Cokato Museum &
AKERLUND STUDIO
Located
across s from Peterson
Park rk, the Cokato Museum um houses
much of the city’s heritage. As a co-
operative e effort
between en the City
of Cokato and the Co okato o Histori-
cal Soci ciety,
the museum m chron onicles
Cokato’s rich history dating back to
its
early settlers.
Located on the corner of Fourth
Street and Millard Avenue, the mu-
seum features a variety of perma-
nent nt exhib bits,
along with featured
exhibits throughou out the year.
Past exhibits have in ncluded d “A
Kernel of Time: Celebrating the 70th
Annual Corn Carnival,” “Trains That
Passed in the Night: Railroad Pho-
tographs of O. Winston Link,” and
Submitted photo
“Cokato, 1968!”
The Cokato Museum was founded in 1976. Its mission has remained the same: to chronicle the
Artifacts from some of its most sig-
story of the people of Cokato and the surrounding townships of southwestern Wright County.
nifi cant historical landmarks, such
as the post offi ce, bank, pharmacy,
Broadway Avenue, is open for viewing and features original
and dentist’s offi ce are among the permanent displays. cameras, equipment, and furnishings used by early 20th century
photographers.
Along with temporary and permanent exhibits at the museum,
the Cokato Historical Society also hosts many programs Further details about the museum, including information
and presentations, including an annual New Year’s open about volunteering or becoming a member of the historical
house featuring tin melting, a Finnish custom used to “predict” society, may be found at www.cokatomuseum.org or by calling
320-286-2427. The museum is open to the public Tuesday
what will happen in the coming year.
Over the last several years, the museum hosted several Escape
Rooms, converting its gallery into a challenging puzzle-
p.m.; and is closed on major holidays. Group tours are avail-
through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 3
maze based on local history themes.
able by appointment. There is no admission fee.
Listed on National Register of Historic Places as a nationally
signifi cant site, 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
The Akerlund Studio became a National Register of Historic Places
Site in 1977. It became a nationally significant NRHP site in 2020.
44 | Dassel-Cokato Visitors Guide 2020-21