The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis is one of the most celebrated contemporary art museums in the United States -- a dynamic cultural hub where groundbreaking visual art, live performance, film, and design come together under one roof. From its roots as a lumber baron's private gallery in 1879 to its striking modern campus anchored by the beloved Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, the Walker has shaped the creative identity of the Twin Cities for well over a century. In this episode, we step inside to explore the galleries, the architecture, the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry, and everything that makes the Walker a one-of-a-kind destination.

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Ely, Minnesota sits at the end of the road in the northeastern corner of the state -- and that's exactly the point. This small town of around 3,000 people is the gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, one of the most spectacular and protected wild places in America. In this episode, we explore Ely's dramatic history as an iron mining hub, its transformation into a world-class wilderness destination, its legendary wildlife centers, and the restaurants, shops, and lodges that make it one of Minnesota's most beloved towns year-round. Whether you're paddling into the BWCAW or just passing through, Ely has a way of getting under your skin.

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Just northeast of Two Harbors along the storied shores of Lake Superior, Gooseberry Falls State Park stands as the grand entrance to Minnesota's legendary North Shore. In this episode, we explore five spectacular waterfalls carved through billion-year-old basalt, the remarkable Depression-era stonework of the Civilian Conservation Corps, and the forest trails that wind through one of Minnesota's most beloved destination parks. Whether you're chasing the spring roar of snowmelt crashing through the gorge, hunting for Lake Superior agates on the rocky shoreline, or simply standing in the mist of the Middle Falls on a summer afternoon, Gooseberry delivers something rare -- a place that rewards every visitor, every season.

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Mille Lacs Lake is one of Minnesota's most iconic destinations -- a vast, 132,000-acre body of water in the heart of the state that has drawn anglers, adventurers, and families for generations. In this episode, we explore everything that makes Mille Lacs special: its deep Indigenous roots, the communities that grew up along its shores, world-class fishing for walleye and smallmouth bass, two beautiful state parks, the Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post, the scenic byway that circles the entire lake, and the unique winter world of ice fishing at "Frostbite Flats." Whether you're planning your first visit or your fiftieth, Mille Lacs always has something new to offer.

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In this episode of Minnesota Explorer, we travel to Jeffers Petroglyphs — one of the most extraordinary andleast-known historic sites in Minnesota. Located near Comfrey in southwest Minnesota, Jeffers is home to nearly 2,000 ancient rock carvings etched into Sioux quartzite by the ancestors of today's Native American peoples, with somecarvings dating back more than 7,000 years. We cover everything you need to plan a visit: how to get there, the best time of day to see the carvings, guided tour options, admission prices, seasonal hours, and the fascinatingspiritual and archaeological history of this sacred site. We also explore nearby attractions including Pipestone National Monument and the charming German heritage town of New Ulm, plus local dining and lodging tips for making it a full weekend trip. If you love history, road trips, and discovering the unexpected in Minnesota, this episode is for you. Learn more and find travel resources at MinnesotaExplorer.com.

Discover Mill City Museum in Minneapolis — built inside the ruins of the world's largest flour mill. From the 1878 explosion that killed 18 workers to the rise of Gold Medal Flour and Betty Crocker, this episode explores the fascinating history behind Minnesota's Mill City. Plan your visit at MinnesotaExplorer.com.

Explore Lanesboro, Minnesota — the Bed & Breakfast Capital of Minnesota. Discover the Root River State Trail, Commonweal Theatre, Amish tours, local restaurants, festivals, and the best places to stay in Minnesota's Driftless bluff country. Plan your visit at MinnesotaExplorer.com.

Elm Creek Park Reserve is the largest park in the Three Rivers Park District — nearly 5,000 acres of forests, wetlands, restored prairie, and some of the best trails in the Twin Cities metro. In this episode of Minnesota Explorer, we explore everything Elm Creek has to offer across all four seasons, from 19 miles of paved bike trails and a 13-mile mountain bike singletrack system to championship disc golf, a sand beach swim pond, and a world-class winter recreation area with snowtubing, cross-country skiing, and even snowmaking.

We dig into the park's fascinating history — how a visionary park district raced suburban sprawl in the 1950s to preserve this land, the Swiss pioneer settlers who farmed here long before it became a park, the glacial forces that shaped the landscape, and the remarkable story of Whitney H. Eastman, the birdwatcher and civic champion who helped fund and name the nature center that anchors the park today.

Whether you're planning your first visit or you've been coming here for years, this episode is packed with trail tips, seasonal highlights, hidden gems, lodging options, and nearby attractions to round out your trip.

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In this episode:

• Where Elm Creek is located and how to get there
• The history of Three Rivers Park District and how Elm Creek was preserved
• Best hikes, bike trails, and equestrian routes
• Swimming, disc golf, and the off-leash dog area
• Winter recreation: skiing, snowtubing, snowshoeing, and skijoring
• Wildlife watching and birding highlights
• Camper cabins and overnight options
• Where to stay near the park in Maple Grove and Rogers
• Nearby attractions including Mississippi Gateway Regional Park and Omni Brewing