Field Trip Adventures

Summer Art Camp with Mess Hall Arts
2026-07-13 09:00 - 2026-07-17 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Mess Hall Arts, 906 Mainstreet, Hopkins, Minnesota, 55343
AM Camp 9am-12pm

Fairy & Gnome Gardens– Kids will build magical miniature worlds filled with fairies, gnomes, tiny houses, and garden details! This hands-on camp explores clay, 3D art, and mixed media through imaginative projects and creative play—perfect for young artists who love storytelling and making.

PM Camp 1pm-4pm

Nailed It! Disney Edition– In this camp, we will create edible art inspired by their favorite Disney stories! Over four creative days, campers will design character treats, edible sculptures, and colorful food art using shelf-stable ingredients.

*No baking will be done in this class. All cakes and cupcakes will arrive frozen from a commercial kitchen.

Summer Teen Camp with Mess Hall Arts
2026-07-20 16:00 - 2026-07-23 19:00 | Mess Hall Arts, 906 Mainstreet, Hopkins, Minnesota, 55343
In Teen Fashion, Tie-Dye, Patches & Leather, teens will dive into the world of custom fashion and accessory design. Over three days, they’ll learn how to tie-dye, add embellishments like patches and embroidery, and explore leather crafting to create market-ready items like personalized t-shirts, bags and accessories.

Campers will experiment with bold tie-dye techniques, create custom embroidered designs, and build functional leather goods. With a focus on creativity and craftsmanship, teens will leave with their own fashion-forward pieces that they can proudly sell at local markets or showcase in an online shop. The camp wraps up with a mini pop-up showcase where teens will display their finished creations.

All materials are provided, and no experience is required—just a passion for fashion and creativity!

Camp Fire Day Camp - Blast from the Past
2026-07-27 09:00 - 2026-07-31 16:00 | Camp Fire Minnesota, 3300 Tanadoona Dr, Excelsior, Minnesota, 55331
Camp Fire Minnesota is the perfect place for children to spend their summer. We are passionate about getting kids outside and creating a new community that they wouldn’t experience anywhere else. Here you can be yourself, learn alongside friends and caring adults, and have fun in the outdoors!

Each week of Day Camp is filled with a wide range of outdoor and nature-based activities that build character, ignite wonder and curiosity, and fill the woods with laughter. Zig-zag across Lake Minnewashta by canoe or kayak, take aim during archery in the woods, express your creative side through a variety of arts, become an outdoor survivalist and gather ’round the campfire. Adventure awaits!

Summer Teen Camp with Mess Hall Arts
2026-07-27 16:00 - 2026-07-30 19:00 | Mess Hall Arts, 906 Mainstreet, Hopkins, Minnesota, 55343
4pm-7pm 3 Day Camp

In this hands-on Clay summer camp, teens will learn to design and create high-quality clay goods with real-world purpose. Using both air-dry clay and polymer clay, campers will make functional and decorative pieces such as jewelry, trinket dishes, planters, and small home goods—projects designed with craftsmanship and sellability in mind.

Throughout the three days, teens will explore clay techniques, surface design, finishing methods, and simple branding and pricing concepts. Campers will leave with a small collection of finished pieces, packaging ideas, and the confidence to talk about and potentially sell their work at markets, online, or as gifts. This camp is perfect for creative teens interested in art, design, and entrepreneurship—no prior clay experience required.

Camp Fire Day Camp - Superheroes
2026-08-03 09:00 - 2026-08-07 16:00 | Camp Fire Minnesota, 3300 Tanadoona Dr, Excelsior, Minnesota, 55331

Open Nordic Jam
2026-08-06 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-09-03 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-10-01 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-11-05 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-12-03 18:00 - 20:00 | American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Ave, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55407
Have you ever wanted to play music in the historic Turnblad Mansion? Now’s your chance! Bring your nyckelharpa, hardingfele, fiddle, or any acoustic instrument to ASI’s Open Nordic Jam. This jam is open to musicians of any level who want to learn and play Nordic folk. Bring your friends or plan to make new ones here!

Minnesota has long been known for its rich music scenes—in part due to the many immigrant diasporas that have established themselves in the area. From Nisswa-stämman to the Nordic Roots festival, to the countless house jams across the state, Nordic folk music is an important part of Minnesota’s musical identity. Whether you’re a master fiddler or want to learn more about folk music, this monthly gathering is for you!

This jam is facilitated by ASI staff, but tunes are selected each time by musicians in the room. We will play standards and originals inspired by Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish, Danish, and Icelandic folk traditions. While many musicians may bring traditional instruments, all acoustic instrumentalists are welcome to participate. If you do not play an instrument, you can still attend if you respectfully observe and listen. Dancing is encouraged but not required—see you there!

No registration required, attendees must purchase museum admission. Free for performers.

This event is part of the Open Nordic Jam Series

Camp Fire Day Camp - Summerween
2026-08-10 09:00 - 2026-08-14 16:00 | Camp Fire Minnesota, 3300 Tanadoona Dr, Excelsior, Minnesota, 55331

Summer Teen Camp with Mess Hall Arts
2026-08-10 16:00 - 2026-08-13 19:00 | Mess Hall Arts, 906 Mainstreet, Hopkins, Minnesota, 55343
4pm-7pm 3 Day Camp

In Teen Outdoor Art, campers will explore the beauty of nature through art while creating functional, market-ready pieces for the garden, patio, or home. Teens will use natural materials, eco-friendly techniques, and artistic design to produce one-of-a-kind pieces like hand-painted garden signs, wind chimes, custom plant pots, and recycled outdoor decor.

Throughout the camp, students will learn how to create nature-inspired artwork using upcycled and sustainable materials, perfecting their techniques in painting, sculpting, and upcycling. The camp also covers key entrepreneurial skills such as branding, pricing, and product presentation. By the end of the week, students will have their own collection of outdoor art ready to showcase at a mini pop-up style market.

All materials are provided, and no prior experience is necessary—just a love for nature and creativity!

The MN Field Trip & Activity EXPO
2026-08-11 10:00 - 15:00 | Mill City Museum, 704 South Second St, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55401, United States
RSVP to Attend

Exhibitor Information

You’re Invited To Attend The 2026 EXPO

On Tuesday, August 11th, decision-makers (like you) can meet exhibiting Providers & Attractions from MN & WI in person!

If you plan field trips, activities, fundraising & entertainment throughout the year this show will be valuable for you!

The activity ideas they present will apply to all age groups, from youth & students to active adults & seniors.

Mill City Museum Field Trip Experience

Visit Mill City Museum’s exhibit gallery from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm to preview its field trip experience. Built into the ruins of what was once the world’s largest flour mill, Mill City Museum highlights the intertwined histories of the flour industry, the Mississippi river, and the city of Minneapolis. Attendees can enjoy:

An architecturally stunning National Historic Landmark

Flour Tower: an 8-story multimedia elevator show

Hands-on Water & Baking Labs

Minneapolis in 19 Minutes Flat! a film by local humorist Kevin Kling

Rooftop views of the Mississippi River, St. Anthony Falls, and the Stone Arch Bridge

Museum store open 10-4

Bushel & Peck Cafe, open 10-3

2 free admissions per adult attendee.

Two Workshop Options –See accordion below for Speaker Bios & Full Descriptions* New! Northern Lights 3rd Edition Presented by Minnesota Historical Society Teacher Education & Curriculum Staff* History Day 101 Presented by MNHistory Day staff

What’s the EXPO?
2026 will be our 16th Annual MN Field Trip EXPO!

Get ready to meet enjoyable and professional providers in-person!

What: The 2026 MN Field Trip EXPOWho: YOU and PROVIDERS talk business – in person!Where: Mill City Museum, 704 South 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55401When: Tuesday, August 11, 2026Exhibit Time: 10am – 3pmCost: No entry fee!

• 80+ Exhibitors – Discover presenters, entertainers, field trips and fundraisers!• Earn CEU Credits – Earn free CEU clock time when interviewing providers. Take your CEU certificate home with you.• Exhibitor Drawings – Sign up to win free/discounted field trips, activities & prizes when you visit the exhibits!• MN Field Trip GUIDES – Take this year’s new Guides home with you and your organization.• You work directly with the providers you meet. As producers of this popular event, we are NOT a booking agency.

Who will be attending?
Hundreds Of Activity Planners & Decision-Makers Will Be Attending

SCHOOLS & EDUCATORS – Public/Private/Charter, Community Ed, Homeschool Co-ops

YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS – Park & Recs, Daycare, Afterschools, Libraries, Scouts, Church & Youth Organizations,

ACTIVE ADULTS & SENIORS – Retirement, Senior, Alumni and Church Groups

GROUP TOUR PLANNERS – Operators, Receptives, Charter, Travel & Affinity Clubs, Group Leaders

FUNDRAISING DECISION-MAKERS – For schools, sports, clubs, churches and more – youth to adults!

Professional Event & Meeting Planners – Considering event venus and team-building opportunities

Who are the exhibitors?
80+ Providers of the Best Field Trips & Activities in MN & WI

Exhibitors Include:

• Field Trip Destinations• Educational Presenters• Entertainers• Youth Party Venues (birthday, etc)• Camps• Travel Destinations for Tour Groups• Event Venues• Fundraising Programs

Meet them in person!

Schedule for the day
2026 EXPO Schedule

Tuesday, August 11, 2026

10am-3pm Exhibits Open

10am-3pm HUNGRY? Bushel & Peck Cafe is open

10am-4pm Visit the Museum Store

10:30 am History Day 101 Workshop Presented by MN History Day Staff

11am-4pm Visit Mill City Museum’s Exhibit Gallery

11:30 am New! Northern Lights 3rd Edition Workshop Presented by Minnesota Historical Society Teacher Education & Curriculum Staff

3pm Exhibitors Wrap Up

3pm Grand Prize Drawings

4pm Museum Exhibit Gallery ClosesThank you for coming!

History Day 101 Workshop
Presented by MN History Day Staff

Tuesday, August 11, 2026 10:30 AMNational History Day is an interdisciplinary research project for students in grades 6-12. Students choose a topic that relates to an annual theme, research that topic, and present their research in one of five presentation categories: Research Paper, Exhibit, Documentary, Performance, or Website. Students may then enter their projects into History Day competitions at school, regional, state, and national levels. Come learn from MN History Day staff on how to get involved!

Participants attending this workshop will earn an additional hour of CEU credit.

NEW! Northern Lights Third Edition Workshop
Led by Minnesota Historical Society Teacher Education & Curriculum Staff

Tuesday, August 11, 2026 11:30 AM

NEW! Northern Lights Third EditionJoin us for an informative workshop where the Minnesota Historical Society Teacher Education & Curriculum Staff will be sharing the brand new Northern Lights Minnesota Studies curriculum. Learn what’s new in the 3rd edition & how the curriculum addresses the latest MN K-12 Academic Standards for Social Studies.Participants attending this workshop will earn an additional hour of CEU credit.

Parking
Parking – Mill City Museum does not have its own parking lot or ramp but there are many nearby options that are owned by the City of Minneapolis. Please note that Mill City Museum is not able to validate parking.Mill Quarter Ramp, 711 South Second St. The fully automated ramp accepts cash and credit cards for daily parking. Parking fees range from $3 to $8. Riverfront Municipal Ramp, 212 9th Ave S Located one block away from the museum, across South 2nd Street from the Guthrie Theater.Parking meters, 4-hour limit City parking meters are located outside the main entrance on South 2nd Street, and many other meters and parking options can be found within several blocks of the museum. The 4-hour time limit is strictly enforced, though that is usually enough time to take in the full EXPO.

Address

Mill City Museum,704 South 2nd St,Minneapolis, MN 55401

Contact To Reserve An Exhibit Space

Jo Ann Huebsch763-402-0849

Camp Fire Day Camp - Wizards, Witches, and Warlocks
2026-08-17 09:00 - 2026-08-21 16:00 | Camp Fire Minnesota, 3300 Tanadoona Dr, Excelsior, Minnesota, 55331

Camp Fire Day Camp - Wacky Tacky
2026-08-31 09:00 - 2026-09-04 16:00 | Camp Fire Minnesota, 3300 Tanadoona Dr, Excelsior, Minnesota, 55331

Shin Kim Piano Trio with Misha Amory, viola
2026-10-11 16:00 - 17:00 | Saint Anthony Park United Church of Christ, 2129 Commonwealth Ave #1715, St Paul, Minnesota, 55108
The Shin Kim Piano Trio consisting of family members Kyu-Young Kim on violin, Pitnarry Shin on cello, and Orion Kim on piano started during the early days of the COVID lockdown in the family living room when Orion was fourteen years old.

Lise Davidsen, soprano & James Baillieu, piano
2026-10-23 19:30 - 21:00 | Ordway Concert Hall, 345 Washington St, St Paul, Minnesota, 55102, United States
Universally acknowledged as one of the greatest singers of our time and as “The outstanding Wagner soprano of her generation” (Financial Times), Norwegian soprano Lise Davidsen has been described as “a one-in-a-million voice” and regularly performs at all the major international opera houses, festivals and concert halls.

Davidsen burst onto the international stage in 2015 winning multiple prizes at the Operalia, Queen Sonja and Hans Gabor Belvedere competitions. These were swiftly followed by triumphant debuts at the Metropolitan Opera, Royal Ballet & Opera Covent Garden and many more of the world’s most prestigious opera stages.

Born and raised in Stokke, Norway, Davidsen has been profiled in a full-length documentary for NRK, a Strauss film for the Norwegian National Opera as well as appearing on major radio and television programmes such as NPR. As well as frequent performances across the country, Oslo was the setting for her performance as part of the Metropolitan Opera’s Met Stars Live in Concert which was live-streamed internationally.

She sounded like Tosca as she should be: at first optimistic, even naïve, then distressed and desperate. Davidsen’s ‘Vissi d’arte’ was one of the most moving things I’ve heard at the Met so far this season. – The New York Times

Phenomenal…Hers is a great voice, superbly controlled and beautifully equalised throughout its range. – Guardian

Described by The Daily Telegraph as ‘in a class of his own’ James Baillieu is one of the leading song and chamber music pianists of his generation. He has given solo and chamber recitals throughout the world and collaborates with a wide range of singers and instrumentalists including Benjamin Appl, Jamie Barton, Ian Bostridge, Allan Clayton, Annette Dasch, Lise Davidsen, the Elias and Heath Quartets, Dame Kiri te Kanawa, Timothy Ridout, Adam Walker, and Pretty Yende. As a soloist, he has appeared with the Ulster Orchestra, English Chamber Orchestra, and the Wiener Kammersymphonie.

An innovative programmer, he has curated many song and chamber music festivals including series for the Brighton Festival, Wigmore Hall, BBC Radio 3, Verbier Festival, Bath International Festival, and Perth Concert Hall.
