Minnesota History Museums

Aitkin County Historical Society and Depot Museum Complex

The Aitkin County Historical Society holds two properties:

1. The Depot Museum, a 1916 Northern Pacific Railroad Depot, houses exhibits and artifacts related Aitkin County riverboating and area history.

2. The Log Museum is the former home of the society and was built in 1950 from native cedar logs.  It focuses on the logging history in Aitkin County.

Anoka County History Center and Library

Devoted to the preservation and interpretation of the history of Anoka, Minnesota, the museum features artifacts and historical documents related to local history.  Located at 2135 3rd Avenue in Anoka, MN.

Beltrami County History Center  

[Exhibits]  [Archives]

Housed inside the 1912 James J. Hill Railroad Depot, the museum features exhibits related to the early history of Beltrami County, Minnesota.  There is a large collection of American Indian artifacts included in the museum collections.  The center also operates a research library with local genealogy collections.  Located at 130 Minnesota Avenue SW in Bemidji, MN.

Featuring historical displays related to the history of Benton County, Minnesota, the museum holds a large collection of genealogical items such as naturalization records, old newspapers, plat maps, high school year books and other historical documents.  Located at 218 1st Street North in Sauk Rapids, MN.

Clinton Historic Depot

The historic train depot was built in 1885 for the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad.  The building has been refurbished and today contains a small museum focused on the history of Clinton, Minnesota.  Located at 327 W. 2nd Street in Clinton, MN.

Brown County Museum of History

[Brown County Map of Historic Sites and Monuments]

Housed in the German Renaissance style 1910 Post Office, the museum is dedicated to the preservation, display and interpretation of the history of Brown County, Minnesota.  The museum features antique furniture, household items and other historical artifacts.  There is also a research library on the premises where researchers can browse family files, photographs, and other historical documents.  Located at 2 North Broadway in New Ulm, MN.

Fort Hanaska Historic Site and Park

The historic site features the 1850s Omsrud-Torgrimson log cabin and an old fort site where Fort Hanaska stood in the 1800s to protect settlers from the Sioux Indians.  Archaeological excavations have uncovered artifacts of prehistoric hunting people in this area from 500 BC to 1000 AD.  The entrance to the park is off County Road 11 about 1/2 mile north of County Road 6 near the bottom edge of Brown County.

John Lind Historic House

Sleepy Eye Depot Museum

Wanda Gag House

Located in Moose Lake, Minnesota, the former Soo Line Depot contains exhibits about the history of area railroads.  You will also learn about the 1918 fire, one of Minnesota's worst disasters.

Carver County Historical Museum   [History]

Historic Chippewa City

A glance back to the past is offered at this historical village.  151 Pioneer Drive, Montevideo, MN. 

Olof Swensson Farm

The historic farmhouse was built in 1901 by Olof Swensson.  The property includes a 22 room brick farm house, an 1890s barn, a grist mill and the family cemetery.  Historic farm implements and artifacts are on display.  Located on County Road 6, just outside of Montevideo.

Folsom House Museum

Built in 1855, the house was home to W. H. C. Folsom, the lumber baron.  Now open for tours.  Located at 272 W. Government Street in Taylors Falls, MN.

Gustaf Anderson Historic House in Lindstrom

[History]  [Genealogy Research]  [Historic Photos]

Exhibits tell the history of the Red River Valley and the Clay County area.

Located in the lower level of the Hjemkomst Center at 202 1st Avenue North in Moorhead, MN.

Comstock House

Built in 1882, the house was home to Solomon Comstock who established the First National Bank in Moorhead, MN.  Tours are offered in the restored home with original furnishings.  506 Eighth Street South, in Moorhead, MN.

Hjemkomst Center - Home of the Viking Ship 

Cottonwood County Historical Museum

Featuring a free exhibit hall which chronicles the history of Cottonwood County from the time of the Native Americans through the early 20th century, the Remick Art Gallery and a research library for genealogy research, the museum is located at 812 4th Avenue in Windom, MN.

Crow Wing County Historical Museum

Located in the old Crow Wing County jailhouse, this museum offers exhibits of local history along with research facilities in the lower level.

Dakota City Heritage Village and Museum

Visitors may take a step back in time to the time of early rural life in 1900 Dakota County.  Living history is exhibited on 5 acres containing 22 buildings.  Historic buildings include a train depot, a fire barn, the jailhouse, District 96 one-room-schoolhouse, the Vermillion Presbyterian Church, a bank, a drug store, and more.  Over 7000 historical artifacts related to the history of Dakota City are on display in the Ahlberg Heritage Center.  On the Dakota County Fairgrounds at 4008 220th Street W. in Farmington, MN.

Holz Farm

Holz Farm was settled in the 1870s and remained in the Holz family until 1993.  Today it serves as a living history farm.  Visitors can experience rural farm live as it was in the early days of Eagan, Minnesota.  See the Walking Tour of Holz Farm booklet to learn more about the history of Eagan, Holz Farm and it's many outbuildings.  Located at 4665 Manor Drive in Eagan, MN.

Lawshe Historical Museum

Focused on the history of Dakota County, Minnesota, the museum houses over 25,000 objects, ranging from historical artifacts of early pioneers to relics from the Dakotah peoples who inhabited the area prior to settlement.   A research library is also located on the premises.  Located at 130 Third Avenue North in South Saint Paul, MN.

LeDuc House Historic Site   [Historic Photos]

Constructed in 1865, the home is still being restored.  Tours are offered and rentals are available for weddings an special occasions.  Located at 1629 Vermillion Street in Hastings, MN.

Little Log House Pioneer Village

Featuring a collection of over 45 historical buildings, the village is available for special occasions and events.  Once a year the complex is opened to the public.  At times there are reenactments performed by the Cannon Old West Society. Historical buildings include an old jail, the country saloon, Belle Creek school house, the St. Boniface Church, a train depot, a post office and others.  Located 6 miles south of Hastings, MN on Highway 61 and then east one mile on 220th Street. [Map]

Murphy's Landing Living History Village

Take a step back into Minnesota history when you visit Murphy's Landing.  The park features over 40 historical buildings giving visitors insight into the early settlement of Minnesota with interpreters who are dressed in period style and portraying early settlers.  Located at 2187 East Highway 101 in Shakopee, MI.

[Dodge County History PDF]

Located in Mantorville across from the Dodge County Courthouse, the museum is housed in the old St. John's Episcopal Church.  Built in 1869, the museum contains local historic artifacts along with historical and genealogical research materials.

Mantorville Restoration House

Built in 1856, this historic house has been used as an office for sheriff, treasurer, registrar of deeds and in fact there is a prison cell in the basement.  Furnishings are Civil War era.  Behind the house, you will find an old log cabin built in the late 1850s.  The cabin was home to a cooper and you will find exhibits related to early barrel making.

West Concord Historical Museum

Must call for appointment

(507) 527-2628 or (507) 527-2177.

Visit Harmony's Amish community, the largest "Old Order" Amish community in Minnesota.  2 hour guided tours are offered.  Located in the Sugar Plum House on the Village Green and 45 Main Ave. N in Harmony, MN.

Fillmore County History Center Museum & Genealogy Library

Featuring a large collection of antique agricultural equipment including vintage tractors and early handmade tools, the museum offers a look into the history of farming in Fillmore County, Minnesota.  Other exhibits include rooms furnished in turn-of-the-century style, the Robert Stark log house, and a country school building.  The genealogy library features historical documents and images related to genealogical research. 

As one of the earliest settled counties in Minnesota, Fillmore County is a great place for many of our visitors to begin exploring their personal family histories. Each year hundreds of people from across North America visit our facility to take advantage of the wealth of information available at our history center library in their quest to trace family roots. Many more contact us by email or phone to request mail order copies of our records. Thousands of books, photographs, microfilmed newspapers, as well as county birth, death, and marriage documents, cemetery records, county obituaries, Minnesota and Federal census records, as well as various local sources are searchable at our Genealogy Library.

Located at 202 County Rd 8 in Fountain, MN.

Niagara Cave   [Photos]

One-hour guided tours will allow you to explore cave formations and fossils dated as old as 400 million years old.  Sluice for gems or get married in the Crystal Wedding Chapel!  Located in Harmony, MN.

Freeborn County Historical Museum

The museum includes Pioneer Village which is a collection of historical buildings to remind you of earlier days in Freeborn County.  Some of the buildings are the 1853 Livedalen Log Cabin, the 1872 Village Church, a calaboose (county jail), along with several others.  There is a research library and archives housed inside the museum.

1031 Bridge Street, Albert Lea, MN.

Goodhue County Historical Society and Museum

A place to learn about the history of Goodhue county.  Housed there is a historical museum along with a research library and archives.

Zumbrota Historical Society Museum

A small museum housed inside the former city hall and fire hall building.  It holds the collection of the Zumbrota Area Historical Society and some exhibits related to the history of the Zumbrota, Minnesota area.  It is currently open only on Saturday afternoons or by appointment.  Located at 55 East 3rd Street in Zumbrota, MN. Call 507-732-7333 for appointment.

Grant County Museum and Historical Society

The museum promises to take you back in time to relive the history of Grant County and houses Grant County research materials for the genealogical researcher.

Fort Snelling Round Tower

Eidem Homestead Living History Farm  

[History]  [Family]

Fort Snelling   [1823 Map]

In 1819, the 5th Regiment of U.S. Infantry began construction of the historic fort.  It was completed in 1825 and the early settlement began to thrive, planting crops, building a sawmill, gristmill and building what would eventually become the City of St. Paul, Minnesota.  The fort was used for military purposes until as late as WWII when the fort was finally closed.  The original buildings in the fort were destroyed while making room for progress in the late 1800s early 1900s and today the fort has been preserved as a National Historic Landmark. 

The fort has been restored and offers a living history experience to it's visitors.  Fort Snelling is located at the junction of Minnesota Highways 5 and 55, just one mile east of the Twin Cities International Airport, in St. Paul, MN.

Hennepin History Museum

[George Christian Mansion History]

Focused on the history of early settlement of Hennepin along with exhibits telling the story of the diverse culture of people who reside in Hennepin, MN today.  The museum and the Hennepin County Historical Society are both housed inside the historic George Christian House.  Built in 1919, the house begun as a home to George H. Christian who arrived in Minneapolis in 1866 and helped with the perfection of milling spring wheat, making him a very rich man who retired 1875.  George H. Christian and his immediate family died before his new home was completed and the home was occupied by his descendants.  Visitors will find historical exhibits and the society holds a priceless archival collection.  Located at 2303 Third Avenue South in Minneapolis, MN.

Mill City Museum   [History]

Housed in the historic Washburn A. Mill, the museum details the history of flour milling in Minneapolis, the city known as the "Flour Milling Capital of the World".  Located at 704 South Second Street in Minneapolis, MN.

The Minnesota Air National Guard Museum

The museum boasts a very large collection of Military aircraft including many historically significant aircraft.  Other exhibits include ancillary artifacts, historical documents, photos, manuscripts and books related to the heritage of the Minnesota Air National Guard.  Located at 670 General Miller Drive in St. Paul, MN.  GPS: enter 631 Minuteman Drive in St. Paul, MN.

The museum is housed in the former Hubbard County Courthouse built in 1900.  Exhibits and displays provide the visitor with information about early times in Hubbard County, Minnesota.  Located at 301 Court Avenue in Park Rapids, MN.

Jackson County Historical Society Museum

Along with information on the history of Jackson County, the museum also offers a research and learning center for the family genealogist and historian. Located at 307 N. Hwy 86 in Lakefield, MN 56150.

Operated by the Kanabec County Historical Society, they hold numerous buildings including the main exhibition hall, a reference library, the 1898 Coin School, 1904 Whittier School and 1889 Webster School.  The history center offers visitors a look into the history of Kanabec County, Minnesota.  Located at 805 West Forest Avenue in Mora, MN.

Focused on the early history of Kandiyohi County, the museum houses an old train depot, a Great Northern Steam locomotive, a research center and archives, Native American artifacts, a country school and other historical items of the area.  Located at 610 Hwy 71 NE in Willmar, MN.

Lawson Memorial Archives and Research Center (dead link Feb 2012)

Operated by the Kandiyohi County Historical Society, they offer over 450 linear feet of manuscripts, genealogies, books, photos and periodicals to help visitors with research of genealogy and history.  Located at 610 NE Hwy 71 in Willmar, MN.

Sperry House Museum

Built in 1893 and home to Albert H. and Jennie Sperry, the home is now a museum, depicting turn-of-the-century home life in Kandiyohi County.  The house is located next to the Kandiyohi County Historical Museum at 610 NE Hwy 71 in Willmar, MN.

Lac qui Parle Mission

Focused on the heritage of Lac qui Parle County, the museum features historical artifacts and relics.  Located on South Hwy 75 in Madison, MN.

Lake County History Timeline

Split Rock Lighthouse

This is the original building where the 3M company was founded in 1902.  The building is on the Register of Historic Places and now a museum.  Located at 203 Waterfront Drive in Two Harbors, MN.

Depot Museum

Housed in the 1907 Duluth & Iron Range Railroad headquarters, the museum offers exhibits about Lake County's Paleo-Indians with 10,000 year old artifacts, a chance to learn about the logging and iron ore industries and a movie about the ore trains along with some delightful children's exhibits.  520 South Avenue in Two Harbors, MN.

Split Rock Lighthouse

Built in 1910, the lighthouse has been restored and offers a tour of the lighthouse, fog -signal building and lighthouse keeper's home.  A visitor center has been established and visitors can enjoy a film about the lighthouse with exhibits.  Located on Hwy 61, about 20 miles northeast of Two Harbors, MN.

Two Harbors Lighthouse   [Photos]

Built in 1892, the lighthouse is the oldest operating light station in Minnesota.  The lighthouse museum offers history of the development of Agate Bay and visitors can climb 47 stairs to the tower for a splendid view.  Located in the old Assistant Keepers house is a shipwreck exhibit.  The lighthouse keeper's quarters is now a bed and breakfast. 

The museum houses an art collection which includes works of world renowned artists as well as local artists.  Featured are Swain Silhouettes, work by a local Elysian resident, Earle Swain.  The society is also in charge of an 1869 log cabin and operates a genealogy center.  The museum is inside an 1895 brick schoolhouse located at 301 N.E. 2nd Street, Elysian, MN.

Schoolhouse Museum

The museum  is housed in an 1872 schoolhouse and includes displays of an early church, the first Le Sueur post office, a Green Giant history room and other local history exhibits, along with extensive genealogy files for the northern part of Le Sueur County and is affectionately known as the "Green Giant Archives".  709 North Second St, Le Sueur, MN.

W. W. Mayo House 

This 1859 home was built by Dr. William W. Mayo, founder of the famed Mayo Clinic.  Later owned by the Carson Nesbit Cosgrove family who served as president of the Minnesota Valley Canning Company which became the Green Giant Company in 1950.  The home has been restored and is furnished in 1860 period furnishings.  Visitors will learn about the early years of the Mayo family on the Minnesota frontier and about the Cosgrove family and their Green Giant connections.  118 North Main Street, Le Sueur, MN.

114 North Third Street

Marshall, Minnesota 56258

Learn about early pioneers in Marshall County, Minnesota.  Museum includes a general store, early hotel, Soo Line Railroad Depot, Church, School and Landreville Cabin.  808 East Johnson in Warren, MN.

Pioneer Museum   [History]   [Tour]

The museum is housed in an old Catholic School and houses history exhibits related to the history of Martin County, Minnesota along with a research library.  Located at 304 East Blue Earth Avenue in Fairmont, MN.

Operated by the McLeod County Historical Society, the museum is devoted to the preservation of and display of the history of McLeod County, Minnesota.  In addition to the history museum, the building also houses an extensive document and photograph archives with a genealogy and history library.  380 School Road NW, Hutchinson, MN.

Universal Laboratories Museum
The Universal Laboratories building is the home of the Dassel Area Historical Society. From 1937 to the mid-1970's, Universal Laboratories played an important role in the processing of ergot for use by drug manufacturers. Today the museum tells the story of ergot and includes several other permanent & changing exhibits. It also serves as the local history center, providing valuable resources for genealogical research. Located at 901 1st St N in Dassel, MN.

Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post

The museum features the history and culture of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe with exhibits, and media, a crafts room and a restored 1930 trading post.  Located at 43411 Oodena Drive in Onamia, MN.

Harbors the historic home of Charles A. Lindbergh, Sr. who was father to the famous aviator Charles A. Lindbergh Jr.  Home is located at 1620 Lindbergh Drive S, Little Falls, MN.

Charles A. Weyerhaeuser Memorial Museum  

[Morrison County History]

Dedicated to the preservation and display of the history of Morrison County, Minnesota.  The society offers a research archives and library which contains a large amount of historical documents and photos.  Located at 2151 S. Lindbergh Drive, Little Falls, MN.

Linden Hill Historical Event Center

The Linden Hill Musser Mansion sits on nine acres which overlook the Mississippi River.  All rooms have a view of the Mississippi River or the private grounds which are filled with lovely gardens, charming buildings and historic spaces.  The mansion is available for special events such as weddings or family reunions. The house is a living museum which is opened for tours by the Friends of Linden Hill.  Located at 608 Highland Avenue in Little Falls, MN.

Minnesota Military Museum

Located at Camp Ripley in Little Falls, MN.

Exhibits and displays of the Currie railroad yards along with railroad artifacts and other Murray County historic items are featured in a lovely park setting.  Located at 440 North Mill Street in Currie, MN.

Lake Shetek State Park  [History]

Home to the Shetek Monument where 15 early settlers who died in the 1862 Dakota Conflict are buried.  Several pioneer cabin sites are found inside the park including Duley, Wright, Smith, and Eastlick, however the only cabin surviving is the 1857 Koch Cabin.

Murray County Historical Museum

The museum offers over 10,000 artifacts and a research library for family history research.  Known as the "biggest little museum in Southwest Minnesota".  2480 29th Street, Slayton, MN.

Built in 1871, the Cox House is a fully restored Gothic Italianate house with Victorian furnishings.  Enjoy tours by costumed tour guides.  Located at 500 N. Washington Ave in St. Peter, MN.

Fort Ridgely   [History of Fort Ridgely and New Ulm]

Construction began on the new fort in 1853.  Located near the border of the Dakota Reservation, the fort was put in place to keep peace as settlers came into the former Dakota lands.  The fort was the place of battle between Dakota Indian forces and the Minnesota settlers in 1862 due to the breaking of the 1851 Treaty.

Fort Ridgely Historic Site

72404 County Road 30

Fairfax, MN.

Soderlund Drugstore Museum

The old drugstore pays tribute to early day pharmacies with soda fountains and all the nostalgia which goes along with it.  So authentically kept, this old pharmacy was used by PBS for filming scenes for a documentary about Minnesota's most famous pharmacist, Hubert H. Humphrey.  Located in downtown St. Peter, MN.

Treaty Site History Center

Home to the Nicollet County Historical Society, exhibits tell the story of the 1851 Treaty which altered the fate of Minnesota territory.  The society also offers a research and archives facility.

1851 N. Minnesota Avenue in St. Peter, MN.

The historic home was built in 1882 by Solomon Comstock, a prominent businessman in Moorhead.  The lovely restored home contains original furnishings and is operated by the City of Moorhead.  Visitors are offered guided tours by interpreters.  Located at 206 Eighth Street S. in Moorhead, MN.

Memorial Educational Museum

Housed in the old Congregational Church at the corner of 1st Street East and 2nd Avenue East in Ada, MN, the museum holds many historical treasures from the past of Ada, MN.

Prairie Village

The historic site is a living history museum featuring a one-room schoolhouse, log house, bank, general store, train depot, and other buildings.  Located at the Norman County Fairgrounds on Hwy 200 in Ada, MN.

Red River History Museum

Housed inside the old Shelly School, the museum is a repository for the Norman County Historical Society's military collection along with exhibits dedicated to doctors, schools and old toys.  Located at the corner of 3rd Street and East McKinley Avenue in Shelly, MN.

Twin Valley Heritage Museum

A restored log house and a Depot replica house a museum, art gallery and Tourist Information Center.  Located on Hwy 32 in Twin Valley, MN.

George Stoppel Farmstead on FaceBook

The stone house, barn and out buildings of the George Stoppel family who settled here in 1856, occupied the farm for over 100 years before the farmstead was purchased by the Olmsted History Center in 1976.  Today the barn holds displays of agricultural equipment used by early farmers of Southeastern Minnesota.  Historical site features 420 acres with 3 buildings.  Located at County Hwys. 25 and 122 just outside Rochester, MN.

History Center of Olmsted County

History Center of Olmsted County on FaceBook.

The museum features displays and exhibits related to the history of Rochester, Minnesota and surrounding areas along with a research library. Visitors will find a small cabin of poplar logs which is being preserved as an example of a typical home of the early settler in this area of Minnesota.  Known as Dee Cabin, it is open seasonally as part of the museum tour.  Hadley Schoolhouse has also been relocated to the History Center campus.  The Hadley Valley School was built in 1885 and used as a schoolhouse until 1957. The History Center is located at 1195 West Circle Drive SW in Rochester, MN.

Mayowood Mansion

Dr. Charles H. Mayo, renowned co-founder of the Mayo Clinic, was the creator and occupant of Mayowood Estate in Rochester, Minnesota from 1911-1938.  Sitting on 3000 acres of woods and farming land, Mayowood Mansion, a 38 room house was known as the "Big House" by family members.  This historical home and ten acres of the surrounding estate was donated to the Olmsted County Historical Society in 1965 and today is maintained as it was during the lives of the famous family and serves a museum to remind visitors of the past. The mansion and grounds may be toured and is also available for rental for special events. Located at 3720 Mayowood Road SW in Rochester, MN.

[Historic Photos Database]

Housed in an 1887 historic stone building, the museum portrays the history of East Otter Tail County through interpretive exhibits, photos and displays.  They offer a genealogy lab with some online databases.  Located  at 230 1st Avenue North, Perham, MN.

Otter Tail County Historical Society and Museum  

[Tour Exhibits]

Exploring the past of Otter Tail County with exhibits related to Native American history, European settlement, farm life, and a replica of 1910s Main Street.  Located at 1110 West Lincoln Avenue in Fergus Falls, MN.

Prospect House & Civil War Museum

The Prospect House is a Georgian-style mansion built in 1882 by Cap Colehour.  In 1886, Cap Colehour added an addition to the home and turned it into a seasonal resort called The Prospect Inn which he operated until 1924.  The home was remodeled in 1929 and remains virtually unchanged since that time.  Colehour descendants have inhabited the house continually since 1982.  Today, the lower level of this historic house features the Civil War Museum.  Located at 403 Lake Ave. N (Highway 78) in Battle Lake, MI.

Built in 1899of quartzite stone, it has been restored and is open weekdays.  416 S. Hiawatha Ave., Pipestone, MN.

Pipestone County Museum   [History]  [Archives]

Operated by the Pipestone County Historical Society, the museum is housed in the old City Hall building, found in the historic district.  Along with the history of this county displayed through exhibits in the museum, the society also offers research and houses an archives.  Located at 113 S. Hiawatha Avenue in Pipestone, MN.

Pipestone National Monument

Pipestone is a quarry which has been mined by American Indians for centuries.  The soft red stone is used to make pipes and can only be removed from the area by American Indians.  The National Park Service operates an interpretive center where more can be learned about Pipestone.  Inside the park visitors will find the Upper Midwest Indian Cultural Center where pipe making is demonstrated.  36 Reservation Avenue, Pipestone, MN.

Alexander Ramsey House  [History]

The Ramsey House offers visitors the chance to fade back into the Victorian era.  Featuring docent guided tours, the home is said to be one of the best preserved Victorian homes in the United States.  Once home to Alexander Ramsey - territorial governor and later the Governor of Minnesota, the home was lived in by Ramsey's descendants until it was donated to the Minnesota Historical Society at which time it was turned into a museum.  The Ramsey Carriage House is available for rental.  Located at 265 S. Exchange Street in St. Paul, MN.

The Depot Museum

The museum, housed in an old 1935 Northern Pacific Train depot, is focused on the history of White Bear and includes a research library.  Located in the corner of 4th Street and Hwy 61 in Downtown White Bear Lake, MN.

The Fillebrown House

The lakeside cottage was built in 1879 and was home to the Fillebrown family.  Today, costumed tour guides take you back to the past of White Bear Lake, Minnesota.  Located at the corner of Lake and Morehead Avenue in White Bear Lake, MN.

Gibbs Museum of Pioneer and Dakotah Life

2097 W. Larpenteur Avenue

St. Paul, MN

Minnesota History Center   [Photographs Collection]

Operated by the Minnesota Historical Society, the museum explores the past of Minnesota through exhibits and hands on displays.  The library provides a place to trace your family history or learn more about the history of Minnesota.  345 Kellogg Blvd. W., St. Paul, MN.

Minnesota State Capital

75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

St. Paul, MN 55155

Minnesota Wing Museum

The museum is housed inside an aircraft hangar and features 6 historic aircraft. 

Hangar #3 Fleming Field

310 Airport Road

South St. Paul, MN.

[Wilder Pageant]   [Free Brochures]

[Laura / Nellie Look Alike Contest]

Discover the history of America's beloved Ingalls family in Walnut Grove.  Laura Ingalls Wilder is the author of the Little House on the Prairie series of books.  Located at 330 8th Street in Walnut Grove, MN.

Ingalls Dugout Site

The site is purportedly the place where the Ingalls homesteaded for 3 years.

1862 battle site of the revolt of the Sioux against the early settlers in the area of Fort Ridgely and New Ulm.

Renville County Museum   [History]

The Renville County Historical Society operates a museum complex made up of several buildings: the main exhibit building, 2 1885 country schools, blacksmith shop, machine and tool building, 1869 Scandinavian Lerud log cabin and a church.  Located at 411 North Park Drive in Morton, MN.

The Stans House was built in 1908.  Today the home is a museum operated by the Scott County Historical Society and features Scott County history on display through exhibits and a research center.  235 South Fuller St., Shakopee, MN.

The Sherburne County Historical Society provides exhibits related to the history of Sherburne County along with research facilities for the researcher.  10775 27th Ave SE, Becker, MN.

[History of the Poehler House]  [Genealogy Research]

Housed inside the 1884 August F. Poehler House, the focus of the Sibley County Historical Society Museum is to preserve, collect and relate knowledge about the history of Sibley County, Minnesota.  The Museum does hold a genealogy collection.  Call for an appointment with a research assistant or volunteer to assist you. 507-248-3434.  Located at 700 Main Street in Henderson, MN.

The museum offers 2 floors of exhibits related to the history of Stearns County, Minnesota and includes a research center.  Located at 253 33rd Avenue South in St. Cloud, MN.

This lovely village is operated by the Steele County Historical Society.  Featuring seventeen structures in a village setting, the village is designed to take visitors back in time.  Structures include two log cabins, a railroad station, and a caboose from Steele County dating back to the 1850s.  There is a general store / post office, fire station, a farm machinery building, a blacksmith shop, a country school, the 1868 Dunnell mansion and the St. Wenceslaus of Moravia Church which was built in 1891.  All buildings are furnished according to the time they were built and are connected by a boardwalk.  Visitors will enjoy a personalized tour and experience life was like in the 1800s in the Village of Yesteryear.  New this year, is a $3.3 million History Center.  For those of you interested in historical and genealogical research, there are volunteers to help.  The Village of Yesteryear is located at 1448 Austin Road in Owatonna, MN and the History Center is adjacent to it at 1700 Austin Road.

Operated by the Swift County Historical Society, the museum is focused on the history of Swift County.  Featured artifacts include tools, antiques and other items used by early settlers of the area along with replicas of farms, school, church and a grist mill.  Located at 2135 Minnesota Avenue in Benson, MN.

Along with information on the history of Todd County, the museum also offers a research and learning center for the family genealogist and historian.

333 Central Ave
Long Prairie, MN 56347
Open Wednesdays 11:30 - 6:00p.m.
Thurs and Fridays 11:30 - 4p.m.
Phone: 1-320-732-4426.

Located to the 1886 Courthouse tower, the museum is operated by the Wadena County Historical Society.  The museum features historical artifacts related to the history of Wadena County.  The Genealogy Research Center on the premises holds an extensive collection of books, obits, family histories, photos and other historical documents.  Located at 603 North Jefferson in Wadena, MN.

Afton Historical Museum   [History]  [Photos]

The Afton Museum is housed in the 1868 former Congregational Church building in the historic Village of Afton.  The building has been restored and now offers exhibits related to the history of Afton, MN along with extensive files of photos and records of early area families.  Rugs woven on vintage rug looms are offered for sale.

3165 St. Croix Trail, So, Afton, MN

Boutwells Landing Museum

Located in the Boutwells Landing senior residence community, the museum offers exhibits related to the history of the area.

Cottage Grove Historic Sites

Gammelgarden Museum

Take a step back in time and experience what life was like for early Swedish immigrants to the United States.  Visitors will learn what daily life was like for the Swedish immigrants as they tour the first Swedish settlement in Minnesota.  The museum is a collection of 5 historical buildings which are furnished as they would have been in the mid 1850s.  Located at 20880 Olinda Trail in Scandia, MN.

Hay Lake School and Erickson Log House Museum

[Washington County Schools of the Past]   [Community Histories]

The Hay Lake School was built in 1896 and has been restored, offering tours.  The log house was built in 1868 by Johannes Erickson and was moved to the site by the Washington County Historical Society.  These historic buildings are located at "Historic Corner" just east of the corner of Olinda Trail North and Old Marine Trail, one mile south of Scandia, MN.

Warden's House Museum

Built in 1853, the house was home to the warden of the Minnesota Territorial Prison.  After the prison was moved to Bayport in 1914, it was used as a Deputy Warden home, then the house was sold to the Washington County Historical Society and was opened as a museum in 1941.  The house now serves a place to learn about the history of Washington County.  602 North Main Street, Stillwater, MN.

Cokato Museum

An award winning history museum focused on the history of Cokato and the surrounding area of Wright County.  Located at the corner of 4th Street West and Millard Avenue South in Cokato, Minnesota.

Wright County Heritage Center

Discover the history of Wright County in the WCHS Museum.  They also have a research library with staff to assist you in your research.  Located at 2001 Highway 25 North in Buffalo, MN.

Museum Index for Other States

Minnesota Census Records