Welcome to Jackson, MN
  Fort Belmont

               

Welcome to Fort Belmont!           

Come on out to Fort Belmont Park and explore the re-creation of Fort Belmont, the surrounding buildings and prairie. Take a step into history; imagine living the life of a Southwestern Minnesota pioneer in the 1800's.

In 1958, Fort Belmont Park was built at the crossroads of two major highways: 71 and 16, by the Watland family, descendants of original Fort inhabitants. In 1973, Interstate 90 opened carrying tourists away from the Park area. Realizing the historic value of Fort Belmont, a group of citizens with a vision made a down payment on land adjacent to I-90 for a new site.

Since 1990, through donations and literally thousands of volunteer hours, Fort Belmont Park has been relocated and renovated with additional buildings and artifacts.

Fort Belmont is a work "in progress"; the vision is becoming reality and provides visitors a "Step into History."

Fort Belmont hosts several different items of interest including a sod house, the 1873 Farmhouse, Blacksmith shop, Log Cabin and Stockade, 1902 Delafield Lutheran Church and the gift shop . . . a tour of the fort is something you won’t want to miss.  The church is home to weddings during the season as well as Worship/Word/Watermelon services each Sunday at 7:00 p.m. June thru August.  A Rendezvous is held annually at the park the weekend after Labor Day.  Check the events page for upcoming dates.  The site is located at the intersection of I-90 and US Hwy 71. 

Location: US Hwy 71 and I-90 intersection (behind the Kemna-Asa car dealership) and at the west end of Belmont Lane.

Open daily Memorial Day thru Labor Day

Step into History and visit the period furnished buildings

Sod House, 1873 Lysgard Farm House, 1902 Delafield Church, Blacksmith shop and exact replica stockade and log cabin.  A museum and gift shop are located on site.  A project in the works this year is a 1/3 replica Grist Mill.

Fort Belmont is gearing up for the summer season.  Thanks to everyone who attended and supported the Fundraiser held last week.  It was a success!  If you have an interest in local history or just history in general, please consider a volunteer opportunity at Fort Belmont.  Share your talents and join with others who are working to preserve our heritage for generations to come.  The Fort also has facilities available for weddings, family reunions and other gatherings.  Contact the Chamber office for additional details 847-3867.


Fort Belmont is a 501(c)3 corporation, all donations are tax deductible.

Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce
82 West Ashley Street
Jackson, MN 56143
507-847-3867

 
Site Sponsor ~ Jackson Lodging Association