Historic Forestville

Reviews

• JD

  John Dean

  Oct 20, 2025
  1.0
  Really nothing to Historic Forestville especially when the buildings are closed. Other than it's a nice walk from the campground it's a total waste of time.
• HV

  Holly Vaughn

  Oct 5, 2025
  5.0
  A beautiful hike by the water and a well maintained Historic Town. I wish I'd have seen it in season with actors present.
• DC

  DLM-Distribution Campervans

  Jul 27, 2025
  5.0
  Historic Forestville: The Tiny Town with a Historic Story—and a Cool Bridge (Plus a Few Phantom Houses) We stopped by Historic Forestville late one Saturday afternoon while road-tripping between Minnesota state parks. The quiet setting was a welcome break—but since we arrived after hours, the few historic buildings still standing were closed for the day. Even so, walking the grounds offered a surprising mix of reflection, curiosity, and a little chuckle or two. Once a bustling town—by 1850s standards—Forestville was home to around 150 residents at its peak, with about 20 buildings, including two hotels, sawmills, a gristmill, a distillery, a school, and the now-famous Meighen general store. But after the railroad bypassed the area in 1868, Forestville's population and purpose quickly faded. By the early 1900s, it was all but gone. Today, only a few of those original buildings remain—some restored, others remembered only by name. One highlight still very much present, though temporarily out of place, is the Forestville Bridge. Originally built in 1899, this steel truss bridge once carried travelers across the South Branch of the Root River. It’s a rare surviving example of a pin-connected Pratt through truss bridge, one of the last of its kind in Minnesota. While it’s currently removed from its river crossing for repairs and preservation, the bridge remains on-site—a reminder of how much care is being taken to preserve not just buildings, but infrastructure that once connected the town to the wider world. As for the rest of the site—it’s well-maintained and thoughtfully interpreted by the Minnesota Historical Society. But what really stood out to us were the placards marking where buildings used to be. Some stand beside old stone foundations. Others are staked in carefully mowed grass, commemorating structures long gone. One read something like, “This was where someone lived- a name but without much info.” I couldn’t help but joke with the kids, “Look, everyone—Look at the house thats not there!” Still, there’s meaning in that simplicity. Though the descriptions are brief—mostly who lived where—it’s clear the intention is sincere. The goal is to preserve not just structures, but the spirit of a community. Not every piece of history comes with four walls and a chimney. Sometimes it’s just a name on a post where a front door used to be. And that’s enough—a quiet acknowledgment that someone once lived, laughed, and probably had strong opinions about their neighbors on that very spot. In a way, it reminded us of our own family home lots from generations ago—nothing left standing, but full of memories. This place understands that feeling. Tip: Arrive earlier in the day if you want to tour the interiors or learn from a guide. But even if you show up late, like we did, you’ll still find a peaceful walk, thoughtful storytelling, and even a bridge that’s worth admiring—whether it’s over water or not.
• JF

  James F

  Jul 13, 2025
  5.0
  Great place to visit for some history. A very lovely woman gave us a interesting tour of the grounds, house, and barn. The gift shop was neat and had very pleasant people working there. Such a great afternoon!
• JS

  Jordan Smith

  Jun 26, 2025
  5.0
  Great little tour for a fantastic price. Tour guide was knowledgeable and greta at fielding questions. There's a gift shop with ice cream, drinks, stickers, books and additional information.

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