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 26 townships, 555,474 acres, 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 remained stranded and 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 railroads came into the southern part of the country in 1873 and to Redwood Falls in 1878. The northern part was served in 1884. In 1899, it reached from Sanborn to Vesta, and the last one from Evan through Wabasso and on to Marshall came in 1901. At one time there were 116 school districts in this county.
There are 16 cities in the county, more than most. The oldest building still in use was built in 1861, the Old Agency Stone House, about 8 miles east of Redwood Falls. It is the site of the Sioux Uprising in 1862.
The first saw mill was on the Redwood River at the Falls, built in 1855 by the United State Government. The first courthouse (wood), was built in 1873 and replaced in 1891 with the present brick one, with additions in 1963, 1967 and 1970 and the other floors remodeled thereafter.
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
