Story Arts of Minnesota presents "StoryFest 2025." Join fellow storytellers for a day of stories, sharpening and gaining skills, and building relationships.  

This annual all-day event hosted by Story Arts of Minnesota includes workshops, community showcases, performances, resource tables and activities for all ages.

Free event. No registration required. 

Questions? Email StoryFest planning committee chair Pam Schweitzer at storyartsmn@gmail.com.

Explore the wild adventures of steamboats on the Minnesota River, which flows just below the historic Pond House. 

Try the challenge of steamboat crew chores and hear Miles Jewell tell exciting stories about the ships that plied our Minnesota rivers. 

Then assemble, decorate, and race your own wooden boat! 

Free program. No registration required. Drop in any time during the 3-hour event.

blm.mn/pondhouse

Ask about Pond House tours.

Examine the 1856 Pond House as a history detective. 

• Where is the secret compartment?
• Why are there 31 numbers on the clock?
• Why is there a wooden egg in Mrs. Pond's sewing basket? 

Answer these and other curious questions to win a detective gadget!

Free program for all ages. No registration required. Drop in any time during the three-hour event. 

blm.mn/pondhouse

Cross-stitch a dish towel to take home with expert needleworker Pauline Bold. 

Young women in early Minnesota learned basic needlework skills needed to operate the family household, which are still helpful today. 

Towels, several patterns to choose from, and sewing supplies will be provided 

This is a free program. No registration required. Drop in any time during the 3-hour event.

blm.mn/pondhouse

Ask about Pond House tours.

Taste a variety of 19th century candies that started as medicine and ended up as delicious treats. 

Learn about the evolution of these American confections. Some are so familiar you’ll be surprised they date from long ago. History never tasted so sweet! 

Free program and candy samples. No registration required. Drop in any time during the 3-hour event.  
blm.mn/pondhouse

Ask about Pond House tours.

Watch food being cooked in an open hearth in the Pond family kitchen and sample modern versions of the goodies being prepared. 

Trace the evolution of cooking methods as you explore a display of early American cookware. 

Then take home some recipes from Belle Pond St. Martin to try in your own kitchen. 

Free program. No registration required. Drop in any time during the 3-hour event.  

blm.mn/pondhouse

Ask about Pond House tours.

Use a simple rope-making tool to fabricate your own section of rope! 

Learn about rope, a very important item for early settlers. Then watch a video about tying knots and practice with your brand new rope. 

Free program for all ages. Materials provided. No registration required. Drop in any time during the 3-hour event.  

blm.mn/pondhouse

Ask about Pond House tours.

Family fun with Bloomington Public Works

Join Bloomington’s Public Works Department to celebrate and demonstrate how Public Works services advance the quality of life for all of us.  

Visitors can take snowplow and sweeper rides, tour the water plant, check out equipment exhibits and demonstrations, enjoy some free food, and even win a prize.

The festivities will take place at the Public Works building and garage at 1700 West 98th Street. Park in the Civic Plaza Parking Lot, on the south side of West 98th Street, and walk over. 

Water plant tours will be held at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Please call 952-563-4905 to RSVP and receive specific details.

Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP) review and public comment opportunity: Staff involved with implementing the City’s SWPPP will be available to meet with members of the public to review the program and receive public comments on the plan and its implementation.

Did you know? Public Works maintains streets, provides engineering services, protects Bloomington's wetlands, delivers clean, safe drinking water and provides wastewater services to our community year-round.

Join us in celebrating our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA) coworkers and community members. The event is hosted by one of Bloomington’s newest non-profits, Bloomington Pride. Please check their website for more information.
 

Mark your calendars for the next Nine Mile Creek Corridor Renewal Project engagement event on March 26, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. in the Rehearsal Hall at Bloomington Civic Plaza, 1800 West Old Shakopee Road.

This is another in a series of opportunities to review project progress and provide comments to help fine tune designs.

For more project details, visit bloomingtonforward.org/9mile.  Email questions to forward@bloomingtonmn.gov.