The Landing050

The Landing (formerly known as Historic Murphy's Landing) - a living history museum nestled along a beautiful river valley - recreates life as it was in Minnesota in the latter half of the 19th century, a time of tremendous growth and change for the then-new state.

The 88-acre site - run by the Three Rivers Park District - features nearly 40 period structures, arranged to show how settlers established communities and farmsteads on the frontier. (The original settlement on the site languished after the railroad passed it by.) On weekdays, visitors can only look through the windows on a self-guided tour, but the doors open wide on weekends, with guides taking groups through. During Minnesota Heritage Weekends, costumed interpreters role play throughout the site, allowing visitors to learn about individual lives, and join in activities such as preparing meals and chopping wood. In the new Pioneer Kids' Play Area, children use their imaginations - and great period props and costumes - to tackle the chores of the time.

The gift shop in the Welcome Center sells a nice selection of old-fashioned toys, books, and kits, but plan on bringing a picnic; food options are limited to non-existent. To reach the main attractions, board the horse-drawn trolley - or walk, but it's a ways - down the lane from the Welcome Center to the square around which most of the historic buildings are situated. The gazebo in the center offers peace and shade; just behind that, there's a gorgeous view of the Minnesota River Valley, making the site a popular spot for weddings.

During Folkways of the Holidays, between Thanksgiving and Christmas, The Landing recreates ethnic celebrations as they were back in the day, with decorations, crafts, and performances.

Summer camps: Offerings through the Adventure Week program of Three Rivers Park District give kids a chance to explore the site in-depth.