Legacy of the Lakes Museum and Gardens

Going to the lake has been a special experience for generations of families who have sought fun, relaxation, and rejuvenation among the resorts, cabins and activities of Minnesota's lakes. The Legacy of the Lakes Museum celebrates these lake traditions and legacies -- exhibiting them and preserving them for the future. Wade in!

Stroll the pathways of our Legacy Gardens and find yourself surrounded by beautiful landscaping, water-features and flower beds. There are quiet places to sit and enjoy the day, a stage for special performances, and a deck overlooking the north end of Lake Winona. The Gardens are open daily and free to the public.

The BoatHouse is our new premier education and event center that is open year round. In addition to hosting the Museum's educational programs, the BoatHouse is available for rental for community and private events. Add the Gardens and you have a lovely setting for a wedding!

Exhibits

Charles Beck: Lakes Region Landscapes
Celebrated nationally for his iconic woodcut prints, Charles Beck was born and made his home in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. Over 35 of his prints are on display. These pieces show Beck's trademark style of woodcut prints using basic elements of line, shape, and texture.

Golden Age Race Boats -- Made of mahogany. Fueled by adrenaline.
The history of wood boat racing is a story of passion, war, ingenuity, and speed. With big names like Chris Smith, John Hacker, and Gar Wood, boat races were huge crowd spectacles. See stunning race boats that competed in the world's mo prestigious boat races of the 1920s and 1930s. Learn about the rise of wooden boat racing and the men and women who pioneered the sport. Experience the power of technology and imagination.

Participation in Museum Day is open to any tax-exempt or governmental museum or cultural venue on a voluntary basis. Smithsonian magazine encourages museum visitation, but is not responsible for and does not endorse the content of the participating museums and cultural venues, and does not subsidize museums that participate.