Maple Grove Historical Preservation Society Museum. Photo: Alan Madsen
Every season brings out the Best of Maple Grove. We take pride in being a place for families to thrive … and we always have! Here are some places where you can learn more about the history of our vibrant community.
Maple Grove Historical Preservation Society Museum, 9030 Forestview Lane N.
Visit during Maple Grove Days on July 20, and experience hands-on activities for the whole family. Attend one of our open house tours, the second and fourth Sundays of every month from 1–4 p.m. April to October. Experience first-hand the photographs, artifacts and evolving exhibits detailing Maple Grove’s early days from the 1800s forward. The preservation society meets on the third Thursday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at the history museum, and anyone with an interest in history is welcome to join.
The Maple Grove Arboretum highlights the cultural history of the area with interpretive signs, providing insight into how the land has been used over multiple generations. Wander the colorful gardens as you learn about the natural resources that have shaped Maple Grove’s history.
Maple Grove Ox Cart Site, 15310 Territorial Road
The original Maple Grove town site is located where Territorial Road crosses over Rush Creek in a scenic location overlooking a now-dry creek bed in what was once the Big Woods. It is marked with a historic monument, mapping the original village. Minnesota was one of only a few states where Red River Ox Carts were used exclusively as a mode for transportation. The carts went from St. Paul/Minneapolis to fur trading outposts in North Dakota and Canada and back. Stand where history happened.
Maple Grove Government Center, 12800 Arbor Lakes Parkway N.
Our display cases, on the first floor, feature rotating displays telling the story of early Maple Grove. If you qualify as a 55 Forward Senior, consider registering for the Maple Grove Parks and Recreation Cupcakes & Conversations events held quarterly at the Museum on Forestview Lane North. Sign up at maplegrovemn.gov.
Our earliest settlers considered Maple Grove to be the best place to put down roots, and we agree, it most certainly is.
Kate Wodtke is a research and inventory specialist with the Maple Grove Historical Preservation Society and a Minnesota Author Project judge. Discover more at maplegrovemnhistory.org.
