Wander Minnesota: Shall We Gather At The River?
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- I'm a sucker for anything that resembles a pioneer village (personally, I blame Laura Ingalls Wilder). I've been to several around the state, but it turns out there's a very fine one in my own backyard.
The Landing (formerly Historic Murphy's Landing) in Shakopee, right on the beautiful Minnesota River, is home to several 19th-century buildings that serve to demonstrate life as a river town all those years ago.
The Landing offers a variety of events, educational and entertaining, year-round. Coming up this weekend (Oct. 1-2) is Applefest, where you can learn about Minnesota's apple history and how early pioneers cooked with and preserved apples.
There will be games, and other artisans demonstrating skills of the time, and horse-drawn trolley rides. If it hasn't blown away in today's monstrous winds, you can see what's left of this summer's garden.
Or visit the chickens.
Even better are the many wonderful vantage points to watch the river go by. Here you can catch another piece of history: the river overview wall was built by the Works Progress Administration.
Or, if you just want to relax, you could take this guy's approach.
What else is happening in our state? Be sure to check out the 10 p.m. Sunday night WCCO newscasts, where you can learn more in the weekly segment, Finding Minnesota.
