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COKATO MUSEUM NEWS​

HELP US CARE FOR COKATO'S HISTORY: BECOME A MEMBER! 
MEMBERSHIP
  • CLOSED  April 28th-30th so staff can attend the Minnesota Alliance of Local History Museum's Conference.
  • See our Facebook page for weather-related closings.​ During the winter, if the Dassel-Cokato schools close or have a late start due to weather, the Cokato Museum will follow suit. 
  • The Akerlund Photography Studio is currently CLOSED for restoration. A Grand Reopening will occur on April 21, 2026.
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GRAND OPENING!

The Cokato Historical Society invites you to its Annual Meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, in the Centennial Room at 175 4th Street SW in Cokato.

The evening will begin with a brief business meeting, followed by a presentation by Museum Director Johanna Ellison, who will share details about the recent restoration work completed at the historic Gust Akerlund Photography 
Studio. The project was made possible through a  Minnesota History and Cultural Heritage grant and has helped preserve one of Cokato’s most significant historic sites.

Following the presentation, attendees will be invited to tour the newly restored Akerlund Studio and see the results of the preservation efforts firsthand.

The public is welcome to attend the FREE event and learn more about local history and ongoing preservation efforts in the Cokato community. For more information, contact the Cokato Museum.

New Exhibit!

Step into a world of imagination, nostalgia, and play at the Cokato Museum as it unveils its newest exhibit, Once Upon a Toy Box, opening Tuesday, April 21, 2026!

This playful journey through time celebrates the toys, games, and dolls that shaped childhoods from generations past through the 2000s. From timeless classics to modern favorites, visitors will rediscover beloved playthings of the past and maybe even spot a treasured toy from their own toy box.

“Once Upon a Toy Box” invites guests of all ages to relive memories, spark conversations, and share stories across generations. Whether you grew up spinning tops, playing video games, or caring for your favorite doll, this exhibit is sure to bring a smile—and perhaps a little friendly competition.

Join us on April 21 and experience the magic, creativity, and joy that prove some things never go out of style: a good toy and a great imagination.

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Mission Statement: 

The Cokato Historical Society is committed to actively collect, preserve, and interpret the history of Cokato and the surrounding area in the community and beyond.  To present programs to an audience of all ages, and maintain ties with our ethnic heritage, which is predominantly Swedish and Finnish.

We Would Love to Have You Visit Soon!

E-mail:
[email protected]

Telephone:
320-286-2427

Address:
175 Fourth Street SW, Cokato, MN 55321

Hours:
Tues-Sat: 8:30-4:30
Sun-Mon: Closed


​Closed Most Holidays

FREE Admission


© 2026 Cokato Historical Society
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  • History
    • Akerlund Studio
    • Cokato History
    • The Museum
    • Blog
    • Videos
  • Events & Exhibits
    • Annual Events
    • Online Exhibits
  • Research
    • Genealogy
    • Archives
    • Resources
    • Educators
  • Support
    • Cokato Historical Society
    • Membership
    • Volunteer
    • Donations >
      • How to Donate
      • Wish List
  • Contact/Hours