When you find the chance to get the family together and have bonding time despite everyone’s busy schedule, you want to make the most of it. True for all families, each individual has their own likes and interests, so it’s hard to find something that every member will enjoy. Luckily, Thief River Falls has many places and activities that can excite the whole family. Whether you have little ones or teenagers, there is something sure to appease a wide range of interests.
Read on for our list of destinations for family fun around Thief River Falls.
Pine to Prairie International Birding Trail
Beginning in Fergus Falls, the Pine to Prairie International Birding Trail spans over 200 miles and boasts over 50 sites for birdwatching. From Fergus Falls, the trail heads north to Thief River Falls. It then travels north to Roseau, intersects Highway 11, and continues into Canada at the border in Warroad. The trail habitats include pine forests, woodlands, native tallgrass prairies, aspen parklands, dunes, fens, marshes, bogs, and lakes and rivers.
What’s more, the trail offers a variety of different family-friendly activities. If you have little ones, they’ll enjoy exploring the outdoors via a fun family hike. Take time to stop and admire the different foliage and fauna that call this place home. Also, novice and experienced photographer alike can practice their skills in outdoor lighting and catch some lovely sunsets or sunrises.
As the name shows, the trail is a prime location for birding. The Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge, near Thief River Falls, features 61,500 acres of grasslands, marshes, large pools, brushland, and aspen woodlands. Designated globally as an important bird area since 2001, it has over 40,000 acres of shallow wetlands, perfect for viewing wetland wildlife. While there, look for the Black-crowned Night Heron, Sandhill crane, short-eared owl, and Sedge wren. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a rare glimpse of the snowy egret or a golden eagle. The best months to visit are April through November.
There are two short hiking trails, with one wheelchair accessible. The refuge is at 22996 290th St. N.E., in Middle River, Minnesota. It also has a small gift shop and maintains office hours on weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The trail is open year-round, except on federal holidays. For updated information on policies, call 218-449-4115.
Peder Engelstad Pioneer Village Museum
Peder Engelstad Pioneer Village is an essential stop for a family looking for something a little different. It’s also the perfect spot if you have a budding historian in your household. This pioneer village is cared for by the Pennington County Historical Society, whose mission is to collect, preserve, interpret, and teach the history of Pennington. In addition, the pioneer village lets visitors experience a first-hand replica of the rich history to be found in Thief River Falls.
Peder Engelstad Pioneer Village Museum is a collection of 19 buildings donated to Pennington County Historical Society to serve as a historical representation for future generations. Each building speaks to the village’s storied past and hosts its own collection of artifacts. A visit to the grounds is an opportunity to walk through a replica of a Northern Minnesota pioneer town and vintage gardens. While there, make sure you visit at least one of the two railroad depots, the single-room schoolhouse, and the two-story Victorian house. Anyone in the family interested in agriculture will appreciate the several pieces of farm machinery displayed.
You’ll find this family-friendly location off Highway 32 at 825 Oakland Park River Rd., right here in Thief River Falls. They are open daily between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The hours of operation are from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. General admission is $5 for adults. Children 12 years and under get in free with an adult entrance.
Soo Line RR Depot and Steam Locomotive #1024
For the future engineer and train enthusiast in your family, the Soo Line RR Depot and Steam Locomotive #1024 is a must-see. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this amazing spot promises a lot of fun and comprehensive preview into the past. When construction was completed in 1914, and until passenger service was terminated in 1967, the depot was a non-stop central to community activity. During its busiest times, it saw up to 13 passenger trains arrive and depart daily.
Thanks to residents who in 1994 and 1995 formed a fundraising campaign called “Save the Depot,” efforts to preserve the building and its rightful place in history proved successful. Central to the community and a social hub, the building now serves as the city hall. It’s in use daily and stands as a wonderful testament to the importance of history, resourcefulness, and purpose.
Visitors marvel at the brickwork and beautiful architecture. Impressively, the important interior features are preserved. The terrazzo floor, wood trim, and doors in the main terminal are remarkable. Use them as the background for a quick family photo to upload as your social media profile picture. Be sure to visit the impressive 2-8-2 Mikado steam locomotive. It’s on permanent display outside the depot and remains the only preserved steam locomotive from the Monon Railroad.
This landmark is located on U.S. Highway 59 downtown, at 405 3rd St. E., Thief River Falls. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information on this piece of Minnesota history, call 218-681-2500.
So there you have it. We here at Rydell Outlet Center have enjoyed sharing with you our guide for planning activities for family fun around Thief River Falls. Check out one of the spots on our list to create some lasting family memories. What do you think of our list? Did we miss your favorite spot to share with your family? If we did, let us know! Leave us a message and we’ll be happy to add your suggestions to our list.
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