Learn about the roots of Brainerd at the Crow Wing County Historical Society, 320 Laurel St. in Brainerd. The museum offers research archives and artifact displays, tours of the former county jail and collections, along with a gift shop. Open year-round, the museum also offers other research times or tour times that may be made by appointment. For more information, call 218-829-3268.

Catch a glimpse into Aitkin County's past by touring the Depot and log museums at the Aitkin County Historical Society in Aitkin. The depot museum offers displays and research materials along with books from the region. For more information, call 218-927-3348.

Old Crow Wing is alive and well at Crow Wing State Park. Located just eight miles south of Brainerd off Highway 371 South, the park offers a step into history through informative panels of the early days of Old Crow Wing and the restored Clement Beaulieu house -- all located on a park complex used for picnics, hiking and cross-country skiing. The park is open year-round. Activities include the annual Crow Wing Canoe Days and Fur Trade Encampment and a summer interpretive program series. For more information, call 218-829-8022.

Ironing mining played a large role in the early days of this area. Learn the history of this industry at the Cuyuna Range Historical Society Museum, Soo Depot in Crosby. Located one block north of Main Street on Hallett Avenue, the museum includes artifacts from early area residents and an extensive collection of iron mining history. For more information, call 218-546-6178.

See what life was like in the homestead days of Minnesota at Crosslake Area Historical Society and Historic Log Village in Crosslake. The Village and Museum open Saturdays and Sundays at the end of May. The museum includes a replica of the first Crosslake store and a variety of log buildings and artifacts from early homestead days. Two log structures from Lumbertown are in the process of restoration as an early resort cabin and a blacksmith shop. Society projects include a popular annual fund-raising event -- a tour of log homes.

Don't miss the Minnesota Military Museum at Camp Ripley in Little Falls. Through Memorial Day, the museum is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays. Summer hours run 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Group tour appointments may be arranged by calling (320) 632-7374.

Nisswa Caboose Society, Nisswa. The historic depot complex opens for the summer season on Memorial Day weekend. Society volunteers are active in video recording of personal interviews.

The following groups should prove valuable to history enthusiasts.

Learn about the past through the Cuyuna Country Heritage Preservation Society in Crosby. Involved in recording oral histories, preserving photos and information about the area, the society also has published books about the region and continues to work to publish histories.

The Wadena County Historical Society in Wadena welcomes visitors to its museum. For more information, call 218-631-9079.

(Information concerning hours, etc., for the above listings was correct at the time of first publication. It's best to call ahead to confirm the information.)