Minnesota Historical Society
Ever wonder the culture and history of Minnesota? Where did it start, who are the first people to live in here? What did they do at that time for us to have what we have now? What is the story behind each and every place and landmarks in the state?
Minnesota has numerous historical places and museums. Most of these are open to the public that people of Minnesota can take advantage of during their free time. Most of us are only granted a day or two as our rest day from work the rest of the week is spend in the office and most of the time we come home late. No time left to spend with our family or do the household chores unless you decided to do it during your rest day from work. But how about the time for your family? It is about time to hire a cleaning lady to handle those household chores for you and spend your time with your family. Instead of spending your rest day cleaning your house. We all know that maintaining the cleanliness of your home is very important but quality time for your family is a must as well to keep your family ties close. You can get a maid service from trusted companies at a very reasonable price. When you hire a professional cleaner you get to do more things than the usual. You can do other important things and bond with your family and the best part is that you can go home and experience the quality cleaning giving you that fresh and brand new feeling when you enter your home. So don’t be bothered by household chores go ahead and hire someone to do the house cleaning and enjoy your rest day with your family and friends. You can explore these beautiful places in Minnesota and know more about the city, its history, and your history as well. Minnesota Historical Society is a nonprofit cultural and educational institution dedicated to preserving the history of Minnesota. Founded in 1849, almost one decade before statehood by the territorial legislature. Its headquarters is in the Minnesota History Center located in downtown, Saint Paul. It has a collection of maps, historical artifacts, books, archaeological items, photographs, manuscripts, government records, moving image items, paintings, prints, and drawings. There were 26 out of 31 historic sites and museums that are operated by The Minnesota Historical Society are open to the public.
Here are the sites and locations:
Alexander Ramsey House - St. Paul
Birch Coulee Battlefield - Morton, Charles Lindbergh House and Museum
Charles A. Lindbergh State Park
Comstock House - Moorhead,
Folsom House - Taylors Falls
Forest History Center - Grand Rapids
Fort Renville - Lac qui Parle State Park
Fort Ridgely - Fort Ridgely State Park
Grand Mound - International Falls
Harkin Store - New Ulm
Historic Forestville - Forestville Mystery Cave State Park,
Historic Fort Snelling - Fort Snelling State Park
James J. Hill House - St. Paul
Jeffers Petroglyphs - Jeffers
Lac qui Parle Mission - Montevideo
Lower Sioux Agency - Lower Sioux Indian Reservation
Marine Mill - Marine on St. Croix, Mill City Museum - Minneapolis
Mille Lacs Indian Museum - Mille Lacs Indian, Reservation,
Minnehaha Depot - Minneapolis, Minnesota History Center - St. Paul
Minnesota State Capitol - St. Paul
Morrison Mounds - Battle Lake
Oliver Kelley Farm - Elk River
Sibley Historic Site - Mendota
Snake River Fur Post - Pine City
Split Rock Lighthouse - Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, Stumne Mounds - Pine City
Traverse des Sioux - St. Peter
Upper Sioux Agency - Upper Sioux Agency State Park
W.W. Mayo House - Le Sueur.
You can visit these locations depending on when is the opening and closing time. Some of these sites are closed to public access due to preservation.
Here are the five sites:
Fort Renville was named after the French-Dakota trader Joseph Renville, it is said to be a trading post and is a place that reminds the people that the fur trade culture somehow existed in Minnesota. Its actual location is said to be ruined because of the dam that creates Lac qui Parle.
Grand Mound is a burial ground with thousands of human remains still interred there. The mound is approximately 25 feet in height and is located along the Rainy River. There are also fishing sites and ancient villages that are 2000 years old.
Morrison Mounds has 22 Indian burial mounds that are located north of Battle Lake, Minnesota, It is said to be built in 800 B.C. This site has the oldest radiocarbon date but the construction is similar to other mound groups in the area like the logs over the burial pit, possibility of partial cremation, and central burial pit.
Stumne Mounds is located in Pine City that was established in 1881. The city promotes its historical significance and tourism, there are a lot of places to go and activities you can enjoy such as canoeing and fishing in the snake river. It also has 12 parks that you can visit such as Robinson Park, Voyageur Park, St. Croix State Park, Banning State Park, and Chengwatana State Forest. You can also play golf at the Pine City Country Club.
Upper Sioux Agency or also known as the "Yellow Medicine Agency" is located in the Upper Sioux Agency State Park. You can do camping here for just $15 to $19 per day. The park is 1,280 acres that were established in 1963. There are numerous activities that you can do here such as hiking. cross skiing, kayaking, fishing, and many more.
The Minnesota Historical Society has a lot to offer and you can certainly enjoy your vacation because those 26 historical places are open to the public and there are numerous activities and adventure such as going to the parks, museum, historic houses, and grand views. You can also go shopping and know more about the culture and history of Minnesota.
Its fun to travel during spring break compared to staying at home. There are places you can visit like the Mill City Museum that is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota History Center in Saint Paul, Split Rock Lighthouse near two harbors, and Forest History Center which is in Grand Rapids. You can learn and be productive while having fun at the same time.
There are two historic houses that really caught my attention. From the exterior and interior designs to the floor plan and how was space maximized and the amenities also the uniqueness of the structure.
James J. Hill House - it is a 36,000 square feet mansion that is considered as the largest house in Saint Paul. It was built and completed in 1891 by James J. Hill. Its exterior is made up of rugged stone with fine detail and massive scale. The mansion consists of five bedrooms, twenty-two fireplaces, sixteen chandeliers, and thirteen bathrooms. It has almost 100 feet long reception area. During Hill’s time, he had a lot of servants that is the main reason why he built this 42-room mansion to accommodate all his servants and have a room for all of them.
Alexander Ramsey House - the first house was built in 1850 but the mansion was built between the years of 1868 to 1872. The mansion was owned by the Alexander and Anna Ramsey and they lived there together with their 4 children. Alexander became the governor of Minnesota and served the United States Senate for 4 years. It became a home for three generations of the Ramsey family.
Now, it is time for you to create your bucket list and start exploring the beauty of the culture and history of Minnesota.