St. Paul - Poetry Sparks! Youth Writing Workshop
2023-10-06 17:30 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Minnesota Humanities Event Center, 987 Ivy Avenue East, Saint Paul, MN, 55106, United States
Are you a young person (13-19 years of age) who writes poetry or aspires to start writing poetry? Do you want to connect with other youth writers? Then join us for the Poetry Sparks! Youth Writing Workshop with Minnesota’s Poet Laureate Gwen Nell Westerman, and former St. Paul Youth Poet Laureate Chavah Gabrielle. During this in-person session, you’ll have a chance to work with Gwen and Chavah to create a new piece of writing, or workshop a piece you’ve been developing. You’ll also get a chance to read aloud and practice performing some poetry. We hope that once you’ve perfected your piece, you’ll sign up for the Youth Voices Open Mic evening on November 4th. Grab a friend and pen some lines with the Laureates!
This event is free however registration is required; a light dinner will be provided; participants must 13-19 years of age*.
(We are also holding a virtual option on October 13, 2023 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. over Zoom – sign up for one or both!)
*Youth is ages 13-19 as defined by the National Youth Poet Laureate organization.
Registration
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org
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Online - Poetry Sparks! Youth Writing Workshop
2023-10-13 18:00 - 20:00 | Online
Are you a young person (13-19 years of age) who writes poetry or aspires to start writing poetry? Do you want to connect with other youth writers? Then join us for the Poetry Sparks! Youth Writing Workshop with Minnesota’s Poet Laureate Gwen Nell Westerman, and former St. Paul Youth Poet Laureate, Chavah Gabrielle. During this virtual session, you’ll have a chance to work with Gwen and Chavah to create a new piece of writing, or workshop a piece you’ve been developing. You’ll also get a chance to read aloud and practice performing some poetry. We hope that once you’ve perfected your piece, you’ll sign up for the Youth Voices Open Mic evening on November 4th. Grab a friend and pen some lines with the Laureates!
This event is free however registration is required; participants must 13-19 years of age*.
(We are also holding an in-person session on October 6, 2023 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Minnesota Humanities Center. Sign up for one or both!)
*Youth is ages 13-19 as defined by the National Youth Poet Laureate organization.

St. Paul - Poetry Sparks! Book Discussion and Open Mic with Minnesota’s Poet Laureate, Gwen Nell Westerman
2023-11-04 17:30 - 20:00 | Minnesota Humanities Event Center, 987 Ivy Avenue East, Saint Paul, MN, 55106, United States
Join us for a two-part event, a book launch of Minnesota Poet Laureate Gwen Nell Westerman’s new collection, “Songs, Blood Deep”, followed by an Open Mic! Poet and author Heid Erdrich will engage Gwen in conversation about her new collection, and what the role of the Poet Laureate has meant for her. Their discussion will be followed by an all-ages Open Mic emceed by former St. Paul Youth Poet Laureate, Chavah Gabrielle. Hear Gwen, Heid, and Chavah read some of their work, and then take the stage yourself to read or perform!
Books will be available for purchase and signing after the Open Mic. This event is free, however registration is required; a light dinner will be provided. If you would like to read a poem during the open mic, email Corey China at corey@mnhum.org to be added to the program!
Registration
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org
SOLD OUT – REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT HAS CLOSED

Duluth - We Are Water MN
2024-02-29 - 2024-04-22 | Hartley Nature Center, 3001 Woodland Ave, Duluth, MN, 55803, United States
The We Are Water MN traveling exhibit examines water issues statewide and in local communities through personal stories, histories, and scientific information. It strengthens Minnesotans’ relationships with water, exposes visitors to new perspectives, and increases participation in water stewardship activities.
Host Partner: Hartley Nature Center
Want to know more about We Are Water MN?
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Rochester - Poetry Sparks! Lines, Lyrics, & Laureates
2024-04-13 11:00 - 13:00 | Historic Chateau Theater, 15 1st Street Southwest, Rochester, MN, 55902, United States
Celebrate National Poetry Month with us! Join Minnesota’s Poet Laureate Gwen Nell Westerman and City of Rochester Poet Laureate Jean Prokott for Poetry Sparks! Lines, Lyrics, & Laureates. At this family friendly event, Gwen and Jean will share some of their poetry, and then help you write your own. Contribute to community poetry, visit our creative writing stations, write a poem to give away on poem in your pocket day, and take a chance on mystery poems. Don’t miss this opportunity to create poetry with the Laureates, and have fun while diving into the joy of poetic expression!
This event is presented in partnership with Southeast MN Poets, supporting poets of all ages and stages in their careers. The Southeast MN Poets foster growth, experience, and understanding of the art of poetry through writing, reading, and discussion.
About the Laureates
Gwen Nell Westerman is Minnesota’s current Poet Laureate, and was appointed in 2021. An enrolled member of the Sisseton Wahpeton Dakota Oyate Nation, Gwen is the first Native poet to hold the role of Laureate for Minnesota. She teaches English and Humanities at Minnesota State University, Mankato, and in addition to her 2013 poetry collection “Follow the Blackbirds,” recently published the collection “Songs, Blood Deep”, which has been shortlisted for the 2024 MN Book Awards.
Jean Prokott’s poetry collection “The Second Longest Day of the Year” won the Howling Bird Press Book Prize (Howling Bird Press). She is the author of the chapbook “The Birthday Effect” (Black Sunflowers Press), is a recipient of the AWP Intro Journals Award, and of the John Calvin Rezmerski Memorial Grand Prize with the League of Minnesota Poets. She has poetry and nonfiction published in Verse Daily, Rattle, and Arts & Letters, among other journals. Prokott is the Poet Laureate of Rochester, Minnesota.
Registration
Registration is not required for this free event. Families, kids, all ages welcome. Poetry reading will begin at 11:00 a.m. Participants are invited to drop in any time between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

Holdingford - We Are Water MN
2024-04-25 - 2024-06-17 | Art in Motion on the Lake Wobegon Trail, 1400 4th St, Holdingford, MN, 56340, United States
The We Are Water MN traveling exhibit examines water issues statewide and in local communities through personal stories, histories, and scientific information. It strengthens Minnesotans’ relationships with water, exposes visitors to new perspectives, and increases participation in water stewardship activities.
Host Partner: Stearns County Soil and Water Conservation District
Want to know more about We Are Water MN?
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North Branch - We Are Water MN
2024-06-20 - 2024-08-12 | North Branch Area Library, 6355 379th St., North Branch, MN, 55056, United States
The We Are Water MN traveling exhibit examines water issues statewide and in local communities through personal stories, histories, and scientific information. It strengthens Minnesotans’ relationships with water, exposes visitors to new perspectives, and increases participation in water stewardship activities.
Host Partner: Chisago County
Want to know more about We Are Water MN?
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Cass Lake - We Are Water MN
2024-08-15 - 2024-10-07 | Leech Lake Tribal College, 6945 Little Wolf Rd NW, Cass Lake, MN, 56633, United States
The We Are Water MN traveling exhibit examines water issues statewide and in local communities through personal stories, histories, and scientific information. It strengthens Minnesotans’ relationships with water, exposes visitors to new perspectives, and increases participation in water stewardship activities.
Host Partner: Leech Lake Tribal College
Want to know more about We Are Water MN?
Learn more about the We Are Water MN exhibit, partnership, and programs.
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St. Paul - Summer Book Fest & Little Free Library Opening
2024-08-17 11:00 - 14:00 | Minnesota Humanities Event Center, 987 Ivy Avenue East, Saint Paul, MN, 55106, United States
Join us for a summer celebration of books and storytelling as we open our new Little Free Library. Community partner Little Free Library (LFL) will be on hand to share more on how you can start your own LFL or bring your own books and participate in an LFL book share. Local authors Dr. Artika Tyner, Ty Chapman, and Monica Rojas will give readings of their children’s books; musician and storyteller Ms. Rose will lead a musical storytime; we’ll have story strolls, a scavenger hunt, book giveaways, prizes, and more! In addition, local favorite Eggroll Queen will be selling their treats and eats for you to enjoy. Bring your family, friends, and neighbors to enjoy the magic of books together on MHC’s front lawn.
Free to attend, no registration required. In case of inclement weather, events will take place inside the MHC event center.

Shakopee - We Are Water MN
2024-10-10 - 2024-12-07 | Hocokata Ti, 2300 Tiwahe Circle, Shakopee, MN, 55372, United States
The We Are Water MN traveling exhibit examines water issues statewide and in local communities through personal stories, histories, and scientific information. It strengthens Minnesotans’ relationships with water, exposes visitors to new perspectives, and increases participation in water stewardship activities.
Host Partner: Hocokata Ti at Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community
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St. Paul -Young Rembrandts Interactive Drawing Class featuring Black History Storytelling with Jevetta Steele
2025-02-08 11:00 - 13:00 | Minnesota Humanities Event Center, 987 Ivy Avenue East, Saint Paul, MN, 55106, United States
Commemorate Black History & Culture with OMG Studio’s Art, Music & Literature Exhibition 2025.. Pre-register youth 8-12 years old, space is limited. Students will explore the beauty of African folk art in a 1-hour class. African art is characterized by its vibrant colors, geometric designs, and abstract themes. A focus on human form, ceremony and creative expression produces truly magical art.
Afterwards, Javetta Steel will do an in-person reading of “It Starts with Me”, joining Amora as she encourages her friends to BE LOVE. She shows them how to open their hearts and minds by allowing love to drive their words, actions and thoughts. Through love, we can create a world where everyone feels like they belong.
Co-authored by Dr Kimberly Johnson and Dr Bernice A. King, CEO of The King Center, illustrated by Zoe Ranucci. Books will be available for purchase.
Registration
Registration Questions: monique@omgmediasolutions.com
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Ortonville - We Are Water MN
2025-03-15 - 2025-04-21 | Ortonville High School, 200 Trojan Dr, Ortonville, MN, 56278, United States
The We Are Water MN traveling exhibit examines water issues statewide and in local communities through personal stories, histories, and scientific information. It strengthens Minnesotans’ relationships with water, exposes visitors to new perspectives, and increases participation in water stewardship activities.
Host Partner: Big Stone Arts Council
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Ortonville - Spring Expo and Water Bar
2025-03-15 10:00 - 17:00 | Ortonville High School, 200 Trojan Dr, Ortonville, MN, 56278, United States
Visit the nationally acclaimed We Are Water MN traveling exhibit in the Ortonville High School Commons! Then head downstairs to the Spring Expo (formerly Sports and Leisure Show), where you can chat with local exhibit hosts, get your well water tested for nitrates, and refresh yourself at the Water Bar (where “water is all we have”).
Host Partner: Big Stone Arts Council
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Ely - We Are Water MN
2025-04-24 - 2025-06-16 | Ely Area Community Hub, 760 Miners Drive E, Ely, MN, 55731, United States
The We Are Water MN traveling exhibit examines water issues statewide and in local communities through personal stories, histories, and scientific information. It strengthens Minnesotans’ relationships with water, exposes visitors to new perspectives, and increases participation in water stewardship activities.
Host Partner: Ely Folk School
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Ely - We Are Water MN Opening Celebration
2025-04-24 17:30 - 20:00 | Ely Area Community Hub, 760 Miners Drive E, Ely, MN, 55731, United States
Celebrate the opening night of the We Are Water MN exhibit at the Ely Area Community Hub by joining the Ely Folk School and Reflections Dance Company for this interactive performance! The exhibit will be open for guests to peruse and enjoy and will feature a “Water Bar” for folks to sample different drinking water from our area. After a brief introduction to the exhibit, Reflections Dance Company will perform several dances that will be featured in their August summer showcase; Water 2.0. Dancers will then lead interested participants in a brief movement exercise in understanding how dancers emulate and understand the movement of water in their performances.
Host Partner: Ely Folk School
Want to know more about We Are Water MN?
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Minneapolis - We Are Water MN
2025-06-19 - 2025-08-11 | Nicollet Mall, 809 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN, 55402, United States
The We Are Water MN traveling exhibit examines water issues statewide and in local communities through personal stories, histories, and scientific information. It strengthens Minnesotans’ relationships with water, exposes visitors to new perspectives, and increases participation in water stewardship activities.
Host Partner: Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District
Want to know more about We Are Water MN?
Learn more about the We Are Water MN exhibit, partnership, and programs.
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St. Paul – Juneteenth Family Day with Anika Foundation
2025-06-21 12:00 - 18:00 | State Capitol, 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd, St. Paul, MN, 55155, United States
Minnesota Humanities Center is proud to sponsor the Anika Foundation Juneteenth Family Celebration! Join us for family friendly fun, games, and community.
This event is free and open to all.
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St. Paul - Ancestral Art - Hmong Weaving & Textile Retreat
2025-06-26 09:00 - 16:00 | XIA Gallery & Cafe, 422 University Ave W, St. Paul, MN, 55103, United States
Join us for a daylong retreat with master weaver from Thailand, Ms. Li Sawangcharoensap (Lig Yaaj). Her presence will offer rare, hands-on opportunities for Hmong Americans and the broader community to engage directly with an ancestral art form that has largely remained unseen outside Southeast Asia. We are excited to collaborate with RedGreen Rivers, Minnesota Hmong Museum, and Weaver’s Guild of Minnesota to host a unique daylong retreat in the ancestral art of traditional Hmong weaving.
A delicious Southeast Asian lunch will be served. Participants are welcome to wear clothing representing their cultural heritage.
Due to limited weaving tools, space is limited to 20 adults.
Children are welcome to join their guardian at no additional cost but may be limited to commercial art projects and supplies. Child spots are limited to 10. Please contact MayKao Fredericks at maykao@mnhum.org to reserve a spot for your child.
K-12 Educators will receive 3 clock hours.

About Ms. Li Sawangcharoensap (Lig Yaaj)
Ms. Li Sawangcharoensap (Lig Yaaj) is a master practitioner of the traditional Hmong art of processing and weaving hemp by hand—a centuries-old craft now endangered by industrialization and displacement. As a member of the Hemp Weaving Group of Khiri Rat, she has dedicated her life to preserving and revitalizing this intricate practice, which includes cultivating, harvesting, retting, spinning, and weaving hemp fiber entirely by hand. Her expertise and lived experience uniquely position her to educate others about this vital cultural heritage. In 2024, her work was featured by RedGreen Rivers in Cloth Origins: Textiles from the Hmong Journey at the prestigious John Michael Kohler Arts Center.
Ms. Sawangcharoensap’s upcoming visit to Minnesota and Wisconsin will be her first time to the U.S. and will include a series of events celebrating Hmong women as cultural bearers and tradition keepers.
Registration
If cost is a barrier, please contact MayKao Fredericks at maykao@mnhum.org before registering. A limited number of scholarships are available.
Please register early and contact us if you are no longer able to attend.
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org | MHC Cancellation Policy
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St. Paul – Kumbayah, The Juneteenth Story: Special Edition
2025-06-27 14:00 - 16:00 | The O’Shaughnessy at St. Catherine University, 2004 Randolph Ave, St. Paul, MN, 55105, United States
This theatrical experience, written by Rose McGee, takes audiences on a journey into the past, addressing the origins of Juneteenth and the imagined impact on the lives of individuals hearing the news of the Emancipation Proclamation and that the Civil War was over.

Presented in partnership with Sweet Potato Comfort Pie.

Registration
This performance is free to attend, but registration is required.

Registration Questions: oshaughnessy@stkate.edu

Register Now

Thank you to our sponsors!

St. Paul - Summer on the Lawn: Outdoor Movie Night!
2025-08-01 21:00 - 23:00 | Minnesota Humanities Event Center, 987 Ivy Avenue East, Saint Paul, MN, 55106, United States
The Minnesota Humanities Center’s 2025 Summer on the Lawn continues with a special movie screening under the stars! In partnership with TriLingua Cinema, MHC presents the early aughts classic, “Holes.” Based on the acclaimed young adult novel by Louis Sachar, “Holes” follows the trials and misadventures of Stanley Yelnats IV (Shia LaBoeuf), who is sent to a juvenile detention camp in the Texas desert after a wrongful conviction. The cruel camp staff force inmates to spend their days digging holes in search of a historic outlaw’s lost treasure. Through the efforts of Stanley and his companions, the mystery of the treasure and the history of the campgrounds are revealed, and injustices are brought to light in this comedy drama featuring performances by Sigourney Weaver, Eartha Kitt, Tim Blake Nelson, and Khleo Thomas.
This film is rated PG and runs for 111 minutes. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to consult Common Sense Media for more information on film content.
Showtime begins right after sunset (approximately 9:00 p.m.). Light refreshments will be provided by TriLingua Cinema and MHC. Picnics, lawn chairs, and blankets are welcome. Note that the screening is in an open field with minimal shade. Please plan accordingly. Restrooms will be available for use at the Minnesota Humanities Event Center. In case of inclement weather, the screening will be moved indoors to the Minnesota Humanities Event Center.
This event is part of MHC’s 2025 summer “Summer on the Lawn” series.
About TriLingua Cinema
TriLingua Cinema is a nonprofit traveling cinema with the mission of utilizing films to build community among the diverse residents of Saint Paul’s East Side. Their ultimate goal is to open a brick-and-mortar movie theater in Payne-Phalen or Dayton’s Bluff.
Registration
Registration is encouraged but not required. There is no cost to attend.
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org
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St. Paul - Summer on the Lawn: Puppets & Performance
2025-08-10 15:00 - 17:00 | Minnesota Humanities Event Center, 987 Ivy Avenue East, Saint Paul, MN, 55106, United States
MHC concludes its 2025 “Summer on the Lawn” series with a fun-filled, festive, family friendly music and puppetry double feature! The event begins with a children’s concert by local favorites Rose Lani and The Rosie Posies, who will lead the audience in singalongs and games through musical storytelling. After that, Open Eye Theatre’s Driveway Tour performers will present “The Adventures of Juan Bobo,” a puppet show inspired by Puerto Rican folk stories. Open Eye performers will remain after the show to give curious kids and adults a behind the scenes peek and a closer look at the featured puppets.
Please note that this event will be outdoors, weather permitting. MHC will provide light refreshments during the event. Picnics, lawn chairs, and blankets are welcome. Both performances will be in an area with some shading, but audience members should expect exposure to the sun. Please plan accordingly. Restrooms will be available for use at the Minnesota Humanities Event Center. In case of inclement weather, the performances will be moved indoors to the Minnesota Humanities Event Center.
This event is part of MHC’s 2025 summer “Summer on the Lawn” series.
About Open Eye Theatre
Open Eye Theatre is nationally recognized for bringing a visual feast of evocative figure theater to the stage. The company’s whimsical yet profound work surprises and delights whether experienced in the company’s historic jewel box theater in Minneapolis or in neighborhoods throughout the Twin Cities with the Driveway Tour. From experimental object works to puppet shows in backyards to community pageants to miniature spectacles, Open Eye consistently creates a unique, contagious exchange between artists and audiences.
About Rose Lani and The Rosies Posies
Rose Lani is a children’s musician who combines her love for music & literacy with children of all ages! She delights kids and families with her ‘ukulele and fun, original songs which promote learning, positivity, and community.
Musician friends Caitlin Halmrast Lucic and Miz Kathleen are The Rosie Posies, who bring on the energetic beat! Caitlin (on drums and percussion) is a longtime music educator and musician in the Twin Cities and beyond. Miz Kathleen (on electric bass) is a Saint Paul librarian who performs music in libraries and other venues.
With upbeat and positive original songs, plus new spins on traditional tunes, Rose Lani and The Rosie Posies can’t wait to music-a-long with you!
Registration
Registration is encouraged but not required. There is no cost to attend.
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org
Register Now

Henderson - We Are Water MN
2025-08-14 - 2025-10-06 | Ney Nature Center, 28238 Nature Center Ln, Henderson, MN, 56044, United States
The We Are Water MN traveling exhibit examines water issues statewide and in local communities through personal stories, histories, and scientific information. It strengthens Minnesotans’ relationships with water, exposes visitors to new perspectives, and increases participation in water stewardship activities.
Host Partner: Ney Nature Center
Want to know more about We Are Water MN?
Learn more about the We Are Water MN exhibit, partnership, and programs.
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Red Wing – Minnesota Children’s Book Festival
2025-09-13 11:00 - 16:00 | Anderson Center at Tower View, 163 Tower View Drive, Red Wing, MN, 55066, United States
The Anderson Center at Tower View is pleased to announce that the 26th annual Minnesota Children’s Book Festival will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. This beloved event features presentations of new books by award-winning authors and illustrators writing for young readers through middle grade. Taking place at the Anderson Center’s beautiful, historic Tower View campus, the Children’s Book Festival is an ideal opportunity for families to connect, learn, and play.
Throughout the afternoon, each author or illustrator presents their work, reads from their book, and participates in a meet & greet and book signing booth. Taking place outdoors, the event also features hands-on activities that engage the mind, body, and imagination. With balloons, face painting, art-making, kid-friendly food trucks, and more, there’s something to delight the inner child in all of us.
This event is FREE and all ages are welcome!
The Minnesota Humanities Center will be tabling throughout the day — stop by to say hello, learn more about our book projects, and let us know you saw the event on our website to win a prize!
For a complete schedule of events, please visit the Anderson Center website.
Schedule of Events

St. Paul – Celebrating Native Language and Culture Through the Joy of Games
2025-11-19 18:00 - 20:30 | Minnesota Humanities Event Center, 987 Ivy Avenue East, Saint Paul, MN, 55106, United States
Put the cellphones away and join us for an evening of fun, food, and cultural connection. This National Native American Heritage Month, the Minnesota Humanities Center welcomes Tony Drews and Nashke Native Games for a lively, intergenerational game night.
Unlike mainstream board games that reflect dominant cultural experiences, Nashke Native Games center Ojibwe language, stories, and values, offering a playful way to engage with culture, strengthen family and community bonds, and support language preservation. The evening begins with a light dinner from Trickster Tacos and conversation from 6:00–6:30 p.m., followed by games starting at 6:30 p.m.
As part of the evening, guests will also have a chance to participate in a raffle for prizes, including items from Nashke Native Games and books from Native American Lives, the Minnesota Humanities Center’s biography series highlighting Native voices. One title, “Charles Albert Bender: National Baseball Hall of Fame Pitcher,” tells the story of Bender and his passion for baseball – a reminder that games, in all forms, bring people together.
Educators and cultural leaders will discover practical ideas for integrating play into classrooms and community work. Whether you come with family, friends, or on your own, you’ll leave with new words, fresh insights, and a deeper appreciation for the power of play in preserving culture and fostering connection. Everyone is welcome—families, educators, and community members ages 10 and up.
K-12 Educators will receive 2 clock hours.
Registration
Registration for this event has SOLD OUT. Please join the waitlist. If a spot becomes available, we will contact you in the order received.
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org
Join the Waitlist

Bloomington - We Are Water MN
2025-11-22 - 2026-02-01 | Bloomington Education and Visitor Center, 3815 American Blvd E, Bloomington, MN, 55425, United States
The We Are Water MN traveling exhibit examines water issues statewide and in local communities through personal stories, histories, and scientific information. It strengthens Minnesotans’ relationships with water, exposes visitors to new perspectives, and increases participation in water stewardship activities.
Host Partner: Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge
Want to know more about We Are Water MN?
Learn more about the We Are Water MN exhibit, partnership, and programs.
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Minneapolis - The Great Northern Festival: Water Bar @ Sauna Village
2026-01-31 10:00 - 18:00 | Riverplace Courtyard, 1 SE Main St, Minneapolis, 55414, United States
MHC is excited to bring the Water Bar to The Great Northern Festival, where water tenders will serve up flights of local drinking waters and spark conversations around stewardship of local water resources.
“What’s a Water Bar?” you may wonder? A Water Bar is a bar that serves free, local water. It’s a social space that centers the life-sustaining action of drinking water. It’s a table to gather around. It’s a space for quenching thirst, for questioning water, for sharing and encountering stories, and for being and becoming part of a community.
Join us inside the Riverplace building next to the Sauna Village before or after your steam.

Byron - We Are Water MN
2026-02-24 - 2026-04-20 | Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo, 5731 County Rd 105 NW, Byron, MN, 55920, United States
The We Are Water MN traveling exhibit examines water issues statewide and in local communities through personal stories, histories, and scientific information. It strengthens Minnesotans’ relationships with water, exposes visitors to new perspectives, and increases participation in water stewardship activities.
Host Partner: Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo
We Are Water MN is thrilled to make its 2026 debut at our very first zoo host site! Please visit the exhibit at the newly-renovated Zollman Zoo & Nature Center, where you can learn more about water alongside the many animals that call it home. The Dr. Paul E. Zollman Zoo houses over 30 species of wild animals native to Minnesota, so be sure to leave time for a visit to the otters and eagles! This stop on our We Are Water MN is also a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the unique Karst Geology of the Olmstead County area–don’t miss out on the chance to learn more about this unique geography!
Want to make a day of out of your visit to the exhibit? Oxbow Park offers almost any outdoor enthusiast a chance to pursue their favorite activity such as hiking, fishing, snowshoeing, and more.
About We Are Water MN?
We are Water MN is a project of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the Minnesota Humanities Center in partnership with the Minnesota Historical Society; the Board of Water and Soil Resources; the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources; and University of Minnesota Extension.
Learn more about the We Are Water MN exhibit, partnership, and programs.
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St. Paul - We Are Water MN
2026-04-23 - 2026-06-14 | Capitol Region Watershed District, 595 Aldine St, St. Paul, MN, 55104, United States
The We Are Water MN traveling exhibit examines water issues statewide and in local communities through personal stories, histories, and scientific information. It strengthens Minnesotans’ relationships with water, exposes visitors to new perspectives, and increases participation in water stewardship activities.
Host Partner: Capitol Region Watershed District
Stop two on the We Are Water MN 2026 tour brings us to the Midway neighborhood of Saint Paul, where the exhibit is hosted by Capitol Region Watershed District (CRWD). CRWD is a local unit of government dedicated to protecting, managing and improving the water resources of the District, which includes parts of Falcon Heights, Lauderdale, Maplewood, Roseville and Saint Paul. All the water in this district eventually flows to the Mississippi River, and being hosted at CRWD will offer a chance for visitors to learn more about ways their actions directly impact water in their local community. This hosting will also offer a unique opportunity to spend time in the CRWD offices, which use green building principles, including stormwater management and energy-saving practices, to conserve natural resources. The grounds include a watershed learning center, a pocket park, and interactive features designed to draw in neighbors and visitors.
Fun fact: Watershed Districts are unique parts of government, because they aren’t defined by political boundaries. Instead, they follow the water! Water flows naturally, so these districts cross city/county lines to provide holistic, science-based water management for areas draining to a common lake, stream, or river.
About We Are Water MN?
We are Water MN is a project of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the Minnesota Humanities Center in partnership with the Minnesota Historical Society; the Board of Water and Soil Resources; the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources; and University of Minnesota Extension.
Learn more about the We Are Water MN exhibit, partnership, and programs.
Learn More

Itasca - We Are Water MN
2026-06-18 - 2026-08-10 | Itasca State Park, 36750 Main Park Drive, Park Rapids, MN, 56470, United States
The We Are Water MN traveling exhibit examines water issues statewide and in local communities through personal stories, histories, and scientific information. It strengthens Minnesotans’ relationships with water, exposes visitors to new perspectives, and increases participation in water stewardship activities.
Host Partner: MN DNR Itasca State Park and U of M Itasca Biological Station
As we reach the height of summer in Minnesota, We Are Water MN travels north to a deeply significant site for water in our state: the headwaters of the mighty Mississippi River! The water found at Lake Itasca begins here and flows on its winding way 2552 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. Join the thousands of visitors from all over the state, country, and world this summer and see the We Are Water MN exhibit next to the serenity and natural beauty of Lake Itasca, a national landmark.
This hosting will be within Itasca State Park, run by the DNR, and co-led by the U of M Itasca Biological Station, an active field station devoted to research and teaching on how ecosystems work, with an eye to cultivating an appreciation of their value and preservation for future generations. Itasca Station has been in operation since 1907 and is one of the oldest continuously operational field stations in the United States of America.
About We Are Water MN?
We are Water MN is a project of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the Minnesota Humanities Center in partnership with the Minnesota Historical Society; the Board of Water and Soil Resources; the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources; and University of Minnesota Extension.
Learn more about the We Are Water MN exhibit, partnership, and programs.
Learn More

Little Falls - We Are Water MN
2026-08-13 - 2026-10-05 | Great River Arts, 122 1st Street SE, Little Falls, MN, 56345, United States
The We Are Water MN traveling exhibit examines water issues statewide and in local communities through personal stories, histories, and scientific information. It strengthens Minnesotans’ relationships with water, exposes visitors to new perspectives, and increases participation in water stewardship activities.
Host Partner: Great River Arts
As the summer comes to a close and fall sets in, join We Are Water MN at Great River Arts (GRA) in Little Fall, where creativity meets community. GRA exists to enrich lives through the arts and become the art hub for the Morrison County area, playing a significant role in sustaining the community’s artistic and economic vibrancy. From live theater and music performances to continuous visual art exhibits, art classes for youth and adults, and now the We Are Water MN exhibit, come see how all of the wonderful things that happen when water and art meet!
We are especially excited that the exhibit will be in town during the annual and always highly anticipated Little Falls Arts and Crafts Fair, September 12-13. We look forward to bringing We Are Water MN to the thousands of art enthusiasts visiting the heart of downtown Little Falls.
For this hosting, Great River Arts is partnered with the City of Little Falls, the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, and the Morrison Soil & Water Conservation District.
About We Are Water MN?
We are Water MN is a project of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the Minnesota Humanities Center in partnership with the Minnesota Historical Society; the Board of Water and Soil Resources; the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources; and University of Minnesota Extension.
Learn more about the We Are Water MN exhibit, partnership, and programs.
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