Minnesota is full of enchanting places. We have waterfalls and castles, incredible forests and stunning lake sunsets. We also have plenty of historical sites, including an old 1800s farm that you can still visit for a trip back in time today.

Oliver Kelley Farm in Elk River, Minnesota began in 1850 and has been a National Historic Landmark since 1964. This farm was an important part of the region in its time, and it continues to be an interesting place to spend the day for modern-day Minnesotans. Why? Because the farm is now a living history museum.

Visitors to Oliver Kelley Farm take a tour of the farm led by guides wearing historic costumes.
Oliver Kelley Farm/Facebook
You get to see how a thriving farm operated in the 1860s, just a few years after Minnesota officially became a state.
Oliver Kelley Farm/Facebook
Peek inside the house to see how people spent their day. There are hands-on learning kitchens so that you can get a real taste of early Minnesota history.
August Schwerdfeger/Flickr

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Outside, you'll learn how 19th century farmers tended to their gardens and animals.

You'll get a chance to see how the land was harvested using traditional farm tools. You'll find no John Deere tractors here.
Oliver Kelley House/Facebook
Of course, there will be animals as well. You'll get to experience firsthand just what it was like to plow a field with horses.
Oliver Kelley Farm/Facebook
If you're lucky, you'll visit the farm shortly after babies have been born. Even in the 1860s, petting a cute lamb was something to get excited about.
Oliver Kelley Farm/Facebook
This is a truly enchanting place that will take you back to the beginning of Minnesota's history.
Michael Hicks/Flickr

Oliver Kelley Farm is located at 15788 Kelly Farm Rd NW, Elk River, MN 55330. Have you ever been to the Oliver Kelley Farm – or any other living history museums? Let us know!

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