Historical Map 1850s printed in 1931 (this map available in frame for $180 + tax)
Redwood County was first established in 1862 and is one of the largest counties in southern Minnesota with 555,474 acres, 26 townships, 874 square miles and approximately 14,000 for population. At one time there was nearly 150 lakes. The Redwood River starts in Lyon County, bisects Redwood County and empties into the Minnesota River at North Redwood.
Steamboat travel started on the Minnesota river in 1850 from St. Paul and reached Redwood County in 1853. The “Tiger” steamboat made a wrong turn into a small lake and became stranded. Because of this it was dismantled, thus the name Tiger Lake just east of Redwood Falls. Riverside was the fore runner of North Redwood, which was down river just a half mile, but it was plagued by flooding. Steamboat traffic ended when the M & St. L. railroad came to North Redwood in 1884.
The famous retailer Sears was started there in 1886 by Richard Sears, the North Redwood Depot agent. Sears closed nationwide in 2022.
The Chicago and North Western railroad came to the southern part of the county in 1878. The northern part was served in 1884. In 1899 it reached from Sanborn to Vesta, and the last one built was from Evan through Wabasso eventually reaching all the way to Marshall, MN by 1901. Passenger traffic ended in 1960 and the last freight delivered to Redwood Falls was in 1978.
At one time there were 16 towns and 116 school districts in the county with a one room schoolhouse for each. Number 53 from SW of Delhi was moved, intact, behind the Redwood County Museum and is open for glimpses into our county’s past. The oldest building still in use, which is the Old Lower Sioux Agency Stone Warehouse, was built in 1861 about 8 miles east of Redwood Falls. It was the site of the Sioux Uprising on August 18th, 1862.
The first sawmill was on the Redwood River at the Falls, built in 1855 by the United States Government. Redwood Falls was founded by Col. Sam McPhail in 1864 and had the name of Ft. Hilmer for a short time. The first courthouse, made of wood, was built in 1873. It was replaced in 1891 with a brick one, with additions in 1963, 1967, and 1970. It was demolished in 2022.
Open Memorial Day to Labor Day
Wednesday thru Sunday, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Open Holidays and By Appointment Only
For Guided Tours & Appointments Call: 507-641-3329
Open Memorial Day
Open 4th of July
Open Labor Day (Last Day of Season)
When closed please call Scott Larson 507-430-5781 or Rick Morris 507-430-2146 or Chad Kamolz 507-430-1172. For Gilfillan tours and camping and pavilion or other events call Lindsey at 507-430-2686.
