Otter Tail County Historical Society is located Fergus Falls, Minnesota in the heart of west central Minnesota. We are the official county historical society and collect the history of the entire county. Otter Tail County Historical Society is a private, nonprofit organization whose purpose is the collection, preservation and interpretation of Otter Tail County's history and heritage. This is achieved through a variety of services including the Society's exhibit gallery, educational outreach program, special public programs, archival and object collections, and a genealogical and local history research library. The development of these services had made the Society an active partner in the educational and cultural life of Otter Tail County. Otter Tail County Historical Society was organized on July 31, 1927, at a gathering at Amor Park. For decades the Society was headquartered in the basement of the county courthouse. In 1972, Underwood native, John Gronner, lead a county-wide capital fund drive which resulted in a new museum. Ten years later another drive provided funds to add an agriculture wing. Many volunteer hours have gone into making the Society what it is today. Local artist, Charles Beck, designed and implemented the installation of many exhibits that continue to tell the history of Otter Tail County. Our library has grown because of the generous donations of time and funds. A financial contribution made in honor of Samuel P. Adams continues to sustain the library and archives. Volunteer hours donated by many volunteers including Ann Smalley Jordan, for whom the archives was named on May 22, 2004, have and continue to increase our holdings. Our educational programs started in 1979 when our first educator, Judy Stringer, put together our first education kit. In 2002 we celebrated our 75th Anniversary with the completion of a site improvement project which almost doubled our parking lot, made a bus drop-off and handicap accessible ramp as well as provided better drainage away from the building. We are currently trying to raise $100, 000 for our Technology Fund. This fund will provide a regular source of revenue for computer upgrades and improvements. Please consider making a donation to this fund.
Website: otchs.org
Phone: (218) 736-6038
Cross Streets: Near the intersection of W Lincoln Ave and 4th Ave
Closed now
- Sat 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
1110 W Lincoln Ave Fergus Falls, MN 56537-1093 ·1027.69 mi
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Amenities
- Family friendly
Reviews
tripadvisor
The museum is interesting right from the parking lot. Three unique bike racks provide a place to park your bike. For those who wish to bike, traffic can be heavy especially if you are coming from the west. Those interested in agricultural history and old farm equipment have 50-60% of the museum to explore. Visitors can learn about farming challenges in a small theater. The remainder of the museum includes a large Native American diorama. This was my favorite part of the museum. In the Native American section, pull out the cabinet drawers to see more items. In the drawers, you may find moccasins and arrowheads. Other exhibits include various types of businesses from the 1800's-early 1900's. The museum has a large git shop at the entrance with many books and other items.
MoreWe loved the museum and it took us over an hour to go through it. There is an entry fee, which was fine. Amazing information about the tornado that hit the town!
MoreEntertaining and learning history at the same time. Came for the tornado lecture and slides. Stayed to see the exhibits.
MoreFantastic little museum providing a wealth of history for the local town. Very rarely find something of this caliber in a small town. Very much enjoyed being there and learning all that we did.
MoreThey reveal an amazing history of this back country of Minnesota. Native American influences, pioneer life, environmental information, animal life, the fur trade are all understandably explained.
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