About the Stearns History Museum

Our History, Our Vision

The Stearns History Museum’s story began in 1936, when a group of local citizens formed the Stearns County Historical Society. Fast-forward to 1973, and the organization started transitioning into a physical museum. By 1982, groundbreaking was underway for the current facility, and we continue to flourish from that same yet modernized place today.

The Stearns History Museum is a vibrant organization, with a passionate staff that has continued to draw a steady stream of interest both locally and globally. Every year we serve our community with an impressive lineup of programs, events, and attractions from our museum headquarters that sits alongside a 75-acre nature park. With walking trails, abundant wildlife, a skateboard park, and a serene getaway from the immediate adjacent surroundings of metropolitan St. Cloud (which also has lots to offer!), our unique setting has long been a beloved part of “what to do” in Central Minnesota.

Growing From Here:

Current Members

2023 Visitors

Proud To Be Centrally Located

The Stearns History Museum is an ever-changing hub of local and global history exhibits, events that let you learn and do, programs that keep you engaged, and much more. Each year our talented curators rotate our expansive exhibition space with exhibits from both our in-house archives and local donors, and traveling exhibits from partner institutions like the Smithsonian.

Aside from our exhibits, you’ll find plenty of things to do each month, both inside and outside of the Stearns History Museum. Come take a look for yourself.

Pay By The Visit

Think of it like a day pass, any day you want. Our admission prices are minimal, and you can feel free to visit whenever it works for you.

Plan Your Day

Join As A Member

Memberships pay for themselves within a few visits, and they help sustain our programming here at the Stearns History Museum.

Join Today

Mission & Vision of the Stearns History Museum

Our Mission: To connect people through the power of history and culture.

Our Vision: To offer a premier cultural heritage experience in Central Minnesota.

We’re Committed To:

Preserving a rich and diverse history by collecting and curating archival materials and three-dimensional objects.
Engaging everyone who lives in and visits Stearns County and Central Minnesota.
Inspiring people to think about our past, our present, and our future through the lens of history.
Thriving by maximizing opportunities for innovation.
Our Dedication to Transparency: 2021 Annual Report | 2020 Annual Report | 2019 Annual Report | Strategic Plan | Audit | 990