As a kid there were a few field trips we would take every year. A trip to the local stream to collect water samples and eat a bagged lunch, a trip to the museum to see artifacts and eat a bagged lunch, etc.

In elementary school we usually took a trip to Murphy's Landing, a park that featured buildings from the 1800's that had been moved into a single area for tours and demonstrations.

I had long since forgotten about Murphy's Landing when my brother and I decided to go for a walk along the Minnesota River in Shakopee on Sunday afternoon. Just by chance, we stumbled upon Murphy's Landing again!

Google Maps
Google Maps
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Now called "The Landing," it has been transformed into a FREE park featuring all of the buildings and demonstrations of the past along with a fun hiking trail along the river itself.

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PHOTO: Dave Overlund
PHOTO: Dave Overlund
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The main entrance features some key information like a map, the park hours and background info on the park.

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A sign out front lets visitors know which activities are planned for that day.

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The train depot is the one of the first buildings you will see on your tour.

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This town hall building was built in 1893 and was moved from Orono, MN to its current spot in Shakopee.

PHOTO: Dave Overlund
PHOTO: Dave Overlund
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This is an example of an "upper-middle class home" from the 1860's. Known as the "Atwater House," it was moved from Minneapolis.

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This church was built in Shakopee in 1868.

PHOTO: Dave Overlund
PHOTO: Dave Overlund
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This home belonged to a banker, who had his home 'built to impress.' It was built in 1889 and moved from Lakeville, MN.

PHOTO: Dave Overlund
PHOTO: Dave Overlund
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This boarding house was built in 1865 and is made out of "Shakopee Red" bricks made with dark clay found near the Minnesota River.

 

PHOTO: Dave Overlund
PHOTO: Dave Overlund
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The general store, like the other buildings, is decorated and stocked just like they would have been over a hundred years ago.

PHOTO: Dave Overlund
PHOTO: Dave Overlund
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This is a mid-1800's schoolhouse where kids of all ages learned.

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This was a trading post built in 1844. It is believed to be the oldest standing home in Scott County.

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This is a sugar shack that was built for the evaporation of water in maple sap.

In addition to the buildings and trails, there is also a short (a mile or so) hiking trail near the river that features a lot of great views!

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