Sherburne County Heritage Center Interpretive Plan Final Report 2005

Home Browse Search

Theme 2: Being on the edge where three ecological land types meet enabled easy transportation and access to natural resources and economic resources. Subtheme 2.2. Trails, roads, and rails developed in the corridor along the edge of the Mississippi River, prairie, pine forest, and deciduous forest. Contemporary Visitor Relevance 1. Red River ox cart trail and transportation history scored 4.2 or third highest among all subject categories among members in the audience survey. 2. This exhibit component design will combine the desire in the young family segment of the Intercept survey and in Stakeholder and Audience Segment Conversations to have interactivity and a magnet experience with a subject of high interest for members and Audience Segment Conversation participants. 3. Some visitors will be interested in linking their everyday activity of driving on Highway 10 with a historic transportation route. Desired Learner Outcomes 1. Some visitors will apply the information in the orientation panel by spatially and conceptually organizing their visit. (cognitive) 2. Some visitors will recall that a major Red River Ox Cart Trail route came through Sherburne County very close to the Heritage Center. (cognitive) 3. Some visitors will demonstrate their ability to read a photo for the information it contains and explain the major trade patterns of the Red River Ox Cart Trail. (cognitive) 4. Some visitors will enjoy themselves and recall their experience by standing in the cart and having their photo taken. (affective) 5. Some visitors will recall that the Red River Ox Cart Trail set the stage for future transportation developments along the corridor. (cognitive) 6. Some visitors will be able to recall that the ox carts were the first major form of long- distance overland transportation in Minnesota. (cognitive) Visitor Experience The covered outdoor kiosk will be located between the parking lot, the Heritage Center, and an outdoor approach to the trails. While the approach, outer apron for the kiosk, and walk in front of interpretive panels should be concrete sidewalk, the floor within the kiosk should be the typical fine sand of the area, and the pathway that connects to the trails in the rear of the building should be crushed limestone, woodchips, or material similar to the pathways. The canopy supports may be constructed from tamarack or similar timbers. The canopy and pad would have to be long enough to contain a cart and tongue and faux animal, approximately ten feet wide and fifteen feet long. Be sure the angle of the kiosk and exhibits within are arranged so that a photo can be taken from the side, through the kiosk and into the woods/savanna/etc. without a modern structure in the background. Visitors will be drawn to the kiosk by a reproduction Red River Ox Cart attached to a very accurately created fiberglass (or other material) ox. The ox should be no larger than a typical Red River oxa steer about 700-500 pounds. While Red River oxen varied in coloration, I recommend painting it like a " lineback"-- dark reddish brown or black with a white stripe down its back and, tail, and under its belly (similar to Kelley Farm lineback cattle, only Sherburne County Historical Society Heritage Center Interpretive Plan, April 21, 2005, page 12