Published: August 13, 2008 05:24 pm            

Back Roads: History lesson

Originally published in the August 8, 2008, print edition.

The one-room schoolhouse’s final report cards were handed out ages ago. It’s been nearly a quarter century since the chapel last held regular Sunday worship services. The depot hasn’t seen a passenger train come by in more years than most folks can remember.

And yet Heritage Acres in Fairmont is most certainly a living, breathing place, entertaining visitors of all ages while sharing Minnesota’s agricultural history.

Nestled on a knoll between Lake Sisseton and active farmground on the west side of town, this interpretive center is home to — in addition to the schoolhouse, chapel and depot — a pioneer cabin, farmhouse/museum, livestock barn, chicken coop, blacksmith’s shop, a huge vegetable garden and more.

In recent years, dedicated Heritage Acres supporters constructed an unusual “indoor mall” of old-time shops. Visitors can stroll past classic turn-of-the-century, two-story storefronts and explore a bank, dentist’s office, mercantile and soda shop.

The site plays host to numerous celebrations each year, including a Fourth of July gathering, threshing bee and fall festival.

During special events like these, you’ll find area volunteers dressed in period costume, welcoming visitors to stay a while and find out what rural life was really like back in “the good ol’ days.”

Heritage Acres is located at 827 Lake Avenue in Fairmont, along Highway 26. For more information on events there, write to Heritage Acres, P.O. Box 401, Fairmont, MN 56031, or visit the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce website at www.fairmont.org/chamber/home.htm and click the “Community Calendar” link.

        

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