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Cokato History

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If there is one consistency to Cokato’s history, it’s change.
​When the Dakota camped along the shores of what is now known as Cokato Lake, they saw a completely different landscape— one of deep woods, rivers, lakes, and swampland. Although the Dakota never made a permanent village in the area, their influence remains in the city’s name, which is based on the Dakota word co-ka-ta, roughly translating to “in the midst” or “in the middle”.
In 1858, the first Yankee settlers arrived, hailing from states such as Maine, New York, and New Hampshire. Slowly, a small settlement known for a time as Moores Prairie developed. When the railroad arrived in 1869, the growing community became known as Cokato. By 1878, the village was incorporated. The railroad not only brought goods and accessibility to the community, but it also aided in the development of business and industry. With this new mode of transportation, a large number of immigrant families arrived. They originated primarily from Sweden and Finland, but a few also came from Norway, Germany, and Poland. To this day, Cokato is still comprised of a large number of Scandinavian and Finnish descendants.

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​As more settlers arrived, they drastically altered the land from wooded forest to family farm fields. 
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​​By the early 1900s, Cokato’s agriculture evolved from small farms to industry—adapting to meet the needs of its new corn canning factory and creamery. Today, Cokato’s focus is no longer on the creamery or canning, shifting instead to seed corn, manufacturing, and large agribusiness.

More History

In case we piqued your interest...
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Cokato Schools

Check out our
Cokato School Timeline!
LEARN MORE!
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Railroad History

We're keeping track.
ALL ABOARD!
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​Cokato Corn Carnival

Free Corn since 1950!
A Little Corny!
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Model-T Snowmobile

The story of snow and machine.​
MORE!
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 In the Midst

A blog on a variety of interesting Cokato topics.
History Rocks!

We Would Love to Have You Visit Soon!

E-mail:
info@cokatomuseum.org

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


© 2023 Cokato Historical Society
Picture
  • History
    • Akerlund Studio
    • Cokato History
    • The Museum
    • Blog
    • Videos
  • Events & Exhibits
    • Events >
      • Featured Events
      • Annual Events
    • Exhibits >
      • Current Exhibits
      • Online Exhibits
  • Research
    • Genealogy
    • Archives
    • Resources
    • Educators
  • Support
    • Cokato Historical Society
    • Membership
    • Volunteer
    • Donations >
      • How to Donate
      • Wish List
  • Contact/Hours