The following Little Falls One Day Itinerary is available in a printable document you can download.
Times & locations may vary according to your needs.
Our city, which was established in 1848, is one of the oldest cities in the State of Minnesota, and is on the Downtown National Historic Register. Located in central Minnesota, Little Falls is perfectly positioned for group tours. Please see the following one day itinerary sample you can develop a full day tour by picking and choosing the sites that best meet your needs. Contact Cathy atlfcvb@charter.net or call (800) 325-5916 for assistance.
10:00 a.m.: Charles A. Lindbergh Historic Site
Upon arrival in Little Falls, your first destination will be the boyhood home and newly remodeled visitor center of world famous aviator and conservationist Charles A. Lindbergh. The Lindbergh home, built in 1906, is fully furnished and houses approximately 90% of the original family furnishings. The visitor center, with state-of-the-art exhibits, boasts a replica of the cockpit of The Spirit of St. Louis, where you can re-live the feel of Lindbergh’s historic 1927 trans-Atlantic flight.
As you and your guests enjoy refreshments at the Lindbergh Home you will be greeted by a friendly Guest Service Representative from the Little Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau who will give you a brief orientation and welcome to our city. (Cathy welcome & present gift bags.)
· Farmer Gerts will be gardening and will give a brief greeting at the C.A.L Visitor Center (optional)
· Visitor center will serve lemonade, coffee and cookies. (optional)
10:50 a.m.: Pamela Fergus will great us at the Lindbergh Site and give a 10 minute history presentation. (optional)
11:00 a.m.: Bus Departs
This afternoon you will have an opportunity to see Little Falls at its finest, by touring our many unique and exciting attractions.
ATTRACTION OPTIONS
1. Charles A. Weyerhaeuser Memorial Museum, on the banks of the Mighty Mississippi River, houses the county’s local history in a beautiful building surrounded by native prairie gardens, a Victorian-style fountain and gazebo. The museum boasts a wonderful exhibit on the lumber era in Minnesota, with emphasis on the central region. Phone: (320) 632-4007 Website:morrisoncountyhistory.org
2. MN Fishing Museum and Education Center is dedicated to preserving the heritage and history of freshwater fishing in Minnesota. The museum features over 7,000 artifacts, the O’FISH-L Gift Shop, and a 1930’s style fishing cabin. Phone: (320) 616-2011 Website:www.mnfishingmuseum.com
3. St. Francis Convent and Campus was founded by the Franciscan Sister of Little Falls in 1891. St. Francis is home to the Sacred Heart Chapel. A Romanesque influence can be seen in its pillars, rounded arches and the symbolism of the stained glass windows. The Campus Convent and Chapel is open to the public and is a wonderful example of the missionary work that has been taking place in Minnesota, and around the world, for hundreds of years. (You may choose one or all of these sites to visit and we will schedule them in according to your needs.) Phone: 320-632-2981 Website: www.fslf.org
11:50 a.m.: Bus Departs for Lunch
Enjoy an afternoon lunch at one of our many restaurants, deli’s, or fine dining establishments. You may want to have a picnic lunch at a local park or attraction.
1:00 p.m.: Bus Departs
ATTRACTION OPTIONS
1. Pine Grove Park Zoo is nestled among one of the last standing groves of White Pines. The zoo is home to a variety of exotic, native and domestic animals. Along with the zoo, Pine Grove Park offers a beautiful wooded setting for an afternoon picnic or stroll. Phone: (320) 616-5595 Website: www.pinegrovezoo.com
2. Larson Boat Factory has been making boats in Little Falls for over 90 years, and has made Little Falls the “Small Boat Capital” of the world. Tours of the boat factory are a wonderful accompaniment to any tour of the area. Phone: (320) 632-5481 Website: www.larsonboats.com
3. Central MN Ethanol Co-op - CMEC is a dry mill plant using corn for the production of fuel grade ethanol. Phone: (320) 632-1614 Website: www.centralmnethanol.com
4. Anderson Custom Processing - Custom Spray drying of food ingredients Phone: (320) 632-2338 Website: www.andersonprocessing.com
5. Musser/Weyerhaeuser Homes - Built in 1898 the two neighboring homes of Charles A. Weyerhaeuser and Richard “Drew” Musser are a physical reminder of the lumbering era in Minnesota. Furnished with antiques and original heirlooms, guests will enjoy a guided or self-guided tour. Phone: (320) 616-5580 or (320) 630-3104 Website: www.linden-hill.org
6. Historic Downtown Shopping and Dining are a highlight for anyone’s visit to Little Falls. There are numerous historic buildings, as well as new ones, that serve the downtown shopping district. One of the oldest buildings in Little Falls was built in the 1850’s and houses an old-fashioned barber shop. Other shops include floral, gift, antique and jewelry to name a few. There are also many great dining options to choose from. Tour downtown: (Historic Walking Tour Brochure) shops, eateries, Pete & Joys (bakery, candies, café catering for picnics and more), historic court house, shoe shop, A & C Fair, City of Lights, Art Gallery, concerts in the park, (You may choose one or all of these sites to visit and we will schedule them in according to your needs.)
2:30 p.m.: Bus Departs (a small snack may be served optional)
ATTRACTION OPTIONS
1. MN Military Museum - Indoor and outdoor exhibits depict the stories and contributions of Minnesotans who served in all branches of service in time of peace and war, from Minnesota's early years, through the World Wars, leading up to current conflicts. Phone: (320) 632-7374 Website:www.minnesotanationalguard.org/
camp_ripley/museum/index.php
2. City Tour - Established in 1848, Little Falls is one of the oldest cities in Minnesota. A step on guide will show you our Mississippi River Town and talk about the history behind it.
3. Larson Boat Museum and Wildlife Animal Collection - A vast, priceless collection of history and memorabilia of Larson Boats, beginning to it’s present day international marketing, with the most technological advanced boat building system (VEC) in the world. (You may choose one or all of these sites to visit and we will schedule them in according to your needs.) Phone: (320) 632-4473 Website:www.littlefallsmn.com/LarsonBoat.php
3:30 p.m.: Bus Departs Little Falls
Note: Thank you all for participating in the Little Falls Tour. Our hope is that all participants will fall in love with our beautiful historic city, all the fabulous attractions and our inviting and accommodating hotels. Thank you!
Area Events
Little Falls Dam Festival(June)
The best Dam Festival in Minnesota is held annually the third weekend of June in Little Falls, Minnesota. This three day family event focuses on the history and heritage of the Little Falls area in connection with the Mississippi River and the dam. Phone: (320) 616-4959 Website: www.littlefallsmn.com/
DamFestival.php
Annual Arts and Crafts Fair/Antique Auto & Swap Meet/Antiques and Collectibles Fair(September)
This two day show brings over 600 exhibitors from twelve different states to the east and west sides of downtown Little Falls, making it one of the largest arts and craft fairs in the Midwest. Antique Auto Show & Swap Meet and the Antiques and Collectibles Fair are held the same weekend.
Little Falls Arts and Crafts Fair Phone: (320) 632-5155 Website: www.littlefallsmnchamber.com
Your tour will be fashioned according to your desires and needs. Give us a call or e-mail to set up your Little Falls Tour.
Cathy VanRisseghem
606 SE First Street
Little Falls, MN 56345 Phone: (320) 616-4959 Fax: (320) 616-4961 lfcvb@charter.net