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Mississippi National River and Recreation AreaA wide shot of the Mississippi in fall.
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Mississippi National River and Recreation Area
John H. Stevens House Museum
John H. Stevens House Museum
History

Originally located near St. Anthony Falls, the house was home to Col. John H. Stevens and is believed to be the first home built west of the Mississippi in Minneapolis. Stevens had permission in 1850 to occupy the site, which was part of the Fort Snelling military reservation, in exchange for providing ferry service.

The Dakota Indians sometimes camped around the house. In this house, the name "Minneapolis" was suggested and some of the first elections in Hennepin County were held here.

General Information

The house has been relocated twice since 1850. Thousands of school children helped move the house in 1896 next to Minnehaha Park, and in 1982 it was moved into the park. The museum opened to the public in 1985.

Inside, visitors can can experience the rich history of the house through displays that show the Stevens family and other early Minnesotan families who occupied the house. The Longfellow House and Stevens House co-sponsor 90-minute historic nature walks through the park.

Contact Information: : Call (612) 722-2220 or visit Mineapolis Park & Recreation Board for more details.

Lock at St. Anthony Falls  

Did You Know?
A single canoe can pass through a lock and dam; and it's free! The Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam within the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area is 49 feet deep.

Last Updated: May 06, 2008 at 15:01 EST