Chippewa County MN Historical Society

05/13/2026

🌾 Look what I found at the Swensson Farm today!

Would anyone like to volunteer to recreate this amazing, fun Swensson Family Picnic Table for the Swensson Farm Museum?

We’d love to bring this piece of Swensson history back to life for visitors to enjoy. If you enjoy woodworking, historic restoration, or just love a good hands‑on project, this could be a perfect way to get involved.

If you're interested, comment below or reach out to us at the Chippewa County Historical Society.
Email: [email protected]
Let’s make something special together.

05/13/2026

🚒🇳🇴 The Milan Firetruck Is Off to Syttende Mai!

A huge thank‑you to Bob and Diane Berven for helping move the historic Milan Firetruck back to Milan, MN for the Syttende Mai Celebration — Norway’s “Seventeenth of May” holiday honoring Norwegian heritage and community pride.

Thanks to their time, care, and teamwork, the firetruck is safely transported and ready to shine in the parade!

📅 Parade & Festivities: Saturday, May 16, 2026
📍 Milan, Minnesota
🎉 Celebrate Syttende Mai with history, heritage, and hometown spirit

05/12/2026

📅✨ Our Updated 2026 Calendar of Events Is Here!
There’s so much to look forward to at Historic Chippewa City this year, and we’re excited to share our updated 2026 Calendar of Events with you. From family favorites to hands‑on history days, special programs, and seasonal celebrations, there’s something for everyone in the village.

Whether you’re planning a summer outing, bringing the kids for an adventure, or looking for a unique community event, this year’s lineup is full of reasons to stop by and explore.

📍 Historic Chippewa City – Montevideo, MN
🌞 Open all summer long
👨‍👩‍👧 Perfect for families, visitors, and history lovers

Take a look, mark your calendars, and get ready for a year full of stories, smiles, and community fun.

05/08/2026

🌟 Kids in the Community Day at the Chippewa County Historical Society
What an incredible Kids in the Community Day at Historic Chippewa City and the Swensson Farm Museum!

Students spent the day helping us rake the grounds, clean windows, pick up sticks and branches, move light machinery into place, and plant flowers to brighten the village for the season. Their hard work and enthusiasm made a huge impact on our historic sites.

We are so grateful to the teachers, chaperones, and especially the students who rolled up their sleeves and helped care for these special places. Your efforts help preserve our local history and keep our sites looking beautiful for all who visit.

A heartfelt thank‑you as well to our dedicated volunteers who guided projects, supported students, and kept everything running smoothly throughout the day.

We appreciate every one of you — and we’re already looking forward to next year’s Kids in the Community Day.

05/08/2026

05/08/2026

Thank you for an incredible Heritage Week 2026!
We were honored to welcome 18 schools, over 750 students, and more than 180 teachers and chaperones to Historic Chippewa City this week. Your energy, curiosity, and enthusiasm brought the village to life.

A huge thank‑you as well to our 30+ volunteers each day who kept stations running, shared their knowledge, and helped create meaningful hands‑on experiences for every student.

Heritage Week is only possible because of this amazing community. We appreciate each and every one of you.

04/30/2026

Looking for something fun to do May 5th, 6th, or 7th? We have a few volunteer opportunities available. 9a-1p

Do you like fashion and sewing? The Millinery Shop is open for volunteers on Tuesday, May 5 and Thursday, May 7.

Students will have an opportunity to write a letter to someone at Luther Haven or the VA in the Post Office. We are looking for a volunteer to demonstrate/assist students on Wednesday, May 6th from 9a-1p

We are also looking for a someone to help with the Laundry demonstration on Tuesday, May 5th and Thursday, May 7th from 9a-1p

Our community is preparing to celebrate Heritage Week, a three‑day event honoring the diverse cultural traditions, histories, and stories that have shaped Chippewa County. This year’s celebration will take place on May 5th, 6th, and 7th, and we are reaching out to invite you to participate as a ...

12/30/2025

🌟 Thank you, Montevideo Chamber of Commerce! 🌟

A huge thank‑you to the Montevideo Chamber of Commerce for your continued support and for bringing our community together in such meaningful ways. Your dedication to local businesses truly shines—especially during events that celebrate the spirit of the season.

We’re also excited to share that the Chippewa County Historical Society was awarded 3rd place in the Montevideo Business Christmas Lights Contest! What a fun way to spread holiday cheer and showcase the creativity in our community.

12/16/2025

https://youtu.be/9nvlkyhhfG4?si=z0pWuAsSimRZcxFO

Skinkleberryfarmer

Great Video! Camping and Hiking at the Lac qui Parle State Park

Late November cabin camping in western Minnesota. Lots of cooking, hiking, campfires, a beautiful sunset, and the largest cottonwood tree in Minnesota. ...

12/11/2025

🎄✨ Thank You! ✨🎄

What a magical weekend at Christmas in the Village! We are filled with gratitude for everyone who helped make this tradition so special:

Visitors – your joy and holiday spirit brought Historic Chippewa City to life.

Volunteers – your time, energy, and dedication created the magic behind the scenes.

Vendors – your creativity, delicious treats, and unique crafts added warmth and cheer.

Together, you made this year’s celebration unforgettable. With festive music, Santa, sweet treats, and our whimsical Candyland theme, every moment was brighter because of YOU. ❤️

🌟 A special shout-out to the kids who did a fantastic job decorating our tree—you made it sparkle with holiday magic! 🎄✨

📸✨ Enjoy the Festive Pictures and relive the magic! ✨📸 Feel free to share your photos or tag the Chippewa County Historical Society so we can see your holiday memories too! 🎄

🛍️ And don’t forget—many of the items can be purchased in the CCHS Gift Shop. Come get your last-minute gifts and stocking stuffers! 🎁✨

From all of us at the Chippewa County Historical Society—Have a Great Holiday Season! 🌟🎄