HISTORY CENTER IS OPEN – MASKS ARE REQUIRED
Before you visit, please read our latest operations update.
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.
HOURS
Temporary Hours
Thursday | 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
Friday | 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
Saturday | 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
Closed Sunday-Wednesday
ADMISSION
$6.00 | Adults
$5.00 | Seniors 65 years +
$4.00 | Child age 5-17
NCHS members visit for free.
TOURS & FIELD TRIPS
Learners of all ages will explore the striking exhibits and landmarks along the Traverse des Sioux Historic Site.
Educators can learn more about field trips here.
ACCESSIBILITY
NCHS welcomes all visitors. We recognize the diverse needs of our audience and strive to offer accessible programming to enable all visitors to explore our museum. You can learn more here.
ON PERMANENT DISPLAY
1851 Treaty of Traverse des Sioux
The Treaty Site History Center’s permanent exhibit interprets the 1851 Treaty of Traverse des Sioux…
ALSO ON DISPLAY
Fort Ridgely
Although only open for fourteen years, Fort Ridgely drastically impacted the State of Minnesota and…
Educational Excellence: Saint Peter School District 508
Put on your saddle shoes and lace up your PF Flyers to take this stroll…
ATTEND AN EVENT
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT THE MUSUEM
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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
