• Kandiyohi County Historical Society and Museum

    Visit us online
    Email: kandhist@msn.com
    320-235-1881

  • Location:

    610 Hwy 71 NE
    Willmar, MN 56201

  • Hours:

    Winter: Monday-Friday 9am-4pm, Summer: Monday-Friday 9am-4pm and Saturday 10am-2pm

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. Open Saturdays 10am-2pm Memorial Day – Labor Day.

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.

General Admission is $5.00, Ages 12 & under are Free and Kandiyohi County Historical Society Members are Free.