FamilySearch is perhaps the best source in the world for free access to records of genealogical value. You will need to open an account. It’s free. Explore familysearch.org to find Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, census, and other records. You can enter your ancestral findings into Family Tree.
Most of your research can be done at home. Some records may be restricted by the archivists. Restricted records are often accessible by visiting a FamilySearch Affiliate Library, such as the Delano Public Library (all Great River Regional Libraries), or a FamilySearch Center (which is in an LDS Church building). Click on FamilySearch locations and zoom in.