Sherburne History Center

People heading to Minnesota's North Shore usually drive right through Hinckley on their way north, either not stopping at all or only to pick up cinnamon rolls at Tobie's. That's a shame, because they're missing a hidden gem: the Hinckley Fire Museum. This little museum commemorates one of Minnesota's most devastating--and rare--natural disasters, which took place on September 1, 1894. A forest fire, fueled by plenty of dry wood, combined with tornadic winds to produce an event known as a firestorm, or basically, a tornado of fire that at one point rose almost five miles high. Six towns over 250,000 acres burned in less than four hours, killing 400 people and melting and twisting railroad track. Yet more than 150 people were saved by a quick-thinking train engineer who backed a train out of Hinckley to a neighboring community where a lake provided haven.The town was rebuilt, but was not quite the same. This museum has an impressive collection of mementos and remnants from the fire, along with excellent interpretive signage and a well-researched video. The exhibits give the backstory and allow visitors to feel some of the terror that residents must have felt that day.Best and worst time to go to the Hinckley Fire MuseumThe museum is open from May 1 to mid-October each year, Tuesday-Sunday in May, June, September and October. In June and July, it's open seven days a week. Because traffic heading north is busy on Fridays, and traffic heading south is busy on Sundays, those are good days to avoid a visit. Weekdays are best, followed by Saturdays.Admission to the Hinckley Fire MuseumAdmission for visitors ages six and older runs from $1-10. Children five and under are free.Parking and public transportation to the Hinckley Fire MuseumThere is free parking in a small lot or on the street near the museum. Public transportation is not an option.Food at the Hinckley Fire MuseumThere are no restaurants at the museum. The town of Hinckley has several dining options, including Tobie's (mentioned above) and restaurants at the Grand Casino Hinckley.Insider tip for visitors to the Hinckley Fire MuseumSometimes it's tempting to skip a video at a history museum, but don't miss this one. It really brings home the enormity of the situation.Author's bio: Amy C. Rea is the author of Minnesota, Land of 10,000 Lakes: an Explorer's Guide, and Backroads & Byways of Minnesota.

Hinckley Fire Museum, located in Hinckley, MN, is dedicated to preserving the rich history of fire-related events in the region, particularly the significant fire in 1894. The museum boasts a robust archive of documents and artifacts, offering insights into the lives of fire victims and survivors, and assists individuals in tracing their family histories related to these events. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Hinckley Fire Museum invites visitors to explore the storied past of Hinckley and Pine County. With a commitment to education and historical preservation, the museum serves as a vital resource for those seeking to understand the impact of fire on the local community. Generated from the website