We hope you can join us in celebrating America at 250!

Did you know that the United States is 250 years old this year? So to honor that anniversary, the Kandiyohi County Historical Society will be offering free admission this entire year! We hope you are able to visit us during 2026.

The Kandiyohi County Historical Society will be hosting a traveling exhibit from American Battlefield Trust and Daughters of the American Revolution from July 7 – July 17 in their museum gallery called “The American Revolution Experience: Traveling Exhibit.”
The innovative pop-up exhibition includes display panels and interactive digital kiosks that use storytelling, illustration, technology and unique artifacts and primary accounts to connect modern audiences with the people and places that shaped the birth of our nation. The traveling exhibit includes 12 panels highlighting thematic connections between profiled individuals and three interactive kiosks that connect to the full digital biographies, provide documentary context on the Revolutionary War and offer information on how to visit the places tied to these individuals today. Both online and on-site, the American Revolution Experience features custom illustrations by South Carolina-based artist Dale Watson. The exhibit also draws from documents and objects in DAR’s collection, as well as the Trust’s industry leading digital interpretation resources.

Exhibit Hours:
Tuesday, July 7 from 9am-4pm
Wednesday, July 8 from 9am-8pm
Thursday, July 9 from 9am-8pm
Friday, July 10 from 9am-4pm
Saturday, July 11 from 10am-3pm
Monday, July 13 from 9am-8pm
Tuesday, July 14 from 9am-4pm
Wednesday, July 15 from 9am-8pm
Thursday, July 16 from 9am-8pm
Friday, July 17 from 9am-4pm

Go to the Events Calendar to find Kandiyohi County Historical Society events.

NEW EXHIBITS FOR 2026
We have been busy this winter and spring creating new exhibits in our museum gallery. The KCHS has so many items in its collection is it always good to rotate different items out. We changed four areas in the museum gallery to America 250 Items, Signs, Music, and Racing.

The KCHS Story
The Kandiyohi County Historical Society was incorporated in 1940 under its current name, but had existed as the Old Settlers Association since 1897. KCHS was specifically incorporated to “discover, preserve and share the story of Kandiyohi County and its people.”

The museum complex consists of six buildings across from Foot Lake in Willmar, MN: our main museum and research library, District #18 Schoolhouse, Engine #2523, Sperry House, Grandpa’s Shed and an agriculture building.

The main museum contains an exhibit area and research library. The main entry is the former Kandiyohi Great Northern Railway railroad station depot. The research library contains many resources for local and family history. The exhibit area features different displays: Civil War, Willmar 8, transportation, railroad and other exhibits that relate to Kandiyohi County history.

District #18 Schoolhouse built in 1880 brings back to life the one room schoolhouse. It was moved to the museum grounds in 1971.

Great Northern class P-2 Mountain (4-8-2) #2523 is a survivor of the steam engines acquired by the Great Northern Railway to speed up mainline passenger service. Number 2523 is the last of 28 locomotives built for the Great Northern by the Baldwin Locomotive Works. It was built in 1923 and retired in 1958. It was placed at the museum grounds on permanent display in October 1965. *Please Note: There is no longer a fence around the Engine so you are able to tour it whenever you like.

The Sperry House was built in 1893 by Albert and Jennie Sperry. Albert H. Sperry was a pioneer settler, Civil War soldier, farmer and businessman. This Victorian farmhouse showcases a glimpse into turn of the century life in Kandiyohi County.

Grandpa’s Shed built between 1905 and 1910 by Judge G.E. Qvale on Eagle Lake as a playhouse. It later became a guest cottage. It was moved to the museum grounds in 1971. Currently, it exhibits outdoor life in Kandiyohi County.

The Agriculture Building showcases the many tools and equipment used over the years in Kandiyohi County.

The Kandiyohi County Historical Society also has a log cabin off site near Solomon Lake, north of Willmar. The Guri Endreson Cabin was built by Lars and Guri Endreson in 1858. One of the few buildings still standing that has strong historical links to the events of the U.S. Dakota War of 1862.

The Kandiyohi County Historical Society research library is open Monday-Friday from 9am-4pm. Our volunteers and staff can assist with research.
Their gift shop is open for online orders and donations.

Museum Summer Hours:
Monday-Friday 9am-4pm
Saturday 10am-2pm
Sunday Closed

Endreson Cabin Hours:
Saturday & Sunday 9am-4pm

Sperry House Hours:
Temporarily Closed for Renovations