Minnesota Historia: Unearthing the Unexpected in Season 4
From whispered tales of Bigfoot in the north woods to the very real legacy of Judy Garland in Grand Rapids, Minnesota holds stories you might not expect. Join us for Season 4 of Minnesota Historia as we investigate our state’s surprising encounters with the legendary, celebrate the spirit of the voyageurs, and ask what makes the Laurentian Divide so special. Get ready to discover a new side of Minnesota history!
Premieres in June 2025
Episode 1: Minnesota’s Voyageurs
Minnesota Historia counts down the Top 10 voyageur statues in northern Minnesota. Along the way, we learn why our state is so fascinated by these colorful figures, who worked as the long-haul truckers of the fur trade.
Episode 2: Bronko Nagurski
Bronko Nagurski is celebrated in International Falls with his own museum and a giant statue. He’s considered one of the greatest football players who ever lived. And the Car Talk guys mentioned his mellifluous name every chance they got. But what did he think about all this attention?
Episode 3: Bigfoot in Minnesota
Minnesota Historia attends the fifth annual Minnesota Bigfoot Conference in Grand Rapids to learn more about our state’s surprising history with the legendary creature. From the Seven Grandfathers Teachings to the She-Squatchers, our love for Bigfoot runs deep.
Episode 4: Minnesota’s Own Judy Garland
Judy Garland is known around the world for her role in The Wizard of Oz. But few know about her life in Minnesota. Minnesota Historia visits the Judy Garland Museum in her hometown of Grand Rapids to
explore her childhood and return visits to the state.
Episode 5: The Leif Erikson Viking Ship
Minnesota Historia talks to 107-year-old Lilly Haldorson, who remembers the day the Leif Erikson sailed into Duluth’s Harbor in 1927. The ship was named for the famous Viking explorer. But her captain, Gerhard Folgero, was an unforgettable character in his own right.
Episode 6: What Do You Do with a Laurentian Divide?
The Laurentian Divide is a continental divide that crosses some of Minnesota’s most stunning landscapes. But what do you do with such a geographical gem? Do you mine it? Or do you ski it? Or do you build a tourist attraction on top of it? (The answer is all three.)
Bonus Tip: For an extra dose of Minnesota history goodness, check out the PBS North social media pages for exclusive behind-the-scenes content. Let the exploration continue!
Minnesota Historia seasons 1, 2 & 3 are streaming now on YouTube and the PBS App.