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    Waseca County Historical Society

    4.0 (1 review)

    Waseca County Historical Society Photos

    Recommended Reviews - Waseca County Historical Society

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    Betsy-Tacy Museum - Betsy's House!

    Betsy-Tacy Museum

    4.5(2 reviews)
    25.5 mi

    Literary tourism is a wonderful hobby. It gives you an excuse to travel to far-flung and…read morelittle-visited spots, not to mention buying unusual souvenirs. In the past, it's motivated me to visit Cambridge, England and Savannah, Georgia. (If you can guess the authors that motivated those trips, you will win a free subscription to my Yelp reviews.) So, when my daughter suggested touring the home of the writer of the Betsy-Tacy books, which we both read and re-read avidly in our girlhoods, of course the answer was yes. Anyone who's read these books knows the story of a life-long friendship between two girls and the realistic depictions of their life growing up in the early 1900's in a small Midwestern town (Deep Valley in the books, Mankato irl.) Not only does the author accurately depict life at that time, she also describes the emotional dynamics and situations of childhood and adolescence in a timeless way. Mankato is about 1 1/2 hours by car from Minneapolis where I was staying. The drive is lovely, especially in fall: maples and sumac in red and orange, cattails waving in the wind. And when you get to your destination, Betsy's house right across the street from Tacy's house, you are rewarded with the sensation that "It's just like in the books!". Aside from the sheer pleasure of visiting an actual early-20th century home which has been beautifully restored, if you are a fan of Maud Hart Lovelace's books, you will have the unique opportunity of seeing many of the familiar settings and items described in her books. As with many authors of fiction, Ms. Lovelace was heavily inspired by her own life but adapted details as needed. However, she had a strong devotion to depicting her hometown as authentically as possible and it shows. You will find many familiar landmarks on the map provided by the museum. If you are a Betsy-Tacy fan, and even if you're not, it's worth a trip to Mankato if only to see a lovely Midwestern small town and a beautifully restored home. Am I over-enthused because I'm a Betsy-Tacy fan? If so, let's just say it's like "Betsy In Spite of Herself." If you want to know why, find out more here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betsy-Tacy and here http://www.betsy-tacysociety.org.

    The childhood home of author Maud Hart Lovelace is the fabulous Betsy-Tacy Museum. A wonderful…read moreliterary pilgrimage!

    Photos
    Betsy-Tacy Museum
    Betsy-Tacy Museum - Betsy's House

    Betsy's House

    Betsy-Tacy Museum - Tacy's House

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    Tacy's House

    Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum

    Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum

    5.0(2 reviews)
    61.5 mi

    This was a total hidden gem. We stumbled upon this lovely museum because our roadside app told us…read moreabout some wood carvings of the 3 Stooges on the corner. I spotted "Laura Ingalls Wilder" on the church sign next to Mo and dragged hubby over. This church is now a museum. Almanzo Wilder and his family moved to Spring Valley from New York. Laura and Almanzo lived here in 1890 and attended this church which the Wilder family helped finance. Very interesting collection of photos and momentos from this time. Admission also includes either a one or 2 hour tour. We had only 20 minutes and the young guide did a great job hitting all the key items. We also rushed through the local history section which was also very unique. Don't miss the white wolf, 1950s perm machine or the medical kit from the "Lady Doctor" who was certified to practice medicine in 1838!

    This is one of the best historical museums in Minnesota if not the nation and compares favorably…read morewith the best museums I've visited around the world. It covers the history of Spring Valley and its environs from before 5,000 BC to the present, focusing on the Wilder family and the history of this area during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Frankly, I could simply not believe depth and breath of the exhibits here when I recently visited for the first time. I learned many interesting, why-did-I-not-know-this facts. The Wilder family, for example, made a sizeable contribution for the construction of the Methodist church in which the museum is located. Almonzo Wilder, who married Laura Ingalls, had a childhood friend named Richard Sears, who went on to found Sears with his partner, Alvah Roebuck. And, it really surprised me to learn that Dr. Henry Plummer, the Mayo brothers' right hand man, graduated from Spring Valley High School. There is much, much more. If you want to learn about Minnesota, visit this place and skip the State Fair this year.

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    Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum
    Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum

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    SPAM Museum - 07.06.25 The Flying Pig

    SPAM Museum

    4.6(219 reviews)
    38.7 mi

    No foolin', I took my family to the Spam Museum on April 1 for a fun day trip to Austin. I feel it…read morehas to be a write a passage as a homegrown Minnesotan to experience the Spam Museum once in your life. This free museum is right in the heart of downtown Austin and offers a fun little escape from cruddy weather outside or just to step into something historically and culturally unique in our world. I mean, a whole museum dedicated to canned meat? Weird! You can tell that a lot of creativity and thoughtful care went into the design and creation of this museum. So many bright and fun exhibits, there is not a corner left untouched. Lots of unique, hands-on opportunities for kids as well as some very cool historical offerings make this a great place for all ages. All of the exhibits are of high quality and very thought out. After your visit, you might just be inspired to stop at the grocery store afterwards and try your hand at "spiced canned ham" or in other words SPAM!

    This is a cool, kitschy road trip-type of stop that is amusing and fun. Plus, it's totally free to…read moreenter, though there is a gift shop packed with branded goods to tempt your pocketbook! The museum is located right in downtown Austin. The lot immediately behind the museum is small but there is abundant other parking around. I didn't notice any meters or paid parking. A stop at the friendly front desk clerk helped us to get the layout. Everything is on the first floor, which is level. Many exhibits are located along wide aisles, though there are some cubbies such as in the international area. The museum guides visitors through the history of Spam, where it is found around the world and what the flavors are (the commercials are delightfully cheesy), and how it is made. World War II is quite a focus in the history section. There are interactive screens placed at an accessible low level for kids and wheelchair users that share quizzes and trivia. As we wandered through, an employee came through with samples speared on pretzel sticks. We got to try smoked Spam and maple Spam. The gift shop was a good final stop. This would be a great place to get a gag or white elephant gift. I collect smashed pennies, and I was happy to find a machine in the gift shop.

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    SPAM Museum - 07.06.25

    07.06.25

    SPAM Museum - 07.06.25

    07.06.25

    SPAM Museum - Another inside photo op

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    Another inside photo op

    Owatonna Arts Center

    Owatonna Arts Center

    4.7(3 reviews)
    13.2 mi

    What a delightful find in Owatonna! The Arts Center is connected to the Minnesota State Home for…read moreOrphaned and Neglected Children Museum, so it was nice to be able to see both organizations in one stop. The artwork is varied and beautiful. We enjoyed a temporary bronze exhibit before moving onto galleries that had work for sale. Between paintings and textile wallhangings, there was something for everything to be inspired by and enjoy looking at. Of particular interest was a ceiling mural in the library. There are so many images and vignettes to discover. The transition area between the Arts Center and Museum was the State Home's dining area. The black-and-white tile floor is still there and gorgeous stained glass panels are along the walls. This was an enjoyable stop during my time in Owatonna. I will return the next time I am in town.

    The Owatonna Arts Center is a wonderful place that doesn't get the attention it deserves, It's…read morelocated in the West Hills area among the stately old buildings scattered across the immaculately maintained grounds, The exhibit area has recently moved to a new addition, but the interior still holds true to the classic old look. Each month the subject of the largest exhibit area changes. It's currently one artist's tribute to the farm women of southern Minnesota, all based on meeting and observing them. I grew up on a farm and a lot of these images ring true. Many of them remind me so much of people I knew. There's also a small room that replicates an old Englishman's library or den. As you tip your head back you see that the upper walls and ceiling are an incredible mural. It probably won't take more than an hour to see everything, but you'll enjoy it. The surrounding West Hills area is beautiful. They are open every afternoon except Monday and the admission is free.

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    Owatonna Arts Center
    Owatonna Arts Center
    Owatonna Arts Center

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    Waseca County Historical Society - museums - Updated May 2026

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