In 1882, the citizens of Becker County recognized the need to preserve the history of the community. The result was the Pioneer Settlers Union, a group comprised of many founding residents, who actively worked to preserve the history of their community as it was happening. In 1924, this organization was renamed the Becker County Historical Society.
The Becker County Museum, founded in 1943, was initially housed in the basement of the Becker County Courthouse. Prior to that time, the “collection” was stored in a closet at the Detroit Lakes Public Library. The President of the Board of Trustees held the key!
As the collection grew, there were plans to renovate the old Holmes School building as a museum. However, a fire in 1980 prevented that from happening. In 1989, the Becker County Historical Society purchased the building from Assemblies of God congregation and converted it to the present museum. After more than two decades of fundraising and planning, 2023 has brought us to a new facility. We now share a lobby with the Historic Holmes Theatre.
Our current collection includes over 14,000 photographs and over 20,000 artifacts. With a new facility brought new opportunities. We now have a floor dedicated to learning through play with our Science Center. Admission to the Museum, including the research library, is $10 for adult and $5 for children ages 1-18. Museum Members enjoy free admission to our regular offerings and a discount on Traveling Exhibits. For Membership information, please call the Museum or stop in!
714 Summit Avenue, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 218-847-2938 info@beckercountyhistory.org
*$10 adults/ $5 children ages 1-18
*Members free daily admission, does not include Traveling Exhibits.