Welcome To Crosslake Log Village
The Historic Log Village is located at 35404 County Rd 3 in Crosslake, MN across from the Pine River Dam and the Crosslake Recreation Area Campground. The Village awaits your presence as you step back in the time amongst our preserved, well-loved buildings that reflect the rich history of our area. Come and visit our beautiful, quaint village and experience first-hand how people lived and worked in this area years ago! Handicap Accessible.
SELF GUIDED TOUR
PLAN A VISIT
HOURS OF OPERATION
Open Saturdays and Sundays Memorial Day through Labor Day from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM and for special events.
SCHEDULE A GROUP TOUR
Want a more in-depth tour? We offer personal or group tours for your classroom or family. Please contact us if you would like to arrange a tour.
EXPLORE THE LOG VILLAGE
STEP BACK IN TIME
Come and experience life in Crosslake during the late 1800s to the early 1900s when the logging industry was at its peak and the area flourished. As you enter the Village you’ll discover how early settlers lived and worked by witnessing firsthand their way of life.
VISITOR CENTER
The Visitors Center, which was part of an early resort, was donated and moved to the Historic Log Village in May of 2017. It has been renovated and restored to greet visitors and serve as a gift shop.
GENERAL STORE
The General Store was built by the Historical Society in 1998 as a replica of the 1904 Crosslake Store. Many of the contents on its shelves came from Lumbertown at Maddens Resort.
HORSE DRAWN SCHOOL BUS SLEIGH
The horse drawn school bus sleigh was used to carry the children of five families to the school in Pequot Lakes.
IDEAL TOWNSHIP SCHOOL
The original Ideal Township School was built in 1897, donated to the Historical Society, moved to the Village, and restored in 1994. Children love to sit in the desks and pretend they are attending school as students did 100 years ago.
OSTLUND HOMESTEAD
The Ostlund homestead was built in 1882 by Swedish immigrants, August, and Margaret Ostlund. The home was obtained by the Village in 1986 when it was discovered and saved from a practice burn by the Crosslake Fire Department.
LIVERY
The Livery was built in 2006 and contains photos of early Crosslake, Native American artifacts, early construction tools and farm implements. It also provides space for educational series and learning opportunities.
WHITEFISH CHAIN MAILBOAT
The Mail Boat is a 1949 Chris Craft and was used as a mail boat to deliver mail to Whitefish Chain residents’ docks from 1949 to 1969.
LOGGERS CAMP
The Logger’s Camp was built in the 1880s by Rufas Heath and moved to the Village. It depicts the rugged existence of the logger’s daily winter work on a small scale. It houses many tools and implements used in the industry.
WATER TOWER
Old wooden water towers were used to store water for the steam locomotives and for use in icing logging trails for transporting logs.
DUFFY’S TAVERN
The building that is Duffy’s Tavern is furnished as a replica of an early Saloon that would have been a welcome retreat for loggers.
TOURIST CABIN
The Jack Pine cottage is a typical representation of an early resort cabin at the beginning of the tourist industry that flourished following the decline of the logging era.
BLACKSMITH SHOP
The Blacksmith Shop was essential to our early loggers and settlers. This replica showcases the metal working skills and tools of the day. It houses a working forge that is used by visiting blacksmiths demonstrating their skills during special events.
TOWN HALL
Built in 1923, the original Watertown Township Town Hall was the center of local government until 1950. It was donated to the Historical Society by Nathalie Swann, moved to the Village in 1979 and it was the first building in the Village collection.
SELF GUIDED TOUR
Stories narrated by early settlers will guide you through the Historic Log Village. Hear how residents in the early 1900s dwelled and struggled without the necessities we take for granted today.
EVENTS
Things To Do
Scavenger Hunt, Geo cache, Olde Time photos, Tours, Back Porch series, and Educational presentations.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Check here for a list of current events including the Back Porch Series of educational programs and other special activities.
View Galleries of Crosslake Log Village
The Crosslake Historic Log Village is a busy place! Shown are some of the many activities you can participate in if you get the opportunity to visit!
“Such a fun experience! It was so fun to see the historical artifacts! The kids really enjoyed the scavenger hunt! Definitely a must see!” Kristin – North Liberty, Iowa
SUPPORT CROSSLAKE LOG VILLAGE
ABOUT CROSSLAKE LOG VILLAGE
The Crosslake Area Historical Society maintains the Historic Log Village in Crosslake. Each building contains exhibits to depict the industries and daily life of early Crosslake, Minnesota.
“Nice place to have a walk as well as see the local history.”
Peter – White Bear Lake, Minnesota
