Smithsonian Water/Ways Exhibit

Discover the central nature of water in our lives through this new Smithsonian exhibit. You’ll also experience local exhibits about the history, culture, and science of water; events and programs designed to explore and celebrate local waterways; and stories from community members about water. Exhibits are family friendly. Don’t pass up this chance to see the Smithsonian in Minnesota!

Water/Ways is part of the Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street program. Each local host community will use the national water story in the Smithsonian exhibition as a jumping off point to tell their local water stories: the history; sacredness to Minnesota’s first people, the Dakota and Ojibwe; current stresses on water; and how water affects every element of life.

You’ll also experience events and programs designed to explore and celebrate local waterways, stories from community members about water, and ways to share your stories and memories. The exhibit is open during regular learning center hours from June 25 – August 7, 2016.

Upcoming Events and Activities:

July 7—Grace Goldtooth Presentation, Grace Goldtooth, of the Lower Sioux Tribal Historic Preservation Office, will have an evening presentation (topic/time TBD).

July 13–17—New London Water Days.

July 14—Ringo Lake Paddle, Visit the exhibit between 4-8pm and receive a token for a free 15-20 minute paddle in the 34’ Voyager Canoe, any time between 7-9pm.

July 19—Full Moon Canoe, 7:30-9:30pm at Prairie Woods ELC Farmsite, $7 per person.

August 13—New London Music Fest

September 9—Music Under the Prairie Stars

September 10—Prairie Pothole Day, Prairie Pothole Chapter of Minnesota Waterfowl Association.

Additional Events and Activities, to be scheduled Smithsonian project partners have assisted with creating a glass mosaic to be installed below the dam in New London in the summer of 2016 as part of the RiverSpace Project.

Kandiyohi County Historical Society will have a Natural History Theme with a strong water focus throughout 2016.

Sundays, July 10–August 14, Music in the Park in Spicer; listen for “Water Facts” and Adopt-a-Drain promotions.

June 27–August 7 at PWELC; weekly speakers, presenters and forums yet to be decided.

Hours of operation:
– Saturdays 10am – 4pm
– Sundays 1pm – 5pm
– We will be open one evening a week, Thursday, unless a special program or event is offered on a different evening that week. 8am – 8pm
– We will be open the other days of the week during regular office hours from 8am – 4pm

Fish our lakes

The possibilities are endless on our 30 recreational lakes…boating, swimming, fishing, water skiing, tubing, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boating, hydro biking, paddle boarding and so much more!

Fishing Report

Explore our Trails

Surrounded by beautiful lakes and scenery…who wouldn’t take a hike or a leisurely bike ride to enjoy the view? With miles of trials to choose from, you can always find new places to explore.

Trail Report