County fairs: Meeker, Stearns, and Wright Counties

County fairs offer a world of free and inexpensive family fun. Midway rides, agricultural and crafts exhibits and judging, music and entertainment, food and drink, and daily specials (check each Web site for directions and the latest information.) Meeker County Fair: July 30-Aug. 2 Litchfield, (320) 593-FAIR; www.co.meeker.mn.us $4 gate admission ($2 for children 7-12, free for age 6 and younger) or $12 for season pass, for all four days and nights of the fair; lifetime passes for senior citizens are free at age 70. Demolition derby and truck pull; compete in the Treasure Hunt or amateur talent contest, and lots more. Stearns County Fair: July 29-Aug. 2 Sauk Centre, (320) 352-2482; www.stearnscountyfair.com Flight simulator, Lego robotics, Saturday rocket launch, and more. (Web site not updated as of press time.) Wright County Fair: Aug. 12-16 Howard Lake, (320) 543-3119; www.wrightcountyfair.com $5 gate admission ($2 students 13-17, free for age 12 and younger); $15 season pass; plus $3 parking. Demo derby, combine demo, new sportsman's complex, and more. Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Willow Creek Park

Kimball; open daylight hours, 365 days a year Visit Kimball's hidden secret. Willow Creek Park is a multi-use park on the south end of Kimball. It is bordered by Highway 15 on the west, Canadian Pacific railroad to the north, and Willow Creek and Maine Prairie Township to the east and south. This 22.5-acre park offers walking and biking trails, rentable park shelters, lighted hockey rink/volleyball pit, horseshoe pits, children's playground, and picnic area. Kimball is one of only six Minnesota cities with a trout stream (Willow Creek) flowing through it. www.cityofkimballmn.org Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Stearns History Museum

St. Cloud, (320) 253-8424; hours Mon-Sat 10-5, Sun 12-5 A visit to the Stearns History Museum makes a perfect family afternoon activity. With two floors of exhibits, a research center, museum store, and a children's playroom, there is something for everyone in the family. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the beautiful summer weather on the grounds of the museum. Walk four miles of nature trails and enjoy the woods, prairie and ponds of Heritage Park. www.stearns-museum.org Wednesday, July 15, 2009

The Quarry

Waite Park; hours 8 a.m. to 1/2 hour before sunset This 643-acre regional, county-owned park is located along County Road 137 and 7th Street South. The park features oak woodlands, oak forest, wet meadow, wet prairie, bluff lands, rock outcroppings, and granite quarries. Plant life includes everything from oaks and aspens to yellow ladyslippers, Indian paintbrush, prickly pear cactus, and the tubercled rein orchid. There is a small fee for admission. Check www.waitepark.org for events schedule. Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Munsinger-Clemens Gardens

St. Cloud; open from spring to fall, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Visit this truly unique garden located so close to home. Have a picnic, shop in the gift shop, or enjoy one of our many events scheduled throughout the summer. Conveniently located on the Mississippi River in downtown St. Cloud. Find out more and get directions at www.munsingerclemens.com. Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Minnesota Pioneer Park

Annandale, (320) 274-9612; hours Tues-Fri 10-4, Sat-Sun 11-4 A visit to Minnesota Pioneer Park is a step back in history to the daily life of a pioneer settler. You will learn about their life, customs, and culture as you tour their many historic buildings and view interesting and rare artifacts. Better yet, make a point of attending one of many summer events which provide a flavor of our pioneer history. www.pioneerpark.org Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Millner Heritage Winery

Kimball, (320) 398-2081; hours Thurs 11-7, F-Sat 11-8, Sun 11-6 Take a day to visit this new, European-style winery offering riding tours of the vineyard, winery tours, and wine tasting. Wine sales by the bottle, plus a gift shop. Nine-acre panoramic courtyard view of grape-producing vines. Stop by during their Grand Opening July 17-19 with daily entertainment! Brand new in the Kimball area and located just 7 miles south of Kimball or 8 miles north of Dassel on MN State Hwy. 15. www.millnerheritage.com Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Forest City Stockade

Forest City; third weekend in August, and first Saturday in December The Forest City Stockade is a reminder of how life was back in 1862. You can tour their historic buildings, with more under construction each year. The Stockade hosts two family-friendly events each year where you can step back in time and enjoy friendly people, delicious food, and many pioneer activities, right in your backyard. www.forestcitystockade.org Wednesday, July 15, 2009

El Rancho Mañana

El Rancho Mañana Richmond, (320) 597-2740 El Rancho Mañana is home to two bluegrass festivals each year, including the largest and most respected bluegrass event in the Upper Midwest, hosted by the Minnesota Bluegrass and Old Time Music Association. El Rancho Mañana is also the perfect place for your family to camp. Every weekend, from Memorial Day through Labor Day, there are planned activities for the whole family, including special themed weekends, and crafts for the kids. www.camperm.com Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Annandale AmericInn Pool

Annandale, (320) 274-3006 Stay a night or swim for the day. Cool off this sumer by taking a dip in our indoor swimming pool. Only $4 for an all-day pass, just don't forget to bring your own towels. Located just down the road on Hwy. 55 in Annandale. Wednesday, July 15, 2009

A Maze'n Farmyard

A Maze'n Farmyard Eden Valley, (320) 453-6901; hours Mon-Sat 10-6, Sun 12-6 Visit the educational hayloft to learn about animals and different aspects of farming. A Maze'n Farmyard features Minnesota's largest permanent maze, a mini-golf course, and so much more. Located just 3 1/2 miles west of Eden Valley on Hwy. 55. www.amazenfarmyard.com Wednesday, July 15, 2009