Located along the south bank of the Minnesota River in Minnesota, United States, the Shakopee Historic District offers a journey through centuries of layered local history. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972, this significant district encompasses pre-contact Native American habitation and burial sites dating as far back as 300 BCE, including numerous constructed mounds. When you visit, you will explore a area that once served as a contact-era Dakota village of bark lodges and cornfields led by successive chiefs named Shakopee.
The western end of the district features Shakopee's Memorial Park, while the eastern side houses The Landing, a living history village managed by the Three Rivers Park District. As an open-air museum, it showcases early Euro-American architecture and historical structures. You can see the first European-style house in Scott County, built in 1844 by Oliver Faribault, which was moved onto the property alongside four buildings from the early German immigrant Berger family farm.
Additional historic structures to explore include an 1875 gristmill built by the sons of Protestant missionary Samuel W. Pond, an old ferry landing, as well as various other historical buildings and replicas added over time.
What to see at Shakopee Historic District
- Ancient Native American habitation, burial sites, and constructed mounds dating to 300 BCE
- Historical site of an 1800s Dakota village led by Chief Shakopee
- The 1844 Oliver Faribault cabin, the first European-style house in Scott County
- Four historic buildings from the early German immigrant Berger family farm
- An 1875 gristmill constructed by Samuel Pond's sons
Visiting tips
Be sure to visit both sections of the district, exploring Memorial Park on the western end and The Landing living history village on the eastern side.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Spring through autumn
How to get there & what’s nearby
Shakopee Historic District is easy to reach on Chaska’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Guardian Angels Church and Saint Mary's Church of the Purification. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Chaska travel guide.
See the full Chaska travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.