Blend and Match Little Falls Tours

Spend your Minnesota family vacation in Little Falls, “Where the Mississippi Pauses”. Relax and stay in our community where you may participate in the events and activities in our area. Select from our “Blend & Match” options to meet your family or groups’ needs.

The following Blend & Match Little Falls Group Tours Guide is available in a printable document you can download.

One Hour to an All Day Tour

Wildlife Tour (Central Minnesota’s Wild Side Map)

Come and become one with the local Wild Kingdom, as you discover native plants, trees, flowers, and animals. See wild, native habitats for some of the most breathtaking plants and animals in their natural environment, which draws visitors from all over the globe.

Listed are some of the many attractions along the way.

• The Upper Mississippi River-Great River Road
• Crow Wing State Park
• Lake Alexander Preserve
• Northland Arboretum-Paul Bunyan Conservation Area
• Ripley Esker
• MacDougall Homestead
• General E.A. Walsh Training Center
• Camp Ripley Environmental Center
• Maple Island Park
• Minnesota Fishing Museum
• Linden Hill Historical Event Center
• State Wildlife Management Area (WMA)
• Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
• Pine Grove Zoo
• Belle Prairie Park
• Charles A. Lindbergh State Park
• Charles A. Lindbergh House and Museum 
• Charles A. Weyerhaeuser Memorial Museum

30 Minute Tours

Charles A. Weyerhaeuser Museum

Contact: Mary Warner

2151 Lindbergh Drive S.
Little Falls, MN
(320) 632-4007 • Website

Located 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.

Special Instructions: This is the County Museum.

Admission: No Cost

Episcopal Church of Our Saviour (National Register)

113 NE 4th Street
Little Falls, MN
(320) 632-5731

Description: Built in 1903, the church was built in the Queen Anne style. The historical windows are truly unique, hand made by craftsmen artists. Exterior walls are of granite boulders, above, there is half-timber construction, and the stucco is studded with multi-colored pebbles. The pews, nave, choir area and alter are finished in weathered oak. The church is now on the United States Department of Interior Register of Historical Buildings.

Holy Family Catholic Church of Belle Prairie

18777 Riverwood Drive
Little Falls MN
(320) 632-5720

The church was built in 1877 to 1880, making it one of the oldest churches in Minnesota. The design is Rural Romanesque, with stucco on concrete walls 4 ft. thick. The entrance, bell tower & choir loft are on the east side. The parish continued to flourish both spiritually and material in the early decades of the twentieth century.

Our Lady of Lourdes Church

Address: 208 West Broadway
Little Falls, MN 56345
(320) 632-8243

The church was built in 1922 for a Polish-speaking Catholic parish. The design is Baroque Revival, which features curving shapes, domes, columns, statues and a pair of towers as the most prominent design feature. An oil painting of the Assumption of Mary and a gem inlaid oil on canvas of Our Lady of Czestochowa (The Black Madonna) can be seen above the main alter in the East alcove.

St. Mary’s Church

305 4th Street SE
Little Falls, MN 56345
(320) 632-5640

The cornerstone of St. Mary’s Church was laid in 1956. Part of the cornerstone was taken from Saint Mary Major in Rome and also one brick from the Holy Door of the same basilica.

30 Minute Church Tours in Other Communities

(travel time from Little Falls, 30 minutes)

St. Michael’s Parish

26966 93 Street
Buckman, MN 56317
(320) 468-2316

The present Romanesque style church was constructed in 1902. Father Mayerhofer erected the first Stations of the Cross and ordered the Sacred Heart statue for St. Michael’s Society from Tyrol, Austria. Two large bells were raised aloft. Since their entry into services, these bells have exerted and will exert, for years to come, great influence over the lives of their audience.

St. Stanislaus Church

428 Main Street
Bowlus, MN 56314
(320) 584-8231

In 1909 the contract for construction began, a full basement was dug with horses & scrapers, farmers supplied the stones for the foundation. Red brick was shipped by railroad to Royalton and then hauled by horse & wagon to Bowlus. Work on the church continued throughout the winter and was ready for the dedication in the spring of 1910. At this time there were nearly 80 families belonging to the new parish.

The Camp Ripley Memorial Chapel

(320) 632-7756 • Website

Sheltered by Camp Ripley pines stands the National Guard Memorial Chapel, erected through the dedicated efforts of thousands of soldiers and friends in memory of all who have served their state and nation in peace and war as members of the Minnesota Army and Air National Guard.

St. Joseph’s Catholic Church

68 Main Street North
Pierz, MN 56364
(320) 468-6971

In 1886, the first cornerstone of the present church was laid and finished in 1888. In the 1870’s, the mission had 25 families, 55% came from Prussia, 24% from Austria, and 7% came from Bavaria. The others were a mixture from various countries.

Holy Trinity Church

216 North 2nd Street
Royalton, MN 56373
(320) 584-5484

Built in 1913, the parish was an offshoot of the nearby North Prairie. The church itself harks back to days gone by when architecture was more intricate and colorful. Tall stained-glass windows are the first thing to catch one’s eye. Such things as old-fashioned architecture, rogation days, and votive candles are evidence of the reverence many parishioners feel uphold tradition.

Holy Cross Church

North Prairie, MN

The Church was built in 1883, of gothic design with a wooden structure and a brick veneer exterior. A fire destroyed the whole structure in the fall of 1921. The New structure was of Romanesque style of architecture rather than the Gothic of the ruined building.

In the early 1900’s, during the Presidency of Theodore Roosevelt, increasing population of the surrounding parish territory resulted in dividing the area into the daughter parishes at Royalton, Bowlus and Swan River. Holy Cross Parish at North Prairie is considered one of the smaller parishes in the St. Cloud Diocese. Many of the present parishioners are from descendants who founded the parish in the 1860’s.

One Hour Tours

Minnesota Military Museum

Contact: Dave Hanson

15000 Hwy 115
Little Falls, MN (Camp Ripley)
(320) 632-7374 • Website

One of Minnesota’s most unusual museums, nowhere in Minnesota is the experience of military men and women so vividly captured and interpreted for the public as at the 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.
Special Instructions: This museum is within Camp Ripley.

Tours are available year round, Individuals or groups of 10 to 20 people.

Admission: $3.00 Adult donation.

Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery

Contact: David Swantek

15500 Hwy 115
Little Falls, MN (Camp Ripley)
(320) 616-2527 • Website

This cemetery is located 7 miles north of Little Falls on Hwy. 115 and is separated from Camp Ripley by the Mississippi River. Its purpose is to honor those men and women who served their country in time of need.

Special Instructions: Hours 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday

Admission: No Cost

Central MN Ethanol Co-op.

Contact: Scott Haggerty

17936 Heron Road
Little Falls, MN
(320) 632-1614 • Website

CMEC is a dry mill plant using corn for the production of fuel grade ethanol.

Special Instructions: Schedule tour 2 to 3 weeks in advance. Tour hours between 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Preferred group size is 10 to 15 people.

Admission: No cost

Anderson Custom Processing

Contact: Bill Taszarek

121 Lindbergh Drive South
Little Falls, MN
(320) 632-2338 • Website

Custom Spray drying of food ingredients.

Special Instructions: Scheduling in advance preferred. Group size 1-20 people. Tour hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Admission: No cost

Minnesota Fishing Museum

Contact: Mavis Buker

304 West Broadway
Little Falls, MN 56345
(320) 616-2011 • Website

MFM is dedicated to preserving the heritage and history of freshwater fishing in Minnesota. The museum features over 10,000 artifacts, the O’FISH-L Gift Shop, and a 1930’s style fishing cabin.

Special Instructions: Group tours are available year around. Handicap accessible.

Admission: Children (5 & under): Free, Students (6-17): $4.00, Adults: $5.00, Seniors (60 and over): $4.00. Please call for group rates.

Larson Boat Museum and Wildlife Animal Collection

Contact: John Monahan

14753 Iris Road
Little Falls, MN
(320) 632-4473

A vast, priceless collection of history and memorabilia of Larson Boats, beginning to its present day international marketing, with the most technological advanced boat building system (VEC) in the world.

Special Instructions: Tours only by appointment

Admission: No Cost

Camp Ripley Environmental Education Center

Contact: Jay Brezinka
(320) 616-2720

Contact: Dan Bednarek
(320) 616-2715

Training and Community Center at Camp Ripley
15000 Hwy 115
Little Falls, MN
(320) 632-7296 • Website

Camp Ripley’s 53,000 acres is full of interesting plant and animal life. To showcase the Natural Resources that exist at Camp Ripley an environmental classroom and museum was established for the benefit of educating soldiers, local schools and the general public.

Special Instructions: To schedule a tour or presentation, please contact the Personnel Community Activities Office at Camp Ripley at (320) 632-7296. Hours are from 8:00-4:30 Monday through Friday.

Appointments are preferred.

One to Two Hour Tours

Charles A. Lindbergh House and Museum 

Contact: Charles Pautler

1620 Lindbergh Drive S.
Little Falls, MN
(320) 616-5421 • Website

The famous aviator spent happy boyhood summers at this cottage on the Mississippi. Now you can enjoy its cozy kitchen, hear the whisper of pines from the porch where he slept, or walk by the river where he dreamed of flight. A history center adjacent to the house tells more of the family history.

Special Instructions: Schedule groups of 10 or more in advance. For Large groups pull the bus up to the Museum, where coffee and cookies will be made available. The tour consist of the Museum and the Lindbergh Home and will take about 1 & 1/2 hours.

Admission: For Group Tours, adults $6.00 - Educational Children Tours, $5.00 per student.

St. Francis Church

116 SE 8th Ave.
Little Falls, MN 56345
(320) 632-2981 • Website

The first French Catholic Church in Little Falls was built in 1892

Pine Grove Zoo

Contact: Marnita VanHoecke

1200 West Broadway
Little Falls, MN
(320) 616-5595 • Website

Pine Grove 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. Pine Grove Zoo offers a beautiful wooded setting for an afternoon picnic or stroll.

Special Instructions: Call for instructions on scheduling group tours. Groups no larger than 25
people,

Admission: Self-guided tour of an unrelated group of a minimum of 12 people: $2.00 per person. Guided tour of an unrelated group of a minimum of 12 people: $2.00 per person plus $25.00 guide fee. Guided tour of an unrelated group of 12-25 people: $2.00 per person plus $40.00 guide fee.

Linden Hill Historical Event Center (Musser/Weyerhaeuser Homes)

Contact: Terri Briggs

608 Highland Avenue
Little Falls, MN
(320) 616-5580 • Website

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. The houses occupy a nine acre wooded site along the Mississippi River with beautiful landscaped lawns and gardens. Furnished with antiques and original heirlooms, guests will enjoy a guided or self guided tour.

Special Instructions: Tours are available by appointment.

Admission: $10.00

St. Francis Convent and Campus

Contact: Sr. Christelle Watercott

116 SE 8th Avenue
Little Falls, MN
320-632-2981 • Website

St. Francis Convent and Campus was founded by the Franciscan Sister of Little Falls in 1891. St. Francis is home to 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.

Special Instructions: Call for scheduling group tours. Everyone WelcomeAdmission: No Cost, Donations Welcome

Historic Downtown National Register

Contact: Visitors Bureau

Little Falls, MN
(320) 616-4959

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, Arts & Crafts Fair, City of Lights, Art Gallery and concerts in the park.

Special Instructions: Pick up your Historic Downtown Walking & Driving Tour guide & map at the Little Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau at 606 1st Street SE, Little Falls, MN.

City Tour

Contact: Visitors Bureau

Little Falls, MN
(320) 616-4959

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.
Special Instructions: Fee for step on guide

Three Hour Tours

Historic Walking Tour (Brochure)

Little Falls is rich in heritage dating back to 1848, making it one of the oldest cities in the State of Minnesota. Our history is a treasure that we are very proud to share. We wish you a wonderful experience in our historic Little Falls.

Duration: 3 Hours

Century Homes Tour (Brochure)

Stroll through pristine Little Falls neighborhoods into another time; let your eyes and imagination feast on the century-old homes, resplendent in their late 19th Century beauty.

Duration: 3 Hours

Charles A. Lindbergh History Tour (Brochure)

The America’s Lone Eagle, Charles A. Lindbergh, the man who started an aviation revolution learned first-hand about hard work and ingenuity on his Little Falls farm. Come explore the world of the boy who became “The Lone Eagle” and trace the steps of this young daredevil who flew non-stop across the Atlantic, becoming the most famous man in the world.

Duration: 2 Hours

Other Area Attractions to See and Visit

(The time varies according to interest)

Little Falls 18 Hole Golf Course

1 Edgewater Drive
(320) 632-3584 • Website

Little Falls Murals

On Broadway Avenue West and Broadway Avenue East, also Second Street North East

Website

Little Falls Frescoes

Lindbergh School
102 9th St. SE
Little Falls, MN
(320) 616-4200

Historic Morrison County Courthouse (National Register)

Website

Cass Gilbert Depot (National Register)

200 NW First Street
Little Falls, MN 56345
(320) 632-5155 • Website

Mississippi River and Dam

Maple Island Park
First Street SE and 3rd Street SE
Little Falls, MN 56345
(320) 632-2341

Carnegie City Library (National Register)

108 NE 3rd St.
Little Falls, MN
(320) 632-9676 • Website

Cross Rocks

At Blanchard Dam, Take Hilton Rd (8.6 miles) to 68th St. (take path at the dead end Road). Cross Rocks are Staurolites, better known as “fairy stones”

Website

Missionary Franciscan Sisters Log Cabin

8801 Riverwood Drive
Little Falls, MN
(320) 632-5720

Area Events to Attend

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.

(320) 616-4959

Annual Arts and Crafts Fair (Weekend after Labor Day)

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.

(320) 632-5155 • Website

Lone Eagle Auto Club Car Show & Swap Meet (Weekend after Labor Day)

Come see over 32 classes cars.at the Morrison County Fairgrounds.

7 a.m to 4 p.m.

(320) 632-6849 (Wayne Hansmann)

Antiques and Collectibles Fair (Weekend after Labor Day)

The nostalgia of days gone by can be recaptured as you wonder through the antiques and collectibles fair. Enjoy shopping for that one-of-a-kind antique or that little something you’ve needed to finish off your décor.

(320) 632-5670 (Dave or Helen Rausch)

As you can see we have many tour options in the Little Falls area. Call us with your tourism needs. Visit us a day, two days, three days or more. We will develop the “perfect” tour for you. Step on guides are available for a fee. Thank you!

Cathy VanRisseghem, Director
Little Falls Convention and Visitors Bureau
606 SE First Street, Little Falls, MN 56345
(320) 616-4959
Fax (320)616-4961
E-mail

Where the Mississippi pauses... discovery begins. Overflowing with history and tradition, Little Falls is a place where young and old alike immerse themselves in the many attractions and events that speak of life along the banks of the mighty Mississippi. Here, where memories have been made, we invite you to come and make your own.