The Jay C. Hormel Nature Center will host two free events next week that mix education and entertainment.

At 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 11, Roger Hellesvig will host “Immigrant Tales,” a re-enactment of Norwegian immigrants. Playing the pioneer Ole Oleson, Hellesvig will discuss the way of life of the early immigrants and show examples of the few possessions they carried.

There is no charge for the program.

On Thursday, July 12, Native American storyteller and musician Keith Bear will perform three concerts. The first is the Summer Senior Special Concert, which will run from 9 to 9:30 and provide coffee and cookies. The family and children’s concert will take place at 1:30 p.m. Finally, the evening concert, which will be geared toward adults, is open to children, too.

According to the Nature Center’s website, Bear, of the Mandan and Hidatsa peoples, weaves story, song, history and personal reflection into a presentation that enchants all ages. During his performance, Bear plays flutes that he made himself.

Mirroring the dignity and spiritual wisdom of his ancestors, Bear works to inspire reverence for the Earth and our relatives, gratitude for the diversity of human experience and appreciation for the beauty of traditional Native American songs and stories shared for hundreds of years.

Each concert is free, but the Nature Center asks guests to RSVP by Wednesday at jchnatur@smig.net or by calling 507-437-7519.