooper, MNHS Press 2022.

Tour five stunning home gardens in the western Metro Area under the direction of Hennepin County master gardeners. Participants will visit one garden per week, where each host will describe their garden, offer tips, and answer questions. The first stop is Barry Schade’s Bryn Mawr garden, which includes a backyard pond and boulevard rain garden

As a child, Jane Gibbs lived in a Dakota village near Bde Maka Ska. In 1849, she settled at Gibbs Farm, in what is now Falcon Heights. Join us for a tour of this historic site, where we will hear Jane's story and visit the historic buildings. Free parking is available at the site.

Creativity can be built at any age; this workshop can help you get the habits, skills, and knowledge to begin that quest. Sharing your concepts and seeing the ideas of others in the class will bring creativity to life. This course focuses on the development of one’s own creativity through a series of fun and engaging activities, including reading, discussion, and a sense of exploration. The course is not just about information; it is about building a habit of doing something different and the skill of coming up with new and unique ideas! 

Recommended reading: Where Good Ideas Come From, by Steven Johnson, Riverhead Trade, 2009. Available as eBook, hardback, or paperback.

Research over the past 10 years confirms the arts are GREAT for our health and wellbeing! In this course, we will highlight and explore some of that research, and try out some simple, enjoyable healing practices using music, dance/movement, visual art, and poetry/spoken word. No formal experience in the arts needed!

Recommended Reading: Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us, Magsamen, S., & Ross, I. Random House, 2023.

Join the MNHS Library Staff in exploring the diverse resources available in the Minnesota Historical Society's collections. This course uses Minnesota History in the 20th century as a focus. Participants will learn how to navigate search systems, original source materials, and microfilm, and they will select a topic for their own guided hands on research. Parking at the History Center is $6 per day; free street parking available nearby. No fee for library entry.

In this course, members will visit international food markets around the Metro Area. Meet owners, explore their distinctive products, and have lunch together on site or nearby.

June 4: Middle Eastern: Holy Land, 2513 Central Ave. NE, Mpls. Park free in rear, meet inside.

June 11: Hispanic: La Mexicana, 1525 East Lake St. Mpls. Park free in lot with purchase, meet inside.

June 18: Asian-Pacific: United Noodles, 2015 E. Mpls. (Off Minnehaha Ave in cul-de-sac by Coastal Seafoods). Park free, meet inside.

June 25: International: Sun Foods, 6350 Brooklyn Blvd. Brooklyn Center. Park free, meet inside.