Preserving Minnesota’s Lake Heritage for generations past and present
By Dylan Kinny, MLR Development Coordinator
At Minnesota Lakes and Rivers we talk a lot about the state’s lake heritage. We all have a general idea of what that means to us. It differs whether you grew up on a lake, own a cabin, or just spent time fishing off the dock as a kid. Those memories are unique, they don’t happen everywhere. They’re Minnesota’s unifying quality.
The Legacy of the Lakes Museum documents decades of this shared heritage and displays it for young and old; year-round resident or snow bird; environmentalists, fishers, or boaters. MLR Program Coordinator Lily Carr and I had the pleasure of visiting the Museum for the first time on October 15th, and it was well worth the drive to Alexandria.
We originally connected with the Museum by chance. One of their staff members reached out to me via email, and after a call we started to connect over various similarities. We both have small dedicated teams of 4, we’re both nonprofits focused on preservation and education, and both are dedicated to celebrating Minnesota’s lake heritage and protecting the resources that made it possible: our lakes and rivers.
There are obviously a lot of boats at this museum, but it is far more than a dusty warehouse or storage unit. Each display tells little-known stories about the circumstances that produced each boat, and the unique culture that formed around Minnesotans’ shared passion for the water. They are also sure to keep it fresh with new rotations and exhibits, so there’s always something new to discover.
From “Amphicars” (cars that could traverse roads AND waters) to flying saucer-inspired watercraft, you will be sucked into the past and learn about unique periods in Minnesota’s lake culture. Lily and I learned about boats from the Space Age that took cues from sci-fi movies, luxurious wooden cruisers that shuttled around the rich and powerful in the 19th century, and grand resorts that supported lake communities across the Northland. It was everything we fight to preserve, all laid out in one spot.
They also have a community paddle design contest each year, where dozens of artists create unique works of art using a basic canoe paddle. There was stained glass, painting, engraving, and even one covered in fish scales! After displaying them over the summer, the Museum auctions them off to community members as part of their annual fundraising gala.
The museum’s educational opportunities for children, and preservation of their beautiful natural shoreline, demonstrated a deep commitment to community, and our shared role as lake lovers. I know I’ll be visiting again.
Thanks to the staff, Sara and Andy, who took time to show us around and share their knowledge and passion for their lake community. MLR is excited to continue working with the Legacy of the Lakes Museum in the future. Stay tuned for more!
Want to visit? Check out the Legacy of the Lakes website to plan your trip!
