Nestled among rolling hills and many beautiful lakes, the City of Scandia is the site of the first Swedish settlement in Minnesota. In October of 1850, the first log cabin was built on the shores of Hay Lake. Residents of Scandia have done little to alter the character of the community, and visitors will find reminders of mid- nineteenth century pioneer days and the rural town atmosphere.Swedish Settler's Monument:
Erected in 1900, the monument now stands near the site of this first log house built 1850, located 1.5 miles south of Highway 97 on Olinda Trail North (County Road 3). The monument is inscribed with the names of the first Swedish settlers in Minnesota.
Hay Lake School Museum:
Hay Lake School Museum is located just two miles South of Scandia at (address link) (County Road 3), near the Swedish Settler's Monument. With the Hay Lake School, there is the two-story Johannes Erickson log house with furnishings from this era. Both the school and log house are listed on the National Historic Registry.
GUIDED TOURS:
June, July & August-- Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays
May, September & October-- Fridays & Sundays
Open from 12 noon - 4 p.m.
SCHOOL & BUS TOURS BY APPT.
For more information and rates, please call Paula McHugh, Site Manager at 651-433-4014. Visit the Washington County Historical Society website, and click on "Visit the Museums".
Gammelgården Museum:
Dedicated to the promotion and preservation of the Swedish immigrant life, the eleven acre site owned by Elim Lutheran Church, contains seven buildings. GammelKyrkan (1856), Immigrant Hus (1855), Prast Hus (1868), barn (1879), stuga (1930), Valkommen Hus (2002), and home of Scandia Butik (Gift Shop). The museum is open seasonally, May through October with regular weekend hours. Tour groups are welcome and meals are available with advance reservations. For more information, call 651-433-5053, or visit the Gammelgården Museum website. A Minnesota Historical Society marker is on site.