September at the Minnesota Discovery Center
Discover, Explore & Connect
September is packed with opportunities to experience the Minnesota Discovery Center (MDC) in a whole new way! From paddling the turquoise waters of Glen Mine Pit Lake and enjoying an elegant evening in support of education to discovering the natural world with a Minnesota author, there is something special happening throughout the month.
Paddle, Sip & Unwind at Glen Mine Pit Lake
September 10 | 5:00–7:30 PM
September 19 | 2:00–4:30 PM
Cost: $40 | Ages 21+ | Limited to 10 participants
Experience the beauty of Glen Mine Pit Lake during a guided paddle with Gary Kaunonen, MDC’s Education, Program, and Recreation Manager and Staff Historical Archaeologist.
Following the one-hour paddle, participants can relax with drinks and a build-your-own charcuterie board and, weather permitting, gather around a lakeside bonfire.
Registration includes a kayak and life jacket rental, shuttle transportation, guided paddle, charcuterie snacks, and beer, wine, or seltzers with a two-drink maximum.
Space is limited to just 10 participants, and this event sold out quickly last year, so early registration is encouraged!
Night of Discovery
Thursday, September 17 | 5:00–9:30 PM
An Evening of Discovery. An Investment in the Future.
MDC’s Second Annual Night of Discovery Gala promises an unforgettable evening of celebration, entertainment, and philanthropy.
Set against the beautiful backdrop of the Minnesota Discovery Center campus, the evening will bring together community leaders, supporters, and friends while raising funds to preserve Iron Range stories and expand educational opportunities for future generations.
Guests will enjoy signature cocktails, raffle packages, exclusive after-hours access to MDC’s exhibits and grounds, and a specially prepared dinner featuring selections such as coffee-rubbed beef tenderloin, steakhouse chicken, parmesan-roasted asparagus, bourbon-glazed carrots, roasted garlic and thyme polenta, and an assortment of desserts.
The evening will also feature live music from Minnesota’s own Sam Miltich & The Clearwater Hot Club from 7:00–9:30 PM.
Proceeds from raffles and donations will benefit MDC’s Discovery Fund, providing financial assistance for field trips, educational programming, summer camps, workshops, and transportation costs.
Cocktail attire is encouraged.
Night of Discovery is more than a gala—it is a celebration of the Iron Range’s past, present, and future. Get Tickets HERE.
Become a Naturalist!
Presentation & Book Signing with Teresa Veraguth
Thursday, September 24 | 5:00–7:30 PM
MDC Theater | FREE
Round out the month with an evening dedicated to nature, discovery, and citizen science!
Author, illustrator, photographer, and educator Teresa Veraguth will share ways families can learn to identify local plants, animals, and fungi using her book, Small Hands Can Help! Minnesota.
Teresa will demonstrate how families can turn time outdoors into an ecological adventure while also explaining how everyday citizen scientists can contribute to environmental conservation through iNaturalist by observing, documenting, and sharing the biodiversity around them.
The evening begins with mingling and free snacks at 5:00 PM, followed by Teresa’s presentation at 6:00 PM and a book signing beginning at 6:45 PM.
Whether you’re interested in Iron Range history, outdoor adventure, supporting education, live music, or exploring the natural world, September is a great time to discover all that the Minnesota Discovery Center has to offer!
Stay Connected for more Chamber Member events on our Chamber Event Page!
