Sunday, September 07, 2008

Little Falls water towerTOUR OF 10,000 LAKES:  
Destination Little Falls

by Jim Maurice, WJON.com

LITTLE FALLS -- Throughout the summer the WJON news team is taking you on a "Tour of 10,000 Lakes", as we explore the great options our state offers -- with fun for the whole family.  Today we'll take the short drive north to Little Falls. The town is ideal for a quick day-trip, for very little money.

Charles Lindbergh Historic SiteFirst on our list is the Charles Lindbergh Historic Site.  Site Manager Charles Paultler says you can visit the home the famous aviator grew-up in, with a lot of the family's furnishings still in the home.  You can also watch a short video about his life in the visitors center. The cost for the Lindbergh tour is $7, with cheaper rates for kids.

Next, we'll head back into town and stop at the Minnesota Fishing Museum. Director LeeAnn Doucette says they have over 10,000 square feet dedicated to Minnesota's greatest outdoor pastime.  Tickets to the Fishing Museum are $4 for adults.

Minnesota Fishing MuseumJust down the road from the Fishing Museum is the Pine Grove Zoo.   Director Marnita VanHoecke says, if you haven't been to the zoo in a while, they've completely revamped the walking trails.   The Little Falls zoo hosts over 40,000 visitors every year. The cost to get in is just $3.

And, before you leave the Little Falls area, you can go just a little further north and visit the Camp Ripley Military Museum and Environmental Room.   It's free to go to Camp Ripley, but you're asked to call ahead first.

So now you've just visited four places in the Little Falls area, and the most you've spent is $14 a person.

Pine Grove ZooThere's other attractions in the Little Falls are too, including: The Charles Weyerhaus Museum, the Larson Boat Museum, and the Historic Walking Tour. And, if you go this weekend, you can take-in the Little Falls Dam Festival.

Next week, we'll visit the Brainerd lakes Area.

AUDIO:  You can hear this story -- with additional comments -- by clicking on the player below.

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