Chisago County: History, Art and Nature Trails

County parks and trails provide public access to natural resources and opportunities for outdoor recreation. History and art also shape experiences in Chisago County: you can learn about historic sites on self-guided routes, explore digital history markers or see contemporary art outdoors. Which of these offerings you plan to visit also affects whether you should arrange an appointment or check current visiting hours.

History on Trails and in Exhibitions

The Lindström Historical Walking Tour comprises three self-guided routes through historic sites in downtown Lindström. The Digital Memories Trail covers a different scale: its digital markers share historical information, display photographs and point out attractions throughout Chisago County. This offers two distinct options: a walking tour of historic sites in Lindström and a countywide digital history tour.

The Chisago County Historical Society’s “Unboxing Our History” exhibition explores the county’s history through artifacts and stories from the archives. Since exhibition content may change, check what is currently on display before visiting. A specific historic landmark is the Moody Round Barn, the only surviving round barn in Chisago County. The Swedish Barn Quilt Trail features quilt designs created by local artists and shares the region’s Swedish heritage.

Nature and Activities Throughout the Year

The Chisago Lakes Water Trail stretches for 10 miles across 5,000 acres. More than ten lakes are connected by small channels or short portages. In winter, the trail offers a route for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and fat biking. This winter route differs significantly from the water trail’s description, which focuses on lakes and connections: different activities may be suitable depending on when you travel.

Outdoor Art

Franconia Sculpture Park combines a 50-acre outdoor museum with an active artist residency program. The contemporary outdoor exhibition features more than 100 works of art. For self-guided visits, the park is open daily year-round from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; admission is free. Since operating details may change, check the hours before your visit. Artist-led tours of the exhibition are also available but must be planned in advance. This gives you the choice of a self-guided visit or a tour arranged ahead of time.

Scheduled Visits and Seasonal Planning

Karl Oskar House (Nya Duvemåla) is associated with Karl Oskar and Kristina Nilsson from Vilhelm Moberg’s “The Emigrants” novel series. Guided tours are available by appointment from May through September; check before traveling to see whether a suitable time is available. At Ironhorse Central Railroad Park, a scenic 1.5-mile ride on a full-size train is planned; visits are by appointment. You should confirm your appointment in advance here, too. These two offerings therefore differ from the self-guided routes and the sculpture park, which is open daily: arranging an appointment is part of the planning.

A coalition is working to promote and preserve historic, recreational and commercial opportunities in Chisago County along Old Highway 61.

Explore more destinations: Chisago City, Taylors Falls, North Branch, Steele County, Douglas County, Stevens, Watonwan County, Itasca County.

Go to the main travel overview: Minnesota.