he rich traditions of the Ojibwe and Dakota Indians, the adventures of the “voyageur” fur traders, the perseverance of the arly pioneers, the ethnic heritage of the immigrants who settled in Minnesota—years ago or just recently. Together, these weave the colorful tapestry that is Minnesota. T
Quadriga statuary atop the
Minnesota State Capitol
Historic Forestville, near Preston
Our Heritage—Minnesota’s Roots
Fascinating History
The stories of Minnesota’s past come to life at
intriguing historic sites throughout the state. The oldest
pictures of our past are the ancient Jeffers petroglyphs
carved into stone in a southwestern prairie. Tales from
more recent centuries are told at the Minnesota History
Museum. The Grand Portage National Monument fur
trading post, the 1820s frontier Fort Snelling, the 1860s
Kelley Farm, 1910 Split Rock Lighthouse, a lumberjack
camp, aviator Charles Lindbergh’s boyhood home and
many other sites tell the stories of Minnesota’s past.
Dakota and Ojibwe Heritage
Minnesota’s native peoples keep alive their rich
traditions. Travelers can learn about traditional and
contemporary Ojibwe life at the Mille Lacs Indian Museum
and the Bois Forte Heritage Center. The struggles and
resilience of the Dakota communities along the Minnesota
River are the focus of the Lower Sioux Agency historic site.
Minnesota’s native culture can also be experienced at
powwows and galleries of Indian art and crafts.
Kelley Farm State Historic Site, Elk River
