Horse Power Event is held annually the third Saturday in September. Horse drawn demonstrations including plowing, cultivating, mowing, potato digging, raking, and more are featured. Inside the family home lefse, butter, cider making and other demonstrations are held. Additional artisans may include loom weaving, spinning wheel, wood carving, rug making, and more. Inside the Barn and throughout the grounds additional activities and displays are featured. This one of a kind annual event is held at the Swensson Farm Museum, and runs from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Admission is charged for non-members. Members get in free! Free Parking.
Christmas in the Village
Christmas in the Village is held annually the first Saturday in December. A great day to get out and do some holiday shopping from local artisans, taste some delicious food and see the historic buildings all decked out for Christmas. A bake and candy sale on site are a fundraiser for the historical society. Our day includes horse drawn rides, a visit with Santa Claus, crafters, and much more. This family fun event is held at Historic Chippewa City, Pioneer Village. The hours are 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Admission is charged. Members are free! Free Parking.
Mission Sunday
Mission Sunday is held annually the second Sunday in July. Our worship service begins at 10:30 a.m. with a guest pastor each year. The Dakota Ascension Choirs sings several Dakota hymns, and the entire congregation sings the “Dakota Hymn Lac qui Parle” also known as “Many and Great Oh God Are Thy Things”. A potluck picnic is held near the Lac qui Parle dam area and an afternoon program highlighting the Dakota or Missionaries begins at 1:00 p.m. Mission Sunday celebrates the Christian faith and heritage of the Dakota and Missionary descendants. Please join us for a delightful day of reflections at our annual Lac qui Parle Mission Sunday celebration which is held at the Lac qui Parle Mission. No admission required. However, a free will offering is taken to help defray the travel costs for the Dakota Choir.
Heritage Week
Heritage Week is held annually the first or second week in May. During the four days that this event is held, several hundred school children attend a historic class, and tour the Village where each building is staffed by volunteers. Children learn history from hands on lessons and interpretation given in each building. This event is held at Historic Chippewa City. Preregistration is required. This event is only open to school children. Home schooled families are encouraged to contact the Historical Society for additional information.
Annual Banquet
Annual Banquet/Annual Meeting is usually held annually in March or April. Our evening begins with dinner and concludes with a historical program. The Society also holds their Annual Meeting on this evening, and our Hall of Fame Inductee is honored at this event. The location for this event moves throughout Chippewa County. Contact the Historical Society for the date and location.
Chippewa County Historical Society 151 Arnie Anderson Drive Montevideo, MN 56265 [email protected]