About Us

Overview

In 1859, a village was platted about a mile northeast of Farmington, Minnesota. This little town, named Dakota City, was positioned on the south bank of the Vermillion River along the stagecoach route now known as Highway 3. When the railroad was laid a mile to the southwest of Dakota City, the town was relocated to be near it, and in 1872 became known as Farmington.

Our village, named Dakota City after the original platted town on the banks of the Vermillion River, was established in 1978 and is located on the Dakota County Fairgrounds. It represents a typical rural Dakota County village of 1900.

Present day Dakota City is a 1900-era agricultural village and museum. Twenty-two buildings, including an operational blacksmith shop, newspaper office, train depot and family home, represent the business and social center of a rural 1900-era community.

Overview

In 1859, a village was platted about a mile northeast of Farmington, Minnesota. This little town, named Dakota City, was positioned on the south bank of the Vermillion River along the stagecoach route now known as Highway 3. When the railroad was laid a mile to the southwest of Dakota City, the town was relocated to be near it, and in 1872 became known as Farmington.

Our village, named Dakota City after the original platted town on the banks of the Vermillion River, was established in 1978 and is located on the Dakota County Fairgrounds. It represents a typical rural Dakota County village of 1900.

Present day Dakota City is a 1900-era agricultural village and museum. Twenty-two buildings, including an operational blacksmith shop, newspaper office, train depot and family home, represent the business and social center of a rural 1900-era community.

Live interpretations and demonstrations can be experienced during living history events held throughout the year. Group tours, Scout tours, special programs, birthday parties and weddings are scheduled by appointment. The museum features exhibits relating to rural life, and an extensive collection of tractors and other agricultural equipment dating before 1950 are displayed during the Dakota County Fair.

Dakota City is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that strives to preserve our heritage for future generations with the help of generous donors and exceptional volunteers.

Mission Statement

Dakota City Heritage Village connects, through education and interpretation, current generations to the life and agricultural heritage of early twentieth century rural Dakota County.

Vision Statement

Dakota City Heritage Village is to be the best representation of early twentieth century agricultural heritage and life in Dakota County.

Board of Directors

Officers

John Storlie, President

Lisa Machacek, Vice President

Kris Akin, Secretary

Rhonda Rademacher, Treasurer

Ann Meyer- Ex-Officio

Directors

Addy Machacek

Doreen Kennedy

LaVonne Nicolai

Brandon Bruha

Sue Strese

John Moore

Sandra Weber

Staff

Office and Program Coordinator: Sade Mueller                              Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 8 am – 4:30 pm

Annual Reports

The Dakota City Annual Report is presented at the Annual Meeting held each year on the 3rd Saturday of November. Members of Dakota City are invited to attend this meeting to view the Annual Report presentation and elect Directors to the Board. Membership must be paid by September 1st in order to have voting rights at the Annual Meeting.

The 2023 DCHV Annual Meeting is scheduled for Saturday November 18th at 10:00 AM. The meeting will be held in Ahlberg Hall located on the Dakota County Fairgrounds, 4008 220th Street West, Farmington.

Board Meetings

Board Meetings are held the third Monday of each month at 7:00 PM in the Ahlberg Hall conference room. Board meetings are open to the public and any interested visitors are welcome to attend.