douglas county historical society

The Douglas county Historical Society is a must see if you enjoy digging into the history of the Alexandria and Lakes area. Once the home of Knute Nelson, Minnesota governor, then Senator, Norwegian immigrant and Civil War veteran, the house he lived in has been restored and furnished with antiques, some that were once originally in the house. The tour guide is knowledgable and upstairs rooms hold exhibits of military history, schools, and local interest.The lowest level of the house contains a research library with genealogy files on area families, local history files history files on hundreds of businesses an topics, and researchers to help with your search.

This museum has some of the best Native American items I have ever seen. The Runestone itself is surpassed by the story it tells of very early visitors to our area. One can cannot doubt it's authenticity. However, some "experts" do not want to believe it because the history books would then have to be changed. Instead of Columbus discovering America, it would be Ole discovering America. The main stream historians are not ready for that.

wonderful exhibits, great gegeology resourse library. Location is easy to find.