Western Hennepin County Pioneer Associations Pioneer Museum

A local pioneer museum spotlights the early history of the lake area.

Travel back in time to the days when pioneers were settling the lake area with a visit to the Western Hennepin County Pioneer Association (WHCPA) Pioneer Museum. Original artifacts dating as far back as the late 1800s have been preserved and kept for the public to view, allowing current residents to envision what life used to be like in the area, says Steven Kelley, president of the WHCPA board.

Housed in the former Long Lake School House—built in 1917 and decommissioned in 1968—the museum is a fun way to teach your kids about history that happened right where they live. The four classrooms, gymnasium and auditorium have been decorated with different themes, including a Victorian home, general store, textile manufacturing and a schoolhouse complete with children’s toys. Other popular museum findings include a military exhibit, picture gallery and 1,400 files on pioneer families, perfect for genealogical research.

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WHCPA Pioneer Museum

1953 W. Wayzata Blvd., Long Lake

952.473.6557

Free

10 a.m.–2 p.m. Saturdays or by appointment