As museums go, this one’s a breath of fresh air.
Going up north to the lake has been a special experience for generations of families who have sought fun, relaxation and rejuvenation among the resorts, cabins and activities of Minnesota’s lakes. Legacy of the Lakes Museum celebrates these lake traditions and legacies - exhibiting them and preserving them for the future. Learn more about our mission, history and more here →
Closed for the Season
Office Hours: M-F, 10 am-5 pm
Closed Holidays
BoatHouse open all year
Admission
Adults: $10
Seniors (65+): $8
Veterans/Active Military: $5
Students 5-17: $5
Families (2 parents or 2 grandparents & kids 17 and under): $25
Kids under 5 are FREE when accompanied by a paying adult. Members are always FREE!
Map & directions.Prime Frontage on Minnesota’s Lake History
Lake Places
Lake Places is a new, community-driven exhibit from the Legacy of the Lakes Museum and Douglas County Historical Society opening at the Legacy of the Lakes Museum in Spring 2023. We are looking for photos and stories from the community to help make this exhibit great. For more information, click here →
Events at the Museum
Flotation Science Workshop
April 1 @ 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.Watercolor in the Gardens
June 7 @ 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.Music in the Gardens
June 16 @ 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.Recycled Boat Building
June 20 @ 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
For a complete calendar of events see our museum calendar page here.
Museum Gift Shop
Lake and museum themed gifts and souvenirs, including clothing, books, and children's toys. Click here to shop →
Gallery Talk: History of Chris-Craft
Museum board member, Dave Bortner shares the story of how Chris-Craft was born and grew into one of the most iconic boat brands in the world.
Legacy of the Lakes Boat Show
The next Legacy of the Lakes Diamond Classic Boat Show on July 8, 2023! For the latest information, click here →
Music in the Gardens!
Join us in the Legacy Gardens for live music on select summer Friday nights. Each year we bring a variety of bands from the Midwest and beyond to perform on the Pohlig Family Stage. Adult beverages for sale for those 21 or older. This is a ticketed event. Details. →
Legacy Gardens
Stroll the pathways of our Legacy Gardens and find yourself surrounded by beautiful landscaping, water-features and flower beds.
Open daily and free to the public. The Legacy Gardens are available for event rental. A photography permit is required if you wish to take professional photos in the Gardens. More information here.
Venue Rentals
The Legacy of the Lakes Museum & Gardens offers a beautiful setting for wedding ceremonies and receptions, business events, retirement parties, memorial services, and more. Available rental packages.
Grand Hotels and Resorts
Each June they would arrive via the Great Northern and Minneapolis, St. Paul and Sault Ste. Marie Railroads, bringing trunks filled with silks and linens, formal dinner wear and European hats. See how these affluent early visitors summered in grandeur.
Wooden Boats
Since the Museum's inception, wooden boats have held center stage. Few museums offer as wide a range of rare boats including Chris-Craft, Gar Wood, Century and Hackercraft, as well as the ultimate collection of made-in-Minnesota craft.
Go Fish!
See how fishing technology has evolved since our area first became famous for great fishing in the late 1800s. Check out some amazing catches and learn about the legendary guides that made them possible.
The Minnesouri Club
In 1890, 20 men from Missouri and 15 from Minneapolis formed a club overlooking the waters of Lake Miltona. Experience life on the lake back in the day with our re-creation of a Minnesouri Club front porch.
Made in Minnesota!
Minnesota has been home to skilled watercraft builders since Native Americans first fashioned dugout and birch bark canoes hundreds of years ago. For more info on Alexandria Boat Works, visit here →