Dassel-Cokato Community Guide 2019 | Page 44

Cokato Museum & AKERLUND STUDIO Located across from Peterson Park, Park , the Cokato Museum houses much of the city’s heritage heritage. . As A a cooperative effort between the City of Cokato and the Cokato Historical Society, the museum chronicles c hronicles Cokato’s rich ri ch history dating back to its early settlers. Located on the corner of Fourth Street and Millard Avenue, the museum features a variety va riety of permanent exhibits, exhibits , along with featured exhibits exhibit s throughout the year. Past ast exhibits have included “This Won’t Hurt One bit: A Look at Past Medical Practices,” “Trains “ Trains That Passed in the Night: Railroad Photographs of O. Winston Link,” and “Pedal Power!” Artifacts rtifacts from some of its most signifi cant historical landmarks, such as the post offi ce, bank, pharmacy, and dentist’s offi ce, are among the permanent displays. Along with temporary and permanent exhibits at the museum, the Cokato Historical Society also hosts an annual New Year’s open house featuring tin melting, a Finnish custom used to “predict” what will happen in the coming year. In addition, the museum hosts an annual open house acknowledging the birthday of the Village of Cokato, along with programs and presentations. From Elegant to Traditional, we cater all types of events; Weddings, Corporate Events, Private Dinner Parties and everything in between. 612.845.6573 255 Millard Ave SW, Cokato, MN 55321 ElbowsAllowed.com 44 | DASSEL-COKATO VISITORS GUIDE 2019-20 Submitted photo The Cokato Museum was founded in 1976. Its mission has remained the same: to chronicle the story of the people of Cokato and the surrounding townships of southwestern Wright County. The museum hosts many events; two of the most popular are the Memorial Day Open House and the Cokato Historical Society’s Annual Meeting. Over the last several years, the museum hosted several Escape Rooms, converting its gallery into a challenging puzzle-maze based on local history themes. Listed on National Register of Historic Places, the Gust Akerlund photography studio was built in 1905, and is another place that tells the story of Cokato’s rich history. The studio, which is located just east of the museum on Broadway Avenue, is open for viewing and features original cameras, equipment, and furnishings used by early 20th century photographers. The museum is open to the public Tuesday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and is closed on major holidays. Group tours are available by appointment. There is no admission fee Further details about the museum, including information about volunteering or becoming a member of the historical society, may be found at http://www.cokatomuseum.org/. or by calling 320-286-2427.