Peterson Station Museum | Lanesboro

Peterson Station Museum – In Detail

The Peterson Station Museum, located in Peterson, Minnesota, is a preserved and repurposed 19th-century railroad depot that today serves both as a historical museum and as the town’s visitor center. It’s a small but rich cultural hub deeply intertwined with the heritage of the town, especially its Norwegian immigrant roots, the role of the railroad, and the evolution of life in the Driftless Region of southeastern Minnesota.

Historical Overview

Originally constructed in 1877, the depot served the Southern Minnesota Railroad, later part of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul line. During its operational years, the train station connected Peterson to larger rail hubs and helped shape the town’s agricultural and mercantile economy. It was pivotal in the shipment of local goods-especially grain, dairy, and lumber-and in bringing settlers, materials, and ideas into the region.

By the mid-20th century, with the decline of rail use for small-town transport, the depot was abandoned. In the early 1970s, it was salvaged by local resident and historian John Erickson, who, with the help of community volunteers, relocated the structure and began restoring it as a museum. The building was refurbished and opened to the public as a historical site in 1974.

The Building and Its Features

The building retains its original railroad architecture-a wood-frame structure with large eaves, a wide overhang for shelter, traditional clapboard siding, and a long, narrow floor plan typical of small-town depots. Inside, several original features have been preserved or replicated:

Ticket windows

Waiting benches

Rail maps and timetables

Station signs and lanterns

These period details offer visitors a tangible sense of 19th-century rural rail travel.

Museum Exhibits

The exhibits at the Peterson Station Museum reflect multiple layers of the community's history:

Norwegian Settlement Artifacts: Clothing, household items, and documents from the Norwegian immigrants who settled the area in the mid-to-late 1800s.

Agricultural Equipment and Tools: Illustrating the shift from hand farming to mechanized agriculture over the decades.

Railroad Memorabilia: Including uniforms, communication devices, lanterns, rail spikes, and photos from Peterson’s railway heyday.

Local Business Histories: Artifacts and stories from early 20th-century stores, grain elevators, schools, and churches.

Genealogy Archive: A quiet corner of the museum is devoted to local family histories, maps, and records-a valuable resource for descendants tracing roots.

Visitor Center and Trailhead Function

The museum also functions as Peterson’s main visitor center, providing:

Trail maps and regional brochures

Information on local dining, lodging, and events

Rest areas and seating for Root River Trail users

The depot is located just off the Root River State Trail, a popular 42-mile multi-use path that winds through the scenic bluffs and valleys of southeastern Minnesota. Cyclists and hikers often stop at the museum for a rest, making it a key community touchpoint for tourism.

Seasonality and Access

Seasonal Operation: Open mid-May through mid-October

Typical Hours:

Friday–Saturday: 10 AM – 3 PM

Sunday: 12 PM – 3 PM

Admission: Free, with suggested donations supporting maintenance and operations

Facilities: Restrooms, bike racks, picnic tables, and a Little Free Library are available on site

Community Role and Legacy

Beyond its historical and functional purposes, the Peterson Station Museum has become a symbol of local pride. Its transformation from a disused structure into a carefully preserved cultural site was entirely community-driven. Locals contributed not only materials and money but also time and personal collections.

Recent renovations, including a 2022 expansion, were supported by local fundraising and volunteer labor, with help from the Sentenced to Serve program. This reaffirmed the museum's role as a living expression of Peterson’s enduring civic spirit.

Special Events

The museum often plays a role in regional and town events, especially during:

Gammel Dag Festival: Celebrating Scandinavian heritage with music, crafts, and food

Seasonal Tours and Group Visits

Trail User Days: Coordinated with local trail tourism

During these times, special exhibitions may be unveiled, or interpreters may be on-site to provide deeper storytelling and context.

Conclusion

The Peterson Station Museum is more than a static exhibit-it's a living archive of Peterson’s collective memory. For those interested in railroad history, Norwegian-American settlement, or simply experiencing the charm of Minnesota’s Driftless Area, the museum offers a quiet, authentic, and welcoming experience. Its location on the Root River Trail makes it an ideal place for reflection and reconnection, blending nature, history, and small-town hospitality in one preserved landmark.