These 6 Historic Villages In Minnesota Will Transport You Into A Different Time
×
Jo Magliocco
Author
Visiting a history museum can be interesting, but it’s way more fun, not to mention rare, to be able to experience history playing out in front of you. In Minnesota, there are some amazing villages where you take a trip into the past, and learn about the history of our state and its residents in an exciting, interactive way. We found 6 in particular that offer the most well-rounded experiences and are definitely worth a visit!
Advertisement
On the Dakota County Fairgrounds, you can find a 1900-era agricultural village and museum. Twenty-two buildings, including an operational blacksmith shop, newspaper office, train depot and family home are on the site, which was modeled after the real town of Dakota City, platted in 1859 on the south bank of the Vermillion River, which was relocated a mile and a half away and had its name changed to Farmington. They have a variety of living history events held throughout the year.
Advertisement
In Owatonna, part of the fairgrounds are home to a pioneer village that has a wide variety of historic structures and museum buildings. Between May 1st and Sept 30th you can go on tours of the village for $5 or less, and take a trip back in time.
Advertisement
In Albert Lea, the Freeborn County Village is an adorable place to visit with buildings like a log cabin, general store, telephone office, blacksmith shop, woodworking shop, post office, and church. It is the perfect place to spend a day exploring, especially since the museum has been recently renovated!
Related Stories
These 8 Unbelievable Ruins In Minnesota Will Transport You To The Past
These 17 Photos of Minnesota In The 1950s Are Mesmerizing
9 Shocking Things You Had No Idea Happened In Minnesota
Advertisement
The Landing – Minnesota River Heritage Park in Shakopee is a Three Rivers Park District museum with historical buildings laid out in a timeline, interactive tours, and live history events. One of the best is Folkways of the Holidays every December which features live music and horse-drawn trolley rides.
Advertisement
In Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park you can take tours or explore this amazing pioneer town. When the railroad bypassed the town in 1868, many of the townspeople and businesses left. Thomas Meighen owned the general store and by 1899 employed everyone left in the village and rented them houses. Look through the eyes of the Meighen family and learn about the hardships faced by a town experiencing economic and population decline.
Advertisement
Sylvia and Steve Bauer's combined talent for restoration and antiquing were the creative force behind what is now a village of 45 restored buildings, a replica of the Hastings Spiral Bridge, and a beautiful 40,000-square-foot garden in rural Hastings. The village is only open to the public once a year for their Annual Little Log House Antique Power Show (July 29-31st, 2016 - Mark your calendars!) but is available to rent for private events like weddings, receptions, parties, corporate functions, and professional photography sessions.
Have you ever been to any of these villages? What was your favorite building, or your favorite part of history of experience?
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.