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Discover the rich history of west central Minnesota by visiting the various historical centers in Kandiyohi County. The Kandiyohi County Historical Center, located on North Business Highway 71 in Willmar, features a museum, a one-room school, a log shed, and a Great Northern locomotive. The center is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Admission is $5 for ages 12 and above. Guided tours of the Sperry House, built by Willmar pioneers in 1893, are available on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Labor Day. Private tours can be arranged by appointment during the week. The Guri Endreson site is located on County Road 5 and offers guided tours by appointment. Visitors may pick up maps of historical sites at the Center or contact their email at kandhist@msn.com, call 320-235-1881, or check out their Facebook page at @kandihistory for more information.
Other notable historical centers in the region include the Atwater Area Historical Society and Museum, located at 500 Pleasant Avenue West, open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon or by appointment, and the Norway Lake Lutheran Historical Association, located off of County Road 40 at 9601 195th Ave NW. The Norway Lake Log Church, a replica of the first church established in 1868, is open on Saturdays from June 17 to August 12, except for July 1st from 7 to 9 p.m., with a Vespers service at 7:15 p.m. Visitors are invited to join in a little lunch after. Private tours are available by appointment by calling 651-734-3107 or 320-905-1539. The Raptor Ridge Natural History Museum, located at 212050 Co. Rd. 40 NE in Spicer, features collections of butterflies, seashells, rocks, minerals, Indian artifacts, and dinosaur bones collected by Larry and Barb Levin. Admission is free, and visitors can call 320-354-8820 for hours.
The Lac qui Parle History Center in Madison houses a vast collection of artifacts, exhibits, and research library on the county’s history. It also includes a large collection of dolls, wildlife and plants, military, and 22 individual exhibits on the county’s township. The center is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. from May through October. Other notable historical sites affiliated with the Lac qui Parle County Historical Society include Meeker County Museum & Research Library in Litchfield and Chippewa County Historical Society in Montevideo, which includes Chippewa City, Swensson Farm Museum, and Lac qui Parle Mission. Private tours can be arranged by appointment.
The Minnesota Machinery Museum in Hanley Falls is open from May 15 through Sept. 15, Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The museum features antique machinery and offers a Good Old Days and Threshing Show in August. The Milwaukee Road Heritage Center in Montevideo is open for tours on Saturdays and Sundays from June 17 through Sept. 4. They also offer an annual craft, vendor, antique, and collectibles sale. Lastly, the Paynesville Historical Museum houses exhibits such as Indian artifacts, personal and household items, agriculture, and a one-room schoolhouse. The museum is open from June 1 through Labor Day, Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Visiting any of these historical centers is an excellent opportunity for history buffs to learn about the rich, cultural heritage of west central Minnesota.
