15-18 y.o.

Fort Snelling was closed in 1858, but when Fort Sumter was attacked, Gov. Alexander Ramsey offered troops to President Lincoln. The fort reopened and became the entry and training point for all of the 25,000 Minnesota volunteers who fought in the Civil War. Learn about their experiences, technology of the period, the war in Minnesota with the Dakota, and how slaves at Fort Snelling in the 1830s influenced the lead up to the Civil War.

Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Fee: $5 per person/day , $18 for series; MHS members $4 per person/day, $14 series

Throughout its history, Fort Snelling witnessed the use of many forms of technology, from the frontier era to World War II. This program takes visitors on a journey through the fort's history by focusing on different types of technology and science used by the soldiers and civilians who called the fort home. See demonstrations of military life from different eras, watch trades people work in the fort’s shops, and compare how technology has changed (and stayed the same) and how it plays a part in daily life today.

Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Whether you are a beginner or need to brush up on your techniques, this class is for you. Develop sound fundamental skills for a life time of winter fun. Classic ski techniques are taught including proper equipment, clothing, moving forward, getting up when you fall, and how to have fun in the winter. Reservations Required

Restricted to participants age 8 and older.
The fee for this event is $9.00 (taxes may apply).

Discover which people groups have lived in the Lake Minnetonka area and see some of the artifacts they left through a timeline activity. Go on a guided walk to see ruins, a famous trail, burial mounds and other clues left by different native American peoples and pioneers. Try some hands-on archaeology including: corn grinding with stones, atl-atl throwing, and bow drill using to start a fire. Reservations required.

For ages 5 to 16.  The fee for this event is $5.