NW Metro Museums and Historical Societies

Welcome to the rich tapestry of the Twin Cities Northwest Metro’s past! The NW Metro area, encompassing vibrant communities from Rockford to Elk River, is not just a hub of modern living but also a treasure trove of history. The local museums and historical societies play a pivotal role in preserving the unique heritage of this region.

Anoka County Historical Society

The Anoka County Historical Society is located in the city of Anoka and has an artifact collection, manuscripts and an oral history collection. The have over 2000 square feet of exhibit space and extensive online digital exhibits as well.

Winter Hours: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday (10am – 4 pm)

2135 Third Ave N
Anoka, MN 55303

https://anokacountyhistory.org

Brooklyn Park History

The Brooklyn Historical Society is mission is to research, preserve, and provide access to historical information about Brooklyn Township – the predecessor of Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park MN. More information on Brooklyn Park History can be found here.

Historic Eidem Farm

The Historic Eidem Farm is a 19 acre living history site that highlights life on the farm during the 1905-1920. Open Spring – Fall you can get close up to farm animals, take a hay ride, and tour the farm house. They have many family fun events during the year.

4345 101^st Ave N
Brooklyn Park, MN 55443
763-493-4604

Elk River History

The Elk River Heritage Preservation Commission has the role of reviewing and and makes recommendations to the City Council on issues pertaining to the historical, archaeological, engineering, and cultural heritage of the community.

Elk River Historic Walking Tour

Oliver Kelley Farm

The Oliver Kelley Farm is located in Elk River off of Hwy 10 and is run by the Minnesota Historical Society and is an 1860’s working farm where you can meet the animals and help “work on the farm”.

https://www.mnhs.org/kelleyfarm/activities/farmstead

Hanover Historical Society

The Hanover Historical Society’s mission “is to identify, preserve, and disseminate knowledge about the history of Hanover through collections, preservation, distribution of historical information, as well as advocate for preservation of historic buildings, monuments and markers.” Their events calendar can be found on their Facebook Page.

1010 River Rd NE
Hanover MN

https://www.hanoverhistoricalsociety.org

Hanover is also known for their Historic Bridge, bridge number 92366, was built in 1885 and is the second oldest Pratt truss bridges in Minnesota. It is currently a pedestrian bridge connect Wright and Hennepin counties.

Maple Grove History Museum

The Museum is open the Second Sunday of every month 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Their website includes links to research on the history of Maple Grove and photos.

https://www.maplegrovemnhistory.org

South Driveway
9030 Forestview Ln N
Maple Grove, MN 55369
763-494-5983

There are additional historical sites throughout Maple Grove including the Pierre Bottineau House – the first wood-framed house built in Maple Grove in 1854. The restored Pierre Bottineau house is located Near the chalet in Elm Creek Park Reserve: 12400 James Deane Parkway, Maple Grove, MN and is managed by the Three Rivers Park district.

Plymouth History Center

The Plymouth MN History Center is located in Plymouth’s old town hall and includes research records detailing Plymouth and local area history. Appointments for research are not necessary but are encouraged.

The museum is free and open to the public 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, and the first Saturday of every month.

View their site here

3605 Fernbrook Lane N.
Plymouth MN
763-509-5229 

Rockford Area Historical Society

The website of the Rockford Area Historical Society is full of photos and historical information about the city of Rockford MN. The Historical Society is currently located in the Ames-Florida-Stork House on the East Bank of the Crow River. Tours are available by appointment.

131 Bridge St
Rockford MN 55373
763-477-5383

View their website here

Rogers/Hassan Historical Society

The Rogers Hassan Historical Society is a Non-Profit Educational Association that collects, preserves, and interprets the history of Rogers, Hassan Township, Fletcher and surrounding areas in Hennepin County, MN. Open house dates can be found on their facebook page.

25000 Hassan Parkway
Rogers MN 55374

Henry’s Woods is another Historic Rogers Site and Park with over 50 acres of the original MN Big Woods. The Red Sugar Shack was used by the Henry family for maple syrup production and was originally located at their farmstead on the other side of Brockton Lane.

Possibly the most recognized symbol of Rogers; the round barn. The picturesque red round barn was built by a family of barrel makers in the early 1900’s, using the same design principles. The round barn is best seen from Hassan Parkway near Park Drive.

St Michael Historical Society

The purpose of the St Michael Historical Society is Collecting, Preserving, and Sharing the history of St. Michael, MN. Their website provides photos of historical St Michael MN, and links to research for early local families on Familysearch.com. They can be found online at the link below.

11800 Town Center Dr
St Michael, MN 55376
763-416-7967

https://www.saintmichaelhistory.org

Sherburne County Historical Society

Did you know that Sherburne County is named after Moses Sherburne, an early Minnesota politician? The Sherburne county Historical Society is located in the Sherburne History Center in Becker MN. There is a research library available by appointment only. Current exhibits include “Life on the Edge” about the history of Sherburne County, and outdoor exhibits at the Oak Savanna County Park. Current online digital exhibits can be found here.

10775 27th Ave SE,
Becker, MN 55308
763-261-4433

https://www.sherburnehistorycenter.org

Wright County Historical Society

Nestled along Hwy 25 in Buffalo, MN, the Wright County Historical Society and Museum invites visitors to step back in time and explore Wright County history. Open from Tuesday through Saturday, the museum offers a fascinating journey through its historic buildings, comprehensive research library, and engaging exhibits.

Current highlights in the Main Gallery include “Six Feet Under,” an exhibit that gives insight into the historical practices surrounding death and dying in Wright County, and an exhibit dedicated to the life and legacy of Hubert Humphrey. The grounds are also home to several historic buildings, open seasonally from spring to fall.

Their website includes online research resources, and you can view the current digital exhibit Resorts of Wright County.

2001 Highway 25 North
Buffalo, MN  55313
763-682-7323

https://www.wrighthistory.org

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a new resident, or someone interested in the deeper stories of our area, these organizations offer a window into the history that has shaped our communities today.