Explore with Purpose: The Wayfinding Project in Little Falls

May 16, 2022

Posted in: Blog

Take a Self-Guided Tour of Little Falls’ Shared History

Visit Little Falls is proud to highlight a transformative addition to our local landscape: the Wayfinding Project. Spanning five of our most beautiful city and county parks, this series of 15 permanent displays invites residents and tourists to dive deeper into the shared heritage of our region.

Funded by Visit Little Falls and Region Five, this project was brought to life through the dedicated work of the Welcome Committee (led by coordinator Katie Retka), local students, and the Visit Little Falls staff. Together, they have created a space that improves navigation while celebrating the profound history of the Native American people and the city of Little Falls.

Celebrating & Highlighting Shared History

The history of Little Falls is deeply intertwined with that of the Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) people. The Wayfinding Project serves as a bridge, helping visitors better understand the Ojibwe timelines and their ancestral connection to the banks of the Mississippi.

Each display serves as an educational anchor, featuring:

Historical Timelines: Tracking the parallel events that shaped both the Ojibwe community and the city of Little Falls.
Cultural Inclusivity: Promoting a community that honors its natural resources and diverse cultural roots.

Meet the Artist: Adrienne M. Benjamin

A cornerstone of this project is the striking, culturally embedded artwork found on all 15 displays. We were honored to collaborate with Adrienne M. Benjamin, an accomplished Anishinaabe artist from the Chiminising community (Mille Lacs Reservation).

Adrienne is a renowned jingle dressmaker, social justice advocate, and arts administrator whose work—which can also be seen at the Mille Lacs Indian Museum—intersects traditional Anishinaabe values with contemporary flair. Her art on these displays provides a vibrant, socially relevant window into the history and lifeways of the Ojibwe people.

Where to Find the Displays

Ready to embark on a self-guided history tour? You can find these 15 unique displays scattered throughout the following locations:

Each park offers a different perspective and a new piece of the story, making it a perfect multi-stop adventure for families, students, and history enthusiasts.

Explore Even Further

The Wayfinding Project is just one way to experience the soul of Little Falls. To continue your journey of discovery, we encourage you to explore our vibrant local art galleries, visit our award-winning museums, or take a walk through our historic downtown.

For a complete map of the Wayfinding display locations and to plan your route, visit us at LittleFallsMN.com.