TREATY SITE HISTORY CENTER

The Treaty Site History Center is the headquarters of the Nicollet County Historical Society. A county museum and more, the site’s exhibits explore the fascinating history of Nicollet County and Minnesota’s territorial expansion.

During your visit to the Treaty Site History Center, you will explore the stories of Nicollet County’s first inhabitants- the Dakota people, explorers, traders, and settlers. The interaction between these people laid the historical groundwork for the signing of the 1851 Treaty of Traverse des Sioux, signed here in July of 1851, which ceded 24 million acres of Dakota land to the U.S. government and opened the land to new settlers and westward expansion.

Once settlers began pouring into Nicollet County, fur trading was replaced by farming and soon little villages became bustling towns with booming businesses. At the history center, visitors also learn about local agriculture, business, geology, and much more in its rotating exhibits featuring Nicollet County history.

Details

SHADOWS AT THE CROSSING: SPIRITS OF OLD TRAVERSE DES SIOUX

Traverse des Sioux

October 1, 2021 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Join us for the return of this popular and informative guided after-dark outdoor walking tour!…
Details

SHADOWS AT THE CROSSING: SPIRITS OF OLD TRAVERSE DES SIOUX

Traverse des Sioux

October 2, 2021 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Join us for the return of this popular and informative guided after-dark outdoor walking tour!…

Great stop along the scenic Minnesota River Valley. Come for the fascinating exhibits and leave with a great lesson learned. Really a great place for the whole family!
Jeff Brand
Very interesting place! We love taking the kids here!
Heather Redinius Tollefson
Nicollet County Historical Society and the Treaty Site museum offer such fine opportunities to learn about our State’s history–and to enjoy both the natural beauty of the Minnesota River Valley and the fine sites preserved. From the Traverse des Sioux crossing, the development of the cone-flower and monarda plantings at the Treaty Rock site, to the sparkling St. Julien House, and the exceptional Fort Ridgely site, the NCHS’s care, guardianship, and preservation of these many places is exceptional. I have not had the opportunity to visit the Harkin Store yet (I have driven by many times over the years–and hope to visit this upcoming season).
Corinne L. Monjeau-Marz, Author and Scholar
A visit to the modern and well-planned center is an ideal portal into study of the Dakota uprising of 1862. From there, travelers can visit the Traverse des Sioux historic site in the history center’s backyard.
Minneapolis Star Tribune
This is another of those out of the way places that you’re glad you visited…
Stephanie Groton, Connecticut
A great place to get to your local history. I highly recommend going!
Jay Freeman
View the beauty of “women’s work” before or after reading how politicians and entrepreneurs broke every treaty made at Travers des Sioux.
Betty J. Hagenbrock via Facebook
I had a wonderful experience working with Ruth via email. She was knowledgeable, friendly and went above and beyond answering my questions. Also very quick responses! Thank you!
Ruth Brittain via Facebook