Treaty Site History Center

Treaty Site History Center Home to the Nicollet County Historical Society. 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, that 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. The Treaty Site also takes a look at local agriculture, business, geology, and much more in its rotating exhibits featuring Nicollet County history.

We are closed today. Regular hours resume on Saturday from 10:00 am-4:00 pm.
06/19/2026

We are closed today. Regular hours resume on Saturday from 10:00 am-4:00 pm.

We are closing at 1:00 PM today due to a staffing shortage and an issue with our air conditioning. 🥵 We are very sorry f...
06/10/2026

We are closing at 1:00 PM today due to a staffing shortage and an issue with our air conditioning. 🥵 We are very sorry for any inconvenience.

History is multi-layered, and the legacy of the 1851 Treaty of Traverse des Sioux carries immense weight for our communi...
06/07/2026

History is multi-layered, and the legacy of the 1851 Treaty of Traverse des Sioux carries immense weight for our community and the region.

While local media coverage helps share that these guided exhibit tours are happening, our goal at the Treaty Site History Center is to move beyond standard narratives. These tours are designed to confront difficult truths and bring forward a more honest, critical understanding of the treaty and its consequences.

Read the Mankato Free Press feature below for details on the exhibit's schedule, and please join us by registering for an upcoming tour to experience this vital work firsthand.

https://www.mankatofreepress.com/news/lifestyles/nicollet-county-historical-society-offering-opportunities/article_977be8bd-a44c-428e-bebd-b4d101b4e3da.html

We are closing at 2:30 p.m. today due to a staffing shortage. We are very sorry for any inconvenience.
05/01/2026

We are closing at 2:30 p.m. today due to a staffing shortage. We are very sorry for any inconvenience.

03/17/2026

🚨 We are closed today due to a staffing shortage. We plan to reopen tomorrow, Wednesday, March 18. Staff are working from home and are reachable by email. We apologize for the inconvenience.

03/11/2026
🌨️ WEATHER ANNOUNCEMENT We are closing at 12:00 PM today due to worsening weather and driving conditions to ensure the s...
02/28/2026

🌨️ WEATHER ANNOUNCEMENT
We are closing at 12:00 PM today due to worsening weather and driving conditions to ensure the safety of our staff and volunteers. Please stay safe!

02/18/2026

Due to the No Travel Advisory issued by MnDOT, we are closing early today. Stay safe, everyone.

01/21/2026

We will close at 2:00 PM today due to worsening weather and driving conditions to ensure the safety of our staff and volunteers. The staff will work remotely for the rest of the day. Please stay safe!

Address

1851 N Minnesota Avenue
Saint Peter, MN
56082

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

(507) 934-2160

Website

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