Historic buildings and open prairie land provide ample entertainment for the whole family! Visit the Fort for the complete tour—below is a sneak peek of what you will see!
Lysgard Home & Summer Kitchen
Built to raise three daughters in the 1870s, the Lysgard Home and summer kitchen transport visitors back in time! The living room, kitchen, parlor and more offer a glimpse into life in the late 1800s. |
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Delafield Church
Church and religion were important aspects of life in the 1800s. For 126 years this church served the Delafield congregation in Rural Jackson County. Today the church is used for weddings, anniversaries, special events and summer services including Sunday night Word, Worship and Watermelon. |
Grist Mill
The grist mill was a crucial part of life in the 1800s. A water wheel turns wooden gears to stone grind flour and other grains. |
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Sod House
Sod houses were a living option for people in the 1800s. The sod provides great temperature control—the interior is warm in winter and cool in summer. Although the interior of the sod house is small there is room for a bed, table, chimney, and cabinet. |
Stockade & Log Cabin
Eleven Norwegian families survived the Spirit Lake/ Springfield Uprising of 1857 and the Dakota Uprising of 1862. The Norwegian families needed protection for future battles. The hexagonal stockage protected the two-story log cabin. Each family living in the cabin was estimated to be 5-6 members, totaling 55-66 people living in one building. |
Blacksmith Shop
Blacksmithing became one of the first businesses during the 1800s; blacksmiths rode with settlers as they traveled to new locations in case something needed repairs. Blacksmiths were usually big, burley men as the blacksmithing tools were heavy. Blacksmiths made many items including wheels, scythe sharpeners, ice picks, stilts, and hay pulleys. |