Below is a list of Memorial Day events to take part in with your family.
Elk River
Members of the First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Inc., a Civil War re-enactment organization based in St. Paul, will hold a Memorial Day observance at Vernon Cemetery, 30 Evans Ave. N.W., Elk River, Monday May 30 beginning at 10 a.m.
In addition to honoring the Civil War veterans interred in the cemetery, they will also be dedicating a new headstone for Pvt. William Coombs, a veteran of the First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiment. Coombs enlisted in the First Minnesota Volunteers on Dec. 31, 1861. He served as a private soldier in Company C of the regiment. He died March 5, 1902, and was buried at Vernon Cemetery. His headstone had become illegible over the years and members of the re-enactors group worked with the federal government to get the headstone replaced.
Capitol Grounds
Veterans Organizations plan to gather on the Capitol grounds on Monday. The Twin Cities Veterans for Peace hold a memorial observance, as does the the Vietnam Veterans of America. For those wishing to pay quiet tribute, it will be much less busy to visit the memorials on Saturday or Sunday.
Fort Snelling
Historic Fort Snelling opens for the summer on Memorial Day weekend. Fort Snelling hosts a Memorial Day tribute Military History Timeline on Monday 30 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Costumed staff will help interpret United States military history, with characters from 225 years of history, and there will be firing demonstrations at the fort. Veterans are admitted free on Memorial Day.
Also on Fort Snelling Army Reserve, the Minnesota Air National Guard Museum preserves vintage aircraft, engines and flight simulators. The museum is only open on Saturday May 28 for visitors to tour the aircraft and exhibits. Photo ID is required for entry, as the museum is on an active military base.
St. Louis Park Memorial Day Service
The Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion honor those who have served our country in a Memorial Day Service at the Veterans' Memorial Amphitheater in Wolfe Park, St. Louis Park. The service begins at 11 a.m., and the flag will be raised at noon.
Minnesota Civil War History at The Landing
The Landing, a historic site on the Minnesota River in Shakopee, is having a weekend of Civil War themed events on Saturday, Sunday and Memorial Day. A Memorial Day ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday.
Memorial Day Pow-Wow
A little way out of town: A two-hour drive north to Onamia, MN, will take you to the annual Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post Memorial Day Pow-Wow, hosted by AMVets Post 53. The Pow-Wow is a gathering of Native American dance, music, food, crafts and games to to honor past and present veterans on Monday 30 May. The event is free and open to all. Noon - 5 p.m.
Hastings Cruise -IN
Visit Hastings on Saturday 28 May for the opening weekend of the summer-long Saturday night classic car event, Historic Hastings Saturday Night Cruise-In. It's free to attend. Classic cars get their first taste of freedom after being shut away all winter. You can bring your car too - it's open to all cars 1976 and older.
Other Options:
Edina Country Club members note:The pool will open on Memorial Day Weekend, May 28th, at 11:00 am.
JoAnn's Craft stores are offering 50% off kids classes!
