September 8, 2026 (Glenwood, MN) — Rolling Forks Vineyards will serve as an official host location for the Bell Museum’s annual Statewide Star Party on Sept. 18, 2026. The free, public event combines night sky observation, hands-on science activities, and agritourism in Pope County, Minnesota.
This year’s statewide theme highlights Ursa Minor, commonly known as the Little Dipper, which is Minnesota’s official state constellation. The program aims to connect rural communities with accessible astronomy education and local viticulture.
The Friday evening event features guided telescope viewing led by representatives from the Bell Museum, Minnesota’s official natural history museum. Attendees of all ages can participate in family-friendly activities, including building paper cup planetariums, crafting star-inspired bead bracelets, and learning about the cultural connections to northern constellations.
“Partnering with the Bell Museum allows us to offer our community a unique educational experience in an outdoor setting,” said Melanie Cihlar, owner at Rolling Forks Vineyards. “Our mission is about connecting people with the local landscape, and extending that connection to the night sky provides a distinct learning opportunity for families in western Minnesota.”
Event Schedule and Details:
- Date: Friday, Sept. 18, 2026
- Time: 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Drop-in attendance)
- Location: Rolling Forks Vineyards, 21505 Selnes Rd, Glenwood, MN 56334
- Cost: Free and open to the public; no prior registration or personal telescopes required
- Weather Policy: The event will take place rain or shine. Indoor educational crafts and activities will proceed inside the tasting room in the event of cloud cover or rain.
Participants will receive complimentary educational materials provided by the Bell Museum, including a special edition Minnesota star map, an activity pencil, and a museum admission pass.
Rolling Forks Vineyards is one of more than 20 locations across Minnesota participating in the three-day astronomical celebration, which draws thousands of residents annually to observe the northern night skies.
About Rolling Forks Vineyards
Located in Glenwood, Minnesota, Rolling Forks Vineyards is a farm winery specializing in cold-climate viticulture and agritourism. Situated overlooking Lake Minnewaska, the vineyard produces estate-grown wines adapted to Upper Midwest growing conditions and offers public events, educational programming, and private gatherings. For more information, visit rollingforksvineyards.com.
About the Bell Museum
The Bell Museum is Minnesota’s official natural history museum and planetarium, established by the state legislature in 1872. Part of the University of Minnesota’s College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences, the museum aims to ignite curiosity and connection to nature and the universe through scientific research, public programs, and exhibitions.
